TL;DR
WIRED’s gear team ran thousands of test miles across dozens of current models to identify top road-running shoes for different goals and budgets. The roundup names the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 as the best all-rounder and highlights race-focused, cushioned, stability, and budget options.
What happened
WIRED’s running-shoe reviewers logged thousands of miles and evaluated dozens of recent releases to produce a 2026 guide to the best running shoes. The review names category winners across a range of needs: Saucony’s Endorphin Speed 5 as the top all-round shoe; Puma’s Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 for chasing personal records; Brooks’ Hyperion Elite 5 promoted as a marathon choice that trades some pure punch for stability; and the Puma Velocity Nitro 3 as the standout budget option. The story also calls out heavily cushioned and stability-focused models such as the Brooks Glycerin Max and the Asics Gel-Kayano 32. An update in January 2026 added the Asics Megablast, the Salomon Aero Blaze 3 GRVL, and the Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 to the coverage, and the reviewers noted they are actively testing the next-gen Puma Velocity Nitro 4.
Why it matters
- Choosing the right shoe affects comfort and performance for different paces and distances.
- Expert hands-on testing across many miles helps separate hype from practical everyday use.
- The roundup covers a range of budgets and runner needs—from race flats to max-cushion trainers.
- Updated coverage and ongoing tests signal the list reflects recent model changes and emerging options.
Key facts
- WIRED’s reviewers logged thousands of test miles and evaluated dozens of shoes for the 2026 guide.
- Best overall: Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 — described as a light, snappy, do-it-all shoe for fast and easy runs (weight: 8.3 oz; heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm; price listed $175).
- Best for PRs: Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 — a super-shoe-style racer with nitrogen-injected foam and a full-length carbon plate (weight: 6.6 oz; heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm; price listed $300).
- Best marathon pick: Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 — emphasizes stability and consistent propulsion with Brooks’ DNA Gold PEBA midsole (weight: 6.9 oz; heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm; price listed $275).
- Best cheap option: Puma Velocity Nitro 3 — a versatile, budget-friendly all-rounder that remains recommended while the Nitro 4 is being tested (weight: 9.3 oz; heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm; price listed $135 with discounts shown).
- Max cushioning: Brooks Glycerin Max — features a very large midsole using DNA Tuned foam to vary density across the foot (weight ~10.5 oz; heel-to-toe drop: 6 mm; price listed $200 with discounts shown).
- Stability: Asics Gel-Kayano 32 — designed to guide the foot on landing with added foam on the inner side and a sculpted midsole; described as cushioned but relatively heavy (weight: 10.58 oz; heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm; price listed $165).
- January 2026 update: the review added the Asics Megablast, Salomon Aero Blaze 3 GRVL, and Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 and refreshed links and prices.
What to watch next
- WIRED is currently testing the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 and results of that evaluation may affect the budget recommendations.
- not confirmed in the source
- not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Midsole: The layer of cushioning material between the outsole and the upper that provides shock absorption and energy return.
- Carbon plate: A stiff plate embedded in the midsole intended to improve propulsion and running economy in some race and performance shoes.
- Heel-to-toe drop: The difference in height between the heel and the forefoot of a shoe, usually measured in millimeters; it influences running posture and feel.
- Nitrogen-injected foam: A high-rebound cushioning material that manufacturers use to boost energy return and keep foam lightweight.
- Rocker: A curvature in the midsole designed to smooth transitions from heel strike to toe-off and aid forward motion.
Reader FAQ
Which shoe did WIRED name best overall?
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is listed as the best overall shoe in the 2026 roundup.
How did WIRED test these shoes?
Reviewers report clocking thousands of test miles across dozens of models; they also ran lab comparisons for some race shoes.
What’s the top budget pick?
The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is recommended as the best cheap shoe in the guide.
Does the story include Hoka or Nike model winners?
not confirmed in the source
KIERAN ALGER GEAR JAN 2, 2026 7:00 AM The Best Running Shoes We clocked thousands of test miles to bring you the best running shoes for every pace, ability, and…
Sources
- Best Running Shoes, Tested and Reviewed (2026): Saucony, Nike, Hoka
- The 12 Best Running Shoes of 2026
- The Most Exciting Road Running Shoes of 2026
- The Best Running Shoes 2026
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