Sportswear giant Nike has confirmed that the Mind 001 Pregame Mules will be available to buy in August, with all colourways currently listed as "Coming Soon" on Nike's website.

The slip-on mule was announced at the end of 2025 alongside other Nike innovations, including the Project Amplify exoskeleton, before being available to buy in limited quantities in January 2026.

It quickly became one of the brand's more intriguing releases, thanks to its unusual design and claims of helping athletes prepare mentally before competition.

The Mind 001 uses what Nike calls Mind Technology, a collection of 22 individually articulated foam nodes positioned across the footbed to stimulate pressure points on the bottom of the foot while walking.

Nike says the technology is designed to activate sensory areas of the brain, helping athletes feel more focused, calm and present before training, competition or other high-pressure situations.

Designed around sensory stimulation

The company says the articulated foam nodes help convey the texture of the ground through the sole and into the foot, gently stimulating sensory receptors with every step.

The brand describes the mule as a "pregame" shoe rather than a recovery shoe, positioning it as part of a routine that helps athletes prepare mentally before performance.

The unusual concept has already attracted attention from athletes across different sports, as well as sneaker fans curious about Nike's move into sensory science and mental performance.

Aside from the technology hidden underfoot, the Mind 001 features a lightweight foam construction, a perforated upper and a slip-on design intended for easy wear before and after activity.

The shoe has also earned the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Acceptance.

The website currently lists five colourways, including Black/Hyper Crimson/White/Chrome, Mineral Slate/Light Pumice/Hyper Crimson/Metallic Platinum and White/Speed Red/Obsidian.

The Mind 001 Pregame Mule will be available from 20 August (UK and EU) and 18 August (US) at Nike UK, Nike US and Nike EU, priced at £80 / $95 / €90.

In Australia, the mules cost AU$150 and are listed as sold out.

Under Armour is continuing its push into the lifestyle sneaker space with the launch of the Arc 96, a new unisex trainer that leans heavily into the ongoing revival of 90s and early-2000s design.

The release follows recent efforts from the brand to expand beyond its performance-led identity and into more culturally relevant footwear.

Last year, Under Armour introduced a more experimental silhouette aimed at younger audiences, moving further into the fashion-forward trainer space.

The Arc 96 takes a similar yet different approach, drawing on heritage rather than futurism.

Inspired by the brand’s founding year, the new model incorporates design elements associated with classic 90s running shoes, including layered uppers, visible structure and a chunkier midsole profile.

Those cues are reworked with more contemporary detailing, such as translucent side panels and an asymmetrical tongue construction.

A familiar trend with a different player

The Arc 96 arrives at a time when retro running silhouettes continue to dominate the sneaker market.

Brands including Nike, ASICS and New Balance have all leaned into archival designs and Y2K-era aesthetics, with consumers showing sustained interest in styles that balance nostalgia with everyday wearability.

Under Armour has historically been less visible in this category, focusing instead on performance footwear and training shoes.

Its recent releases suggest a more deliberate attempt to tap into the same cultural space, using established technologies to bridge the gap between sport and lifestyle.

The Arc 96 includes dual-density UA HOVR cushioning, typically found in the brand’s running shoes (see also: Under Armour HOVR Machina 3 review), designed to deliver a softer, more responsive ride underfoot.

The upper combines breathable mesh with full-grain leather overlays, mirroring the layered construction commonly seen in retro trainers while maintaining durability for daily wear.

The shoe is positioned as suitable for both casual wear and light activity, reflecting a broader trend towards hybrid footwear that moves between settings without compromising comfort.

The Under Armour Arc 96 is available now in multiple colourways at Under Armour UK, Under Armour US, and Under Armour EU, priced at £125 / $125 / €140 (~AU$174).

Altra might not be the first name that comes to mind when talking about fashion-led running shoes, but its latest collaboration suggests that could be about to change.

The Colorado-based brand has teamed up with Los Angeles label PLEASURES to launch a limited-edition version of the Experience Flow 3, tapping into the growing appetite for 90s and early-2000s running aesthetics.

The result is the “Satellite” colourway, a metallic silver-blue design that channels the era’s love of bold finishes and expressive details.

It’s a direction we’ve seen from bigger players like Nike and Salomon in recent months, as retro-inspired running gear continues to spill into everyday wear.

Now, Altra is making its own play, just with a more unconventional edge.

A performance shoe with a rebellious streak

Despite the collection's fashion-first approach, the Experience Flow 3 retains Altra’s signature geometry, including a low heel-to-toe drop and a roomy toe box that lets your feet move more naturally.

That’s paired with a noticeably more expressive upper, with silver paint streaks running across the shoe, giving it a worn-in, almost industrial look, while PLEASURES branding features prominently across the laces and forefoot.

According to the brand, the design is meant to capture motion in real time, with the shoe acting almost like a canvas shaped by movement, sweat and repetition.

Collaborations between performance brands and fashion labels aren’t new, but this one feels more aligned than most.

PLEASURES has built its reputation on reworking classic silhouettes through a punk and subcultural lens, while Altra has long positioned itself as an outsider in the running world.

That shared “question the norm” mindset comes through in the campaign, which toys with the idea of running as a creative expression rather than as pure performance.

The Altra x PLEASURES “Satellite” Experience Flow 3 is available from 14 April in limited quantities via select retailers and online.

In the UK, the shoe is priced at £161, which puts it in line with premium daily trainers and most fashion-led running collaborations right now.

In the US, the shoes are sold for $160 at Altra (~€136 / AU$224).

Canadian running brand Ciele Athletics is best known for its cult-favourite caps, but its latest launch suggests it has bigger ambitions.

The new Icon collection leans heavily into fabric innovation to solve one of warm-weather running’s biggest frustrations: overheating.

While most performance apparel, including Nike’s widely used Dri-FIT system, focuses on moisture-wicking to keep sweat under control, Ciele is taking a slightly different approach.

Instead of dealing with heat after it builds up, the brand is trying to stop it from becoming a problem in the first place.

The Icon collection is built on two new material systems designed to regulate temperature in real time.

The first, RAYaway ceramic ripstop, is used primarily across the brand’s headwear range and works by reflecting solar radiation away from the fabric's surface to reduce heat buildup under direct sun exposure.

Alongside this, Ciele introduces its COOLmatic | EXP fabrics, which incorporate carbon or graphene-infused yarns.

These are engineered to dissipate heat generated by the body during high-intensity efforts, while also supporting moisture management and odour control during longer sessions.

From daily miles to race day

The collection itself is designed to cover a range of use cases, from easy training runs to race-day efforts.

Key pieces include the GOCap Solar and FSTCap Ethereal, both built with breathability and sun protection in mind, as well as the ICNSinglet and ICNShort 3” Brief, which focus on lightweight construction and unrestricted movement.

The singlet uses an ultra-light COOLmatic | EXP HOLLOWmesh with carbon for temperature regulation and comfort, while welded construction helps reduce chafing and overall weight.

The shorts, meanwhile, feature a graphene-infused stretch woven fabric and an internal pocket system designed to keep race-day fuel organised and accessible.

Across the range, the emphasis is on minimising bulk while maximising airflow and thermoregulation, making the pieces particularly suited to summer running and high-output sessions.

If the promise of ceramic and graphene-backed cooling holds up in real-world use, bigger brands may need to start thinking beyond sweat-wicking alone.

The Icon Collection is now available at Ciele US, with prices starting at $80 (~£60 / €69 / AU$115).

Veja has expanded its running line with the launch of the Condor 3 Off-Road, a hybrid shoe designed to handle both city streets and uneven trails, tapping into the growing demand for “door-to-trail” versatility.

Inspired by gravel biking, the new model blends road-running efficiency with trail-ready durability, building on the brand’s Condor 3 Advanced platform while introducing a more aggressive outsole and updated upper.

Unlike traditional road-running shoes, the Condor 3 Off-Road features a redesigned outsole with 4 mm lugs to improve grip on loose and uneven surfaces without compromising usability on tarmac.

That puts it squarely in competition with models like the Nike Pegasus Trail and Hoka Challenger ATR, both of which target runners who don’t want to swap shoes mid-session.

The upper is made from ripstop fabric for added tear resistance, while the outsole has been tweaked to be more robust and longer-lasting than previous versions.

A different take on performance

Underfoot, the shoe uses what Veja calls a “Dynamic Plate,” a bio-based EVA stability plate embedded in the midsole to improve energy return and efficiency during faster efforts.

It’s not a carbon plate; instead, the focus is on consistent energy distribution and stability across varied terrain, which makes sense for a shoe designed to move between surfaces.

Specs-wise, the Condor 3 Off-Road sits firmly in the daily trainer category, with a weight of 295g, an 8 mm drop, and a neutral ride with a relatively firm cushioning profile.

Veja has also refined the fit, widening the lacing cage by 5 mm to reduce pressure points across the midfoot.

As expected from the brand, sustainability remains front and centre.

The shoe uses a mix of Amazonian rubber, sugarcane-derived EVA and recycled polyester across key components, continuing Veja’s push into performance footwear without abandoning its eco-first identity.

The Condor 3 Off-Road is a hybrid trail running shoe that prioritises versatility and sustainability in equal measure.

For runners who split their time between pavements, parks and light trails, it could be a compelling alternative to more traditional door-to-trail options.

The Veja Condor 3 Off-Road is now available from Veja UK and Veja US for £170 / $220, following its launch on 26 March 2026.

Beats and Nike have unveiled their first-ever hardware collaboration, and it feels like a surprisingly natural fit.

The new Powerbeats Pro 2 Nike Special Edition takes Beats’ workout earbuds and dresses them in Nike’s unmistakable performance styling, complete with a Swoosh on the right bud, a Beats logo on the left, and a matte black charging case finished with Volt speckles and a “Just Do It” message inside the lid.

This isn’t the first time Nike has leaned into the Volt look recently. The brand’s viral Strength collection uses the same high-energy palette, and the new Powerbeats Pro 2 feel like a natural extension of that gym-first aesthetic into wearable tech.

More than just a logo swap

That might sound cosmetic, and to a point it is, but this launch matters because Beats has never previously given another brand space on its earbuds.

That makes this less of a simple reskin and more of a statement about where the company sees Powerbeats Pro 2 sitting, right at the intersection of fitness tech, sports culture and streetwear.

“This isn't just a new colourway; it’s a collision of two brands that define performance, culture, and sports – the attributes of today’s athlete,” said Chris Thorne, CMO of Beats.

“By placing the Swoosh on our hardware for the first time, we’re honouring the shared DNA of Beats and Nike. It’s a tribute to the grit, style, and sound that push people to their limits.”

The timing also makes sense, given that the standard Powerbeats Pro 2 already positions itself as a serious training tool with heart-rate monitoring, active noise-cancellation, Transparency mode, a secure earhook fit, and up to 45 hours of battery life with the case.

The Nike Special Edition doesn’t add new hardware tricks over the regular model, but it does make the earbuds more desirable for the sort of buyer who wants their gym gear to look as considered as the rest of their kit.

It also helps that Powerbeats Pro 2 remains one of the most obviously exercise-friendly pairs of earbuds in Apple’s wider audio line-up, which now includes the AirPods Max 2.

Heart-rate monitoring works with Apple and Android devices, while iPhone users get deeper workout integration through Apple’s Fitness app, which makes this Nike crossover feel more credible than a lot of athlete-led special editions tend to.

Powerbeats Pro 2 Nike Special Edition will be available from 20 March at Nike.Beats for $249 / £249 / €249 / AU$349.

Nike ACG chose an unusual way to debut its latest experimental footwear concept.

From the brand that brought you a fully redesigned train in Milan, Nike's outdoor-focused division staged a dramatic “Man vs Machine” stunt at the FAT International Ice Race in Big Sky, Montana.

ACG Racing Department athlete Liam Meirow took on the challenge, sprinting across the icy track wearing a prototype version of Nike’s Ultrafly trail running shoe.

His opponent wasn’t another runner but a Porsche tackling the same frozen course, turning the debut into a literal man-versus-machine showdown.

The shoe itself was a one-off modification created specifically for the event.

Based on the ACG Ultrafly platform, the prototype featured aggressive metal spikes embedded in the outsole, designed to bite into ice and provide traction on slippery surfaces.

The setup allowed Meirow to run confidently across terrain that would normally be almost impossible to grip with standard trail footwear.

The stunt formed part of Nike ACG’s presence at the FAT International Ice Race, a two-day motorsport and car culture gathering founded by entrepreneur Ferdi Porsche.

The event brings together high-performance vehicles, racing talent and automotive enthusiasts on a frozen course, making it one of the most visually striking winter motorsport events in the US.

ACG’s installation at the event, dubbed Basecamp, showcased a mix of experimental footwear and winter-ready apparel, including the new Therma-FIT Air Milano jacket.

Nike also created a small capsule collection in collaboration with FAT International, comprising a jacket, hoodie, and T-shirt, produced exclusively for event participants and insiders.

While the spiked Ultrafly used in the race isn’t a commercial product, at least for now, the stunt highlights how Nike continues to use ACG as a platform for experimentation and storytelling, often blending outdoor performance with unexpected cultural spaces.

From alpine installations to ice-race stunts, the brand’s outdoor arm seems increasingly comfortable pushing beyond traditional trail running launches.

And in this case, the debut involved a frozen racetrack, a prototype running shoe and a Porsche.

FAT International’s own event-exclusive merchandise and select winter-ready apparel pieces are now available online for those who missed the event.

You can shop all ACG gear, including the Lava Loft jacket, at Nike ACG.

Nike has unveiled two new additions to its running lineup, the Pegasus 42 and the ACG Pegasus Trail, refreshing one of the brand’s longest-running shoe franchises with updated cushioning systems, revised geometry and a broader push into versatile, mixed-terrain running.

The Pegasus line, first introduced in 1982, remains a cornerstone of Nike Running and is part of the reworked running shoe lineup, which also features the Nike Vomero Premium and Nike Structure Plus trainers.

The latest iteration is positioned as a continuation of the model’s workhorse identity.

As Nike's product line manager, Elliot Heath, put it, the Pegasus is a shoe designed by runners, for runners, that balances value, comfort and performance.

A new chapter

The Pegasus 42 introduces what Nike calls the “best Pegasus ride to date,” centred around a curved, full-length Air Zoom unit that replaces the dual-unit setup of its predecessor.

Heath noted during the briefing that the Air Zoom unit is size-specific, with smaller units used in the smallest women’s sizes and larger ones in the biggest men’s sizes.

The new design is intended to create a smoother transition and a more propulsive feel, delivering up to 15% greater energy return compared to the previous generation.

Underfoot, the shoe continues to use ReactX foam, but the geometry has been refined to improve efficiency and comfort.

Stack height comes in at 37mm in the heel and 27mm in the forefoot, resulting in a 10mm drop, making it the lowest-stack model among Nike’s core road franchises (the aforementioned Pegasus / Vomero / Structure trio).

A key change is a redesigned last that retains much of the Pegasus fit but introduces more toe spring and a wider toe box, alongside a steeper forefoot curve that allows an additional 3mm of cushioning under the toes without increasing overall stack height.

Nike has also reworked the outsole with a more technical waffle pattern to improve transitions and grip, while a fully moulded sockliner, a midfoot support system, and a lightweight engineered mesh upper aim to deliver a secure yet breathable fit.

The brand describes the result as a lightweight, intuitive trainer suited to everything from easy runs to faster training sessions.

The company is also leaning into efficiency and lower-impact materials with the Pegasus 42.

The upper uses a yarn the brand calls “Pegasus for Pegasus,” which repurposes leftover yarn from previous Pegasus models into new material, reducing waste in the production process.

Meanwhile, the ReactX midsole is said to generate 43% fewer carbon emissions than the foam it replaced, while requiring less energy to produce than many supercritical foams used across the industry.

ACG Pegasus Trail targets the “trail-curious”

Alongside the road update, Nike’s All Conditions Gear division is introducing the ACG Pegasus Trail, a model designed to bridge the gap between road comfort and trail capability.

