Six runners at UTMB 2026 wore shoes from five brands, with five available to the public. Dhiman won in Asics, while L’Hirondel won women’s in Kiprun. Chassagne finished second in On’s Cloudultra Pro, Entrekin second for women in Norda’s 055. Olson took third in Nike’s new trail shoe, and Schmitz third for women in an unreleased Hoka.
Dhiman’s Asics, released globally on Aug. 1, features a trail-specific carbon plate. L’Hirondel’s Kiprun, the cheapest shoe, has a supercritical aliphatic TPU midsole. Chassagne’s On Cloudultra Pro, the oldest shoe, lacks carbon. Entrekin’s Norda 055, the most expensive, has no plate. Olson’s Nike shoe has a low stack and high drop. Schmitz’s Hoka remains undisclosed. Read more gear coverage.
Trail running allows unreleased shoes, unlike World Athletics. Kiprun’s shoe, priced at $250, was L’Hirondel’s first carbon-plated ultra distance race. Nike showcased an unreleased trail shoe, the ACG Picklejus, during the race week. Related: Nike Unveils Trail Shoe with Proprietary Outsole at UTMB.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.