The 2026 Shape Sneaker Awards Team rigorously tested over 150 sneakers over six categories. We then consulted a board of experts from personal trainers to running coaches to land on the 30 best sneakers of 2026. Some trends we spotted include “advancements in cushioning, breathable, minimalist shape, lightweight, and versatility in water,” says run coach, Jill Becker. Another trend we’re excited about is growing interest in “a wide toe box fit. I am often getting questions on these and zero drop shoes. In the past, wide toe box shoes were made fun of as they looked like ‘clown shoes,’ but there are more brands and they have become more stylish and people are starting to understand how impactful it can be on overall foot health and longevity.”
If the idea of a sneaker wardrobe sounds excessive, think of it as an investment. “Most injuries start from the feet or the hips, so you need comfortable, supportive, versatile shoes to do numerous activities while keeping your body feeling good,” explains Becker. “The body moves differently in different types of motions. Different types of shoe support help with different movements. Plus, it helps an athlete strengthen different areas of the feet by rotating different types of shoes.” With that in mind, we deliver our favorite sneakers of 2026 for all kinds of movement.
Best for Walking
Credit: Adidas
Calling all power walkers! We love these for spending hours on your feet. What sets these sneakers apart from the competition? The Dreamstrike+ foam, which feels plush but doesn’t give that sinking feeling that makes your legs tired after a few miles. The transition from heel to toe is super smooth, making it a great pick for walking long distances.
Colors: 6 | Sizes: Women’s 5–12; Men’s 7–15 | Weight: 9.4 oz
Credit: Nike
These are classics for a reason. Not only are these one of the most stylish sneakers on the market, they are comfortable for walking, feel amazing on your feet after over eight hours of wear, and are durable (I’ve had a pair for over ten years). The visible and iconic Air unit in the heel isn’t just for show; it provides solid, all-day support that holds up much better than a standard foam sole. In addition to the many color options, also find customizable and rotating colorways
Colors: 10+ | Sizes: Women’s 5–12 | Weight: 11.3 oz
Credit: Brooks
If you want to ensure you stick to your treadmill routine, comfy sneakers are a must. You also need a pair able to handle multiple treadmill settings, while providing adequate stability. Lomo says, “As an athlete, I prioritize fit and stability. I have a wider foot and lower arches, so I look for a sneaker with a roomy toe box, secure heel and midfoot lock down, and enough arch support to keep me feeling stable.” Meet your new treadmill walking bestie: This shoe is balanced and neutral, meaning it doesn’t try to force your foot into a specific position. The new DNA LOFT v3 cushioning is nitrogen-infused, so it stays bouncy even if you’re doing a steep incline walk on the belt.
Colors: 10+ | Sizes: Women’s 5–13 | Weight: 9.0 oz
Credit: Skechers
If you like support in the form of extra cushioning, we recommend these slip-ons, which are super easy to step into due to a molded heel. Inside, you get a podiatrist-certified arch support system combined with a thick stack of Max Cushioning that feels like walking on a literal gym mat.
Colors: 4 | Sizes: Women’s 5–11 | Weight: 8.2 oz
Best for Running
Credit: Hoka
If you’re looking for a racer that also features excellent stability, look no further. These new drops feature a wider base so you are more stable in your stance. It’s a high-performance racer that feels surprisingly safe on the turns. The rockered geometry helps roll you forward, saving your calves a lot of work. If you’re spending hours a day training, you’ll want a shoe that is lightweight enough to be stretchy and oh-so-comfortable.
Colors: 2 | Sizes: 5–15 (Unisex) | Weight: 7.52oz
When it comes to race day, ‘sneakers should be lightweight and responsive, designed to help you move fast and efficiently,’ says personal trainer, April Gatlin. ‘The goal is to conserve energy, stay sharp, and let your performance do the work.’
Credit: Teva
This brand is synonymous with outdoor adventures, and we love this new drop for trail running. The external W Strapping System provides secure foot lockdown and a laceless design for ease and peace of mind. (Who wants to risk a lace coming undone when running through muddy trails?) They’re engineered with a Spider Rubber Endure outsole with tiered traction lugs for grip on trails and a responsive HYPER-COMF midsole for ample cushioning.