Positioned as the most versatile shoe in the ACG trail lineup, the Pegasus Trail is built for runners moving between pavement, gravel roads and moderately technical terrain.

It sits on a ReactX foam platform paired with a Nike All Terrain Compound (ATC) 2.0 outsole, an updated rubber designed to improve traction, particularly in wet conditions, while enhancing durability.

The shoe uses a new trail-specific last with a wider fit and more room in the toe box, a platform that Nike says will appear in future ACG models, including the upcoming ACG Zegama.

The geometry features an 8mm drop, reduced from the previous version, to provide a slightly more stable and planted feel on uneven surfaces.

Up top, a breathable, quick-draining engineered mesh helps manage moisture, while reinforced materials, including a protective toe wrap, increase durability compared to Nike’s road shoes.

Developed with input from athletes in Nike’s All Conditions Racing Department and everyday runners, the Pegasus Trail is aimed at what the brand describes as “trail-curious” athletes looking for a single shoe capable of handling mixed terrain.

Evolution rather than reinvention

The Pegasus 42 and ACG Pegasus Trail illustrate Nike’s approach to evolving its most recognisable platforms while expanding their scope.

Rather than chasing extreme performance niches, both models double down on versatility, refining ride feel, fit and traction while keeping the Pegasus positioned as a dependable, accessible option for a wide range of runners.

The Nike Pegasus 42 will be available from 9 April, while the ACG Pegasus Trail is set to arrive later in April, via Nike and select retail partners.

When Nike’s Radical AirFlow top first appeared at Western States last year, it didn’t arrive with a lengthy explainer or a tidy innovation framework. It simply showed up in its perforated, slightly surreal, and impossible-to-ignorant way, worn by Caleb Olson en route to victory.

At a time when most performance apparel evolves in careful, incremental steps, this felt like something else entirely. It wasn’t anupdate or a refinement. Instead, Radical Airflow appears to be a disruption so big that it might reshape how we look at performance garment design in the future.

Dan Farron, VP, Apparel Innovation Product Design at Nike, whom I met in Milan at the Unlimited Air exhibition, doesn’t describe Radical AirFlow as a garment concept at all. He describes it as a physics problem and credits much of the breakthrough to Daniel Morgan, Lead Designer at Innovation Apparel, who originated the idea.

“[Daniel] is all about looking at the senses,” Farron explains, referring to Morgan. “He’s an engineer by trade – engineer, designer, scientist. He obsessed over, ‘How do I make this thing bring more air in and re-channel everything?’ It wasn’t a trail garment at first. It was just, let’s see how much air we can get into the material and speed it up.”

As Farron explained, Radical AirFlow didn’t begin as a brief for trail runners or a silhouette study for Nike ACG. Instead, it began as a material experiment, an attempt to accelerate airflow through fabric and across skin, and in doing so, amplify the body’s natural cooling response. Only later did that experiment evolve into something recognisably wearable.

“There was a sleeve that [Daniel] stitched up,” Farron says of Morgan. “And it’s moving. We’re like, ‘Well, this is… I think we’ve done it.’ From that moment onwards, we started to shape and tune it with the athlete. But before then, it’s just a thing that’s doing something we’re excited about.”

Running in a fridge

Cooling in endurance sport is as much psychological as it is physiological, and Farron is candid about that. “The first thing is perception of cooling is a big benefit,” he says. “For Caleb, when he finished Western States, the first thing he said in person was, ‘I felt like I was running in a fridge.’ He said, ‘I can feel it continuously.’”

In Nike’s Sports Research Lab, the garment was pushed through climate chamber testing to quantify what athletes were feeling in the wild. The team observed enhanced airflow across the skin and increased evaporative sweating, mechanisms that contribute to sustained cooling during long efforts in extreme heat.

“There’s a lot of cooling on the skin,” Farron says. “There’s a lot of evaporative sweat. For us, it’s about maintaining throughout that race that there’s a cooling effect going on. And then we continue to focus on how much we can accelerate that.”

But perhaps the more intriguing layer is how the top feels. Cooling sensation, particularly in ultra-distance racing, can influence pacing, decision-making and perceived exertion. In that sense, Radical AirFlow is operating at both ends of the spectrum: mechanical and mental.

Why it looks the way it does

The silhouette is unconventional, to say the least, and Farron admits it made even seasoned designers uneasy at first. “As a designer, you see a lot [of different concepts] over the years,” he says. “But Daniel pushed and pushed for this thing. There were times I wanted to cut a sleeve off. But he kept it to pure function.”

Crucially, the structure cannot be skin-tight. “If you make it skin-tight, it’s not going to work,” Farron explains. “You need the airflow inside. If you put it against the skin, it just hits your skin and doesn’t circulate.”

This space between fabric and body is what creates the garment’s distinctive profile. The form is a direct consequence of the function, which is perhaps why, when Caleb Olson lined up wearing it, reactions ranged from intrigue to memes. Farron laughs at the “Christmas sweater” nickname and the crocheted parodies that followed.

“What was really different for us is we didn’t talk about anything,” he says. “We just let the garment do its thing in the race. It was important for the teams to let the trail community work out what it is themselves first. It doesn’t come around very often that you get a really different silhouette like this.”

From trail to road and beyond

Radical AirFlow first landed in the trail world, but its potential reach extends far wider. Road running legend Eliud Kipchoge tested early versions, running long sessions in it and offering precise feedback on fit adjustments.

“We expect most of our runners to take it for 10 minutes,” Farron says. “I think he ran like 30 kilometres in it the first time.” Fit was tuned to balance airflow space with race-day security, including adjustments to hole sizes and placement, and length modifications without disturbing the core airflow system.

“The minute anyone does the arm swing in it, they’re like, ‘Wow, I can feel it,’” Farron says. “We know everyone’s going to want that cooling at some point. It’s just making sure it’s authentic and comes to life in the right way.”

He points to climate change as an unavoidable backdrop. As heat increasingly challenges athletes across disciplines, airflow-based cooling becomes relevant beyond ultras, extending to road marathons, club runs, and potentially other sports operating in extreme environments.

More surprisingly, Radical AirFlow has already begun to drift into everyday wear. “I didn’t expect it to be on people just wandering,” Farron admits. “But it’s happening.” Function, it seems, can accidentally become fashion.

More than layering

When asked whether Radical AirFlow could change Nike's approach to layering systems, Farron reframes the conversation. “I don’t think it’s just layering,” he says. “It challenges the whole ecosystem. Head to toe.”

The immediate question is how airflow interacts with other garments, such as sports bras, base layers, and outer shells. Can double layers of airflow be engineered? Can venting become conditional? Can airflow be amplified or directed differently depending on sport and climate?

“If we’re getting all that air inside, what do we want it to do?” Farron asks. “Can we amplify that? Sweat management is incredibly important to us, and that’s a part of it.” Rather than a standalone novelty, Radical AirFlow begins to look like the first step in a broader rethinking of how apparel manages heat, movement and environment.

A moment in time

Farron has worked in apparel innovation for two decades. He doesn’t overstate things lightly. “To have a material that gives you that instant perception, that doesn’t happen very often,” he says. “That’s like once every five to 10 years, maybe.”

After a brief pause, he adds: “[Radical AirFlow] is definitely up there as a pinnacle moment in my career, to see my team create this thing and bring it to life.”

In an industry often defined by micro-adjustments and seasonal refreshes, Radical AirFlow feels different. Not because it is louder (even though it is), but because it is structurally distinct. It asks a more fundamental question about what apparel can do when physics leads the design, rather than aesthetics or trends.

And if the future of performance gear is shaped increasingly by climate realities and athlete demand for tangible advantage, this experiment in airflow may prove less like an outlier and more like a starting point.

You can check out Nike's ACG range at the brand's website.

For most people, Nike Air means cushioning, visible bubbles in midsoles, the Air Max lineage and decades of incremental improvements to what sits underfoot. But at Nike’s Unlimited Air exhibition in Milan, the brand made a different argument.

Unlimited Air exhibition is an immersive exploration of Nike’s relationship with its most iconic technology, tracing 50 years of development from the first encapsulated Air units to the latest performance and apparel innovations.

Across a series of galleries styled as laboratories and ateliers, the show weaves together science, design, art and athletic insight to demonstrate how air continues to influence everything from cooling fabrics to adaptive outerwear.

The company’s messaging was made abundantly clear during our tour of the exhibition. After 50 years of visible Air units, the next phase of innovation may have less to do with running shoes and more to do with regulating the body itself.

As the company’s Chief Design Officer, Martin Lotti put it during the opening tour, “It’s not just about making things new, but new and better.”

50 years of Air, and counting

Lotti began by revisiting familiar ground. Air first appeared in 1978 in the Tailwind, developed from aerospace engineer Frank Rudy’s concept of encapsulated gas cushioning. In 1987, Tinker Hatfield’s Air Max 1 made the technology visible, turning performance engineering into cultural iconography.

Lotti bought his first Air Max 180 while being in Portland, Oregon, as an exchange student, not knowing that later on, he would design the successor of the shoes. “I counted my money to see what I could afford, and walked out of the store with the Air Max 180, not knowing that a few years later, I would design the next iteration, the Air Max 360.”

With all its footwear iterations, Nike has repeatedly reworked the same idea of pressurised air, tuned for impact absorption and energy return. Yet the tone in Milan was less retrospective celebration and more forward-looking repositioning. “After 50 years, there is so much more we can do with Air,” Lotti said. “We’re just at the beginning.”

Turns out, Air is a versatile technology that can be used for cooling as well as warming in footwear, apparel and beyond. It is a conceptual shift from Nike, one that tries to reframe Air as a broader design platform. And through Radical AirFlow and the Air Milano Jacket, the company puts forward a solid argument for its case.

Cooling without electronics

Moving on to the next space, Dan Farron, VP of Apparel Innovation, presented the Radical AirFlow concept, introduced last year. The premise is simple but technically ambitious: create a fabric that cools the body more efficiently without adding fans, batteries or active systems.

Radical AirFlow relies on micro-funnel structures built into the mesh. Inspired by the Bernoulli principle, the openings are engineered to accelerate air as it passes through the garment. Inside, turbulence increases air movement across the skin, enhancing evaporative cooling.

According to Farron, they went through hundreds of material iterations, with the original concept being a long-sleeve top full of metal ball bearings, which was incredibly heavy and freezing cold. “So from there, we asked, well, what can we do with this if it's so cold?” he added, “How can we recreate that through traditional methods?”

The fabric was tested in Nike’s environmental chambers in Oregon, where temperature, humidity and wind can be simulated. The company also installed a low-key version of the chamber in Milan, complete with an athlete wearing the Radical AirFlow top and a heat camera, to prove to us the benefits of the technology in real time.

“There’s no power behind it,” Farron explained during the show. “It’s continuously cooling.” The initial prototypes were tested on one of the harshest proving grounds in distance running, the Western States 100-mile race in California, where temperatures can exceed 100°F (~38 °C).

Caleb Olson won the 2025 Radical AirFlow race, and since then, it has become a core piece of kit for many athletes, including road running legend Eliud Kipchoge, who wore it at the New York Marathon.

The exhibition featured samples of the Radical AirFlow short, and I tried it on to see if it works. The sensation is hard to explain, but it can be felt instantly as soon as you start moving your body. The hundreds of funnels channel air to provide rapid cooling, which I can see would work well in extreme conditions.

For the best results, you want to wear it on your bare skin, which, for understandable reasons, I didn’t want to put people through during the tour. However, in exposed skin, such as my arms, the cooling effect was pronounced. In short, the tech works, and better still, it’s made from 100% recycled materials.

Designing for multiple states

If Radical AirFlow represents passive cooling, the Air Milano Jacket pushes Air into more visibly transformative territory. Presented by Danielle Kayemebe from Nike’s Apparel Product Innovation team, the jacket was originally planned for release in 2028. Instead, it was accelerated by 3 years to align with the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.

At first glance, it resembles a technical shell, but at the push of a button, it inflates in under 20 seconds, shifting from a lightweight outer layer to an insulated midweight piece. And as we were told, the engineering challenge lies deeper than the inflation mechanism itself.

Nike’s team spent months studying “baffle height” and temperature response, building multiple prototypes to determine how much air was required to achieve specific thermal effects. The breakthrough came in what Kayemebe described as the “physics of inflation”.

Each air chamber is structured around precisely spaced dot patterns. If the dots sit too close together, the garment risks structural weakness. Too far apart, and inflation becomes unstable. Nike used computational algorithms to calculate optimal spacing and pattern integrity.

Crucially, the design had to work in more than one state. The team refers to this as “multi-state apparel,” a garment that looks and functions properly both inflated and deflated. Traditional down jackets rely on horizontal channels to hold fill in place. With air as the insulator, those constraints disappear, opening up new aesthetic possibilities, including patterns subtly inspired by Nike ACG’s triangular logo geometry.

The Air Milano Jacket isn’t available to buy for the public yet, at least until Nike figures out how to scale up production. Even when it does, expect the jacket to be priced in line with the amount of innovation that went into creating it.

Air as environmental control

Radical AirFlow and the Air Milano Jacket suggest that Nike’s next chapter for Air is more about environmental regulation than impact protection. Cooling in extreme heat, adjustable insulation in cold conditions, and garments that adapt as the body warms up or slows down.

None of this replaces the Air unit in footwear. Rather, it extends the philosophy behind it, using pressurised air as a functional tool to improve athletic performance. The Unlimited Air exhibition may be framed as a 50-year retrospective, but the underlying message is forward-looking.

Air is no longer just something underfoot. It is becoming something that sits between the athlete and the environment. As Lotti put it, the goal is not simply to introduce something different. It is to make it better.

The Winter Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina are well underway, an understandably huge event not just for those interested in winter sports but for everyone else in the world, with millions watching from around the globe.

This creates the perfect marketing opportunity for companies to introduce new tech and concepts, and no one has gone quite as hard in 2026 as Nike, which timed the relaunch of its outdoor sub-brand, All Conditions Gear (or ACG for short), to coincide with the massive sporting event.

The company pushed the boat out completely with the "All Conditions Express," a redecorated set of locomotives and carriages that carted people around the Olympic venues between 5 and 8 February.

Some of the dignitaries who visited the train include long-time Nike athlete Eliud Kipchoge and Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner (also a pretty good skier), the latter of whom debuted a custom look created through Nike Atelier for the event.

Orange on the horizon

The company also very kindly extended the invitation to me, even though I didn't know until I got out of the car at the train depot in Milan. Through the gates – all adorned with ACG branding, of course – you could catch a glimpse of the train's striking orange look, a signature colour of the new sub-brand.

Winding our way through a hangar, which housed the "President's Train," the royal train of the House of Savoy, with its beautifully decorated ceilings and wooden exterior, we arrived at the All Conditions Express in a matter of minutes. Its orangeness was almost blinding against the bleak February skies, setting the tone of what’s to come later.

After a short introduction, we were taken to the first of the five carriages called “Basecamp Cafe”, a little cafe-bar with tables and a bar that served coffee, and where one could score ACG greeting cards and stickers. Stepping onto the train, you were immediately greeted with the most meticulously crafted design I’ve seen from the brand.

Everything, from the orange and purple lanterns and wall-mounted shovels to the also orange cargo netting overhead and aluminium storage containers, was ACG branded. According to a Nike spokesperson, they wanted to honour the K2 expedition by Rick Ridgeway and John Roskelley in the 80s that sparked the idea of ACG with the look and feel of the exhibition, and boy, did they succeed!

Back to where ACG began

This is probably as good a time as any to say a few words about Nike ACG. All Conditions Gear is a dedicated outdoor-performance brand for “all athletes who seek the challenge, adventure and connection of thriving in the wild,” the company says. It’s not entirely dissimilar to Adidas Terrex, which carved out its own space almost independently of Adidas.

