Whether you’ve just started your running journey or you’ve been pounding the pavement for years, you probably already know how important it is to find a quality pair of running shoes. Your joggers can literally make or break your run. If they don’t fit properly, you can end up with blisters that’ll hurt like a bitch. And aside from that, if the soles are worn out, you’ll be lacking the stability and support you need to enjoy your run.
There are a few things to consider when choosing your new running shoes. You want a decent amount of shock absorption cushioning (running can be hell on the old joints). Ideally, you want them to be lightweight (running with heavy shoes is no bueno), and you want them to have a good amount of support around the heel and ankles.
It’s also important to consider how often you run and where you run. Do you prefer running on a treadmill or road? Are you looking to get into trail running? Are you planning on joining a run club? Do you need these shoes to work for both running and in the gym? Because each shoe is different and each style of running typically requires different footwear.
So we’ve taken matters into our own hands and rounded up 2026’s best running shoes worth considering for your next upgrade.
11 Of The Best Running Shoes in Australia for 2026
The Best All-Rounder: Nike Pegasus 42
The everyday runner is going to love just how responsive Nike’s new Pegasus 42 is. Unlike its predecessors, which used isolated Zoom Air pods in the heel and forefoot, the 42 introduces a single, sculpted, full-length Air Zoom unit. It gives a much smoother heel-to-toe transition and a more propulsive “toe-off” feel like a race shoe. Nike also added an extra 3mm of cushioning directly under the toes without increasing the shoe’s overall stack height or messing with the classic drop.
Why people love it: The Nike Pegasus has been one of the brand’s best-selling running shoes for years now. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and supportive. Plus, they’ve taken the feedback from the 41s and widened the toe-box.
Food for thought: Some runners have reported that these feel heavier on the foot thanks to the updated Air Zoom unit.
Shop Nike, $220Image: Nike.
Best Daily Trainer: Lululemon Beyondfeel Women’s Running Shoe
The Beyondfeel Running Shoe was designed to be as comfortable as it is supportive, with a mesh upper body that moves with your stride.
Why people love it: They feel like you’re bouncing around on a cloud with every step you take.
Food for thought: Word on the street is that these are probs better for your shorter, daily runs and hot girl walks as opposed to your long-distance clicks.
Shop Lululemon, $249Image: Lululemon.
RunTok’s Favourite Running Shoe: Hoka Mach 7s
It feels like literally every girlie on RunTok is sporting a pair of Hokas. From the cult-famous Cliftons to the new and improved Bondis, there’s a pair for every style of runner. We’re personally obsessed with the new Mach 7s for road running.
Why people love it: As far as daily trainers go, reviewers are calling it one of the best shoes of 2026. Because it is so light and uses Hoka’s “Early Stage MetaRocker” geometry, it feels incredibly effortless and smooth.
Food for thought: The biggest talking point in the running community right now is that the Mach 7 is noticeably softer and more cushioned. Some people love it, while others miss the sharp, snappy, aggressive tempo of the Mach 6.
Shop Hoka, $249.99Image: Hoka.
Best Beginner Running Shoe: Adidas Supernova Rise 3
Whether you’re about to run your first 5km or your first half marathon, the Adidas Supernova Rise 3 might just be your new running companion. They’re an everyday trainer that seamlessly combines comfort and support from heel to toe. Everyone was OBSESSED with these when they first launched, so it comes as no surprise that the third iteration is just as loved.
Why people love it: The switch to the Primeweave mesh upper is a massive hit. It is highly breathable, stretches just enough to accommodate foot swelling on long runs, and features a plush, redesigned tongue that doesn’t slide around or cause lace bite.
Food for thought: While the upper is stretchy, the overall platform is still standard Adidas geometry: long and narrow. There currently isn’t a dedicated “wide” option widely available, so something to consider if you’ve got a bigger hoof.
Shop Adidas, $144 (usually $240)Image: Adidas.
Best Long-Distance Running Shoe: Asics Gel-Kayano 32
Asics Gel Kayanos are pretty famous among runners because of their comfort and stability. The pureGEL technology improves softness and shock absorption to reduce the impact on your joints and keep you running comfortably.
