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.
It’s mid-July, and, no matter where you live across the U.S., it probably means you’ve been running in hot weather.
We’ve been out running in some new Smartwool tops, shorts, and socks during the latest heat wave. While the idea of running in Merino wool clothing in the summer might seem counterintuitive, it actually makes perfect sense. Why? Because Merino wool has natural temperature regulation capabilities, is inherently breathable, and is very effective at wicking moisture away from the skin.
Merino wool fibers are exceptionally fine, allowing for excellent airflow and ventilation. That enhanced breathability helps prevent overheating and kept us feeling cool, even during sun-exposed runs when the thermometer topped 90 degrees.
Ashley Arnold, Contributing Editor: “I usually wear a sports bra and no shirt when it’s this hot, but I didn’t feel the need to take my shirt off at all (as someone who runs hot, that’s huge!). It does feel slightly heavier than my pure synthetic tanks though. This is going to be a go-to piece for me now. It’s buttery soft and expertly wicks away sweat and keeps you cool even when temps are high.”
Brian Metzler, Senior Editor: “I sweat a lot when I run in hot weather, even when it’s not humid. On two runs this week in 90-plus-degree weather (including this run up Green Mountain in Boulder, Colorado), my upper torso, shoulders and back were soaked to the skin, and that was clearly evident on the Active Mesh Short Sleeve Shirt. But unlike many poly-based tech shirts, the excessive amount of sweat didn’t make this stretchy Merino wool/poly blend shirt stick to my skin. Even when I finished the run, the shirt was wet with sweat but it still felt comfortable and actually made me feel cool. By the time I got home after a 10-minute drive, the shirt was almost dry.”
Ashley: Despite being a size too big, the shorts were still incredibly comfortable. The waistband offers a nice, comfortable fit and the 4-inch inseam is surprisingly nice (I’m someone who typically wears shorter shorts). The buttery-soft flowy material felt nearly weightless and the wool-blend liner pulled sweat away better than any other shorts liner I have I think! I will definitely make these one of my go-to shorts for summer runs. My only quam: there just aren’t enough pockets!
Brian: “I love these shorts. No doubt one of the most comfortable pairs of two-in-one shorts I’ve ever worn. The wool-blend liner is soft, smooth and appropriately snug—not too tight, not too loose, and they doesn’t bind at all. I’ve run in these shorts almost every day for two weeks, always in hot weather and, despite heavy sweating, I didn’t have any fit or performance issues.
Then shortly after I finished my runs, I felt comfortable driving home, doing errands, and sitting down with a coffee because the liner did such a good job of wicking moisture away from my skin. Also, I love the 7-inch inseam (I’m not interested in wearing 5-inch splits or shorter unless I’m running on the track) and the pockets (one open pocket on each side and a zippered pocket in back) are really helpful.”
Ashley: “Cushioned, comfortable, wicking. My feet were dry and comfortable the whole run. While I typically wear thin socks, I appreciated the extra plushness the cushion provided. They also felt buttery soft. I could compare them to the Balega Hidden Comfort socks … but 10x better.”
Brian: “The best sign of a good pair of socks for me is that you only notice them when you put them on and take them off. That’s been my experience with the Ankle Run Socks. My feet sweat a lot and I typically take off my shoes and put on flip flops or slides right after I finish, and when I did, surprise, surprise: my feet were mostly dry and so were the socks! (Yes, the moisture was wicked to the inside of my shoes, but my feet were comfortable and not wet from sweat. I’ve worn the socks five days in a row and washed them four times, and they still seem like they’re brand new.”
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Senior editor Brian Metzler has wear-tested more than 2,500 running shoes and is the author of “Kicksology: The Hype, Science, Culture and Cool of Running Shoes” (2019) and “Trail Running Illustrated” (2019). 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.
Contributing writer Ashley Arnold is the director of brand at Fleet Feet and an ultrarunner who lives in Missoula, Montana, with her husband and two young children. She tells stories through video, words and photos, and is most at home running trails, adventuring in wild places with her family and sipping coffee while eating cake.
