Best Running Shoes of 2026
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Gearing up for a new round of training often leaves runners with a difficult decision—sticking with their go-to pair of running shoes or trying a new brand or style. Whether you’re shopping for your first pair of running shoes or your 20th, it’s important to know that many different factors go into choosing the right running shoes including your foot pronation, training program, and fitness level. Our Footwear Experts share a complete list of the best running shoes of 2026.
Our Complete Best Running Shoes List
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Best Overall Running Shoes: On Cloudrunner 3
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Best Stability Running Shoes: Brooks Glycerin GTS 23
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Best Neutral Running Shoes: HOKA Clifton 10
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Best Race Day Running Shoes: Nike Alphafly 3
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Best Trail Running Shoes: Merrell Agility Peak 6
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Best Value Running Shoes: Under Armour Velociti Pace
Best Overall Running Shoe
On Cloudrunner 3
Why we love it:
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Helion™ Superfoam midsole provides superior impact absorption
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Engineered mesh upper keeps feet cool
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Reimagined Cloud shape boosts stability during your footstrike
Best Stability Running Shoe
Brooks Glycerin GTS 23
Why Our Experts Love the Brooks Glycerin
“I use the Brooks Glycerin for both my everyday run and work shoe. With the new nitrogen infused DNA cushioning, it is responsive yet incredibly soft and comfortable. Throughout my work day, I do a ton of steps and stairs, so my legs and knees thank me every time I wear them.”
Best Neutral Running Shoe
HOKA Clifton 10
Why we love it:
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Lightweight yet plush Featherlight cushioning
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Smooth MetaRocker™ engineered to enhance the underfoot transition
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Rearfoot-focused Active Foot Frame™ cradles the heel for supportive landings
Best Race Day Shoe
Nike Alphafly 3
Why we love it:
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Super lightweight, breathable upper
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Fully connected ZoomX midsole and outsole for smooth transitions
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Full-length carbon fiber FLYPLATE for a stiff and propulsive feel
Best Trail Running Shoe
Merrell Agility Peak 6
Why we love it:
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Waterproof membrane to keep feet dry
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CloudTec Phase® midsole for a smooth stride
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Missiongrip™ rubber outsole means traction and stability
Best Value Running Shoe
Under Armour Velociti Pace
Why we love it:
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UA HOVR™ cushioning is responsive and propels you forward
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Translucent mono mesh upper is light & breathable
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Fast yet stable feel for daily miles
How We Picked the Best Running Shoes
SCHEELS is focused on offering Expert-level knowledge about the running shoes we sell, which is why we host our SCHEELS University alongside regular training where our associates learn directly from top brands to deepen their understanding of midsole technology and foam performance. This specialized training, combined with firsthand experience and feedback from customers, is what helps us select the running shoes we recommend as the best for the season ahead.
Whether you’re just starting to run or have been running for years, finding the best running shoes that suit your needs is incredibly important to staying motivated throughout training. If you need additional help or have questions about how to pick running shoes, contact your local SCHEELS to speak with one of our Footwear Experts.
About our Experts
Wyatt grew up running with his brothers. After getting a serious ankle injury and being told he may never walk again, Wyatt was determined to prove this wrong. He began training little by little, eventually becoming strong enough to run. Since then, he’s completed 5Ks, a marathon, and is training for more competitions.