The Best (& WORST) Shoes Of 2026 So Far (in each category)

Key Takeaways

• The Asics Novablast 6 offers improved versatility with a new front pod and updated upper, making it a reliable daily trainer suitable for various run types.
• Despite its versatility, the Novablast 6 may have quality control issues like glue marks and loose threads, and its long-term foam durability remains a question.
• The Adidas Evo SL Exo provides a stable and supportive ride with an excellent upper, making it a great plateless speed shoe for daily miles and even half marathons.
• A drawback of the Evo SL Exo is the removal of the final eyelet, preventing heel lock lacing, and it's slightly less breathable than the standard version.
• The Saucony Azura is a fun, stable, and versatile plateless daily trainer that strikes a good balance between softness and firmness, suitable for various distances.
• The Azura's main downsides are its bulky volume and a tongue that tends to slide down due to the lack of a lace notch.
• The Decathlon Kiprun Tempo is a surprisingly fast and stable max-stack, non-plated shoe that offers great value, though it is on the firmer side initially.
• The Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 is an extremely expensive but highly responsive and comfortable race-day shoe, featuring a soft super foam and a stiff carbon plate for a propulsive ride.