(Image credit: Future)
I’ve been testing running shoes for a long time, and for most of that period, when I tried a sneaker from a completely new brand, it rarely hit the standards set by more established companies like Nike and Asics.That makes sense — the biggest brands have been making running shoes for decades and have huge research and development budgets, along with a vast amount of feedback from runners who’ve used them.However, in the past year or so, I’ve found that up-and-coming brands have been a lot more successful launching excellent sneakers on their first or second attempt, and I’d go as far as to say that some of the best running shoes of 2026 have come from these companies.I’ve tested a lot of shoes in 2026 from upstart and well-established brands alike, and if you’re interested in trying something new, these are the five I recommend.R.A.D
(Image credit: Future)R.A.D started as a gym-focused brand but quickly expanded into running shoes and has launched a trio of sneakers for daily training.The R.A.D Mallow is a max-cushioned trainer, while the R.A.D Synth is a lighter, lower-stack option at a lower price.However, the pick of the litter is the R.A.D UFO, a springy super-trainer with a wild design and a delightfully fun ride.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.The Mallow and Synth are solid but didn’t do much to draw me to R.A.D over many existing shoes, but the U.F.O is a bit special and bodes well for the future of R.A.D running.Dynafish