Colors: 3 | Sizes: Men’s 7–14; Women’s 5–11 | Weight: 10.5 oz
Credit: New Balance
Planet Fitness certified personal trainer Tabthea “Tab” Lomo says, “For racing, the goal is efficiency and speed.” She adds that “a responsive midsole that feels light and propulsive helps you maintain pace without feeling heavy or sloppy. Grip matters too, especially on turns or wet pavement, and the shoe should stay comfortable even when your feet start to swell later in the race.” This shoe is built for speed. It features a carbon fiber plate sandwiched between two layers of FuelCell foam. When you step down, the plate snaps back, literally launching you forward. It’s incredibly light, (yet super cushioned) making it the perfect choice for setting a new personal best on race day.
Colors: 4 | Sizes: Men’s 7–14; Women’s 5–12 | Weight: 7.3 oz
Credit: On
The latest drop features a wider base and heel clip for added support, making these our top pick for men who run on a range of terrain. The CloudTec® cushioning system delivers what one Shape tester says is “extra spring in the step.” What’s new about this model is the emphasis on stability in the rearfoot section and also an excellent and roomier upper for those who need more space. Our Shape tester who was also a fan of the plush upper, saying it’s “breathable.” He also likes that “the foam is durable, but this doesn’t feel like a stability shoe,” emphasizing their overall comfort.
Colors: 5 | Sizes: 7–14 | Weight: 10.9 oz
“For wide feet, look for a shoe that feels roomy in the front and comfortable across the top of your foot, but still locks in at the heel and midfoot so you are not sliding around. Lacing matters as well. It will help you fine-tune the pressure. Choose arch support that matches your foot type, and avoid sizing up too much for width because it can lead to heel slip.” — Tabthea “Tab” Lomo
Credit: Adidas
If you have wide feet, you need a model that has a wide toe box and flexible uppers. These check all the boxes, with a roomy forefoot. It takes design cues from elite racing shoes but strips them down for a more relaxed, casual fit. A Shape tester who has wide feet also is flat footed, and these worked great for her. “I have a flat foot, so I look for a shoe that will give me an arch to help with my form while running and walking on the treadmill. These are very comfortable and light. Some shoes have arch support but make my legs feel heavy when I’m running. These are light as a feather.”
Colors: 2 | Sizes: 4–14 (Unisex) | Weight: 8.6 oz
Credit: Diadora
These Italian-made sneakers are known for their high-quality materials, and the Nucleo 2 is built to endure. It uses DD Anima technology in the midsole, which is specifically engineered to not break down over long miles. If you’re training for a half-marathon, these will still feel fresh by the time you reach the double-digit miles.
Colors: 4 | Sizes: 6–13 | Weight: 9.5 oz
The right sneakers can also help prevent injury, especially if you’re an athlete who dabbles in different types of motion. “In high impact jumping or sprinting sports, you don’t always know which way you are going to land,” explains personal trainer, Teresa Mangan. “You could also land on a grass ditch or a foot. It is helpful to have a little cushion and stability to provide a little help during this impact.”
Credit: Nike
Another classic shoe, (this is the forty-first version) the innovations in this model make soaring uphill a surmountable challenge. A Shape tester says, “When I’m grinding up a hill, I want a bit more pop in the forefoot, and these deliver.” The dual Air Zoom units respond quickly when you push off your toes, giving you tough, reliable, and great traction for steep grades.
Colors: 12+ | Sizes: 6–15 | Weight: 10.4 oz
Most Stylish
Credit: Steve Madden
Looking for a sneaker that can take you from barre to the bar? These hi-tops are oh-so-chic, featuring a chunky, architectural sole and a mix of textures that make them look much more expensive than they are. “It’s the kind of sneaker you wear when you want to look put-together but don’t want to sacrifice comfort,” says a Shape tester.
Colors: 3 | Sizes: 5–11 | Weight: 9.8 oz
Credit: Gola
The Cleora is a low-profile sneaker with a vintage tennis vibe. It’s much more streamlined than your typical walking shoe, making it a great travel companion for European city tours where you want to look chic while hitting 20 thousand steps. With its ultra-slim sole, this model has its origin in track shoes.
Colors: 8 | Sizes: 5–11 | Weight: 9.8 oz
Credit: Veja
For men looking for an updated Dad sneaker, the Panenka is a take on a classic trainer but with a sustainable twist. It’s made with recycled materials and wild rubber from the Amazon. It’s clean, low-profile, and pairs perfectly with chinos and an afternoon of walking.
