Several outlets have published lists of the best running shoes for 2026, with some focusing on specific categories such as lightweight shoes, shoes for flat feet, or shoes for women. The number of shoes included in these lists varies, ranging from 7 to 9 or more, and some outlets have tested numerous pairs to make their recommendations. The best shoes for running in 2026 are being highlighted by various publications, but the specific top picks and categories differ across the outlets.