5 Emerging Running Trends for 2026
Here is a quick look at five key running trends that will emerge in 2026 based on what we saw at The Running Event trade show.
The versatile Hoka Transport serves up a balanced combination of all-day comfort, stability, and durability.
This isn’t your typical running shoe review, but that’s because the Hoka Transport isn’t your typical running shoe. But it’s a shoe that does a lot of things well, has a casual, on-trend vibe, and could also make a great holiday gift for someone on your list. (Plus, it can be found at a discounted price at many sites right now.)
The Hoka Transport is a versatile shoe designed primarily for walking, commuting, and light exercise, but that could include trail running and easy road running, sessions at the gym, and even commuter biking. It’s moderately cushioned, very stable and comfortable, with a durable, robust construction, and can do a lot in a pinch. Hoka says it was designed at the intersection of lifestyle and performance with ease of use and sustainability in mind.
Here’s my take on it after wearing a few pairs for a variety of trail runs, moderate hiking adventures, and plenty of casual uses ranging from errands to airports to yard work over the past three summers. It seems to fit the “looks good with jeans” decree, which is a rising “trail running adjacent” fashion trend in cities across the U.S. but only a few running shoes can authentically claim.
What’s New: The Hoka Transport debuted in 2023 and has been updated slightly for comfort, style, and functionality. It’s built on a compression-molded EVA midsole (made from 30 percent sugarcane) and a durable Vibram Megagrip outsole with grippy, 3-inch lugs. It retains the quick-toggle lacing system for easy on/off (facilitated by a convenient cord loop heel pull-tab), but traditional laces are also provided in the box. It’s a relatively simple design, but it’s the versatility that the sum of the parts allow that make it a fun shoe to wear. (There is also a Gore-Tex version of the Transport, and an above-the-ankle hiking version.)
Fit/Feel/Ride: The Hoka Transport generally fits true to size with ample room in the toe box, but the durable Cordura upper can feel a little stiff initially and it’s a rare shoe that requires a short break-in period. (It’s available in both regular and wide sizes to accommodate different foot shapes.) The shoe includes a convenient one-pull lacing system for easy on and off functinoality (traditional laces provided as an alternative option) and a semi-custom fit that secures the foot to the midsole chassis and the padded, gusseted tongue.
The Transport offers a low-profile grounded platform, which is a big departure from the maximalist feel of other Hoka models like the Clifton, Bondi, Speedgoat, or Mafate shoes. The midsole provides ample cushioning for both short runs and long days on your feet without feeling excessively soft or unstable. Its broad base and stiff heel counter offer excellent support, which can be beneficial for individuals who overpronate or have foot conditions like plantar fasciitis. The subtle rocker geometry encourages a smooth, stable, and efficient gait cycle on smooth and rough surfaces.
Price: $175 (On sale now for $120)
Weights: 9.1 oz (women’s 8); 11.2 oz. (men’s 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 4mm; 29mm (heel), 25mm (forefoot)
Why It’s Great: The longest trail run I’ve done in the Transport is about 7 miles, and while it wasn’t the shoe I’d choose for that kind of run on a regular basis, it was the shoe I had in my truck at the moment and it worked just fine. I’ve also done a lot of hiking in it, but mostly I have packed it on trips in which I only have room for two pairs of shoes. And that’s where this shoe shines. It can hold it’s own for just about everything, and it can be the shoe you wear to a restaurant, a casual meeting, or the grocery store.
Why You’ll Love It: The Hoka Transport excels as a do-it-all commuter and lifestyle shoe that blends casual style with performance features. It’s a great option for those who need a single, durable shoe capable of short, easy runs on pavement and light trail surfaces, comfortable airport travel, casual wear, and all-day work shifts. It’s easy been the shoe of choice for trail runner/base jumper Allie McLaughlin (pictured above) for hiking up and flying off Tombstone Rock in Moab, Utah.
Why You Might Not Like It: The moderately soft midsole foam does a good job of absorbing the shock of impact, but it lacks significant responsiveness. It doesn’t feel dead, but it doesn’t provide an energetic pop in every stride, either.
Pro: Among other things, I’ve found it to be a great shoe for walking my dog, and at least one reviewer has agreed with me.
Con: The upper material, while durable and topically treated for water and dirt repellency, can feel warm in hot or sunny conditions and may lead to sweaty feet in very hot weather.
About the Author
Contributing editor Brian Metzler has wear-tested more than 2,000 running shoes and is the author of “Kicksology: The Hype, Science, Culture and Cool of Running Shoes” (2019) and “Trail Running Illustrated” (2021). He has raced just about every distance from 100 meters to 100 miles, but he’s most eager to share stories about his experiences pack burro racing in Colorado.
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