In this video I break down my running shoe rotation for 2026—and it’s not a “best shoes” list. It’s the system I use to stay adaptable across seasons of training: terrain, intent, volume, recovery needs, and long-term foot health. I’ve run in Altras almost exclusively for about five years, but this year I discovered Mount To Coast and it’s been a genuinely great surprise. The big idea is simple: instead of hunting for one perfect shoe, I rotate through a spectrum so my feet and tissues keep doing real work. I also explain the Minimalist Index and why it matters if you care about durability more than trends. I use minimal/barefoot-style shoes to keep foot strength and proprioception honest, trail shoes for daily adventure and mixed terrain, and road/structured trainers when the goal is volume, comfort, or recovery. Variation is the point—because “more cushion” isn’t a force field, and a single shoe can quietly over-specialize your movement over time. If you want fewer shoes but smarter choices, this framework will help you build a rotation that supports a body that lasts.