These Are the Major-Marathon-Winning Running Shoes of 2026
The 2026 marathon season has just kicked off in Tokyo, and all the brands are already out in full force – decking their athletes in the latest and greatest supershoes. Last year, adidas took the top spot with most marathons won, closely followed by ASICS and Nike respectively. Will this year bring the same result? Well, adidas dominated the podium places in Tokyo which could foreshadow how the rest of 2026 unfolds – you'll have to stay tuned to find out.
Take a look below at all of the running shoes that made it onto the podium at major marathons in 2026. Also, we'll keep this article updated after every race – return here for Boston on April 20!
Tokyo Marathon
The 2026 Tokyo Marathon provided a belter of a race! A massive 38,775 runners hit The Big Mikan, but only three could step onto the podium in their respective categories.
After securing his first major victory at last year's Tokyo Marathon, Ethiopia's Tadese Takele once again took the top spot in the men's race. He didn't manage to beat his time from 2025, but on foot he was still donning adidas' Adios Pro Evo 1 V2. The ASICS Metaspeed Tokyo took second podium position on the feet of Geoffrey Toroitich, who delivered an impressive 2:03:37 time – only just missing out on first place! Taking third was Alexander Mutiso Munyao, running to bronze in the adidas Pro Evo 2.
The Women's Tokyo Marathon was no contest for Brigid Kosgei, who not only snatched the gold but set a new course record of 2:14:29! The Kenyan almost beat her PB of 2:14:04, doing it all in the sleek Nike Vaporfly 4. Bertukan Welde took second place wearing the adidas Pro Evo 2, followed by Hawi Feysa in the Pro Evo 1 V2.
Men’s
- Tadese Takele – 2:03:37 – adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 V2
- Geoffrey Toroitich – 2:03:37 – ASICS Metaspeed Tokyo
- Alexander Mutiso Munyao – 2:03:38 – adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 2
Women’s
- Brigid Kosgei – 2:14:29 – Nike Vaporfly 4
- Bertukan Welde – 2:16:36 – adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 2
- Hawi Feysa – 2:17:39 – adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 V2
Compare these results to the 2025 marathon-winning running shoe calendar right here!