Nike is keen to push the envelope with ACG, as evidenced by the Radical AirFlow concept. It was announced last summer and features a radically different cooling concept with large holes in a seemingly loose-mesh top. Other notable products include the Lava Loft jacket and the reworked ACG Zegama shoes.

Nike’s big plans to target outdoorsy folks come as no surprise, knowing that in the United States alone, outdoor recreation generated $1.2 trillion in economic output in 2023, supporting 5 million jobs and accounting for roughly 2.3 % of GDP, a notable increase compared with earlier reports showing around $862 billion in 2021. It’s a big market that keeps growing, and Nike certainly wants a slice of this pie.

From basecamp to recovery

Leaving the “Basement Cafe,” we entered the “Seating Car,” a converted first-class carriage with compartments fully redecorated to match the tone of the brand of the aforementioned expedition. Orange camping gear was hanging from the overhead luggage racks, and the walls were covered with topographic maps, illustrations of ibexes, and custom-made headrests.

Moving on, we arrived at the “Gear Lab,” dedicated to – not surprisingly – ACG’s testing department. You could see Ultrafly trail running shoes mounted on a wheel, racks of Lava Loft jackets, and, for a reason, a miniature train set, imitating the very train we were in, going around in a make-believe mountain area. Very meta.

At this point, I really had to fight the urge not to accidentally knock one of the many trinkets adorning the walls into my bag as a keepsake (I really liked those ACG-branded YETI coolers). Everywhere you looked, there was another detail or item, not to mention the stacks of shoes and jackets I’ve yet to try.

Once I managed to compose myself (and grab a few canapes), I ventured into the last section, the “Recovery Hut.” This was a chillout area with hanging chairs, a corner covered with pouffes and mirrors, and Nike x Hyperice compression boots dangling on hangers.

Just like in the other carriages, the shelves were stacked with ACG goods, including my favourite, the owl ornament in a purple hat and a camera around its neck.

End of the line?

Setting myself down in one of the chairs, I wondered what would happen to all this once the show was over. After all, even I visited the All Condition Express after its official launch window, which made me worried that it would all just disappear into obscurity after the event.

Sadly, no one actually knew the train's future. Some people at Nike said it would be tricky to travel around the continent with it, due to differences in track sizes, which make it almost impossible to move it, even within Italy, let alone Europe.

That said, everyone agreed that it would be a shame if the Express just disappeared into thin air after the Winter Olympic Games. Let’s hope this wasn’t the All Conditions Express's last journey and that it will find its resting place in a museum or at the Nike Archive. One can hope.

You can check out Nike ACG here.

Nike is no stranger to bright collaboration, but its latest product might be one of the most striking yet.

The Normatec Elite x Nike ACG compression boots, created in collaboration with recovery specialist Hyperice, will be used exclusively by athletes at the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games.

This isn't the first time the two companies joined forces to create recovery gear with the potential to go viral online.

The two companies launched the Nike x Hyperice Hyperboot in 2024 for the Paris Olympic Games.

Unlike traditional recovery equipment, the special recovery footwear allows its users to walk around while in use.

Initially launched only for elite athletes, the Hyperboots became available to everyone a year later.

Mobility optional, compression mandatory

There are some key differences between the Nike x Hyperice Hyperboot and the Normatec Elite x Nike ACG compression boots.

For one, the new product can't be worn on the go and requires its wearers to be stationary for the duration of the sessions.

Secondly, it's not a new product as such, just a cosmetic update to the Normatec Elite boots, available to buy from Hyperice for everyone, albeit in a less swanky colourway.

The Elite features no hoses or external pistons, making them somewhat less bulky than the otherwise excellent Normatec Premier boots.

The boots have up to 4 hours of battery life, offer 7 levels of compression and weigh only 3.2 lbs (1.45 kg) per boot.

ACG goes beyond trail gear

Nike recently relaunched its ACG (All-Condition Gear) sub-brand, making it home to some of the company's most exciting innovations in recent years.

These include the Nike Radical Airflow concept and the Lava Loft Down Jacket, among others.

The Normatec Elite x Nike ACG compression boots are part of Nike's Swoosh Recovery Capsule, which is given to Nike-supported athletes for the Olympics and beyond.

The kit includes Nike Mind 001 recovery sliders, the Timeshifter Concierge app that helps maximise performance across time zones, Nike Vision Blue Light Glasses, and more.

Sadly, Hyperice says the limited-edition collaboration will not be available for retail purchase.

If you're interested, though, you can buy the Normatec Elite Legs at Hyperice for $1,099 in the standard black colourway.

Running gear has never been better than now in 2026. Super shoes are lighter than a smartphone, foams are bouncier and more responsive, fabrics breathe, wick and regulate body temperature in ways that would have seemed impossible a few decades ago.

And yet, for all that progress, running these days can feel strangely… complicated. As someone who reviews running gear for a living, lately I keep thinking about how nice and, more importantly, simple late-80s and early-90s running fashion was.

I picked up running in my teenage years in the late 90s, and my earliest running memories feature people jogging in ridiculously short, colourful shorts, stripy tank tops, and, sometimes, headbands. You knew what running gear looked like, and, deep down, you knew you didn’t need to understand it.

A pair of short-shorts or loose joggers, a sweatshirt or vest depending on the weather, proper sports socks, and a pair of trainers that you ran in until they were finished. Maybe a headband or wristband if things got sweaty. That was it. Can we bring back these simpler times?

Back to the past

My longing for what I perceive as simpler times didn't happen in a vacuum, of course. Like millions of other people, I subscribed to the whole Stranger Things phenomenon, and let 80s nostalgia sweep all over me in recent months (team Steve all the way).

Even before then, I noticed that I gravitate towards bold colours and classic 80s and 90s silhouettes when browsing clothes. I recently went on a bit of clothes buying binge when I discovered Abercrombie & Fitch's Archive Collection, full of throwback models.

I also rekindled my love for Denim, thanks to Levi's January Sale, which included a Toy Story-themed pair of jeans, my favourite animated movie from the 90s. Since then, I bought some Carpenter Denim Trousers from Vans (still available at Route One), and a denim sherpa jacket from Levi's, just like my dad had (well, as close as it gets).

Nike helped me push this all into running with its excellent Structure Plus trainers, which I have been using loads in the last couple of months. It's a classic example of modern running shoes made look retro, and I love them.

When running gear was obvious

Late-80s and early-90s running fashion was unapologetically visible. Colours were bold (purples, red, greens, oranges), logos were loud (remember those Reebok Vectors on windbreakers and track tops?), and silhouettes were relaxed, almost boxy. You looked like you were going for a run, and that was the whole point.

Brands like Nike, Adidas and Reebok dominated both the track and the street, while performance-focused names like ASICS, New Balance and Saucony built credibility with runners who cared more about miles than marketing. (Some of the latter are still trying to get out of that box, now that running and fashion are ever so entwined.)

Footwear was where technology lived, and even then, it was easy to understand. The Nike Air Max 90 made cushioning visible, while Adidas’ ZX series introduced the Torsion System without asking runners to decode it. ASICS GEL Lyte, which was introduced in 1987, did exactly what it said on the tin: making your runs softer and more comfortable.

The shoes designed for running in the 80s and 90s are now returning as lifestyle products. The tech doesn't quite hold up to modern performance trainers, even though at the time it represented cutting-edge innovation. Again, times were simpler.

I keep remembering what Nike’s Chief Design Officer, Martin Lotti, said when I interviewed a year and a half ago. Pointing out the shoes on display (the ever-so-wonderful Volt series), he said they were the pinnacle of design at the time, and they thought they couldn't create anything faster. Then came the Vaporfly and Alphafly series, shattering everything that came before them.

The sweet spot before everything became “technical”

The late 80s/early 90s era matters because it sits right on the edge of modern performance gear. Moisture-wicking fabrics were emerging, but hadn’t yet taken over. Cotton sweatshirts and nylon shells were still common, and yes, they weren’t great at regulating temperature. They soaked up sweat, trapped heat, and occasionally felt like running in a crisp packet.

Nobody pretended their kit was optimised. Well, maybe some did, but only to a much lower percentage than it is today. Shaving 3 grams from one trainer iteration to the other didn't quite make headlines, nor did an addition of a sweat-wicking fabric that improves ventilation by 7 per cent.

Today, apparel has become a system of micro-choices. Do you want compression, bonded seams, mapped ventilation, or weather-specific layering strategies? None of this is inherently bad, but it creates unnecessary complexity. It can feel like you need to live and breathe running culture to belong.

The nostalgia problem (and why that’s okay)

I'll be the first one to admit that some of this affection is for a version of running many of us never actually experienced. Running in cotton isn’t fun, and plastic-heavy synthetics don't breathe. Since the late 80s/early 90s, injury prevention and comfort have improved massively, and nobody is seriously arguing we should abandon modern materials.

But the nostalgia I feel isn't about accuracy. I don't want to feel sweaty and gross after a run. Late-80s and early-90s running feels appealing to me because it didn’t demand expertise. No one logged their runs on a training platform or used 'drop' or 'GPS accuracy' when they were asked about their latest session.

Very importantly, it was all about looking good. None of this minimalist nonsense that's been going on for way too long. Running in those days felt like a bit of rebellion, doing something that wasn't massively popular. Seeing another runner was a genuine (and nice) surprise, and not common. And you could spot a runner from miles away, thanks to their swanky outfits.

Why the silhouettes deserve a comeback

Lucky for us, some brands are working on providing new gear that looks old but feels fresh. Labels like Tracksmith, albeit a bit understated, lean into retro silhouettes with modern merino blends.

One of my fave running companies, Bandit Running, borrows heavily from early-90s track aesthetics while quietly delivering top-tier performance. British heritage brands, such as Ronhill and Reebok, also list running shoe models with origins dating back.

Even big brands are revisiting looser shorts, boxier tops, visible socks and throwback colour blocking. Just look at Adidas' Santigo Track Top or Nike's LD-1000 trainers.

Late-80s and early-90s running fashion reminds us that you don’t need to know everything to be a runner. Sometimes, the best gear is the stuff that lets you forget about it entirely. Maybe we don’t need to bring back the materials, but the mindset, the silhouettes, and the simplicity? That’s worth running with.

There’s a noticeable disparity in how stability running shoes are perceived by women and men. Many female runners happily use shoes with arch support, appreciating – very rightly so – the benefits not just for running, but also for standing and walking. Men, on the other hand, often look down on support shoes altogether.

Stability trainers are still widely seen as slower, clunkier and less exciting than neutral models, and bravado dictates that the ultimate goal of any running shoe is to make a (male) runner faster. As a result, shoes like the Structure Plus tend to be dismissed before they’re even tried.

I don’t share that sentiment, which is why I was genuinely looking forward to using Nike’s latest take on stability. I received the Structure Plus in mid-December and have been wearing it consistently for nearly two months, both for running and walking. Simply put, I loved it through and through.

Nike’s attempt at order

The Structure Plus sits within Nike’s revamped running shoe lineup, a refresh designed to simplify what has become an increasingly crowded range. The idea is to focus on three core franchises – Pegasus, Vomero and Structure – with each offered in base, Plus and Premium tiers.

I’m not convinced the system has fully reduced confusion just yet (there are still plenty of Nike running shoes on shelves), but it has undeniably brought renewed attention to these core lines. Over the past year or two, Pegasus, Vomero and Structure have all enjoyed a much clearer spotlight.

The base Structure 26 was announced last May, while the Structure Plus was revealed in December 2025 and officially went on sale in January 2026.

Foam maths, explained

The biggest difference between the Structure Plus and the Structure 26 is underfoot. The Plus uses a dual-foam setup combining ZoomX and ReactX, with ZoomX sitting directly underfoot and ReactX forming the thicker carrier layer beneath.

ZoomX is the same foam used in Nike’s Vaporfly and Alphafly racing shoes, prized for its softness and energy return. ReactX, meanwhile, adds structure, durability and stability. Together, they deliver plush step-in comfort without the wobbliness you might associate with full-length ZoomX midsoles.

The Structure Plus is also noticeably taller, with a 42 mm heel stack and 32 mm forefoot stack, resulting in a fairly assertive 10 mm drop. It’s a high-stack shoe that doesn’t feel unstable, which is no small feat.

Underfoot, the ride feels slightly softer at the heel and forefoot, while the midfoot feels firmer. That could be down to the way the arch support integrates into the midsole, creating a subtly reinforced platform through the middle of the shoe. Either way, it works.

Support that stays in its lane

Nike has absolutely nailed the underfoot support here. The arch is present but far from aggressive, offering guidance rather than correction. It’s the kind of support you notice when you need it, but forget about once you settle into your stride.

Running and walking in the Structure Plus both feel comfortable and natural. I found myself reaching for the shoes often, partly because of the stability they offer, but also because of how easy they are to live with day to day.

The engineered mesh upper provides solid midfoot lockdown, although heel support could be better. I’ve always found Nike running trainers to be a little loose around the rear, and the Structure Plus is no exception. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth noting.

Not just a running shoe

One of the biggest surprises was how good the Structure Plus looks. I’m currently going through a bit of an 80s revival phase (I blame Stranger Things) and my test colourway, the lovely Iron Purple with Off-Noir, Sail and Voltage Green accents, fits that aesthetic perfectly.

And before hardcore runners start sharpening their pitchforks: there’s nothing wrong with appreciating the look of a running shoe. Trainers don’t need to resemble high-visibility clown shoes to perform well. The Structure Plus proves that performance footwear can serve more than one function, ultimately delivering better value for money.

At £164.99, it isn’t cheap, and it’s certainly more expensive than alternatives like Hoka’s Arahi or Puma’s popular ForeverRUN Nitro 2. Still, as a premium Nike stability trainer, it feels fairly priced, especially given how versatile it is.

The bigger picture

Having now tried both the Structure Plus and the Vomero Premium, I can see the logic behind Nike’s new tiered approach. The Structure Plus feels clearly more stable than the Vomero Premium, while also looking less bulky than many high-stack Hoka models, despite similar numbers on paper.

I had a lot of fun testing the Structure Plus. It delivers the right amount of support, looks excellent, and works just as well for walking as it does for running. I’d happily recommend it to anyone who thinks they might benefit from a stability shoe, but doesn’t want to look like a dork wearing one.

The Structure Plus is available now at Nike UK, Nike US, Nike EU and Nike AU for the recommended retail price of £164.99 / $170 / €179.99 / AU$260/

I write a lot about consumer tech, especially wearables, drones and action cameras, among other things. And in 2025, I wrote a lot due to major releases from brands including, but not limited to, DJI, Insta360, Garmin, Apple, Samsung, Google, GoPro, and more.

Looking back on the year that brought us 10+ new Garmin watches, it's easy to assume there were loads of gadgets that excited tech lovers like me. Interestingly, that's not the case. As always, less is often more, which is why having a large number of new releases doesn't guarantee that you'll have a ton of exciting new products coming out.

That said, and even in the world of iterative design, there were a few standout models that really blew me away, from the world's first 360º drone and an action camera attachment that prints out your photos instantly to smartwatches that track your antioxidant levels and more.

I'm sure there were loads more interesting products that came out in 2025, but I'll focus on the ones I reported on and/or tested. Some of them are pure tech, while others have an interesting tech aspect. Here's to a 2026 with even more innovation and surprises!

Antigravity A1 Drone

Insta360-incubated brand Antigravity has been building up hype around the world's first 360º drone for months, and I've been lucky enough to try the innovative flying tripod months before it was announced to the public.

Even though I don't think every element of the drone lives up to the hype (including the little display on the headset that allows others to see what you're looking at), the A1 is an exciting new concept in an area that's highly iterative in its design.

DJI is already on Antigravity's heels with its rumoured Avata 360 drone, just like how the Chinese giant went after Zero Robotics' HoverAir selfie drone with the Neo and the Flip. For now, though, Antigravity A1 should enjoy the spotlight – it's well deserved.

