The Finest Operating ‘Tremendous Footwear’ (and Extra) Coming in 2024
At this yr’s annual The Operating Occasion (TRE) commerce present, we noticed the footwear that influencers are TikTok-ing about, professional runners are smashing world data in, retail patrons are vying to hold of their shops, and regular of us like us will have the ability to run and race in subsequent yr.
Listed here are the traits and a few of the standout footwear we noticed throughout our immersive (and overwhelming!) two-day go to to TRE.
Make no mistake: These are the footwear to observe for — and, should you’re fortunate, demo or preorder — for 2024.
Tremendous Footwear Proceed; ‘Sub-Supers’ Emerge
We’re a number of years into the “tremendous shoe” period, marked by carbon fiber and gas-injected foams, daunting value tags, and blistering speeds. (See our story concerning the $500 shoe that Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa used to set a brand new girls’s marathon document by over 2 minutes.) To toe the road at a professional highway race and not using a tremendous shoe is to actually sacrifice a PR.
However how about with path racing? Would Jim Walmsey have gained the UTMB this yr with out the carbon-forked prototype of Hoka’s Tecton X 3?
Path racing can have extra goal qualities that make pure pace measurement extra variable, however this isn’t stopping path shoe firms from becoming their midsoles with the identical hyper-fast qualities as their highway cousins.
Regardless of the wild improvements taking place with carbon and “supercritical” foams, tremendous footwear simply aren’t for everybody. The {industry} is acknowledging this by way of an increasing number of firms releasing what I dub “sub-super” footwear — extra forgiving rocker profiles and mid- and heel-strike-oriented profiles.
These designs ought to nonetheless make you quicker whereas making the tech extra appropriate for these of us with lower than elite leg pace.
The Finest Tremendous Footwear Coming in 2024
Nike Alphafly 3
Though adidas’ Adizero Adios Professional Evo 1s briefly stole the limelight from Nike’s Alphafly franchise, it was upended only a month later when Kevin Kiptim set a brand new males’s marathon world document, virtually reaching the fabled sub-2-hour mark in a prototype Alphafly 3.
Nike says the brand new Alphafly 3 is the lightest and most examined Alphafly ever. Key adjustments embody a brand new heel and forefoot connection that ought to assist with various foot-strike patterns and a smoother heel-to-toe transition whatever the runner’s tempo.
A wider full-length carbon fiber Flyplate delivers a propulsive, steady trip. The outsole is manufactured from a brand new light-weight Quick Shot rubber.
Nike says that extra girls than ever earlier than have been concerned within the testing course of for Alphafly 3 and their collected insights have improved the consolation for all runners.
Specs:
Launch date: January 2024
Weight: 220 g (M10), 176 g (W8)
Stack peak or drop: 8 mm
Worth: $285
Hoka Tecton X 3
The mysterious blacked-out, high-collar shoe Walmsley wore to shred the UTMB course this yr was on full show in Hoka’s TRE sales space, although its daring colorway is in contrast to the prototype Walmsley wore.
This third model of Hoka’s Tecton platform has some very actual variations from variations 1 and a couple of; first, there may be that ankle collar, meant to maintain out particles.
Like v2 over v1, the Tecton X 3 truly weighs greater than its predecessor by 1/10 of an oz however it now provides an extremely sturdy Matryx higher, winglets to its carbon fiber plates for additional stability, and two layers of PEBA within the midsole and, lastly, a redesigned lug form and positioning on a Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole.
Specs:
Launch date: August 2024
Weight: 10 oz. (U.S. M9)
Stack peak or drop: 36mm/26mm (males); 33mm/24 (girls)
Worth: $275
Brooks Hyperion Elite 4
Brooks confirmed its all-new Hyperion Elite assortment, every wrapped in a Paris 2024 Olympic colorway. With 4 footwear — Hyperion Elite 4, Hyperion Max 2, Hyperion 2, and Hyperion Observe Spikes — essentially the most marathon-oriented tremendous shoe is the Elite 4.
That’s to not say it’s just for 26.2; Brooks’ professional Josh Kerr (who I fanboyed over a bit in particular person at TRE) even gained the fifth Avenue Mile within the Hyperion Elite 4.
Essentially the most distinctive high quality of the Elite 4 is the variable size of the carbon plate relying on the shoe dimension. This tech is introduced by the brand new Speedvault plate which is tuned for the dimensions stage of particular runners. (For instance, a girls’s dimension 6 Speedvault plate is a unique size than a males’s dimension 11.)
Kerr says he doesn’t prepare within the Elite 4 preferring a shoe from the extra everyman Glicerin assortment and reserving the Elite 4 just for races.
Moreover the Speedvault plate, the most important change within the Elite 4 is the midsole with its new DNA Flash nitrogen-infused foam, which Brooks says’ gives 10% extra vitality return than within the Elite 3.
