A lot has dropped already in 2026 — and there's plenty more coming before the year is out. Whether you're hunting a workhorse daily trainer, chasing a marathon PB, or just want to know if the hype is real, this guide cuts through it.
For each shoe we cover: what's new, the strengths, the weaknesses, and — most importantly — who it's actually for and which distances it suits.
Nike Pegasus 42
Released April 2026 · ~£130
The Pegasus is arguably the most iconic daily trainer in running. Version 42 is the biggest update in recent memory — and for most runners, that's a good thing.
Nike has swapped out the separate Air Zoom pods for a full-length curved Air Zoom unit embedded in a ReactX foam midsole. The result is a more consistent, propulsive feel from heel to toe. The toe box is also wider than previous versions, which is welcome news for anyone who's found Pegasus a touch cramped.
Strengths
- Full-length Air Zoom delivers noticeably more energy return than the Peg 41
- Improved traction — the outsole grip has been significantly upgraded
- Wider toe box suits more foot shapes
- Durable and reliable over many miles
Weaknesses
- Slightly heavier than competitors at the same price point
- Ride is firmer than you might expect — it's not a plush shoe
- Breathability is decent but not exceptional
- Not a great choice past 10 miles if you're a heavier runner who needs softness underfoot
Best for: Daily training runs of 3–8 miles, tempo efforts, 5K and 10K racing. A solid choice for half marathon training but not the most comfortable option for long marathon training runs.
Not ideal for: Runners who need max cushioning, forefoot strikers who want softness up front.
ASICS Gel Nimbus 28
Released January 2026 · ~£180
The Nimbus has been ASICS' premium daily trainer for years. Version 28 gets a new engineered knit upper that sheds weight noticeably — it's the lightest Nimbus in years — while keeping the same high-stack midsole underneath.
The ride feels firmer and snappier than previous versions, which will divide opinion. Long-time Nimbus fans who loved the plush, forgiving feel may find this a sharper shoe than expected.
Strengths
- Lightest Nimbus in years despite the high stack height
- Excellent traction on all road surfaces
- Premium, precise fit from the new knit upper
- Stable without being a stability shoe — great for neutral runners who want confidence
Weaknesses
- Firmer than expected for a premium daily trainer at this price
- Not a bouncy shoe — don't buy this for energy return
- Expensive for what is ultimately a comfort-focused trainer
- Thin tongue can cause lace bite for some runners
Best for: High mileage easy days, marathon training long runs, runners who want stack height without dead-leg foam. Excellent for half marathon and marathon distance where comfort over many miles matters more than pace.
Not ideal for: Speed sessions, 5K racing, or runners who want a lively, bouncy ride.
ASICS Gel Cumulus 28
Released February 2026 · ~£140
If the Nimbus 28 feels too pricey or too firm, the Cumulus 28 sits just below it in the ASICS range and offers a softer, more balanced ride. It's gained a higher stack this version — 42.8mm — and feels noticeably more cushioned than the Cumulus 27.
The Cumulus isn't trying to be flashy. It's a dependable, comfortable daily trainer that does its job without fuss.
Strengths
- Genuinely comfortable — one of the softer shoes ASICS makes right now
- Wide, stable platform suits heel strikers well
- Good value compared to the Nimbus
- Reliable for beginner runners and high-mileage veterans alike
Weaknesses
- Energy return is below average — the foam absorbs rather than propels
- No external heel pull tab (ASICS removed it this version — annoying)
- Won't excite runners looking for a versatile, pacey shoe
Best for: Easy days, recovery runs, long runs for runners who prioritise comfort. Ideal for beginners, half marathon training, and anyone building mileage without worrying about pace.
Not ideal for: Tempo sessions, 5K racing, or runners wanting a more dynamic ride.
Nike Pegasus Plus
Released Early 2026 · ~£165
Worth mentioning alongside the standard Peg 42 — the Plus swaps the ReactX midsole for ZoomX foam, which is lighter and noticeably more bouncy. It fixes the two main criticisms of the standard Peg 42 (weight and bounce) while keeping the same comfortable upper and fit.