From $1,599 | Antigravity

Nike Project Amplify

Nike was on a mission in 2025 to prove there was still innovation within the company. The Oregon-based brand not only revamped its running shoe line and launched a new sub-brand focused on groundbreaking new gear, but it also announced a ton of new projects that might shake up the running industry.

One of these is Project Amplify, which Nike claims is the world’s first powered footwear system for running and walking. It's a motor-assisted shoe that uses a lightweight drive belt and a rechargeable cuff battery to give wearers a subtle boost.

The company says the system can make hills feel flat and shave minutes off slower paces without feeling mechanical. Exoskeletons are having a moment, and Project Amplify shows there is a lot of innovation left to explore in the area.

£TBC | Nike

Garmin Fenix 8 Pro MicroLED

Garmin had the busiest of years, which meant I spent the majority of 2025 testing the brand's running watches and triathlon wearables. One Garmin watch that stood out was the Fenix 8 Pro, the world's first MicroLED smartwatch and the crown jewel of the company's strong wearable portfolio.

Many brands, including Apple, were rumoured to be working on the technology, but Garmin broke through first, showcasing even stronger dominance over the smartwatch market than before. And it was quite a dominating force to begin with.

The Fenix 8 Pro isn't a mass-market watch – just look at the price tag – but it's an important milestone for not just Garmin, but the wearable industry as a whole. I look forward to seeing the tech in future Garmin watches! Not to mention where other brands might take it.

£1,729.99 | Garmin UK

Insta360 Pocket Printer

Insta360 never shied away from innovation, but 2025 really solidified the brand as a force to be reckoned with. It brought out two new 360-degree action cameras, the flagship X5 and the more affordable X4 Air, but it's what the Chinese brand did with one of its existing action cams that impressed me the most.

The Pocket Printer turns the already excellent Insta360 Ace Pro 2 into a bona-fide Polaroid with all the trimmings of a modern digital camera. It's a fascinating reframing of compact rugged cameras, and shows that the company is still thinking outside the box.

Insta360 always had a strong accessory game, and it got even more robust in 2025. It's also nice to see that a tech brand doesn't just forget an 'older' product as soon as it's out of the door. Wish more companies would follow suit.

£99 | Insta360 UK

Lumia 2 Smart Earring

Smart rings had a bit of a slow year due to limited market saturation and other smart products nipping at their heels (see also my Oakley Meta Vanguard review). That said, companies are already hunting for the next everyday object that hasn’t been “smartified” yet.

The Lumia 2 Smart Earring is one of these. It weighs less than a gram, yet it can monitor vital health stats, such as sleep, temperature, menstrual cycle, and readiness, and with greater accuracy and continuity than even smart rings, the company claims.

I've yet to try one, so I take all this with a pinch of salt, but even I must admit that a heart rate-tracking earring sounds enticing and opens up a whole new avenue of possibilities. What's next? Smart necklaces? Smart headbands? I'm here, waiting.

TBC | Lumia Health

Peloton IQ

Peloton launched a heap load of new hardware in the second half of 2026, which, to be fair, is very similar to its previous lot of treadmills and exercise bikes, but with bigger screens and – you guessed it – and more AI.

Now, I'm just as sceptical about AI as everyone else, but I saw Peloton IQ in action, and it looks pretty impressive. The system 'sees' you and can recommend changes to your workout in real time, provide feedback, and take commands.

It's a clever setup that might not sell the new Peloton Cross Training Bike+ on its own, but certainly adds to its appeal. I wish the company sold the camera on its own – bring back Peloton Guide, I say!

£2,299 | Peloton (Cross Training Bike+)

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic

Samsung's wearables have always been synonymous with health tracking, and the brand really took it to the next level in 2025. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic can track everything its predecessors could and adds a few extra tricks, making it an even more indispensable tool than before.

The Antioxidant Index was one of the most obscure features added to any of the smartwatches, and I found it quite engaging to use. If you measure a feature's success by how much it changes your daily habits, the Antioxidant Index was a massive success for me, as it made me eat a lot more vegetables than usual to improve my score.

Gamification has always been a big appeal of smartwatches, and I'm glad there are still new things under the sun when it comes to health and fitness features.

£499 | Samsung UK

For years, Nike’s fortunes have been tied to cultural staples: Air Force 1s, Dunks, Jordans, and the kind of shoes that sell themselves until they suddenly don’t.

But buried inside Nike’s latest earnings call was a far more revealing signal about where the brand believes its next phase of growth will come from.

It isn’t lifestyle. It isn’t throwback colourways. It’s running shoes.

Nike positioned running as its strongest-performing category and the clearest proof yet that its wider turnaround strategy is working.

And unusually for an earnings call, executives didn’t just talk in abstractions or percentages. They named shoes, too.

Running is doing the heavy lifting

Nike confirmed that running grew by more than 20% for the second quarter in a row, with double-digit growth across every channel, including Nike Direct and wholesale.

In North America, it delivered high double-digit gains in stores, online and through partners, helping offset a deliberate pullback in classic lifestyle footwear.

Executives said running is taking market share and described confidence in sustaining momentum as increasing.

In other words, running is no longer just a performance halo category; instead, it’s becoming a dependable growth engine again.

That’s a meaningful shift for a brand that has leaned heavily on lifestyle silhouettes to prop up revenues in recent years.

The Vomero Premium was singled out for strong sell-through, positioned as part of Nike’s new tiered running framework that spans everyday cushioning through to higher-end comfort.

The Structure 26 was described as a strong start for Nike’s stability category, with the Structure Plus confirmed to launch in January as a more premium extension of that line.

It seems Nike's strategy to rebuild its running portfolio around three key franchises (neutral, stability and premium) seems to be paying off.

That approach mirrors what rivals like ASICS and HOKA have been doing well, and suggests Nike is serious about competing again at the everyday training level, not just at the sharp end of the marathon.

Why this matters more than it sounds

At the same time as running surged, Nike reiterated that its classic footwear franchises are declining by around 20% year on year.

That decline is intentional, part of a broader effort to reduce overproduction, discounting and brand fatigue.

The key detail is that Nike is still growing despite that pullback, and running is one of the categories making that possible.

In the background, Nike is tightening promotions, improving full-price sell-through and leaning harder on wholesale partners for performance-led categories.

Running fits that strategy neatly, offering specialist shoes, clearer use cases and less dependence on constant markdowns.

A quieter but more durable comeback

Nike didn’t tease a new super shoe or another record-breaking racer. Instead, it talked about stability trainers, premium daily shoes and sustained growth across channels.

That might not generate the same buzz as a prototype spotted on an elite athlete’s feet, but it’s arguably far more important.

If Nike can rebuild running as a dependable growth engine, anchored by franchises like Vomero and Structure, it gives the brand a much sturdier foundation than hype-driven lifestyle drops ever could.

The message from the earnings call was subtle but unmistakable: Nike’s comeback isn’t being led by nostalgia. It’s being powered by shoes you can actually run in.

Nike has never been shy about reinventing its staples, but the Structure Plus marks a shift even longtime fans won’t expect.

For the first time, ZoomX and ReactX foams move into a stability shoe, transforming the feel underfoot from firm and traditional to soft, springy and unapologetically modern.

The Plus sits alongside the Structure 26, giving runners a genuine choice between the familiar, balanced ride of the 26 and the energetic, plush cushioning of the new model.

Nike says the Structure Plus was fine-tuned for everyday training and long runs, taking insights from elite athletes and pushing them into a stability shoe that doesn’t feel like one.

With a stack height of 42 millimetres at the heel and 32 millimetres at the forefoot, the Plus is positioned as the softer, more responsive option in the franchise, designed for runners who want stability that fades into the background rather than dictates how the shoe feels.

Where the wild things run

The ACG Zegama arrives from an entirely different corner of Nike’s universe, built for runners who measure their miles in elevation gain rather than splits.

It is the latest evolution of the brand’s trail-running shoe lineage and a significant upgrade from 2022's Nike ZoomX Zegama, engineered for ultramarathons and long days on unforgiving terrain.

Nike claims it tested the shoe with 22 elite runners across more than 400 miles of steep ascents, loose rock and unpredictable weather, refining the silhouette until it could withstand the worst of it.

The midsole leans heavily on ZoomX, delivering around 85% energy return for a max-cushioned ride that feels surprisingly light for such a rugged shoe.

Cushlon 3.0 adds stability when the trail tilts or crumbles beneath you, while the design takes cues from both mountain running and ACG’s data-driven approach.

Nike positions the new Zegama as a tool for athletes who go beyond the edge of the map and need cushioning, traction and protection that last long after the battery on their watch dies.

The bigger picture

Nike frames both shoes as part of its ongoing push to merge athlete feedback with engineering ambition.

One is built for the structured rhythm of road running and the other for the chaos of the mountains, but both chase the same idea: comfort, versatility and performance without compromise.

The Structure Plus launches in running speciality stores on January 8, 2026, with a wider release planned for February 5. The ACG Zegama is scheduled for release in summer 2026.

Head over to Nike for more info.

Nike’s latest collaboration has landed, and it’s not the usual lifestyle drop we're used to from the company.

The brand’s new Après Ski capsule with Jacquemus takes winter gear somewhere unexpected by blending genuine mountain-ready performance with the clean, architectural styling that made Jacquemus a fashion favourite.

It’s a collection designed as much for riding fresh powder as stepping straight into a slope-side bar, and it’s the closest the sportswear giant has come to creating a full high-fashion ski uniform.

A dialogue between fabric and frost

Nike has used triple-layer GORE-TEX across shells and trousers, with fully waterproof jackets built to handle real winter storms.

The hybrid two-in-one jacket pairs a weatherproof shell with a removable insulated bomber lined in Primaloft.

Wear them together in biting cold or zip the bomber out when you’re heading indoors, and both parts carry subtle Nike x Jacquemus co-branding rather than big, loud graphics.

The rest of the lineup continues the functional-fashion blend. Women’s pieces include a water-repellent woven jumpsuit, high-waisted stirrup leggings and a sculpted bralette.

Men get a technical long-sleeve layering top and a reworked Jacquemus shirt made from a mountain-ready fabric rather than cotton.

Everything is cut with Jacquemus’ signature minimalism but built with Nike’s technical engineering, creating a wardrobe for people who want the warmth and protection of performance gear without looking like they just stepped out of a rental shop.

Jacquemus brings fashion-house credibility to the slopes for the first time, while Nike pushes deeper into the world of alpine gear at a moment when outdoors-meets-luxury is becoming one of the strongest trends in fashion.

The result is an 18-piece collection that looks like it belongs on a runway but behaves like it belongs in a blizzard, and that tension is exactly what makes it interesting.

The Nike x Jacquemus Après Ski apparel collection will be available on 26 November at Jacquemus and Jacquemus stores before launching on 3 December at Nike and select Nike stores and retail partners.

I've been covering Black Friday for the last seven years, and every year I'm on the hunt for the best running shoe deals. There is something in discovering cheap running shoe deals and spreading the joy with others. After all, running is a social sport, and the more people get access to good trainer deals, the better!

Running is growing, as more people discover just how great it is to move on two feet. This is great for running shoe companies, which sell more shoes than ever before (although the non-recyclable trainers aren't so good for the environment).

• SportsShoes.com: extra 24% off AW25 ranges
• On Running: up to 40% off past season shoes and gear
• Adidas: up to 60% off Ultraboost, Adizero SL and more
• Nike: up to 50% off Pegasus, Winflo and more
• HOKA: big money off Clifton 10, Cielo X1 2.0 and more
• Asics: over 200 shoes on sale (£70+ off)
• New Balance: save up to 30% on trainers

I looked through many deals and noticed that one of the most underrated carbon-plated trainers, the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0, is currently down to £174.99, which I believe is the cheapest these amazing racers have ever been.

Speaking of criminally underrated shoes for racing, On's Cloudboom Max is selling for only £165 at End Clothing – I would strongly urge everyone to check it out if you like moving fast in a bipedal fashion.

You'll find yet more running shoes on offer below. Or, alternatively, you can click or tap on the links above to browse the full selection of shoes from brands and retailers.

Running brands test new shoes out in the wild more than you’d think - most of the time, it’s to get honest feedback from athletes and see what actually helps them run better.

So, if you’ve been around club runs lately, or scrolling training camp photos, those blacked-out trainers no one can name might start to make sense.

With Nike's latest Vomero Premium road-running shoe now hitting shops, the brand has let us in on how exactly that testing process really works, laying out a simple look at its prototype routine from the first sample to the cushioned trainer you can buy today.

Listening to the legs

According to a piece published by Nike on its magazine-style blog, the brand's first step is to strip early prototype shoes of anything that might give them away or colour an opinion. This might mean taped-over Zoom Air units, covered logos and disguised midsoles, all so the athlete focuses on just the feel rather than the overall style.

In the article, American marathoner Conner Mantz recounts his first Vomero Premium prototype landing on his lap in late 2023, with the tape lines still showing across the midsole. He explains that the point was simply to judge how the shoe moved under him across both steady miles and faster efforts, not how wild it looked when standing still.

The Vomero Premium itself sits in the big-cushion camp with a 55 mm heel stack, a full bed of ZoomX foam and two exposed Zoom units in the forefoot and heel borrowed from track spikes, which makes it ineligible for World Athletics racing but very much aimed at high-mileage training and recovery days when your legs need a bit more help.

Once Mantz realised how a long run in the Vomeros felt better than expected, his notes started to flow - covering upper support, foam feel and outsole grip. Every comment he made fed the next build, Nike says.

From taped samples to shop-ready shoes

So, those blacked-out pairs you might spot out on long runs? These are merely early test shoes. Nike hides the obvious design bits so athletes focus on how they feel, not how they look. The runners take them out for easy miles and harder efforts, then report what's good and what isn’t.

All that road feel is paired with time in Nike's Sport Research Lab - or NSRL, where coaches and scientists see if the data backs up what the athletes felt. They'll run VO2 and sub-max sessions, swap shoes mid-test and track efficiency changes to build up what they call “signals”. Those measurements then help Nike decide what to dial up and what to rein in before the next round outside.

For example, if the upper rubs, they change it. If the foam feels too soft or too firm, they tune it. If grip is off, they rework the outsole. New samples go back out, more notes come in, and the cycle repeats until the shoe feels right on foot and looks solid on paper.

World champion Faith Kipyegon says how she went through a similar process for her Breaking4 project, with a one-off spike tuned to her needs and the Vomero Premium used on recovery days, which shows how the same loop applies whether you are chasing records or just stacking base miles.

The cycle repeats until it lands, with Nike signing off the final design before it becomes the retail model, In Mantz’s case that meant five versions before he felt the shoe was doing its job quietly in the background, he says.

Not just for athletes

It was only last month that Nike rolled its NRSL research facility across the world to non-athletes, with London being among the first city to get it - going live at Nike's UK flagship store in Oxford Circus.

Despite the formal-sounding name, the mobile lab is basically a head-to-toe check-in on how you move, consisting of a few minutes run on a treadmill powered by the Lab’s biomechanics know-how and marker-less motion capture.

Surprisingly, lab sessions are completely free, although you'll have to book an appointment before showing up via your Nike Membership (by signing in and checking available dates/times on the store page).

Just be sure to arrive already warmed up, in non-reflective running kit and your usual shoes, and they’ll do the rest. If I were you, I'd get booking ASAP as I'm sure slots will go fast!

Continuing its legacy of innovation in running shoe technology, Nike has announced two highly-anticipated additions to its racing lineup – the Vaporfly 4 and the Streakfly 2 – set to launch globally in March 2025.

Building on a legacy that began eight years ago, the Vaporfly 4 emerges as the lightest iteration in the franchise’s history. Drawing on insights from elite athletes such as Joshua Cheptegei and Mohammed Ahmed, Nike has refined this model to perform across distances ranging from 5Ks to marathons.

An updated carbon fibre Flyplate has been engineered to optimise energy return by improving leverage from the foot and ankle, while the now-classic ZoomX foam midsole delivers exceptional cushioning and responsiveness.

