Top 5 Underrated Running Shoes of 2026
Below we are explaining why we think the Saucony Triumph 24, Nike Pegasus Plus 2, ASICS Sonicblast 2, Reebok SpeedShifter, and the TYR Valkyrie Elite V2 are the top 5 most underrated performance running shoes in 2026.
Not every great running shoe needs a massive marketing campaign, a sold-out launch, or a carbon plate to get some love. From daily trainers to super trainers and even a sleeper racer, these five shoes deserve a lot more attention than they’ve received this year
#1 - ASICS Sonicblast 2
The Sonicblast 2 is one of the best mileage workhorse training shoes of the year, but it is overshadowed by the Megablast and Superblast 3 in ASICS crowded lineup. This isn’t the same old dual foam, plastic plated tempo trainer you’re used to, though. ASICS has implemented a forked plate design, allowing a giant trampoline pad of FF Turbo2 in the forefoot while maintaining a stable bottom layer of foam. Give this shoe a shot if you’re looking for a Superblast 2 replacement or a reliable tank for stacking mileage.
ASICS Sonicblast 2
#2 - Saucony Triumph 24
After 2 sub-par shoes in the Triumph 22 and 23, Saucony delivered a banger daily trainer in the 24. Despite offering a bouncy, surprisingly dynamic ATPU foam, the Triumph 24 fell out of the hype cycle relatively quickly. This is part of a broader trend we’ve seen in 2026: in the era of lightweight, non-plated super trainers, premium daily workhorses aren’t getting the enthusiast attention they once used to.
Saucony Triumph 24
#3 - Nike Pegasus Plus 2
Nike shoes always generate hype upon release, but the Pegasus Plus 2 lost momentum when reviewers noted that it rides more like a cushioned workhorse daily trainer than an uptempo shoe. Don’t expect a lightweight super trainer like the Dynafish Xiaonian (it doesn’t encourage you to get up on the forefoot and pick up the pace), but the Pegasus Plus 2 is a smooth, balanced shoe that’s ideal for stacking aerobic mileage.
Nike Pegasus Plus 2
#4 - TYR Valkyrie Elite V2
The Valkyrie Elite 2 is the most underrated race shoe of 2026. While the first Valkyrie Elite felt very similar to the Endorphin Pro 3 with its robust, beaded foam, TYR clearly had their sights set on the Puma Fast-R 3 when designing the second version. The result is a fantastic marathon racer that manages to balance an aggressive geometry with a soft, protective underfoot feel.
TYR Valkyrie Elite V2
#5 - Reebok SpeedShifter
We were pleasantly surprised by Reebok’s carbon plated racer, but not many have picked it up as far as we can tell. It features an Endorphin Speed-like geometry and an excellent dual foam ATPU midsole with nice pop in the forefoot and a cushioned heel. We think Reebok could’ve seen more traction if they marketed it as a speed training shoe at a price point below $200. While its MSRP of $220 undercuts other racers by $30-50, the ride is more on-par with an SC Rebel or Endorphin Speed than a true super shoe.
Reebok SpeedShifter
Supwell App
For great deals on gently used or brand new running shoes, sign up for the Supwell app. You can also download it directly from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. You'll get DAILY motivation, the most supportive hobby jogger community, best buy, sell and trade shoe marketplace and exclusive Hobby Jogger gear discounts, including access to the Running Warehouse code that will get you 20% off of clearance shoes.
Join the buy, sell, trade marketplace.
Find your next running shoe
Answer a few questions to find the best shoe based on your preferences and goals
