Top 5 Running Shoe Disappointments So Far in 2026
Here we are sharing our biggest letdowns in the running shoe market so far in 2026. We'll tell you why we are disappointed with the Nike Alphafly 3, the New Balance Ellipse, Saucony Paramount Max, On Cloudboom Strike 2, and the Li-Ning Chaoying Pro.
We had high hopes for these, but they just didn’t live up to the hype. From shoes that missed the mark to one that really shouldn’t still be getting full price releases, these are the biggest letdowns we’ve seen so far this year.
#1: Nike Alphafly 3
We’re aware that the Alphafly 3 released in 2023 rather than 2026, and that’s the problem exactly. Our biggest letdown so far this year has been the steady stream of full price new Alphafly 3 colorways instead of any info about the Alphafly 4.
For Yowana's full video covering our biggest running shoe disappointments of 2026, check out the Supwell YouTube channel:
#2: On Cloudboom Strike 2
On took their breakout hit in the OG Cloudboom Strike and gave it a serious downgrade this year, muting the lively, energetic ride that enthusiasts loved in the OG. This is a great soft cruiser, but not an optimal racer for hammering pace.
On Cloudboom Strike 2
#3: Saucony Paramount Max
Positioned as the first training shoe to feature a full IncrediRun midsole (and sporting a $200 price tag), we were expecting a super trainer-level ride in the Paramount Max. What we found instead was a max cushion cruiser that lacks the wild, bouncy character Saucony’s IncrediRun is known for in the Endorphin Elite 2 and Endorphin Elite 3.
Saucony Paramount Max
#4: New Balance Ellipse
We were hopeful that the Ellipse could be a solid, entry level performance shoe, but it just doesn’t have the protection and bounce we’re looking for. When landing on the forefoot, it feels incredibly flat and low to the ground. The aesthetics are on point, though.
New Balance Ellipse v1
#5: Li-Ning Chaoying Pro
The Chaoying Pro fooled us. It looks eerily similar to the dual foam DNA Tuned setup of the iconic Brooks Glycerin Max OG, and features a “Super Boom” stamp on the midsole (the same fun tech that’s in the Red Hare 9 Ultra). Unfortunately, this is just a stiff, run of the mill daily trainer.
Li-Ning Chaoying Pro
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