Marathon Handbook Podcast · Episode 133 · February 19, 2026 · 1 hr 27 min
Spring 2026 Running Shoe Preview: Super Shoes, New Tech & The Future of Daily Trainers
What’s next in running shoes — and are we entering a new era? In this episode, Michael Doyle, Alex Cyr, and Katelyn Tocci break down the biggest Spring 2026 shoe releases and the state of the super shoe arms race. SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS: Saysky makes incredible running gear that our team love. Use code MARATHON15 for 15% off your purchase at https://saysky.com Lagoon pillows help us sleep better, so we run better. Want to try? You can save 15% with code MARATHON. Go to https://LagoonSleep.com/marathonhandbook and take the 2-minute sleep quiz to find your match. We cover: • ASICS Superblast 3 and the “do-it-all” trainer debate • Salomon’s aerodynamic Phantasm 3 — does aero matter for runners? • On’s LightSpray expansion and what it means for performance footwear • The latest super shoe developments from Adidas, Nike, ASICS, and Puma • Why elite marathoners may be racing in shoes you can’t buy • The rapid evolution of daily trainers • Buy, Hold, or Sell: Our quick takes on the newest releases We also discuss whether brands are innovating too fast, if super shoes are becoming inaccessible, and what everyday runners should actually buy in 2026. If you're training for a spring marathon, planning a fall race, or just trying to keep up with the latest shoe tech, this episode is your complete 2026 preview. Follow Marathon Handbook for weekly running news, race coverage, gear reviews, and training insights. Chapters: 00:00 Intro – Spring 2026 Running Shoe Preview 01:30 ASICS Superblast 3 Deep Dive 07:30 Superblast 3 vs Mega Blast – What’s the Difference? 11:40 Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3 (Aerodynamic Super Shoe?) 20:30 On LightSpray Update & Cloudmonster 3 Hyper 26:00 2026 Running Shoe Trends 27:00 Creative Daily Trainers (Brooks, Nike, Saucony, ASICS) 33:30 Is the Classic Daily Trainer Dead? 38:40 Are Super Shoes Advancing Too Fast? 50:30 Super Shoe Watch – Nike Update 53:30 On Racing Shoe Updates 55:00 Adidas Pro Evo & Mystery 97g Shoe 57:00 ASICS MetaSpeed Developments 58:30 Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 4 01:00:00 Saucony, Brooks, New Balance & HOKA Super Shoes 01:07:00 Buy, Hold, or Sell – Rapid Fire Shoe Takes 01:27:00 Wrap-Up & Where Shoes Are Headed in 2026