Marathon Handbook Podcast

What’s next in running shoes — and are we entering a new era?In this episode, Michael Doyle, Alex Cyr, and Katelyn Tocci break down the biggest Spring 2026 shoe releases and the state of the super shoe arms race.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:Saysky makes incredible running gear that our team love. Use code MARATHON15 for 15% off your purchase at https://saysky.comLagoon pillows help us sleep better, so we run better. Want to try? You can save 15% with code MARATHON. Go to https://LagoonSleep.com/marathonhandbook and take the 2-minute sleep quiz to find your match. We cover:• ASICS Superblast 3 and the “do-it-all” trainer debate• Salomon’s aerodynamic Phantasm 3 — does aero matter for runners?• On’s LightSpray expansion and what it means for performance footwear• The latest super shoe developments from Adidas, Nike, ASICS, and Puma• Why elite marathoners may be racing in shoes you can’t buy• The rapid evolution of daily trainers• Buy, Hold, or Sell: Our quick takes on the newest releasesWe also discuss whether brands are innovating too fast, if super shoes are becoming inaccessible, and what everyday runners should actually buy in 2026.If you're training for a spring marathon, planning a fall race, or just trying to keep up with the latest shoe tech, this episode is your complete 2026 preview.Follow Marathon Handbook for weekly running news, race coverage, gear reviews, and training insights.Chapters:00:00 Intro – Spring 2026 Running Shoe Preview01:30 ASICS Superblast 3 Deep Dive07:30 Superblast 3 vs Mega Blast – What’s the Difference?11:40 Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3 (Aerodynamic Super Shoe?)20:30 On LightSpray Update & Cloudmonster 3 Hyper26:00 2026 Running Shoe Trends27:00 Creative Daily Trainers (Brooks, Nike, Saucony, ASICS)33:30 Is the Classic Daily Trainer Dead?38:40 Are Super Shoes Advancing Too Fast?50:30 Super Shoe Watch – Nike Update53:30 On Racing Shoe Updates55:00 Adidas Pro Evo & Mystery 97g Shoe57:00 ASICS MetaSpeed Developments58:30 Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 401:00:00 Saucony, Brooks, New Balance & HOKA Super Shoes01:07:00 Buy, Hold, or Sell – Rapid Fire Shoe Takes01:27:00 Wrap-Up & Where Shoes Are Headed in 2026

Show Notes

What’s next in running shoes — and are we entering a new era?
In this episode, Michael Doyle, Alex Cyr, and Katelyn Tocci break down the biggest Spring 2026 shoe releases and the state of the super shoe arms race.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:
Saysky makes incredible running gear that our team love. Use code MARATHON15 for 15% off your purchase at https://saysky.com
Lagoon pillows help us sleep better, so we run better. Want to try? You can save 15% with code MARATHON. Go to https://LagoonSleep.com/marathonhandbook and take the 2-minute sleep quiz to find your match. 

We cover:
• ASICS Superblast 3 and the “do-it-all” trainer debate
• Salomon’s aerodynamic Phantasm 3 — does aero matter for runners?
• On’s LightSpray expansion and what it means for performance footwear
• The latest super shoe developments from Adidas, Nike, ASICS, and Puma
• Why elite marathoners may be racing in shoes you can’t buy
• The rapid evolution of daily trainers
• Buy, Hold, or Sell: Our quick takes on the newest releases
We also discuss whether brands are innovating too fast, if super shoes are becoming inaccessible, and what everyday runners should actually buy in 2026.
If you're training for a spring marathon, planning a fall race, or just trying to keep up with the latest shoe tech, this episode is your complete 2026 preview.
Follow Marathon Handbook for weekly running news, race coverage, gear reviews, and training insights.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro – Spring 2026 Running Shoe Preview
01:30 ASICS Superblast 3 Deep Dive
07:30 Superblast 3 vs Mega Blast – What’s the Difference?
11:40 Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3 (Aerodynamic Super Shoe?)
20:30 On LightSpray Update & Cloudmonster 3 Hyper
26:00 2026 Running Shoe Trends
27:00 Creative Daily Trainers (Brooks, Nike, Saucony, ASICS)
33:30 Is the Classic Daily Trainer Dead?
38:40 Are Super Shoes Advancing Too Fast?
50:30 Super Shoe Watch – Nike Update
53:30 On Racing Shoe Updates
55:00 Adidas Pro Evo & Mystery 97g Shoe
57:00 ASICS MetaSpeed Developments
58:30 Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 4
01:00:00 Saucony, Brooks, New Balance & HOKA Super Shoes
01:07:00 Buy, Hold, or Sell – Rapid Fire Shoe Takes
01:27:00 Wrap-Up & Where Shoes Are Headed in 2026

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