Colors: 5 | Sizes: 7–13 | Weight: 11.2 oz
Best for Weightlifting
“When it comes to weightlifting, the key is that your foot feels locked in so you are not sliding or tipping as the weight gets heavier.” — Tabthea “Tab” Lomo
Credit: Under Armour
For gym-goers who jump between the squat rack and the box jump, this model is the perfect tool. For cross-training, says Lomo, “the goal is control during multi directional movement without feeling unstable. Look for a stable base and good lateral support with moderate cushioning for jumps; not so much cushioning that you lose stability. It has a triangular base (TriBase) that keeps you grounded during heavy lifts but is flexible enough for burpees. The grip on the sole is excellent for turf or wooden gym floors.
Colors: 5 | Sizes: 5–12 | Weight: 13.6 oz
Credit: Hyperice
You probably know Hyperice as the percussive device of athletes. The brand has collaborated with Nike for this high-tech sneaker designed for the ultimate warm up or recovery. Slip these on before or after a game, and elevate your warm-up and recovery routines. They use heat and air compression to warm up the muscles throughout the upper and drive heat deep into the muscle and tissue in the feet and ankles.
Colors: 1 | Sizes: S, M, L, XL (Unisex) | Weight: 24 oz
“Zero-drop shoes allow for more movement in the calf. This allows for more blood flow and pumping in the calf muscle. This is important because the calf is responsible for sending blood back to the heart.” — Teresa Mangan
Credit: Altra
In this zero-drop shoe where the heel and toe are level, you’ll find 33 millimeters of cushioning. We love that this design encourages a more natural stride foot position (and stride) without punishing your joints on hard pavement. “I was hesitant to try a zero-drop shoe because I don’t love being able to feel the ground. But with these, I didn’t experience that feeling.” When it comes to lifting, says Lomo, “the goal is to produce force and control joint position under load; you want a stable connection to the floor. A flatter shoe with a wide base, roomy toe box, and firmer midsole gives you a strong foundation and more efficient force transfer.”
Colors: 5 | Sizes: 5.5–12 | Weight: 11.4 oz
Credit: Reebok
Durable, versatile, and designed to help for lifting and cardio, this new model has some innovative new features. We love the “Lift and Run” chassis that gets firm when you’re lifting heavy but stays soft when you’re running. For cross-fit, “it’s helpful to have minimal shoe wear that has a little padding for landing,” says Mangan. “This allows you to understand how your foot is contacting the ground. It will make your body stronger and your feet stronger when lifting. It will also help you realize and form an awareness habit to keep the heel elevated more in plyometric exercises.”
Colors: 6 | Sizes: 5–15 (Unisex) | Weight: 12.1 oz
Best for Standing All Day
“For standing on your feet all day, the goal is comfort and fatigue management while keeping your foot and lower body supported for hours. Look for a sneaker with a stable platform and enough cushioning to absorb impact, but not so soft that you feel wobbly.” — Tabthea “Tab” Lomo
Credit: Vionic
Spend all day on your feet? You’ll need to look for a shoe with “good shock absorption to reduce fatigue and take pressure off the joints,” says Gatlin. “Supportive structure also helps keep your feet feeling stable and comfortable so you can stay energized throughout long days on your feet.” Vionic is famous for their biomechanical footbeds. The Skyline is designed to realign your stride, making it a favorite for people dealing with plantar fasciitis. It offers a structured arch and a deep heel cup that keeps your foot from rolling inward as you walk.
Colors: 4 | Sizes: 5–11 | Weight: 10.2 oz
Credit: Asics
For nurses who spend hours on their feet, a comfortable sneaker is a must. This classic model features an OrthoLite sockliner to deliver excellent step-in comfort while the rearfoot GEL technology helps to absorb shock impact. Says Becker, “Comfort and cushioning, and arch support,” are non-negotiable, and finding a shoe with “stability helps prevent rolling ankles and wobbly feet.” She also adds that a “durable outsole to help with less wear and tear,” are features to look for when spending long stretches of time on your feet. We love these classics to get the job done.
