The 2026 Western States 100 ultramarathon showcased a diverse range of footwear choices, with Hoka once again dominating the start line. This year, Hoka's dominance was built on plush midsoles, a reliable Vibram outsole, and carbon-plated race options like the Tecton X 3 and Rocket X Trail. However, the brand's share slipped from 32.6% to 27.6%, indicating an increasing diversity in shoe brands. Altra, despite holding onto second place, saw its share drop from 12.9% to 8.9%. The biggest surprise came from Mount To Coast, a brand that didn't register in last year's top 15, jumping straight to third with 8.6% of the shoes. Brooks also made a strong climb, rising from 5.2% to 7.4%. Nike and adidas Terrex rounded out the next tier, while Topo improved from 4.4% to 5.6%. Salomon, on the other hand, suffered the sharpest fall of any established name, dropping from 7.7% to 4.7%. La Sportiva nearly doubled its share, from 2.7% to 4.5%, helped by the Prodigio Pro model. Unclassified prototypes also increased in visibility, reflecting the number of teams testing unreleased shoes. On, The North Face, and Saucony made their mark in the top tier, while Norda and Kailas Fuga entered the top 15. The Hoka Speedgoat remains the single most common model for a second straight year, though its share eased from 13.4% to 12.5%. The adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra continued its steady presence, climbing into third. The Mount to Coast H1 and T1 models broke into the top seven, while the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro also made its mark. Notably absent from the top models were the Hoka Mafate Speed 4, Topo Ultraventure 4, Altra Lone Peak 9, and Altra Olympus 6. The race invites discussion on shoe choice, with runners sharing their experiences and preferences. The analysis highlights the importance of shoe choice in a fast race like the Western States 100, where it can make a big difference.