Specs:
Launch date: February 2024
Weight: 7.8 oz. (221 g)
Stack peak or drop: 8 mm
Worth: $250
adidas Agravic Velocity Extremely
If UTMB is the crown jewel of 100-milers in Europe, the Western States 100 is the highest prize stateside. Adidas claims it made the Agravic Velocity Extremely particularly to win Western States, and it got here good this yr with Tom Evans’ victory.
Borrowing tech from its highway tremendous shoe, the Adios Professional, the Agravic Velocity Extremely makes use of PEBA vitality rods however in contrast to in its highway trainers, there are solely 4 prongs, and they’re spaced nearer to the lateral and medial sides to extend stability.
The midsole consists of a dual-layer Lightstrike Professional materials. Although stability is addressed, the Agravic Velocity Extremely in all probability gained’t ever be the professional’s selection on technical race programs, and with its aggressive twin rocker form, the shoe is most effective operating downhill and uphill in largely a straight line or over clean surfaces.
Specs:
Launch date: April 2024
Weight: 8 oz. (males’s 9)
Stack peak: 36/26mm (males); 33/24mm (girls)
Worth: $220
New Stability Tremendous Comp Elite v4
The very first thing you’ll discover concerning the SC Elite v4 is the curvy, virtually aerodynamic new midsole form. The SC Elite v3 was a really profitable and well-liked shoe however it was admittedly a tad bloated.
By tweaking the form and chopping out sure sides, New Stability designers shaved about 10% off the earlier model’s weight.
The opposite notable change is an all-PEBA midsole, changing the earlier Gas Cell tech with this nonproprietary, industry-standard quick materials. Inside the midsole is a two-layer system with a now-thinner Power Arc carbon fiber plate, which New Stability says has maintained the stiffness whereas eradicating a few of the materials. Lastly, there is a little more PEBA foam distributed to the forefoot to assist the shoe pop off on toe strike
Specs:
Launch date: February 2024
Weight: 8.1 oz / 230g (U.S. M9.5)
Stack peak: 40mm/36mm
Worth: $220
Altra Vanish Carbon 2
OK, OK — in all of the hullabaloo, I didn’t get to the Altra sales space. However I spoke with the model and obtained all the small print on its huge reveal from the present. Altra realized some issues for the reason that introduction of its first carbon-plated shoe, the Vanish Carbon, notably about the right way to higher use carbon fiber for a quicker expertise for the runner.
This implies the previously three-quarter-length carbon plate is now the total size of the midsole within the Vanish Carbon 2.
Altra makes no bones about this being its highest-performance tremendous shoe and it elevated the stack from 33mm midsole within the first model to 36mm in model 2.
The opposite essential replace comes through the EgoPro midsole compound which is now 17% lighter weight with higher effectivity and responsiveness. There are flex grooves within the toe space of the outsole which can assist propel the runner on toe-off and whereas it’s technically nonetheless a zero drop shoe, there may be extra vamp which supplies a extra rockered form and notion of stack.
Specs:
Launch date: March 2024
Weight: 7.1 oz. (229 g)
Stack peak: 36mm
Worth: $260
Sub-Tremendous Footwear We Can’t Wait to Strive
Similar to with bike parts when final yr’s Shimano Dura Ace turns into this yr’s Ultegra, the identical trickle-down impact is going on an increasing number of with operating shoe tech.
Simply because your foot strike isn’t as springy and toe-emphasized or your physique sort isn’t as lithe as the professionals doesn’t imply you may’t profit from the identical free pace they’re getting due to carbon fiber and supercritical or nitrogen-infused foams.
Runners of every type are actually getting less expensive and biomechanically beneficiant footwear than what will be fairly anticipated from a conventional tremendous shoe. This “sub” tremendous class is burgeoning and we noticed loads of choices from some stunning gamers.
Salomon S/Lab Spectur
Salomon is a model that was once synonymous solely with mountain operating. However over the previous couple of years, it has put as a lot, if no more, vitality into its highway line. Whereas it has but to search out its footing with the broader highway operating shopper it’s little doubt a wise financial option to broaden its base past path.
With its splashy Illusion highway footwear, there was a push to make Salomon as aggressive as tremendous shoe stalwarts like Nike and adidas however with a bit extra time to develop a deeper providing, Salomon introduced the S/Lab Spectur at TRE.
Salomon’s cool catch phrase for the S/Lab Spectur is “pace democratized.” It’s for the non-elite highway racer however it borrows elite tech just like the full-length carbon Power Blade midsole as a part of its dual-density supercritical PEBA stacked with Salomon’s proprietary Power Foam.
Specs:
Launch date: Could 2024
Weight: 8.2 oz. (232 g)
Stack peak: 38mm/30mm
Worth: $250
Diadora Gara Carbon
Diadora is a historic Italian sportswear firm that many people will keep in mind from our youth soccer days or from 1980’s professional tennis gamers. However so far as the North American market is anxious, the corporate is now all-in with operating and it has come out of the gate with a really aggressive highway shoe, the Gara Carbon.