By strategically reducing unnecessary midsole foam and incorporating a new, breathable engineered mesh upper, the Vaporfly 4 achieves a featherweight design – approximately 10% lighter than its already super-light predecessor.

Canadian long-distance runner Mohammed Ahmed encapsulated the sentiment, calling it “the ideal Vaporfly” for its perfect blend of lightness, responsiveness, and stability: "Simply put, it’s the perfect combination of carbon to foam in this shoe to date."

The Streakfly 2, tailored for shorter races and high-intensity training sessions, brings track-level performance to the road. It introduces significant upgrades, including a full-length carbon fibre Flyplate that enhances propulsion and energy transfer and a redesigned ZoomX midsole that strikes a balance between flexibility and durability.

The model’s aggressive stance, inspired by a track spike last and featuring a 4mm heel-to-toe offset, promotes efficient forefoot running. Weighing in at just 126 grams, the Streakfly 2 is approximately 40 grams lighter than its predecessor, epitomising its ultra-lightweight design.

“The Streakfly 2 is a renaissance for racing,” added Nike athlete Cooper Teare, an American middle- and long-distance runner. “I can run fast 200s or a smooth 5K pace in the new Streakfly.”

Both the Vaporfly 4 and the Streakfly 2 join Nike’s esteemed racing lineup, which also features the Alphafly 3 marathon shoe and the Zoom Fly 6 super trainer. Available globally at Nike and select retailers starting in March 2025 – prices TBC.

Step into any gym, and you’re likely to spot someone sporting a pair of Nike Free Metcons. Unlike the more CrossFit-centric Metcon line, the Free Metcon is designed with the general gym-goer in mind. It’s a hybrid training shoe that strikes a balance between cushioning and stability, making it versatile for a variety of workouts, from weightlifting and cardio classes to plyometrics and light running. To top it off, they look great too.

I tested the Metcon 9s when they first launched and while I was impressed with the stability they provided for weightlifting and other CrossFit-style movements, their minimal cushioning and flat sole made them less comfortable for general gym workouts. That’s where the Free Metcon 6 steps in.

The latest iteration promises enhanced cushioning and increased flexibility in the forefoot, along with a reinforced heel for added stability. According to Nike, this combination offers greater freedom for dynamic movements during plyometrics and cardio classes, while still providing the solid foundation needed for weight training.

Although I’ve only tested the Free Metcon 6 for a relatively short period (two weeks), it quickly became evident why people rate them so highly, as I was pleasantly surprised by how much I could achieve in this one shoe. Is it up there as one of the best workout shoes though? Let's take a look...

Nike Free Metcon 6 review: price and availability

The Nike Free Metcon 6 launched globally on 6 June 2024, making them the newest addition to the Free Metcon family. They’re available to buy at Nike UK, Nike US, and Nike AU for the recommended retail price of £119.99/$120/AU $180 in both men’s and women’s sizes. It’s also worth noting that a few colourways are also on sale right now.

Although not cheap, this sits within the normal price range for a hybrid workout shoe, with Reebok’s latest Nano X5 and the R.A.D One V2, all around a similar figure. It’s actually also ever so slightly cheaper (we’re talking by a pound) than when the Free Metcon 5 launched.

Nike Free Metcon 6 review: design and fit

The Nike Free Metcon 6 doesn’t look hugely dissimilar to the Free Metcon 5, however, it has had a few tweaks. A denser foam has been added to the heel for enhanced stability for lifting, yet the forefoot is incredibly flexible for natural movement. The midfoot is also flatter so your foot has even more contact with the ground and the toe box is slightly roomier for better toe splay during big lifts.

Straight out of the box, I was impressed by their modern, sporty aesthetic and, as soon as I slipped them on, their boot-like construction provided a snug, sock-like fit that gently hugged my foot. This comfort was further enhanced by their incredibly lightweight build and breathable material, making them perfect for intense, sweat sessions. It very much feels like you’re wearing nothing on your feet at all. Size-wise, I opted for a 5.5UK and I found them very true to size, with no rubbing or looseness. In the words of Goldilocks, they were “just right”.

Nike also implemented a few other small detail changes. These included a heel tab at the back of the shoe (which I feel I would’ve really struggled without) and reintroduced their Flywire lacing system, used on the first and third iterations, for a lockdown fit without increasing the shoe's weight. The sidewalls are also much higher—particularly towards the rear of the shoe—which makes them feel quite stable around the ankle.

Nike Free Metcon 6 review: performance

The Nike Free Metcon really is a fantastic all-around workout shoe designed to handle a variety of training disciplines with ease. I tested them during some weight training sessions—which included heavy deadlifts, front squats and bench presses—general gym workouts using a mixture of machines/free weights, plus a few conditioning sessions.

It was interesting to compare how the Free Metcon 6 stacked up against its more stable, lifting-focused sibling, the Metcon 9. I was pleasantly surprised by the results though. My 115kg deadlifts felt smooth and controlled; the heel remained stable under the load without any compression, and the flat midfoot enabled solid floor contact so I could really push through my foot. This was similar with my front squats (though these were much lighter at 55kg) and my 60kg bench press.

For my conditioning sessions—which included a mixture of free-weight movements, like dumbbell snatches, burpees, the rowing machine, running intervals on the treadmill, the echo bike, and hanging leg raises—complaints were minimal. The mesh material and insane flexibility meant my foot never got too hot and I was able to move swiftly from one movement to the next. I’d avoid any kind of abrasive movements at all costs though, particularly rope climbs, unless you’re willing to accept they'll wear them down quickly, or risk getting a hole in them.

Despite being super comfy and performing highly, they’re not perfect. I’d personally keep running in them to a minimum. While short intervals (about 500 meters) on the treadmill felt fine, anything longer—like one-kilometer intervals—became uncomfortable for me and led to shin splints. Maybe I’m being a wuss, as other people have reported running quite comfortably in them for up to four kilometres! However, running isn’t my strong suit, so for anything over two kilometers, I’d prefer to opt for my regular running shoes.

Nike Free Metcon 6 review: verdict

The Free Metcon 6 is an excellent, ‘do-it-all’ workout shoe that’s perfect for most workouts, whether you’re into cardio, pulling weights, or HIIT, this shoe can handle it all. They’re incredibly comfy, flexible and offer enough support where needed. A ‘Jack of all trades’ is a good way to describe them, I think.

That said, while they’re a solid all-around workout shoe, those with a very specific training focus—such as heavy weightlifting, intense cross-training, or running—might want to consider a more specialized option. For heavy lifters who still need a shoe that performs well for running, the R.A.D V2s are a great choice. Alternatively, the Reebok Nano X5 is a dependable option for cross-training and offer enhanced durability.

Did you know that Nike also did home weights? I didn’t until about a year ago when I stumbled upon the Nike Strength website, offering everything from dumbbells and barbells to weight plates and benches. The brand also provides squat racks, kettlebells, and, of course, apparel.

As soon as I learned about its existence, I knew I had to try Nike Strength equipment, not least because T3 readers seem to love all things Nike and strength training. It makes sense that you want to know about a brand that sits in the cross-section of those two things.

With that in mind, I requested a pair of Nike Grind Hex Dumbbells and have used them for my workouts for the last few weeks. And guess what? They are great. They feel just the right amount of premium with a dash of personality added in for good measure.

Are they the best dumbbells for home workouts, or should you choose adjustable models instead? Well, it depends on what type of workout you prefer and how much money you can throw at kitting out your home gym. Want to know more? Read my full Nike Grind Dumbbell review below.

Nike Grind Dumbbell review

Price and availability

The Grind Dumbbells are available to buy now directly from Nike Strength UK and Nike Strength US with prices from £14.50/ $15 (per dumbbell) – AU price and availability TBC. The weight range is 1-22.5kg. You can only buy dumbbells in pairs. Nike Strength provides free shipping on orders over 100 kilograms.

Design and materials

The showstopper feature of the Nike Grind Dumbbells is the Grind coating, which is made from ground footwear waste. This gives the weights a unique look, as the mix of colours of the weights will differ from each other.

It’s worth pointing out that the listing says that the dumbbells are made with “at least 20% Nike Grind rubber by volume,” meaning that around 80% of the weights are non-grind rubber material. Other reviewers online went as far as slicing the plates open, which revealed that Grind is much like a thick coating.

The brand also sells standard rubber dumbbells, aptly called Nike Dumbbells (retailer link). These feature more traditional black rubber weights (with the added Swoosh, of course). Interestingly, Nike Dumbbells go all the way up to 40kg, with the larger models featuring a different handle design.

But back to the Grind Dumbells. They have ergonomic, medium-knurled handles, which provide a good grip. The six-sided shape of the weights makes the Grind Dumbbells ideal for floor exercises such as renegade rows and helps prevent rolling. Overall, a straightforward design with some attitude, thanks to the Grind coating.

Performance

I found the Nike Grind Dumbbells perfect for workouts. I used an 8-kilo pair, which is my sweet spot for working smaller muscles. The handle felt perfect in my large monkey hands; plenty of grip to prevent accidental slippage.

Does the Grind Dumbbell feel massively different to other, more affordable hex dumbbells? Not really. They don’t smell quite as bad, which is nice, but the design is very similar to other hex dumbbells I used in the past.

The knurling feels nice, though, and I love the style of the dumbbells. Sure, you’re paying a little extra for the Grind coating, but at least the dumbbells look less plain vanilla than other models. That might be worth the premium price tag for some.

Verdict

The Nike Grind Dumbbells are exactly what you’d expect strength training equipment to look like from the apparel giant. They look and feel premium and exude an aura of the ‘Just Do It’ legacy. If you’re setting up your gym and looking for equipment that looks different, the Nike Grind Dumbbells are an excellent choice. They are also worth considering for affluent people who are really into their strength training.

If you’re a beginner, I’d recommend adjustable dumbbells (they take up less space but can’t be dropped or used for exercises when your bodyweight rests on the dumbbells) or more affordable hex sets. However, if you just need a pair or two for quick home workouts, you might as well get the Nike Grind Dumbbells.

Luxury sportswear label Represent 247 has released its first-ever workout trainer and running shoe— the ARC-1 Runner and ARC-2 Trainer.

Following the success of its initial footwear launch in December of the PUMA x 247 Deviatre Nitro Elite 3 trainer, its new shoes combine innovative engineering and modern design for a perfect blend of performance and style.

Characterised with a sleek aesthetic, the ARC-1 Runner is made for short distance runs, between 5-10 kilometres.

It’s designed with a mesh upper and precision perforations for optimal airflow and comfort and has superior shock absorption to ensure less joint impact for a smoother run.

Those hitting the gym floor are best geared towards the ARC-2 Trainer, designed for strength training and conditioning workouts.

Engineered with a knitted upper and TPU overlays, it provides stability and flexibility during dynamic movements, while the flat outsole with minimal toe spring provides optimal stability for heavy lifts.

The soles also features a map of Rivington Pike, one of the Founder’s favourite hometown running routes, for superior traction and visual appeal.

Both trainers will be available to buy in a range of classic colourways, including black, white and yellow, in both men’s and women’s sizes, for versatile options to suit every style.

“After 2 years of designing and fine tuning – we’ve created two shoes to serve our fitness community and this is just the beginning of what’s to come,” says George Heaton, co-founder and Creative Director of Represent.

The shoes will also be accompanied by a 12 piece apparel collection, 247 Archetype, and will be available from Represent from 22nd January at 8pm GMT.

Good Nike Alphafly deals are still yet to surface, but that doesn't mean we aren't without super shoe deals from the brand. The company's best off-road racer, the Ultrafly, has just shed £100 of its asking price for Cyber Monday, making it an absolute steal for trail runners.

This is probably the first 'proper' Black Friday/Cyber Monday running shoe deal I've seen this year. Sure, there have been many running shoe Black Friday deals, but most of them almost feel like they are the same price as usual, with a little extra taken off the top. This offer, however, is a real beast!

Trail running demands footwear that can keep pace with your ambition, and the Nike Ultrafly delivers on all fronts. At the heart of this shoe is ZoomX foam, Nike’s lightest and most responsive midsole material, designed to cushion every stride and return energy with every push-off. Combined with the carbon-fibre Flyplate, the Ultrafly propels you forward with efficiency, making those long trail miles feel easier.

Its Vibram Megagrip outsole ensures you stay stable and secure, whether you're navigating loose gravel, slippery rocks, or muddy inclines. This traction system is a game-changer for runners tackling unpredictable terrain. The lightweight design and breathable upper also minimise fatigue, keeping your feet comfortable for longer runs.

With £100 off this Cyber Monday, this shoe is a no-brainer for runners looking to elevate their trail game. It’s rare to see a discount on a shoe that combines cutting-edge materials, elite performance, and the durability needed for rugged adventures. If you're serious about trail running or want to tackle new challenges with confidence, now is the perfect time to invest in the Nike Ultrafly.

Nike is striving to rediscover its roots as an innovative, athlete-centric powerhouse. In recent years, this iconic sports brand—renowned for its excellence—has concentrated on optimising its e-commerce strategy, inadvertently moving away from the core value that defines its legacy: an unwavering commitment to the relentless pursuit of progress.

The Nike Zoom Fly 6 is part of a new cohort of shoes that is set to change that. Although it’s not part of the revamped Nike running shoe lineup, it’s a big departure from the previous iteration: it’s taller, has a different foam structure and has a reworked upper. In short, it’s a very different beast from the Zoom Fly 5.

I’ve been running in the shoes for a few weeks now, and they really grew on me. Initially, I thought I’d only use them for tempo sessions, but after a while, I found myself reaching for them for slower sessions, too. They are comfortable and just fun to run in, no matter your speed.

How do the Nike Zoom Fly 6 compare to the best running shoes and other ‘’super trainers’? Should you get one? What are the benefits and drawbacks of the shoes? Find the answer to this and more below.

Nike Zoom Fly 6 review

Price and availability

The Nike Zoom Fly 6 was announced in October 2024 and is abailable to buy now at Nike UK, Nike US and Nike AU for a recommended price of £154.99/ 170/ AU$260. The shoes are available for both women and men. It comes in a few colourways (everyone’s current favourite is the Eliud Kipchoge version), with more to follow next year, according to the brand.

Just a note on colour. Nike sent me the White/Vivid Grape/Hyper Pink/Black colourway, which is only available for women online, as some people pointed out on social media. I wear UK 10 shoes, and the women’s version doesn’t go up to that size, so I assume it’s a men’s shoe in a seemingly unavailable colourway.

Specifications

• Best for: daily training, tempo and interval runs, racing
• Tested weight: 282g/ 9.95oz (men's UK 10/ US 11)
• Stack height: 42 mm (heel); 34 mm (forefoot)
• Drop: 8mm
• Fit: True-to-size
• Support: Neutral

Design and materials

The Nike Zoom Fly 6 is a big departure from the previous iterations. It features a dual-layer midsole, adding the SR-02 foam on top of the ZoomX, the latter of which is positioned mainly under the heel. Embedded between the two foam layers, you’ll find the FlyPlate carbon plate.

The foam is carved throughout to reduce weight. In fact, the Zoom Fly 6 is supposed to be at least 10% lighter than its predecessor. The new outsole with its thin web of rubber also helps keep the weight down. The lightweight and grippy rubber material is positioned in critical areas like the forefoot and the medial and lateral side under the heel.

The Zoom Fly 6 is taller than the Zoom Fly 5 with its 42 mm stack height under the heel. It has a shallower, 8 mm drop compared to the predecessor, but you still get 34 mm of foam under the forefoot, which is more than enough to provide that plush feeling during your longer runs.

The upper has also been changed and now features a two-layer woven mesh system wth synthetic leather areas for additional support. The gusseted tongue sits nicely on top of the foot and in my experience, does an excellent job in reducing pressure coming from the laces.

There is plenty of foam around the ankles, anf the heel counter feels supportive, too, creating a 360-degree support system at the back of the foot. The toe box is rounded and tall but tapers quickly towards the mid-section of the shoes.

