Marathon Handbook Podcast

We're halfway through 2026, and it's time for our mid-year shoe power rankings. Michael and Alex each built their own Top 10 favorite running shoes of the year so far: super shoes, super trainers, daily trainers, and everything in between. Plus, a bonus trail shoe corner at the end.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro — how we're ranking shoes this year
0:38 Alex #10 — Saucony Endorphin Pro 5
3:52 Michael #10 — On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper (Light Spray)
6:40 Alex #9 — Saucony Endorphin Azura
9:50 Michael #9 — Mizuno Wave Rider 30
12:29 Alex #8 — Brooks Hyperion Elite 6
14:50 Michael #8 — Saucony Ride 19
17:22 Alex #7 — On Cloudboom Strike 2
20:51 Michael #7 — Salomon Gravel Concept Shoe
23:45 Alex #6 — Hoka Clifton Pro
29:13 Michael #6 — Adidas EVO SL ATR
32:09 Alex #5 — Adidas Hyperboost Edge
36:44 Michael #5 — Mount to Coast C1
39:59 Alex #4 — Puma Deviate Nitro
43:19 Michael #4 — Brooks Hyperion Elite 6
46:57 Alex #3 — Asics MetaSleek
51:30 Michael #3 — Tracksmith Eliot Rider
57:16 Alex #2 — Saucony Paramount Max
1:01:40 Michael #2 — Mizuno Neo Vista 3
1:07:17 Alex #1 — Asics Superblast 3
1:12:37 Michael #1 — On Cloudboom Strike 2 LS
1:19:05 Bonus: Trail Shoe Corner
1:20:15 Trail #3 — Nike ACG UltraFly 2
1:21:06 Trail #2 — Asics Metaspeed Fuji Trail 2
1:22:07 Trail #1 — Adidas Gravic Speed Ultra 2
1:24:30 Wrap-up & what's coming at year-end

Join Marathon Handbook’s RunClub for access to our members-only podcast, training plans, community rooms, merch and more: https://marathonhandbook.com/runclub

Shop Marathon Handbook Merch: https://store.marathonhandbook.com

What is Marathon Handbook Podcast?

Marathon Handbook's weekly podcast covers everything you need to know about running, from running your first 5K to qualifying for the Boston Marathon! Each week, our editors chat about what's going on in the running scene, as well as timely training tips, the best new gear, and what's happening at the world's biggest races. We'll cover everything from the Boston Marathon to the Barkley Marathons, often podding live from the most important moments in running! Watch our video podcast each week on YouTube, and listen to it wherever you get your podcasts! Inquiries: podcast@marathonhandbook.com