Below we are highlighting the top 5 performance running shoes in May 2026 that are getting all the hype. See why runners are talking about the Adidas Pro Evo 3, Saucony Paramount Max, ASICS Superblast 3, Saucony Endorphin Elite 3, and the Hoka Skyward X2.


Some shoes are getting talked about nonstop right now and this month’s hype rankings are a mix of racers, super trainers, and max cushion giants. The Adidas Adios Pro Evo 3 keeps building anticipation as one of the most talked about race shoes in the sport, while the Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 and Paramount Max continue to split opinions in the best way possible. The Asics Superblast 3 might already be on pace to become one of the most popular trainers of the year and the Hoka Skyward X2 is quietly building a cult following for big mileage comfort.

Sebastian Sawe and Yomif Kejelcha’s sub 2 hour marathon performances at the 2026 London marathon have catapulted the Adios Pro Evo 3 to the top of our hype index. Adidas’ 100 gram race shoe is the most talked-about shoe in the game right now, with its limited June release on Running Warehouse predicted to sell out instantly. Big changes were made to the Adios Pro Evo 3 compared to the Adios Pro Evo 2, which featured Adidas' trademark carbon-fiber rods. The Pro Evo 3 features a rimmed carbon plate, which allows it to be so insanely lightweight. Stay tuned for testing!
Runners who liked the concept of the Endorphin Elite 2’s wild, bouncy foam but couldn’t deal with the squirrely ride are excited about the Endorphin Elite 3, which Saucony claims is more stable. In practice, this is still a marshmallow-soft racer that isn’t suited to runners with stability needs. It’s ridiculously fun, though, and packs real speed capability.
.png)
The Superblast 3 is still holding strong to its spot on the Hype Index due to its mass adoption in both the mainstream and enthusiast running shoe communities. The initial buzz has worn off slightly, but Hobby Joggers continue to pull for the Superblast 3 as a, bouncy, protective high mileage champ.

The Paramount Max feels designed specifically to drive online engagement - it has a strange name that sounds like a streaming service, features a polarizing Y2K aesthetic, and promises to deliver non-plated Incredirun. Love it or hate it, Saucony’s strategy has worked: virtually everyone has an opinion on the shoe before they’ve even tested it.

While not as hyped-up as the original Skyward X, the Skyward X2 has still generated plenty of intrigue. In our current era, runners always want to see what’s changed in the latest super trainer, no matter how minor the updates may seem on paper.

Whether you're looking for a reliable easy run shoe, pampering comfort on recovery days, a long-run cruiser, or a race day weapon, check out our Shoe Matcher tool to get matched. We've done the extensive testing, so you don't have to.
Answer a few questions to find the best shoe based on your preferences and goals