Performance and comfort

I found the Nike Zoom Fly 6 snug the first time I tried them on. I have a bit of a hit-and-miss relationship with Nike running shoes; some fit perfectly, while others can be either a bit tight (e.g. Pegasus 41) or too loose (e.g. Nike Invincible Run 3). Initially, I thought the Zoom Fly 6 will fall into the latter category.

Then, I took them out on a run, and my worries melted away instantly. Nike says the new upper has a sock-like fit, and it really is true for the Zoom Fly 6. I went on faster and slower runs and felt no discomfort during or after runs despite having wide feet. A big win in my books!

The shoes have a dual-layer midsole and an embedded propulsion plate, which makes them ideal for faster runs. I prefer not to wear high stack, plated shoes for slower training, as I find them quite taxing on the lower legs – this wasn’t the case with the Zoom Fly 6.

It might be because the plate isn’t that aggressive or the extra foam underfoot, but the shoes are downright comfortable at any pace. Sure, you won’t get quite as much energy back as when you run in the Nike Alphafly 2, but for training, I think it’s almost unnecessary.

Traction is excellent; the webbed rubber outsole helps provide stable footing in on tarmac. I also found the groove in the foam under the heel act almost as a suction cup, almost sealing the shoes to the ground during landing. Stability is excellent, thanks to the wider forefoot platform and the firm plate.

The shoes are taller than the 40 mm maximum stack height limit posed by the World Athletics, but lets face it, companies (and runners) care less and less about the blanket ban on tall running shoes. Many new trainers are getting taller and taller (the Hoka Mach X 2: 44 mm, Asics Navablast 5: 41.5 mm), including the recently announced Nike Vomero 18 with its 46 mm stack height.

In essence, the Zoom Fly 6 is comfortable and propulsive, but don’t expect the same responsiveness some thoroughbred Nike running shoes provide. I’d argue that the energy return coming from the shoes is enough for racing, but I’m sure some of the most hardcore runners would disagree with this statement.

Who’s the Nike Zoom Fly 6 for?

The Nike Zoom Fly 6 can be used for training and racing. It’s best suited for runners who like to push the tempo, whatever that means to them (as in, it’s not just for the fastest runners). The taller than 40 mm maximum stack height might deter some professional runners from using them in races, but let’s be frank: those runners are already affiliated with a company, so it doesn’t matter too much to them.

Should you buy the Nike Zoom Fly 6?

The Nike Zoom Fly 6 sells for £154.99/ $170/ AU$260, which – and it pains me to say this – is a comparatively affordable price for a running shoe in this category these days. Better still, unlike the Vaporfly/ Alphafly due, the Zoom Fly 6 is a do-it-all shoe, meaning you can use them for training and racing. If you prefer to run faster, they are certainly an option to consider!

Verdict

The Nike Zoom Fly 6 is a versatile and improved option for runners seeking a balance between training and racing. Even though they may not fully match the performance of Nike's top-tier racing shoes, the shoes are an excellent option for runners looking for a do-it-all trainer with a responsive feel.

I look forward to seeing where Nike takes the Zoom Fly franchise in the future. for now, I’ll be enjoying running in the Zoom Fly 6. If the GOAT Eliud Kipchoge to be believed, the shoes work as well on dirt roads as on tarmac, which is something I’m yet to experience. All the more reason to keep running in them!

Also consider

Hoka Mach X: The Hoka Mach X offers a similarly tall stack height and a lightweight, cushioned ride, but its ProFlyX foam provides a softer, more forgiving feel compared to the Zoom Fly 6. It's ideal for runners prioritising comfort over the slightly firmer, more propulsive ride of Nike’s FlyPlate.

Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 10: Designed for shorter distances, the Takumi Sen 10 features Lightstrike Pro foam and EnergyRods, offering a snappier, more aggressive performance for tempo and interval sessions. While it lacks the versatility of the Zoom Fly 6 for slower runs, it's a better option for runners seeking a sharper, race-focused edge.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4: A versatile all-rounder, the Endorphin Speed 4 combines PWRRUN PB foam with a nylon plate, offering a more natural, flexible feel than Nike’s carbon-infused FlyPlate. It’s slightly more responsive and better suited for those wanting a single shoe for both training and racing.

Nike is making it easier than ever for runners to find the best running shoes for their needs with a complete restructuring of its road running lineup.

Based on three trusted franchises – Pegasus, Vomero, and Structure – the new lineup is focused on what runners value most: cushioning.

Each franchise offers a distinct type of cushioning, ensuring runners can match their shoes to the experience they’re seeking.

The Vomero line will become the brand’s maximum cushioning option, while the Structure is now the go-to option for supportive cushioning.

“The Vomero line is built for runners who want that sensation of not feeling the road underfoot,” says Ashley Campbell, Running Footwear Product Line Manager at Nike. “It's all about delivering a comfortable but incredibly plush ride that ensures that longer runs are easy on the body.”

The Pegasus line sits between the two as a responsive cushioning option, which is what the Pegasus has always been known for.

"We know runners just want a shoe that feels right for their daily runs. They don't want to overthink it," says Marian Dougherty, Nike’s Senior Director of Running Footwear Product. "That's why we’ve streamlined our offerings and created clear distinctions so runners can easily find what they need."

The lineup includes “Icon” models (i.e. base models), such as the Pegasus 41 and Vomero 18, alongside “Plus” and “Premium” silhouettes designed to "push the boundaries of cushioning."

In fact, the company already revealed the first Premium option this April in the form of the Nike Pegasus Premium.

This intuitive categorisation allows runners to gear up for everything from a quick jog to an intense marathon training session.

Of course, the restructuring doesn’t make the Alphafly or the Vaporfly disappear. Nike’s racing shoe lineup is still very much alive, offering some of the fastest running shoes to date for the discerning athlete.

Nike’s updated road running footwear lineup is available globally, with Pegasus 41 and Pegasus Plus ready to purchase now.

The Pegasus Premium will launch in January 2025, followed later in the year by the Vomero 18 and Structure. Visit Nike Running to find out more.

The Nike Vomero 18 has officially entered the lineup as the brand's most cushioned training shoe yet.

Designed with feedback from runners at its core, this update takes max cushioning to new heights – literally.

With a towering 46mm stack height in the heel, 6mm higher than its predecessor, the Vomero 18 provides an unparalleled plush ride that caters to runners looking for comfort and durability on their daily runs.

“Runners told us they wanted more cushion, so we delivered,” says Ashley Campbell, Running Footwear Product Line Manager at Nike. “The Vomero 18 is purpose-built to give every runner an ultra-comfortable ride that’s supportive, smooth, and easy on the body.”

Nike has swapped out the Cushlon 3.0 used in the Vomero 17 for the ReactX foam, which is 13% more responsive and has a 43% lower carbon footprint than its predecessor.

Sitting above ReactX is the ZoomX foam layer, known for its soft, lightweight, and energetic feel.

Together, these foams create a balanced experience, combining plushness, energy return, and long-term durability for high-mileage runners.

The running shoes' increased rocker geometry works in harmony with the taller stack height to create a seamless heel-to-toe transition that feels natural and propels runners forward.

Marion Dougherty, Nike’s Senior Director of Global Running Footwear, explains that the focus on rocker design ensures “a forward-motion feel that makes you want to lace up and go.”

The upper has been refined as well, featuring an engineered mesh that offers targeted breathability while delivering a soft, stretchy fit.

The attention to detail extends to every touchpoint: the tongue, collar, laces, and even internal linings are designed with comfort in mind, creating a 360-degree plush experience.

The shoe’s durability is also a key highlight, with its rugged outsole providing traction for long-term performance.

“Runners are getting used to more cushion these days, and once they do, it’s hard to go back,” says Campbell.

The Vomero 18 is part of Nike’s restructured road running lineup, which aims to simplify choices for runners.

While the Pegasus remains the go-to for responsive cushioning and the Structure offers support and guidance, the Vomero is positioned as the ultimate max-cushion option.

Each silo is designed to meet specific running needs, and the Vomero caters to those who prioritise softness and comfort above all else.

However, Marion Dougherty emphasises that all Nike shoes are versatile enough to be standalone options, depending on a runner’s preferences.

In addition to its functional improvements, the Vomero 18 turns heads with its dynamic design.

With a curvier silhouette and vibrant colourways led by Atmosphere Pink, the shoe embodies both boldness and softness.

Designed with women’s insights in mind but versatile enough for all genders, this shoe offers a fresh aesthetic for the road and beyond.

Set to launch globally on February 27, 2025, the Vomero 18 is a reimagination of max cushioning, giving you more comfort and more reason to hit the road. Head over to Nike Running for information.

Nike has unveiled significant updates to its Nike Run Club (NRC) app, enhancing the running experience for athletes worldwide.

The latest features include localised pre-run tips and real-time location sharing, the latter of which is available in other apps such as Strava and with certain Garmin watches.

However, the NRC app offers it for free, which is a real game-changer. This means real-time running location with friends and family, even if they don't have the app installed.

To enable location sharing, tap the Share Run Location icon near the centre of the screen on the Run tab. This creates a unique link you can share with your contacts.

Also new is the "know-before-you-go" feature that provides you with essential information about local weather conditions and sunrise and sunset times tailored to your current location.

Perfect for those who travel a lot, this feature ensures that you can plan your runs more effectively, taking into account environmental factors.

These updates complement the app's existing offerings, which include six training plans and approximately 300 audio-guided runs.

The NRC app is available in 11 languages across more than 160 countries and integrates seamlessly with popular platforms like Strava and wearable devices such as Apple, Garmin, and Coros watches.

The Nike Running Club app is available for free on both Android and iOS smartphones. Head over to Nike to find out more about the new features.

Black Friday 2024 is fast approaching, and if you’re eyeing Nike products, this is the perfect time to snag some incredible deals. Historically, Black Friday sales have been one of the best times to shop for Nike, with major discounts across their website and popular retailers like Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Foot Locker, and more.

From seasoned runners looking for new performance sneakers to those in need of some fresh athleisure gear, you can expect to find deals on a variety of categories.

Footwear, in particular, is usually a big focus during Black Friday, with Nike’s iconic lines like Air Max, Air Force 1, and Pegasus often seeing significant price cuts. Apparel and accessories are also heavily discounted, from moisture-wicking tops and leggings to backpacks and socks. You may even find deals on Nike’s latest tech gear, including smart running watches and connected fitness products.

For 2024, look out for potential discounts on newly launched items like the Nike Zoom Fly 6 or Alphafly Next% 3 running shoes. As new models debut, retailers typically lower prices on previous versions, making Black Friday the ideal time to get premium products at a fraction of the cost.

Best Black Friday Nike sales quick links (UK)

For the best Nike deals online, start with Nike’s official website, which often runs seasonal promotions, clearance sales, and discounts for Nike Members, including free shipping. Amazon is another great option, particularly during events like Prime Day and Black Friday, where you can find reduced prices on popular Nike styles.

ASOS frequently includes Nike in its sitewide discounts, making it a good spot to score deals on the latest athleisure and running gear. Zalando, popular in Europe, regularly offers discounts on Nike sneakers and activewear, particularly during sales events.

For deeper discounts, check out the Nike Factory Store online or Sports Direct, both of which carry older styles and seasonal items at outlet prices. Foot Locker and JD Sports are also worth watching, especially for exclusive Nike collaborations and promotions during key shopping periods.

• Nike
• ASOS (women's)
• ASOS (men's)
• Zalando
• Foot Locker
• JD Sports
• Size?
• Office shoes
• Footpatrol

Best Black Friday Nike sales quick links (US)

For the best Nike deals in the U.S., there are several online retailers worth checking out. First and foremost, Nike is a top choice, regularly offering discounts on a wide range of items, including clearance sections and exclusive member deals, such as early access to sales and free shipping.

Amazon is another excellent option for Nike products, especially during major sale events like Prime Day, where you can find significant discounts on everything from sneakers to sports apparel. With customer reviews readily available, it’s easy to compare products before purchasing.

Dick’s Sporting Goods is a reliable destination for Nike deals, often featuring discounts on running shoes, sportswear, and workout gear. They frequently run promotions during holiday weekends and seasonal sales.

For outlet-level pricing, the Nike Factory Store online is perfect for snagging past-season styles at a fraction of the cost. Finish Line and Foot Locker are also excellent options, offering exclusive Nike releases and regular promotions, particularly on footwear.

• Nike
• Dick's Sporting Goods
• Finish Line
• Zappos
• Kohl's
• Nordstrom
• Foot Locker
• Going Going Gone

Nike Black Friday deals (UK)

Nike Black Friday deals (US)

Nike’s latest speed demon just hit the track – meet the Nike Zoom Fly 6, where cutting-edge tech meets sleek design.

The latest addition to Nike’s running shoe lineup is packed with features geared to make runners faster, lighter, and more comfortable without breaking the bank like its Alphafly siblings.

The Zoom Fly 6 is all about efficiency and features a reimagined midsole with ZoomX foam for snappy energy return and a rocker geometry designed to keep your stride smooth.

Sandwiched between Nike’s proprietary ZoomX and SR-02 foams, it sports a full-length carbon-infused FlyPlate that adds pop, making every step feel more explosive.

Weighing 10% less than its predecessor, the shoe tips the scales at just 8.4 ounces for men’s sizes while still maintaining that plush yet responsive feel.

Plus, the upper is crafted from engineered mesh for breathability and foot-hugging comfort, helping runners stay cool even during those lung-busting sprints.

Traction isn’t an afterthought, either. The redesigned outsole's rubber tread pattern grips the ground like glue on both dry and wet tarmac.

All-time marathon GOAT Eliud Kipchoge says, “The redesigned Zoom Fly performs at a high level and is very responsive, with wonderful cushioning from impact and great movement from heel to forefoot.”

The Zoom Fly 6 brings versatility for all types of runners, from those pushing for personal bests to casual joggers who want a taste of race-day tech.

If you’ve been eyeing a shoe with race-ready DNA that doesn’t require a pro athlete's budget, the Zoom Fly 6’s your ticket to faster miles.

The Nike Zoom Fly 6 will be available globally at Nike and select retail locations on 1 November 2024, with Eliud’s special colourway, inspired by the red clay roads where he trains, arriving in early December.

Nike, one of the most revered sports brands, needs no introduction. The company is known for its groundbreaking design innovations, from Air to Zoom and beyond, always trying to find a way to introduce new materials and technologies to categories that we thought already finished evolving.

I know as much about Nike as the next person (maybe a bit more), and because of that, I’ve always adored the brand. I read books about its shoes, watched interviews with its most influential athletes and designers, and got my hands on all the products just so I could own some of that Nike magic that helped catapult the company from a humble grassroots organisation to the multi-billion enterprise it is today.

Nike’s success isn’t just about cutting-edge technology or marketing genius; it’s about constantly pushing boundaries, balancing tradition with innovation, and designing for athletes at every level.

From the worn-in prototype of the Waffle Racer to the advanced Flyknit upper, Nike's products represent a company that’s never satisfied with the status quo. That hunger for progress, blended with a deep respect for heritage, is what makes the brand a true design powerhouse.

Knowing how influential Nike is, you might be surprised to learn that the Nike: Form Follows Motion exhibition, currently displayed at the Vitra Design Museum on the Swiss/German border, is the first time a larger collection of items from the company’s over quarter million-strong archive is on show.

“We called the exhibition Nike: Form Follows Motion to reflect both the architecture and Nike’s focus on the athlete in motion. It also plays on the idea that design is a force for cultural acceleration,” explained Dr Glenn Adamson, Curator at Large at the Vitra Design Museum, who also happens to be the exhibition's curator.

Walking through the showcase is nothing short of humbling. Surrounded by key artefacts from one of the most iconic sports brands in history, I felt a deep connection to the evolution of Nike’s design philosophy – a philosophy rooted in athletic performance but stretching far beyond the track. As someone who’s long been interested in footwear, design, and innovation, the visit was almost transcendental.

