T3 Awards 2026: all Fitness winners announced

Five category winners, countless workouts – these are the fitness products we'd recommend above all others

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5
(Image credit: Future)

Fitness in 2026 became more focused. In the last 12 months, brands have focused on making products that genuinely improve the way we train, recover, and perform. The result is a crop of gear that's more refined, more capable and, ultimately, more enjoyable to use.

This year, we saw race-day running shoes become faster without sacrificing comfort, home fitness equipment grow more versatile, and training footwear evolve to meet the demands of increasingly varied workouts. Even apparel joined the innovation race, proving there's still plenty of room to rethink the fundamentals.

It's also been a year of refinement, with many of our winners having taken already excellent products and elevated them through smarter materials, improved comfort and thoughtful engineering that makes a tangible difference in everyday use.

Latest Videos From

We've logged the miles, tackled the workouts and put this year's contenders through their paces, and these are the products that rose above the rest. From breakthrough ideas to category-leading performers, the winners below represent the very best in fitness for 2026.

Best Fitness Innovation

Eliud Kipchoge training in the Nike Radical AirFlow top

(Image credit: Nike)

Nike Radical AirFlow

Nike has never been afraid to rethink the fundamentals of sportswear, and the Radical AirFlow is a perfect example of that philosophy. It takes a fresh approach to ventilation, using an innovative construction that maximises airflow without compromising performance or comfort.

The result is apparel that feels noticeably cooler during hard efforts, helping athletes stay focused when temperatures – and heart rates – begin to climb. It is an understated innovation, but one with the potential to improve every run, workout and training session.

At T3, we always look for products that solve genuine problems rather than adding technology for technology's sake. The Radical AirFlow does exactly that, combining thoughtful engineering with Nike's trademark design expertise.

It's a product that demonstrates how meaningful innovation can still be found in everyday training gear, making it a worthy winner of our Best Fitness Innovation award.

Best Fitness Innovation Shortlist

Hyperice Contrast 2, Nike Radical AirFlow, Peloton IQ, YETI Yonder Shaker Bottle, Hypershell X Ultra Exoskeleton

Highly commended

Peloton IQ

Best Home Workout Equipment

Omorpho G Vest Icon review

(Image credit: Matt Kollat)

Omorpho G-Vest Icon

The best fitness equipment doesn't necessarily need motors, screens or monthly subscriptions. Sometimes, the simplest ideas have the biggest impact, and the Omorpho G-Vest Icon proves exactly that.

Using evenly distributed micro-weight technology, the vest adds gentle resistance to almost any activity, whether you're strength training, running, walking or tackling high-intensity circuits. Unlike traditional weighted vests, it remains comfortable and unobtrusive, allowing natural movement while subtly increasing the challenge of every session.

That versatility is what impressed us most: the G-Vest Icon integrates seamlessly into everyday training, helping users build strength, endurance and stability without changing their routine.

In a category filled with increasingly complicated home fitness equipment, the Omorpho G-Vest Icon stands out by making effective training refreshingly simple, earning it T3's Best Home Workout Equipment award.

Best Home Workout Equipment Shortlist

Nike Strength Adjustable Bench, Nike VOLT Collection, Omorpho G-Vest Icon, Bowflex SelectTech 552i (2025), Aeke Home Fitness Mirror/Gym

Best Cardio Equipment

peloton cross training bike+

(Image credit: Peloton)

Peloton Cross Trainer Bike+

Peloton has built its reputation on making indoor training genuinely engaging, and the Cross Trainer Bike+ represents the brand's most complete cardio experience yet.

Combining the familiarity of a premium exercise bike with a more versatile, full-body workout, it delivers challenging sessions for everyone from complete beginners to seasoned athletes.

Smooth resistance, premium build quality and Peloton's polished hardware create a machine that feels every bit as impressive as its extensive library of instructor-led classes.

Of course, it's the connected experience that continues to set Peloton apart. Live and on-demand workouts, detailed performance tracking and an enthusiastic community transform what could be repetitive cardio into something people genuinely look forward to.

It's undeniably a premium investment, but it backs that up with exceptional quality and an experience few rivals can match. For delivering one of the most engaging and motivating ways to train at home, the Peloton Cross Trainer Bike+ is our Best Cardio Equipment winner.

Best Cardio Equipment Shortlist

Peloton Cross Trainer Bike+, Wattbike Atom (2025), Peloton Cross Training Tread, UREVO CyberMega Smart Treadmill, ProForm Carbon Pro 9000

Best Running Shoes

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 review

(Image credit: Matt Kollat)

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5

The SuperComp Elite line has always shown promise, but with the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5, New Balance has finally delivered the race-day shoe we'd been waiting for.

The latest version refines almost every aspect of its predecessor. A lighter construction, a reworked PEBA-based FuelCell midsole, and a stiffer carbon-fibre plate combine to produce a ride that's fast, energetic, and surprisingly stable over long distances.

New Balance also addressed previous criticisms with a roomier toe box and significantly improved outsole grip, resulting in a shoe that's not only quicker, but more comfortable and confidence-inspiring too.

The shoes deliver the explosive propulsion expected of a modern super shoe without sacrificing comfort or durability, making them equally appealing to elite racers and ambitious marathon runners chasing personal bests.

For finally realising the full potential of the SuperComp platform, the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 is T3's Best Running Shoes winner for 2026.

Best Running Shoes Shortlist

Asics Megablast, New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5, Nike Structure Plus, HOKA Mach X 3, Brooks Glycerin Flex

Highly commended

Nike Structure Plus

Best Workout Shoes

Adidas Dropset 4 review

(Image credit: Matt Kollat)

Adidas Dropset 4

Finding a shoe capable of handling heavy lifts, explosive plyometrics and fast-paced conditioning sessions is no easy task, but the Adidas Dropset 4 rises to the challenge with remarkable confidence.

Purpose-built for strength training, it provides a stable platform for squats and deadlifts while retaining enough flexibility and cushioning for dynamic gym workouts, making it a genuine all-rounder and eliminating the need to swap shoes halfway through a training session.

As with the best Adidas training footwear, the Dropset 4 combines performance with everyday comfort. A supportive upper, secure lockdown, and durable construction inspire confidence under load, while the modern design ensures it looks every bit as good outside the gym as it performs inside.

Versatility is the defining characteristic here. Whether you're following a Hyrox training plan, lifting heavy or mixing strength with conditioning, the Adidas Dropset 4 consistently delivers, making it a deserving recipient of T3's Best Workout Shoes award.

Best Workout Shoes Shortlist

Nike Metcon 10, On Cloudpulse Pro, Adidas Treadflow, Adidas Dropset 4, Vivobarefoot Motus Flex II

Highly commended

On Cloudpulse Pro

Matt Kollat
Section Editor | Active

Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator for T3.com and T3 Magazine, where he works as Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, action cameras, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019.

His work has also appeared on TechRadar and Fit&Well, and he has collaborated with creators such as Garage Gym Reviews. Matt has served as a judge for multiple industry awards, including the ESSNAwards. When he isn’t running, cycling or testing new kit, he’s usually roaming the countryside with a camera or experimenting with new audio and video gear.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.