Why people love it: People love Kayanos for long-distance runs. They’re so responsive and comfortable.
Food for thought: Some runners reported back that the fit of the 32s is different to previous Kayanos, so it might be worth trying them on first. That and the Gel-Kayano 33s are literally dropping later this week.
Shop Asics, $280Image: Asics.
Best Treadmill Running Shoe: MIZUNO NEO VISTA 3
Mizuno used to be known for making very firm, traditional, old-school running shoes. However, the Neo Vista line completely flipped that script. The Neo Vista is a premium, maximum-cushion powerhouse. It is best suited for runners who want to pick up the pace on tempo days, glide through long-distance weekend runs, and protect their legs from fatigue.
Why people love it: As my colleague told me when she sent me these to include, “they are like literal trampolines, they’re so bouncy and comfy.”
Food for thought: While the extra cushioning means you’ll probably get more life out of the shoes when you’re consistently running on treadmills, some runners say it makes them feel less supported.
Shop Mizuno, $320Image: MIZUNO.
Best Walking And Running Shoe: On Cloudmonster 3
Folks on the internet are slowly but surely becoming obsessed with ON sneakers. They pull double duty, meaning they’re great for both high-intensity training like running or low-impact mobility work (read: hot girl walks).
Why people love it: We love the Cloudmonster 3 because they double-duty and work for both running and walking.
Food for thought: If you’re looking for shoes you can also take to the gym, they can’t really be used for strength training.
Shop On, $290Image: On.
Best Trail Running Shoe: Salomon Genesis
The Salomon Genesis is widely considered the ultimate ‘do-it-all’ trail shoe. It bridges the gap between ultra-rugged mountain racing shoes and comfortable everyday trail trainers.
Why people love it: The absolute biggest praise goes to the Matryx upper. Runners report putting 500+ kms on these shoes through brutal scree, briars, and sharp rocks without a single tear or puncture. It is widely considered the toughest upper on the market.
Food for thought: While it is wider from side-to-side, it is physically quite flat from top-to-bottom over your toes. Runners with thicker feet might find them a bit squishy.
Shop Salomon, $269Image: Salomon.
Best Sustainable Running Shoe: All Birds Dasher NZ
The All Birds Dasher NZ is seriously springy and has increased stability, support, and grip to keep you hitting those Strava goals run after run.
Why people love it: It’s one of the most eco-friendly running shoes on the market.
Food for thought: According to runners, it’s more of a daily, short-distance running shoe.
Shop All Birds Dasher NZ, $240Image: All Birds.
The 5km to Half Marathon Runner: Brooks Glycerin Max 23
If your goal isn’t necessarily breaking land speed records, but rather having an incredibly plush, luxurious, and highly protective experience through all of your training blocks and race day, the Glycerin Max 23 is Brooks’ masterpiece.
Why people love it: The maximum comfort, responsiveness, and smooth heel-to-toe transitions.
Food for thought: At around 301g, it is a big boy. Runners have pointed out that while the extra foam is great for comfort, it makes the shoe feel a bit bulky. If you try to pick up the pace for a fast 5K sprint, it feels like a lot of shoe to swing around.
Shop Brooks Glycerin Max 23, $246.50 (usually $290)Image: Brooks.
The Best Road Running Shoe: Adidas Adizero Evo SL
This has become the most talked-about daily trainers in running circles. Adidas took the premium super-foam from their elite marathon racers and stripped out the carbon plate to make it a bouncy, flexible everyday shoe.
Why people love it: It’s a sneaker that can handle 90 per cent of your running, from easy daily kilometres to fast speed sessions and parkruns, only without the stiff, harsh ride of a carbon plate.
Food for thought: Since it has no carbon plate or fibreglass rods in the midsole, it doesn’t give you the extra juice. So, if you are chasing a massive marathon PR, a true plated super-shoe will still be faster.
Shop Asics, $240Image: Asics.
Of course, this is our running list (ha, get it?) of 2026’s best running shoes in Australia, so we’ll be adding more as they drop throughout the year.
If you’re someone who already experiences pain from your running shoes (how fkd are shin splints?!), it’s best to go get fitted by an expert as opposed to buying online.
Image credit: Nike / Hoka / Asics
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