Air is all I own

At the heart of Nike’s design ethos is the delicate balance between preserving its rich legacy and constantly innovating. This is a recurring theme in the Nike: Form Follows Motion exhibition, where the title itself speaks volumes. “Nike’s research into how the body moves shapes everything about their designs. It’s about much more than just aesthetics,” explained Dr Adamson.

Given how successful Nike is as a fashion brand, it’s easy to forget that it started as a niche athletics company. Bill Bowerman didn’t create the iconic Oregon Waffle Trainer for sneakerheads; his main goal was to help athletes move more efficiently on the track.

Similarly, Frank Rudy didn’t introduce the Air technology to Nike’s Phil Knight because he wanted it to grace the underside of Air Max trainers (although I do like Air Jordans). No, Air was conceived as a cushioning system that works well mile after mile after mile.

As Nike’s Chief Design Officer Martin Lotti says, “While many see Air as a lifestyle feature today, we’re constantly repositioning it as a performance tool. During the Paris Olympics, we applied Air to everything from marathon shoes to football boots. The technology remains as effective on mile 1 as on mile 100 or 1000.”

“Air is still a big deal for us, not just because it’s iconic, but because it works,” added Tony Bignell, Nike’s VP of Footwear Innovation. “There’s no other material that gives you the same energy return.”

No wonder you’ll find air-filled pockets at the bottom of one of the (if not the) most successful running shoes, the Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% 3. From providing an edge in the final sprint to reducing strain during long training runs, Air and Zoom technologies have become vital tools for athletes of all levels.

Athletes at the core of every design

As you make your way through the Nike: Form Follows Motion exhibition, admiring Diane Katz’s apparel line collage and the original Moon Shoe, one thing becomes clear: Nike’s designs always start with the athlete. This athlete-centered approach, which has been the driving force behind Nike’s success since its inception, is deeply embedded in its design philosophy.

From the early days when Bill Bowerman poured rubber into a waffle iron to create a shoe with better traction, Nike has focused on solving real problems for athletes. Today, that same spirit of innovation continues. "The first question we ask when designing anything is, ‘How does this make athletes better?’" Lotti told me during our conversation. “It’s a question we’ve been asking since day one.”

This focus on the athlete is evident in groundbreaking products like the aforementioned Alphafly, a franchise that has redefined performance running. But it’s not just elite runners who benefit. Nike is constantly applying technological advances to everyday products for athletes. From those who are about to tackle their first 5K to those in pursuit of a world record, there is something for everyone in Nike’s library of performance products.

Inclusivity is another hallmark of Nike’s athlete-first approach. Lotti shared how the easy-access shoes, designed for athletes with physical challenges, exemplify Nike’s commitment to designing for everyone: “Our mission is to create for every athlete. That’s why we listen so closely to the needs of different groups, whether it’s Paralympians or local running communities.”

Engines of progress

Innovation at Nike isn’t just about flashy new features – it’s about creating meaningful change through technology. As I explored the exhibit’s displays of Flyknit, Nike Air, and Zoom technology, I realised how much these innovations have shaped not only the brand but the entire sports industry.

One of the standout pieces in the exhibition was the Flyknit display. This technology reduces waste by knitting the shoe upper in a single piece, and it’s just one example of how Nike has integrated sustainable practices into its design ethos. As Lotti explained, “We’re scaling sustainable solutions, whether it’s Flyknit or Nike Grind, because we want to reduce waste across the entire production line, not just in one-off products.”

Technology isn’t just about making things faster or lighter – it’s about reimagining what’s possible. Lotti emphasised how AI and rapid prototyping have transformed Nike’s design process: “We used to be limited by time. Now, with the tools we have, imagination is our only limit.”

Imagination might not be a huge barrier, either, looking at the AI-generated footwear on display in the Vitra Design Museum. The 3D-grown model from ‘The Nature of Motion’ collection, for example, pushes the envelope of how we expect footwear to look.

Machine learning has already emerged as a disruptive technology in almost every aspect of creative industries, and sports apparel and footwear are no exception. I’m glad to see Nike treating the new technology as a tool, not the enemy.

Community spirit

One of the most inspiring aspects of Nike’s design journey is its deep commitment to community and inclusivity. As I walked through the exhibition’s final rooms, I was struck by how much of Nike’s innovation has been driven by a desire to bring people together through sport.

“Bowerman was organising jogs and community runs back in the '60s,” said Tony Bignell, “He knew that insights from elite athletes could help solve problems for everyone. So, whether it's run crews, Nike Run Clubs, or other initiatives, we’re always trying to connect with people at all levels. We want to make sure we’re talking to everyone – whether it’s a beginner runner or an Olympian.”

Dora Atim, founder of Ultra Black Running, spoke about how Nike’s community-focused designs have empowered her and the women in her group to take up space in the world of running. “Nike isn’t just designing for the elites; they’re thinking about everyday runners, too,” Atim said. “They’re helping break down barriers and making sure that everyone, no matter their background, feels seen and heard.”

This commitment to inclusivity extends to products like Nike’s easy-access shoes, which were created for athletes with physical challenges but have found a much wider audience. Nike’s ability to listen, adapt, and create for a diverse range of athletes is what truly sets it apart from its competitors. Lotti summed it up best: “At Nike, we design for everyone. That’s what makes us different – we’re always thinking about how we can make the sport more accessible.”

The power of culture

As I reflected on my tour of the exhibition, I realised that Nike’s success is not just about cutting-edge technology or a deep archive of designs. It’s about the culture that powers the company – a culture of collaboration, creativity, and the shared belief that anything is possible.

At the end of our conversation, Lotti didn’t point to any particular design as his proudest achievement. Instead, he spoke about the people he works with: “The thing I’m most proud of isn’t the shoes or the records – it’s the team and the people I’ve had the chance to work with. At Nike, we push boundaries because we work together, and that culture of collaboration is what makes us great.”

Nike’s legacy, as highlighted in the Form Follows Motion exhibition, isn’t just about the iconic products that have changed the world of sport. It’s about the people behind them; the designers, athletes, and communities who make it all possible. And as Nike continues to innovate, that culture of teamwork and shared purpose will ensure that the brand’s future is as bright as its past.

Hold onto your laces, trail runners! Nike is marking a major milestone – ten glorious years of taking on the toughest terrains – with the launch of not one but two exciting new shoes, the Kiger 10 and ReactX Wildhorse 10.

The new kicks aren’t just updates, either. They’re tributes to Nike’s relentless pursuit of perfection in trail running shoes.

Sporting the most minimal and lightweight trail shoes to date from the brand, the Kiger 10 has a multidirectional 3.5mm lug design and is enhanced with a forefoot rock shield for better underfoot protection.

The Cushlon 3.0 midsole is said to provide an optimal blend of cushioning and responsiveness, while the sleek, leno-weave upper features specific durability, breathability and containment zones.

The brand’s muse for the Kiger silhouette and sub-ultra specialist and Nike Trail athlete Bailey Kowalczyk is super pumped about the launch: “If you want a fast, low-profile shoe that’s going to be able to handle any type of terrain, up to a 50K or so, this is the shoe for you.”

For those seeking versatility and extra protection, the ReactX-powered Wildhorse 10 is your go-to option.

Boasting a 13% boost in energy return, the new shoe honours those who’ve used its predecessors to conquer the wildest of trails, from rocky paths to muddy tracks.

The updated Wildhorse offers a 3mm taller stack height, forefoot rock shield, and updated toe protection while dropping 35 grams from its predecessor.

Nike also claims it cut the midsoles' carbon footprint by at least 43% in comparison to your standard React foam, and its All-Terrain Compound outsole with 4mm lugs provides excellent grip and durability in all conditions.

Nike Trail athlete Sally is ecstatic about the new design: “I’ll be running my next 200-mile race in the Wildhorse – both because I truly love this new model and because I want to show athletes that you can dream big without wearing the most expensive flagship shoe.”

As Nike celebrates this ten-year journey, the message is clear: they’re not just looking back – they’re gearing up for the next ten years of trail innovation.

The 10th editions of the Kiger and Wildhorse, beacons of Nike’s trail innovation, will be available globally in April 2025. For more info, visit Nike Trail today.

In a move that will surely leave sneakerheads and fashionistas buzzing, Nike is back at it with a zany new colourway release, the Electric Pack.

This time, the running shoe giant has decided to fuse the unexpected elegance of ostrich print with the eye-popping boldness of Total Orange. It's like pairing a tuxedo with a neon headband, and honestly, we're here for it.

The Electric Pack isn't just a one-trick pony; it’s a full-blown circus, boasting 55 unique footwear styles that will make your head spin faster than a basketball on a Harlem Globetrotter’s finger.

Nike has dug deep into its historical archives for this one, reviving the much-loved ostrich print first seen on the Air Safari back in 1987. For those unfamiliar with sneaker lore, designer Tinker Hatfield spotted this luxe material on a high-end sofa in SoHo and thought, "Why not slap that on a shoe?" And the rest, as they say, is history.

Caroline Abero, Nike’s Sr. Director of Women’s Footwear and Apparel, led the charge on this electrifying new collection. “We wanted to take something you wouldn’t think about in the context of performance — the Safari pattern — and create an artefact that signalled this new era of sport,” says Abero.

The result is a line that screams confidence and irreverence and a little bit of "Did they really do that?" It’s like Nike is throwing down the gauntlet, daring everyone to embrace a world where sport and high fashion collide on the playing field.

After all, who wouldn’t want to dominate the court while looking like they just stepped out of a wildlife documentary?

Releasing on 24 July 2024, these kicks are sure to be the talk of the summer. Nike is the place to be if you want to snag a pair and join the electric revolution. Get ready, world. The Electric Pack is coming to light up your life, one wildly chic step at a time. 

In a groundbreaking partnership that promises to put the "cool" in cooling down and the "hot" in warming up, sports giant Nike and recovery specialist Hyperice have unveiled their latest innovations in wearable technology.

The Nike x Hyperice boot is a high-top shoe that's not just about making a fashion statement: it offers on-demand heat and dynamic air compression massage for athletes’ feet and ankles.

Think of it as a personal masseuse for your lower extremities, ready to serve at the push of a button. With dual-air Normatec bladders (see also: Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs review) and warming elements, this boot drives heat deep into muscles and tissues, ensuring that every step feels like a warm hug.

Athletes can sync both shoes or control them individually, choosing from three levels of compression and heat powered by a battery pack in each insole. It's the ultimate in foot pampering – the only thing missing is a tiny butler to slip them on for you.

On the other hand, the Nike x Hyperice vest is an instant heating and cooling marvel that makes traditional ice packs and heat pads look like relics of the Stone Age. It leverages thermoelectric coolers to provide instant temperature adjustments, all without the need for ice or liquid.

Equipped with thermal modules and sensors, the vest monitors and maintains your body temperature autonomously. Athletes can now dial in their perfect temperature, whether they're warming up for a big game or cooling down after an intense workout.

Footballer Ada Hegerberg emphasised the importance of foot care, saying, “These new boots are a game changer for many athletes.” Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge highlighted the lightness and recovery benefits, noting how the boots made his legs feel ready for anything. Golfer Tom Kim added, “I’m so much lighter on my feet after wearing the Nike x Hyperice boot in the morning.”

“The footwear and vest we’ve developed with Hyperice help get the body ready for activity, whether you’re playing for a title or you’re on your feet a lot at work,” Tobie Hatfield, Senior Director of Nike Athlete Innovation, stated. Hyperice founder Anthony Katz mirrored this sentiment, calling the collaboration "the culmination of years of work" aimed at enhancing athlete performance and recovery.

With the release of these products on the horizon, athletes everywhere are poised to step up their game – and cool down in style. Nike and Hyperice have truly raised the bar, or should we say, "kicked it up a notch." 

The catch? Neither are consumer products; they are designed for athletes who will use them at the Olympics and various sporting events throughout the year. For more information, visit Hyperice today.

How do you move forward the legacy of a running shoe franchise as famed and well-respected as Nike's Pegasus?

With over four decades of innovation behind the latest iteration of the trainers, the brand aims to revitalise one of the most popular shoes in its lineup with the announcement of the Nike Pegasus 41 and the brand-new Pegasus Premium.

I sat down with Tony Bignell, Nike's Vice President of Footwear Innovation, to discuss all things Pegasus, including the imminent launch of the Nike Pegasus 41 and its high-end counterpart, the Pegasus Premium.

"It's really daunting, actually," answers Tony with a laugh to my probing question about how it feels to design shoes with such a rich heritage, "If you have a legacy that's four decades long, you want to make sure you improve on what's been done before."

That's even though Tony's leadership in creating some of the most iconic running footwear, his involvement in the pioneering Breaking2 project, and his personal running prowess all speak volumes about his expertise in this field.

In short, he's a real pro.

He's also a creative person, trying to figure out what wasn't good with the product so he can improve the next one, which isn't easy with a franchise like the Pegasus, as it's a democratic shoe universally beloved by runners.

"What distinguishes the Pegasus from other running trainers is its great cushioning," explains Tony, "It generally has a good fit, an excellent midfoot lockdown, and a more responsive, resilient pop off the ground."

He says that if you like the Pegasus, you don't want to come back and be scared for the next iteration – you want to be improved on, which is why they kept the same last as before and spent a lot of time improving the heel fit because it's really important for runners.

One of the new additions for the 41st iteration (!) is the ReactX foam, which debuted last year in the Nike InfinityRN 4. It's 13% more resilient than standard React and gives 13% more energy return.

"Of course, this is just a number, but it's a number that you can feel," says he, "If you ran in Peg 40 then tried the Peg 41, you'd say the new shoe just feels more cushioned with a better pop."

The footwear industry isn't famous for its green credentials: over 23 billion pairs of shoes are made every year, and 22 billion are thrown into landfills. Which is why it's so important for big sellers like Pegasus 41 to set a good example of sustainability.

"A thing that weighs heavier on your mind when you do a shoe like this is that we sell millions and millions and millions of them," admits Tony, "I care about the environment. We all care about the environment. You wanna make sure what you're doing is the right thing."

The good news is that the new Pegasus uses a lot of recycled materials and emits 43% less greenhouse gases than its predecessor. "It's a lot when you multiply that by the millions and millions of pairs that we sell," he adds. "It actually makes me really proud."

A premium running experience

That's all well, but what about the elephant in the room, the Nike Pegasus Premium? Where do the new trainers fit into the lineup? 

"As we move into the future, we're trying to simplify our lineup," explains Tony. "If you want that signature Pegasus cushioning, you should opt for the Pegasus 41. If you want more energy return, you go with the Pegasus Premium."

He provides an excellent analogy for how the Pegasus 41 compares to the Pegasus Premium: "I drive a Golf GTI. The standard Golf is great, you know? But the Golf GTI has a bit more pop in it. You can pop it in sport mode and go a little bit harder."

"That’s how the Pegasus 41 and the Pegasus Premium compare. They are both equally enjoyable to run in, but you get a little more oomph with the Premium."

"When looking at the Pegasus 41 and the Pegasus Premium, you can tell that they are family together," he adds. "They both have really good cushioning in the heel, but you can see that the midsole of the Premium is different."

That difference is a full-length, curved Air Zoom bag sandwiched between a layer of ReactX (bottom) and ZoomX foam (top). It’s the same Air Zoom bag that's encapsulated in the Pegasus 41, but Nike made it bigger and broader.

ZoomX is also not a new technology; it's used in top-tier racing shoes such as the Nike Alphafly and the Vaporfly series. It's renowned for its unique blend of energy return and cushioning.

To deliver an entirely new underfoot Air sensation for runners, a collaboration between Nike’s designers, engineers, and scientists at Nike Air Manufacturing Innovation and the Nike Sport Research Lab was required.

