I’ve been testing running shoes for a long time, and for most of that period, when I tried a sneaker from a completely new brand, it rarely hit the standards set by more established companies like Nike and Asics.
That makes sense — the biggest brands have been making running shoes for decades and have huge research and development budgets, along with a vast amount of feedback from runners who’ve used them.
However, in the past year or so, I’ve found that up-and-coming brands have been a lot more successful launching excellent sneakers on their first or second attempt, and I’d go as far as to say that some of the best running shoes of 2026 have come from these companies.
I’ve tested a lot of shoes in 2026 from upstart and well-established brands alike, and if you’re interested in trying something new, these are the five I recommend.
R.A.D
R.A.D started as a gym-focused brand but quickly expanded into running shoes and has launched a trio of sneakers for daily training.
The R.A.D Mallow is a max-cushioned trainer, while the R.A.D Synth is a lighter, lower-stack option at a lower price.
However, the pick of the litter is the R.A.D UFO, a springy super-trainer with a wild design and a delightfully fun ride.
The Mallow and Synth are solid but didn’t do much to draw me to R.A.D over many existing shoes, but the U.F.O is a bit special and bodes well for the future of R.A.D running.
Dynafish
Chinese brand Dynafish has been making waves in the running shoe community thanks to the Xiaonian super-trainer, which runners have been finding ways to get on their feet through marketplace sites like AliExpress.
Now available directly in the U.S. through smaller retailers, the Dynafish Xiaonian is an outstanding daily trainer that competes with top super-trainers like the Asics Megablast while costing half as much.
The Xiaonian is especially good for the kind of long workouts and progression runs you do during marathon training, and has stuck around my own rotation for that purpose since testing.
It’s worth seeking out, and I’m excited to see what comes next from Dynafish, and hopeful that future shoes will be easier to buy in the U.S. and U.K.
Mount to Coast
Mount to Coast entered the running shoe market in 2024, mostly focusing on ultra-long-distance running shoes, and has earned a loyal following through innovative designs that use impressive midsole foam and offer a more adjustable fit.
The shoes don’t have the flashiest designs in terms of looks or ride feel, but they’re comfortable, durable and a strong option for those racking up the biggest mileage.
I tested the Mount to Coast C1 this year and found it an enjoyable and versatile daily trainer that’s more stable than many super-trainers.
Tracksmith
Tracksmith has been well-known for the high standards of its running apparel for a long time and has made a move into the running shoe market over the past couple of years with its Eliot line.
The first two models in the line — the Eliot Runner and Eliot Racer — are solid, but they weren’t shoes I counted among the very best in their categories; the new Tracksmith Eliot Ryder does match up well with the most impressive max-cushioned daily trainers available.
It’s comfortable, light for such a cushioned shoe, and looks good for casual use too. It’s one of the best cushioned options I’ve tried so far this year, though as ever with Tracksmith, you do pay a premium for the stylish design of the Eliot Ryder.
Kiprun
This is a bit of a cheat, because Kiprun has actually been around for a while, but the Decathlon-backed brand only launched properly in the U.S. in April this year, so they could well be new to you.
Kiprun has released some of the best road and trail running shoes I’ve tried this year, and though they’re even more attractive in the UK and Europe, where they undercut most rivals, it’s still worth checking them out in the U.S.
The two models I recommend trying first are the Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo, a plate-free super-trainer that can handle almost any kind of run, and the Kiprun Kipride Max, a max-stack cushioned shoe that offers a great blend of comfort and bounce.
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