Why Aren't Running Enthusiasts Buying These Shoes?
Running shoe enthusiasts are losing interest in many of the iconic running shoe lines from the major brands. Shoes like the Nike Vomero 18, New Balance 1080v15, Adidas Takumi Sen 11, Nike Pegasus Plus, and ASICS Magic Speed 5 are being outshined by new models with innovative tech and foams that deliver a more fun and unique ride like the ASICS Megablast, Adidas Evo SL, R.A.D UFO and others. Below we are breaking down the shoes that are losing market share and which ones are getting all the hype.
Once-dominant trainers like the Saucony Endorphin Speed, Hoka Mach, New Balance Rebel, and ASICS Magic Speed are getting squeezed out as performance tech evolves around them. With race-day foams and plated setups trickling into more versatile “super trainers,” these models now sit in an awkward middle ground—no longer the fastest or the most exciting. At the same time, traditional speed trainers are fading as runners opt for marathon shoes that can handle workouts, long runs, and race day all in one. The result: enthusiasts are chasing bounce and versatility, leaving these categories behind.
Iconic Uptempo Trainers—Vulnerable Status
Nameplates like the New Balance Rebel v5, Hoka Mach 6, and Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 used to be heavily hyped, but that’s not the case anymore in 2026. With brands like Hoka and New Balance stagnating in the training foam department and with true race caliber midsoles trickling down into bouncy super trainers like the ASICS Megablast and Adidas Evo SL EXO, enthusiasts just aren’t as excited about these models anymore.
ASICS Megablast
Adidas Evo SL EXO
Premium Comfortable Daily Trainers—Vulnerable Status
Remember how much buzz the New Balance 1080v13 generated back in 2023? Flash forward 3 years, and the 1080v15 was virtually ignored by enthusiasts upon release. Reliable, workhorse daily trainers like the Nike Vomero 18 and Puma Magnify Nitro 3 went completely under the radar. We’re increasingly seeing shoe sickos opt to spend an extra $30 to pick up a non-plated, high energy return super trainer, like the R.A.D UFO and Adidas Hyperboost Edge, to fill the comfortable daily slot in their rotation.
R.A.D UFO
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Adidas Hyperboost Edge
Traditional Speed Trainers—Endangered Status
Sentiment about how how race shoes should be used has dramatically changed in the last several years. With many racers providing excellent stability, durability, and less aggressive, approachable rides, more runners are hitting workouts in real carbon-plated marathon shoes than ever before. As a result, dedicated speed trainers like the ASICS Magic Speed 5, Adidas Takumi Sen 11, and Nike Pegasus Plus are seeing less adoption in enthusiasts’ rotations. Instead, enthusiasts are pulling for shoes like the New Balance SC Elite v5 and Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 5 for these types of workouts.
New Balance SC Elite v5
Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4
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4+ Hour Marathon Race Shoes—Critical Status
This category appears to be going extinct before it ever found its footing. With elevated trainers like the ASICS Superblast 3 providing all the bounce, protection and stability needed for a 4+ hour marathon effort, dedicated long-time-on-feet racers like the On Cloudboom Max and ASICS S4+Yogiri are a tough sell in 2026.
ASICS Superblast 3
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