“Gara” is Italian for race and runners will little doubt throw down quick occasions on this Pebax and carbon fiber composed midsole, making it a competitively mild shoe with bouncy and fast return. The carbon fiber within the Gara was developed in the identical manufacturing facility because the Components 1 materials used for Ferrari and Lamborghini.
The higher must be very sturdy because the mannequin consists of Matrix mesh with carbon yarns.
Specs:
Launch date: February 2024
Weight: 230 g
Stack peak or drop: 5 mm
Worth: $300
Mount to Coast R1
As laborious because it should be to launch a completely new shoe firm in at the moment’s market, it hasn’t stopped a number of manufacturers from doing simply that, together with the brand new Chinese language outfit, Mount to Coast.
The model’s focus is on producing extremely distance footwear however not for the path. These are highway extremely footwear which is a novel class unto itself, and the R1 is the top shoe in its burgeoning assortment.
It makes use of “Tuned Cell,” Mount To Coast’s distinctive, optimized supercritical foaming course of that improves rebound. The Light-weight “Zerosag” polyurethane insert is tailored from high-speed rail padding and may present distinctive cushioning over lengthy distances.
We all know ultramarathons can pose an elevated threat of damage, so the R1 additionally makes use of a dynamic expertise to stop overpronation.
Specs:
Launch date: April 2024
Weight: 7.5 oz. (U.S. M9) / 6.8 oz. (U.S. W7)
Stack peak: 28mm/22mm
Worth: $180
Topo Specter 2
After I requested Russ Stevens, Topo’s product line supervisor what the model’s best racing shoe is for 2024, he stated emphatically it’s the Topo Specter 2.
Topo is perennially a favourite model amongst GearJunkie testers on the path facet, with its MTN Racer line. However what has it executed to be aggressive on the highway?
The brand new model now makes use of a full Pebax foam midsole versus the unique’s Pebax and EVA hybrid. This all-Pebax model will enhance operating effectivity and is the “up tempo” selection for cost-conscious roadies at $165 and weighing solely 7.6 ounces.
The heel and forefoot have beefier rubber thickness which ought to enhance sturdiness and traction.
Specs:
Launch date: August 2024
Weight: 7.6 oz. (U.S. M9)
Stack peak: 37mm/32mm; 5mm drop
Worth: $165
Scott Velocity Carbon RC 2
Although the vendor and rep community within the US has made getting a pair of Scott footwear troublesome in the previous couple of years, Digital Advertising Supervisor Thaddeus Morse instructed me it’s a huge precedence proper now and going ahead. It’s becoming as a result of Scott has been making some distinctive footwear over the previous couple of years and the demand is rising.
Like its mountain oriented brethren, Scott can also be providing a highway shoe that’s extremely aggressive for racing or quick coaching in its Velocity Carbon RC 2. It has an up to date midsole materials which leverages the effectivity of a Carbitex carbon-plate which turns into stiffer because the plate is flexed, providing you with extra energy and effectivity if you want it, and a better trip if you don’t.
The rockered form promotes a forefoot stride to extend effectivity.
Specs:
Launch date: January 2024
Weight: 240g oz. (U.S. M9)
Stack peak: Not accessible at time of publication
Worth: $200
Extra Footwear We’re Trying Ahead To
La Sportiva Prodigio
That is an all new midsole providing from La Sportiva, which previously adopted a really European-minded tremendous agency and ground-feel oriented foam. The Prodigio makes use of a supercritical midsole foam referred to as “X Movement” — a gentle and responsive cushioned foam for lengthy runs.
Although it’s mild at 9.5 ounces, the tub development is paired with a stability wrap to anchor the foot into the shoe, ensuring that as you’re ticking off the miles you’re not additionally sacrificing agility and precision over technical sections of path.
Specs:
Launch date: Spring 2024
Weight: 9.5 oz
Stack peak: 34mm/28mm
Worth: $155
The North Face Summit Sequence Offtrail BOA
A specialty shoe for technical terrain (assume Mount Marathon in Alaska), the Offtrail is a rugged mountain shoe constructed for its athletes like Mike Foote, longtime professional for The North Face who has tackled gnarly FKTs and tasks in Montana and past.
The BOA closure is multidirectional and the higher has a shroud-like protecting layer mixed with the sturdy Matryx materials.
The outsole lugs are a whopping 7 mm, so it’s definitely going to search out its dwelling for exploratory — not essentially — racing path athletes.
Specs:
Launch date: August 2024
Weight: 345 g (U.S. M9)
Stack peak: 26mm/20mm
Worth: $199
Nnormal Kboix
That is the primary all-new shoe from Nnormal following its two debuts: the Kjerag and Tomir. With one of many boldest sustainability initiatives within the {industry}, the Kboix consists of three completely different insertable midsole choices, the eventual alternative to re-sole the outsole, and an higher manufactured from the hard-to-break Matryx materials.
These three parts ought to make the Kboix a one-time funding that could possibly be utilized for a extremely very long time.
Specs:
Launch date: Not accessible at time of publication
Weight: Not accessible at time of publication
Stack peak: Not accessible at time of publication
Worth: Not accessible at time of publication
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