2026 Running Shoe Review: What Works, What Doesn’t, and Why

Over the past several months, I’ve built out a running shoe rotation that spans recovery runs, daily training, workouts, trail runs, and race day. Some of these shoes have thousands of steps in them; others are newer additions. Together, they tell a pretty clear story about what works for my body — and, just as importantly, what doesn’t.

This isn’t a lab-based review. It’s a real-world look at how these shoes feel, how they perform over time, and how they interact with fatigue, form, and injury risk.

Brooks Glycerin Max — Recovery First, Speed Last

The Brooks Glycerin Max is my go-to shoe for easy and recovery runs. It’s not fast, it’s not light, and it doesn’t try to be either.

The fit is excellent, especially the upper. While many modern shoes go for a thin, sock-like construction, the Glycerin Max has a more traditional, structured, well-cushioned upper, which gives me noticeably better support. The stack is tall, the ride is soft, and the platform feels stable.

The tradeoff is weight. This shoe feels heavy, and it doesn’t give much sensation of drop, which often pushes me into a sluggish, plodding pace. It’s a shoe that encourages restraint, not turnover.

I don’t yet have direct IT band feedback from this shoe, but based on its stability and geometry, I don’t see it being problematic. The biggest positives are softness, support, and stability. The biggest downsides are the bulk, weight, and frankly, the aesthetics — it’s a large, visually loud shoe.

This is a great option for runners with very strong legs, core, and glutes who want a true recovery shoe that absorbs impact and keeps things controlled.

HOKA Clifton 10 — Firm but Soft, and Very Stable

The HOKA Clifton 10 is one of my newest shoes, and it naturally invites comparison to the Glycerin Max. Both are cushioned daily trainers, but the Clifton feels more controlled and more grounded.

The upper is firmer than most running shoes, and the heel counter is especially firm while still being well cushioned, which adds a lot of confidence. The lower stack height, reduced midsole wobble, and lower center of gravity make this shoe feel more stable overall.

The ride is best described as “firm but soft.” There’s plenty of cushioning, but it doesn’t feel mushy or unstable. It feels like a shoe that works with you, not under you.

As with most HOKAs, the shoe is not particularly attractive, and it still feels like a lot of shoe on foot. That said, the rugged outsole makes it capable of light trail use, which adds versatility.

If you want a max-cushion shoe that feels more controlled than most, the Clifton 10 hits a nice balance.

Nike Vomero 18 GORE-TEX — Ultimate Stability in Bad Conditions

The Nike Vomero 18 GORE-TEX fills a very specific role in my rotation. This is my shoe for trail runs, wet runs, cold weather, and especially “test” runs when I’m coming off inflammation or injury.

The fit runs a bit tight. The GORE-TEX upper is very firm and fully waterproof, which means it also retains heat far more than breathable road shoes. That makes it ideal for cold, rainy, or snowy conditions, but less enjoyable in mild weather.

The ride is again firm but soft, with excellent midsole cushioning and a high-traction, rugged outsole that feels extremely planted. The upper is the firmest of any shoe I own, which contributes heavily to its sense of stability.

The biggest positive is support and confidence. The biggest drawback is the tight fit and heat retention, though those can be advantages in the right conditions.

This is not an everyday shoe — it’s a purpose-built stability and weather tool, and it excels at that job.

On Cloudsurfer 2 — Travel Perfection and Natural Ride

The On Cloudsurfer 2 is one of my favorite shoes in my entire rotation, especially for travel. It’s one of the few shoes that genuinely works as both a runner and a casual daily shoe, which means no need to pack two pairs.

In my opinion, On makes the best-looking running shoes on the market, and the Cloudsurfer 2 is no exception.

The upper is very soft and comfortable, but not very supportive. Combined with a slightly wider toe box, there’s a bit more foot movement than I’d ideally want. The shoe also has one of the most aggressive drops in my rotation, but the lower stack height keeps it from feeling unstable.

The ride is soft, easy, and natural, with more road feel than most modern trainers. That connection to the ground makes it feel intuitive rather than forced.

This was one of my earliest shoes, and I liked it enough to buy two pairs. The only real drawback is the soft upper and slight foot shift.

HOKA Mach 6 — The Ultimate Middle-of-the-Aisle Shoe

The HOKA Mach 6 was my very first true running shoe. It’s not exciting, and like most HOKAs, it’s pretty ugly — but it works.

The upper is lower, softer, and more sock-like, which can introduce some wobble. The midsole is very soft, and there isn’t much outsole to speak of. Despite that, this shoe has protected my joints for months of training.

The ride encourages a smooth roll toward the forefoot, with a high heel stack that provides a soft landing under fatigue.

This is a true “middle-of-the-aisle” shoe — fit, feel, and ride all land squarely in the middle. Almost any runner could be happy in this shoe, which is its biggest strength.

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 — Lightweight and Surprisingly Stable

The FuelCell Rebel v5 is one of my newest shoes, but early impressions are very positive.

Despite a soft, lightweight midsole and thin upper, the shoe feels surprisingly stable, thanks to a slightly flared midsole and a thicker, firmer outsole than expected. The heel counter sits right in the middle of the firmness spectrum — supportive without being rigid.

It has a race-day stack height and drop, but without the snap or stiffness of a plated shoe. It feels quick without being demanding.

It’s also a good-looking shoe, which adds to its versatility. Early on, this feels like a true all-arounder that can handle a wide range of runs.

Adidas Adizero Evo SL — My Favorite Trainer

I bought the Adidas Adizero Evo SL because I love my Adios Pro 4 so much, and this feels like its closest training counterpart.

It’s essentially the same shoe without the EnergyRods, paired with a firmer heel counter, making it far more versatile. For workouts and even recovery runs, this has become my absolute favorite shoe.

The combination of a thin Continental outsole, Lightstrike Pro midsole, and ultra-thin, breathable upper creates a fast, efficient ride without the harshness of a plated shoe.

It fits best for medium to narrow feet, looks aggressive and “pro,” and Adidas’ colorways and collaborations are consistently excellent.

If you like supershoes but want something you can train in every day, this one is special.

Nike Vaporfly 4 — Fast, but Risky

I use the Nike Vaporfly 4 very selectively — mainly for long runs, and I’ve raced a 5K in them once.

At speed, they’re incredible. Once you’re in full stride, the shoe feels effortless and efficient. But everything about this shoe is demanding.

The fit is significantly narrower, especially in the heel. Combined with a tall, soft stack, light upper, and narrow platform, the shoe feels inherently unstable — especially under fatigue.

At this point, I strongly suspect the Vaporfly 4 may be the culprit behind my current IT band issues, as the geometry seems to exaggerate pronation rather than control it.

This is a high-risk, high-reward shoe. When everything is perfect, it shines. When it isn’t, the cost can be high.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 — Speed Without the Penalty

The Adios Pro 4 has been my primary race shoe through nine 5Ks, one 10K, and a half marathon, and it’s been exceptional.

The EnergyRods provide pop while still allowing natural flex, which I find far more forgiving than full-length plates. The stack height and drop feel balanced, and the heel platform is noticeably more stable than the Vaporfly.

The upper is ultra-light, highly breathable, and dries incredibly fast — even after running through puddles.

What surprised me most is how well this shoe has supported an aggressive racing schedule without breaking me down. It delivers speed without sacrificing durability or stability.