Colors: 10+ | Sizes: 5–15 (Unisex) | Weight: 11.5oz
Credit: OOFOS
We know, this isn’t technically a sneaker, but the recovery slide has become a mainstay of routine workouts. The footbed geometry and impact-absorbing OOfoam technology helps absorb shock to help relieve joint pain. “After a long run or a day on my feet, there’s nothing I look forward to more than slipping into these slides. While some recovery slides are like walking on clouds, these provide support that hits my arch in just the right spot; it’s like I’m getting a massage just where I need it most.”
Colors: 7 | Sizes: 5–12 | Weight: 9.5 oz
Credit: MakeItSkin
No pain, no gain, right? Nope. If you need to compete with an irritation on your tootsies, don’t do it before reaching for these innovative bandages that will stay put no matter how much you sweat. Inspired by South Korean hydrocolloid bandages, these are a different type of bandaid made to promote healing without harsh adhesives or irritating fabrics.
Credit: Bombas
When standing on your feet all day, not only do you need a good pair of sneakers, a hardworking pair of socks can be a real game changer. These compression calf socks, help relieve swelling and cradle the calf with medium, graduated compression to help speed recovery.
Best for Outdoors
Credit: lululemon
One of our favorite activewear brands has entered footwear in time for outdoor workouts. These sneakers feature a high-traction outsole that works well on asphalt or park paths. The upper is highly breathable, which is a must for when temps begin to rise during those circuit training sessions. A Shape tester says she loves the “wide toe box and extra cushioning,” lending support on a variety of terrain.
Colors: 7 | Sizes: 5–12 | Weight: 9.5 oz
Credit: Amazon
When it comes to controlling your bike during outdoor rides, your feet play a critical role. You’ll want a shoe with outsole grip. The low-profile tapered tread pattern at the mid-foot allows you to connect easily with the pedal pins, and the clip-in features helps you achieve more pedal control.
Colors: 1 | Sizes: 5–14 | Weight: 12 oz
Credit: Merrell
When hiking, we love a lightweight yet sturdy shoe, and this model hits that sweet spot. The Vibram outsole is legendary for its grip on wet rocks and loose gravel and the GORE-TEX lining keeps your feet insulated from wet and cold.
Colors: 6 | Sizes: 7–15 | Weight: 12.3 oz
Credit: Amazon
The Loyak is basically a high-performance sneaker for people who spend time around water. It’s super low-profile and flexible, with a “G” rubber sole that sticks to wet surfaces like glue. It’s perfect for kayaking, fishing, or just walking through a rainy city.
Colors: 3 | Sizes: 7–13 | Weight: 7.2 oz
Credit: Amazon
Pickleball requires a lot of lateral (side-to-side) movement, and most running shoes aren’t built for that. This model has a reinforced outer wall to prevent you from rolling your ankle during quick pivots. It’s also built with a durable rubber that won’t wear out on gritty outdoor courts.
Colors: 3 | Sizes: 5–11 | Weight: 11.5 oz
Credit: K-Swiss
If you’re looking for good traction on the court, these sneakers feature a drag guard technology that delivers elevated abrasion resistance at the toe and heel. To support side-to-side movement, a molded shank adds stability and a 180 degree thermal plastic plantar support chassis provides mid-foot support. When it comes to durability, our testers note that these shoes can take daily wear, even for players who spend up to two hours on the court. Note: these tend to run small, so we advise to order a half size up.
Colors: 9 | Sizes: 5–11| Weight: 16 oz
Credit: Saucony
When it comes to city terrain you want to support your feet with maximum cushioning to absorb shock and protect your joints. This is one of the most lightweight sneakers we tested, which is why we love it for race day, especially if you live in a city. “The weight of a shoe matters the most to me,” says Gatlin. “I want to feel light and fast , like I’m flying, not like I’m lifting a weight with every step. A lighter shoe makes movement feel more natural and efficient, which directly impacts how I perform and how long I can sustain effort. This new model features a lightweight, responsive platform that powers explosive propulsion. But don’t let this sneaker’s light weight fool you, the rubber outsole provides grip and durability for miles.
Colors: 6 | Sizes:5–12 | Weight: 6.3oz
Credits:
Editorial and Creative Director: Jill Di Donato
Photographer: Alex Huang
Models: Michelle Parente, Jill Di Donato
