Top 5 Running Shoe Brands on the Rise
Below we will tell you why we think Topo, R.A.D, Skechers, Li-Ning, and Mount to Coast are the top five running shoe brands making a name for themselves in 2026 and whether you should consider adding any of their shoes to your rotation.
The running shoe landscape is changing fast, and these are the five brands we think are making the biggest leap right now. From Topo continuing to prove it belongs among the industry’s best, to Li-Ning, R.A.D, Mount to Coast, and Skechers pushing out some seriously impressive models, the competition has never been stronger. The more brands that step up, the better it is for all of us as runners.
1. Topo
With the launch of their Pro Series, Topo is now a legitimate player in the performance running game. Combining excellent foams with aggressive rocker geometries, the Specter 3 and Specter Elite are both in the conversation for shoe of year in their respective categories. This is the first time we’d confidently recommend a Topo to anyone (not just those seeking an anatomical toebox).
Topo Specter 3
Topo Specter Elite
2. Li-Ning
In contrast to the iterative design philosophies of many western brands, Li-Ning isn’t afraid to take risks or implement wild, experimental tech in their shoes. This approach has paid off, as Li-Ning is hitting their stride in 2026; they’ve released some of the most fun performance running shoes we’ve ever tested, and signed big names like Steph Curry to endorsement deals.
Li-Ning Red Hare 9 Ultra
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Li-Ning Feidian 6 Elite
Li-Ning Feidian 6 Ultra
3. R.A.D
R.A.D. gained massive traction in the enthusiast community by releasing the UFO, a banger super trainer as their first shoe. They’re now rounding out their performance running lineup with mass-appeal models designed to attract the everyday runner. The Synth is a great peppy, lower stack daily trainer, and the Mallow is a protective, classic max cushion workhorse.
R.A.D UFO
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R.A.D Synth
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R.A.D Mallow
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4. Mount to Coast
After establishing themselves in the niche ultra scene with the R1, Mount to Coast is now making a push into the mainstream market with their C1 super trainer, a protective, robust max-cushion road shoe designed to go the distance. Some might view their minimalist, Pacific Northwest-inspired design aesthetic as trendy, but the performance backs it up. With solid foams and a clear identity, Mount to Coast is a brand on the rise.
Mount to Coast C1
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5. Skechers
Skechers’ “Aero” line features a versatile family of supercritical foams that range from firm and ultra-fast in the Aero Tempo, to plush and smooth in the Aero Burst. With the solid products in their roster, Skechers just needs the right marketing to reach the next level. We’ve also heard whisperings of a Skechers race shoe that could help to shift brand perception.
Skechers Aero Razor
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