If you're choosing between the two, the Plus makes sense if energy return matters to you and you don't mind spending an extra £35.
Best for: Daily training and tempo runs for runners who want a faster-feeling shoe. A legitimate half marathon race day option.
Saucony Triumph 24
Released June 1st 2026 · ~£160
One of the most talked-about releases of the year. The Triumph 24 brings A-TPU (a premium foam material) into a classic, no-nonsense geometry — and the result is a shoe that feels modern and plush without the extreme rocker designs some runners find unsettling.
Early race testing has been very positive. One reviewer wore it to a half marathon PB having only done two short tune-up runs in the shoe — that says a lot about its out-of-the-box comfort.
Strengths
- Outstanding cushioning that keeps fatigue at bay over long distances
- Smooth, supportive ride without aggressive rocker geometry
- A-TPU foam is soft but doesn't feel dead
- Versatile enough for both training and racing at slower paces
Weaknesses
- Not a fast shoe — it's built for comfort, not speed
- Pricey for a training shoe
- Heavier than most race-day options
Best for: Marathon training long runs, easy and recovery runs, half marathon and marathon racing for runners who prioritise comfort over pace. An excellent shoe if you're training for your first marathon.
Not ideal for: 5K and 10K racing, speed sessions, runners who want a snappy, lightweight feel.
Brooks Ghost 18
Released May 2026 · ~£130
The Ghost has been one of the best-selling running shoes in the UK for years — and the 18th version keeps the formula that made it popular. It's a soft, cushioned neutral daily trainer with a forgiving ride that suits a huge range of runners.
The Ghost doesn't chase trends. It doesn't have a carbon plate or extreme stack height. It just delivers comfortable, reliable miles run after run.
Strengths
- Exceptionally soft and forgiving — great for easy and recovery runs
- Wide appeal — works for beginners and experienced runners alike
- Durable and consistent over many miles
- No quirks or learning curve — it just works
Weaknesses
- Less bouncy than competitors like the Saucony Ride 18
- High 12mm heel drop won't suit everyone
- Won't win any races — it's purely a training shoe
- Heavier than some rivals at the same price
Best for: Easy runs, recovery days, beginner runners, long runs where comfort is the priority. Ideal for half marathon and marathon training. One of the best shoes for new runners picking up their first pair.
Not ideal for: Speed work, racing, or runners who want a more responsive, dynamic shoe.
Coming Later in 2026: Ones to Watch
Brooks Hyperion Elite 6 (August 2026)
Brooks' carbon race shoe. Expectations are high after the Hyperion Elite 5 closed the gap on Nike and Adidas. This could be the year Brooks truly arrives at the front of the pack for marathon racing.
ASICS Novablast 6 (July 2026)
The Novablast series has been one of ASICS' most popular — a bouncy, energetic daily trainer that works surprisingly well for faster efforts too. Version 6 is highly anticipated.
Hoka Skyward X 2 (Released May 2026)
Hoka's max-cushioned super trainer has been completely reworked. The carbon plate has been redesigned for a more aggressive feel, and early testers report it's become significantly softer.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 (Released June 1st 2026)
Saucony's top-tier carbon race shoe gets another update. The midsole remains very soft with IncrediRUN foam, and the base has been filled in for better support. One of the best options for marathon race day in 2026.
Quick Reference: Which Shoe for Which Distance?
| Shoe | 5K | 10K | Half | Marathon | Easy Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike Pegasus 42 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ✅ |
| Nike Pegasus Plus | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 | ❌ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| ASICS Gel Cumulus 28 | ❌ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Saucony Triumph 24 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Brooks Ghost 18 | ❌ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
✅ = Excellent choice · ⚠️ = Works but not ideal · ❌ = Not recommended
Not sure which is right for you?
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Find my perfect running shoeMichael O'Connor is an England Athletics qualified coach, marathoner and Ironman finisher. He founded Stride to bring the kind of personalised advice he gives athletes to anyone looking for the right running shoe.