It's all mumbo-jumbo, though, for the average Pegasus user who just wants to head out and have a good time. Thankfully, Tony understands this predicament: "I'm a runner. I love running, and I don't want to get hurt by running. I wanna have a fun experience. That’s my goal. It’s simple. At the end of the day, that boils down to that, Isn't it? You want to enjoy running."

The Nike Pegasus 41 will be released in June 2024 at Nike and select retailers, and the Pegasus Premium will be released in Spring 2025. More launch details will follow.

Amazon’s Spring Sale is now live and, so far, there’s been some fantastic deals across tech, home and beauty. However, for fitness fanatics, like myself, I never really feel like the deals are as impressive, good thing that Nike's Spring Sale has arrived just in time with up to 50% off across shoes, clothes and more.

An item that immediately caught my eye was the Metcon 9s, one of the best workout shoes to launch last year, which you can now snap up for $71.97, an unbelievable bargain! One thing, to get the additional 20% on top of the sale price, you need to be a Nike member so, if you’re not already, make sure you sign up so you can secure the best prices possible.

So that you don’t have to waste time endlessly scrolling, below I’ve highlighted best deals in the Nike sale for you to take advantage of. Whether you’re looking for the best workout shoe, a new running shoe, or need to upgrade your smelly old gym bag, you’re bound to find something that floats your boat. These are the top deals I’d recommend…

• Go straight to the Nike sale

Bret's trying to decide how to answer my (probing) question about which of the three new shoes he's looking at off-camera is his favourite. I know my answer: I love the look of them all. But I wonder if he's pumped about one more than the others. His answer is diplomatic but understandable: "I really am excited about all of them for different reasons."

And he very well should be. As one of Nike's Running Design Leads, Bret Schoolmeester has been involved in developing many big-hitter Nike running shoes, including the Alphafly, Pegasus and Zegama franchises. Picking one would be like asking him to decide which of his three children is his favourite. You can't.

Instead, he emphasises the ultimate goal of creating the latest slate of functional Nike running footwear for runners. "We tried to make sure that we've got something for all different runners – whether you're racing, on the road, or on the trail – to get out and really enjoy running," he says, "We're pushing the boundaries of how we can serve athletes through design innovation and different materials to ensure they have an amazing experience."

Reacting to change

It's not often you get to talk to people as knowledgeable about running shoes as Bret, so I soak up everything he says about the three newly announced Nike shoes: the Alpafly 3, the Pegasus Trail 5 and the Zegama 2.

And there is a lot to talk about as the trio introduces a ton of new materials, technologies and innovations, including the new Vibram outsole on the Zegama, the new last, Fast Shot outsole, wider Flyplate, Atomknit 3.0 on the Alphafly 3, and the ReactX foam and the Nike Trail ATC debuting in the Pegasus Trail 5.

"We're hearing loud and clear from runners, particularly trail runners who have a special connection with the outdoors and nature, that they want more sustainably built products," explains Bret, referencing the ReactX compound, "However, they don’t want to make any performance tradeoffs." 

I agree. I'm a huge fan of the best running shoes, but I'm also incredibly concerned about the $52.98bn athletic footwear market (external link) that produces hundreds of millions of non-recyclable shoes every year. Ideally, I want my running shoes to go fast on the road but easy on the planet.

"React X allows us to do both, with 13% more energy return with each step and releases 43% less carbon into the environment compared to the original React," says Bret, which isn't quite the fully-circular shoe I want, but definitely a step in the right direction.

The ReactX foam is one of the many technological advancements introduced to the Pegasus Trai line. The fifth iteration also debuts the Nike All Terrain Compound (Nike ATC) outsole, which addressed one of the biggest gaps in Nike's trail line: traction.

The Nike ATC is a high abrasion rubber, which is placed in strategic areas where directional traction and grip are needed the most – including the ride rail, heel pod and forefoot – while keeping the smooth transition you need on the road.

"We developed the Nike ATC to enhance overall grip and traction so you can be more confident on a variety of terrains," Bret says, "It felt like the right compound for the Peg Trail, it being a versatile road-to-trail shoe."

Partnership made on the trails

Those familiar with the Nike Trail roundup know that Nike also debuted a couple of high-performing trail shoes with a different outsole in recent years. The Nike Zegama and the Nike Ultrafly both feature Vibram technology, and from what Bret told me, Nike is keen on developing this partnership further.

"With the Zegama, we wanted to create a shoe that provides the ultimate protection and cushioning for very long trail distances," he explains, "We wanted to create a shoe for those who run for 50 or even 100 miles in one go." Or those who run less but like the max-cushioned approach of the Zegama.

Nike also wanted to deliver the ultimate traction experience, which is why they partnered with Vibram. It is a real partnership, not just an exchange of names – hence why it took a while to create the first iteration.

Nike's designers and engineers sat in a room with Vibram’s designers and engineers to see how to optimise the system. I imagine a huge round table with all the representatives of both brands discussing what each person can bring to the metaphorical table.

The efforts clearly paid off, as the Zegama is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after franchises in the Nike Trail stable. "We have gone up to 50 up to 100 miles in the shoe to make sure it can last up to that far," Bret adds, "to see how far we can take it, quite literally." 

Same ingredients, better recipe

Being the savvy journalist I am, I steered the second half of my conversation with Bret in the direction of the Alphafly 3. I know many runners would love to know more about the shoes, including me. When I saw the first images, I noticed the shoes feature a completely different midsole setup, so I was keen to know why Bret and the Nike Running team decided to switch things up.

"With the Alphafly 3, we wanted to optimise all three main ingredients of the shoe – ZoomX foam, the Flyplate and the Air Zoom pockets – to ensure they work together even better in service of athletes," Bret says.

It turns out that the feedback from two to four-hour marathoners was really similar in terms of how Nike could improve the Alphafly. They all want smoother transitions, more comfort, and improved stability.

"The most obvious change is the continuous bottom, which makes for a much smoother transition'" he chimes in, "The midsole break in the Nike Alphafly 2 made some runners apprehensive to try it."

Then, there is the new last that reduces irritation points and adds more stability. At the top of the shoe, the Atomknit 3.0 provides added support, all the while reducing weight. "Every gram you take off a shoe has a meaningful impact on the metabolic efficiency of the shoe," explains Bret.

"Even Eliud Kipchoge’s – who I think has the most beautiful running stride – mechanics start to break down a little bit, and you can use a little bit of support for miles 20 to 26," he adds, enthusiastically, "You can only imagine what's happening to the average runner over that distance!"

"Having all those ingredients work in concert to create a more comfortable, stable, and supportive experience was a huge win for us," Bret boasts, and I can't blame him. "To maintain all the great energy return, add stability and comfort, and reduce weight felt like the perfect ‘have your cake and eat it’ moment for us. We were able to deliver this benefit with the Alphafly 3."

To find out more about the new running shoes, head over to Nike today.

Lovers of the best running shoes and best trail running shoes, rejoice! After a year-long wait, you'll be able to buy a pair of Alphafly 3 very soon. Nike confirmed that one of the fastest running shoes ever will go on sale on 4 January 2024, which is just over a month away. As a bonus, the brand also announced the new Pegasus Trail 5 and Zegama 2 trail shoes, featuring bucket-loads of new technology and improved silhouettes.

Nike Alphafly 3: price, availability and what's new?

The shoe on everyone's mind, the Nike Alphafly 3, features the same ingredients as before – the triple threat of Air Zoom unit, a carbon Flyplate and ZoomX foam – but the recipe for the overall system has been tuned to optimise and improve the overall benefit to the athlete.

The most run-tested Nike Racing shoe to date, the Alphafly 3, athletes have put more than  20,000 miles (approx. 32,000 kilometres) in the shoes in the Nike Sport Research Lab and on the roads where athletes train and race. Even though its predecessor, the Nike Alphafly 2, is still one of the best running shoes on the market, Nike switched things up with the new iteration.

The third iteration features one continuous midsole connecting the heel and forefoot, designed to offer all footstrike patterns a smoother heel-to-toe transition. The Alphafly 3 also has a new lightweight Fast Shot outsole to ensure optimal traction and grip in a lightweight design.

The wider full-length carbon-fibre Flyplate provides added propulsion, while the dual Nike Air Zoom units in the forefoot help cushion the impact and return energy to you. Built on an all-new last to improve arch comfort and reduce rubbing throughout the foot, the new moulded sock liner of the Alphafly 2 was created to support the new lower-profile arch.

The upper is also brand new. The Atomkit 3.0 construction offers improved containment, breathability and midfoot support in a lightweight, breathable design. It features a redesigned lacing system that creates a softer fit on the top of the foot by integrating the eye stays in the Flyknit upper. 

Thanks to these tweaks and optimisations, the Nike Alphafly 3 is the lightest Alphafly yet, delivering all the cushioning and energy return benefits of the Alphafly without the bulk. That said, the Alphafly 2 was surprisingly lightweight for its size, so can't imagine how light the Alphafly 3 feels!

The prototype colourway of the Nike Alphafly 3 will be available at Nike, on the Nike app, and at select running speciality stores starting 4 January 2024. The Nike Alphafly 3 will retail for $285 in the U.S. and $275 equivalent in all other countries.

• NIKE ALPHAFLY 3 QUICK SPECS
• Weight: M10 (220g), W8 (176g)
• Stack Height (M10): <40mm
• Offset/drop: 8mm

Nike Pegasus Trail 5: price, availability and what's new?

The Pegasus Trail 5 is the second model in the Nike Running line to feature ReactX, following its debut in the Nike InfinityRN 4. Compared to Nike React foam, ReactX is engineered to reduce its carbon footprint in a pair of midsoles by at least 43% due to reduced energy in the manufacturing process. At the same time, it increases energy return by 13%!

Another new addition is the Nike Trail All Terrain Compound (ATC), a high abrasion rubber outsole for increased traction, debuting in the Pegasus Trail 5. Nike says the compound is placed where it's most needed for directional traction and grip on the trails – including the ride rail, heel pod and forefoot.

Built on the same reliable MR64 last used for previous iterations, the new Pegasus Trail 5 has an updated midfoot containment system that features Flywire cabling that locks down the lacing and a new midfoot scrim on both the lateral and medial sides for additional lightweight support.

The updated engineered mesh upper is said to offer 'zonal breathability' and more reinforcement through tighter-knit construction in high-wear zones (big toe, midfoot). The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 is available beginning in May 2024.

• NIKE PEGASUS TRAIL 5 QUICK SPECS
• Weight: W8 (243g); M10 (300g)
• Stack Height (M10): 37mm
• Offset/drop: 9.5mm
• Lug height depth: 3.5mm

Nike Zegama 2: price, availability and what's new?

Hot on the trail of the Pegasus Trail 5, the Zegama 2 is a max-cushioned trail cruiser that provides high-mileage trail runners with everything they need to maintain that fresh-leg feeling on different terrains for any distance.

The second iteration of the Nike Zegama, the new shoe's upper comprises a single layer of durable mesh to ensure your feet get the proper amount of structure, containment and midfoot support for a locked-in fit without limiting flexibility. It also has a vamp liner to increase breathability and drainability.

Underfoot, the ZoomX midsole is encapsulated in a thin, stiff, durable SR02 carrier that better protects the soft foam from the exterior elements on the trail while preserving all the desired cushioning on the interior. There’s also a little more foam underfoot in this model.

The footbed is now wider and more anatomically correct to allow for the innate expansion of runners’ feet.

Finally, the new Vibram Megagrip outsole features multi-directional lugs inspired by the company’s original Waffle design, which is said to enhance traction, stability and durability to withstand potential elements on the trail. 

The new Nike Zegama 2 is available for purchase beginning in May 2024.

• NIKE ZEGAMA 2 QUICK SPECS
• Weight: M10 (320g), W8 (264g)
• Stack Height: Forefoot: W8 (31mm); M10 (32mm); Heel: W8 (35mm); M10 (36mm)
• Offset/drop: 4mm
• Lug Height: 4mm

The weirdly wonderful world of the best running shoes is forever changing. It feels like yesterday when we all ran half marathons and marathons in racing flats with soles as flat as a pancake. Then, in 2017, Nike released the Vaprofly 4%, featuring the ZoomX cushioning technology, which forever changed competitive running as we know it. The Super Shoe was born.

Fast forward five or so years and Super Shoes are everywhere. Every self-respecting running shoe manufacturer has their own version, from Adidas to New Balance to Saucony and more. Super Shoes aren't frowned upon anymore, as the market saturation made them more accessible than before. They are so commonplace that companies started rolling out a new take on the concept: the Super Trainer.

Despite what the name suggests, Super Trainers aren't just your standard running trainers. In fact, they are often faster and more intimidating-looking than Super Shoes – so why are we calling them trainers? Why are they often 'banned' from racing? What are they for? And should you buy them? Let's find some answers.

What are Super Trainers?

Super Trainers are high-stack running shoes often featuring at least one stiff plate embedded in the midsole. The maximum stack height of these shoes is usually over 40 mm. Some, such as Adidas Adizero Prime X 2 Strung, have multiple carbon plates sandwiched between the different foam layers for more propulsion.

Although they are called trainers, Super Trainers can actually make you run faster than some Super Shoes explicitly designed for racing. That's because they are further optimised for speed and leg preservation over long distances to a degree that might be classified as mechanical doping.

Super Trainers are an example of what could've been should the World Athletics didn't ban certain running shoes from races. The limitations set by the governing body might stop brands from pushing the design of their race-ready shoes, but evidently, it won't prevent them from trying to design the ultimate long-distance running shoe.

Why are they banned from racing?

Back in 2019, there were a lot of debates about what, at the time, was probably the most successful road racing shoe, the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%. The 'Vaporfly' ruffled many feathers, so much so that the conversation about running shoes and mechanical doping got into mainstream media, prompting the World Athletics to address the situation.

What they did was to limit the stack height and the number of stiff plates embedded in the midsole in shoes used for racing. And since they didn't want to undo the records already set in the Vaporfly and similar running shoes, they drew the line there: 40 mm max stack height and one stiff plate.

This applies to all World Athletics road events, including running and race walking, and cross-country events (non-spike shoes). Mountain and Trail Races haven't got any thickness regulations. What this means is that if you ran a World Athletics race in a 'banned' shoe, your time won't be accepted.

Pros, of course, don't use non-approved shoes for racing. But should you break the 2-hour world marathon record in the Saucony Kinvara Pro or the New Balance SuperComp Trainer, your time wouldn't be official. 

Should you buy Super Trainers?

Super Trainers aren't cheap. In fact, they are often the most expensive in companies' lineup. Some Super Shoes, like the Saucony Endorphin Elite and the newly announced Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1, are also costly, but they can be used on races, so one might justify the price, thinking they can be used for any purpose.

However, Super Trainers can only be used for training, or more like non-racing, which limits their versatility. And considering the high asking price, some runners might not be able to justify buying one, which is fair play. Those who like to push their limits and have some disposable income should try Super Trainers, though, as they provide a significantly different running experience.

What are the best Super Trainers right now?

Super Trainers, by default, push the boundaries of what's expected from running shoes. These days, brands use the Super Trainer concept as a sandbox to expand their design to areas they couldn't otherwise. They can and should be used for training as well as trying to break PBs.

We consider the best Super Trainer the one that pushes the concept of running shoes the furthest without compromising the running experience and performance, which currently is the Adidas Adizero Prime X 2 Strung. These shoes are incredibly comfortable to run in, and thanks to the massive stack height and two carbon plates, they provide oodles of energy return and preserve your legs over long distances.

Nike, the manufacturer of some of the best running shoes on the market today, is taking its first steps towards a fully circular shoe in the latest ISPA Link Axis, which uses as few materials as possible and features a clever interlocking component design to do away with toxic glues.

Standing for Improvise, Scavenge, Protect, Adapt, every part of the ISPA Link Axis can be fully recycled at the end of its useful life. It does this by packing a 100 per cent recycled polyester Flyknit upper that has been precision-engineered to slot over the outsole.

This banishes the old-school cut-and-sew method to the factory floor, reducing materials and wastage at the same time. What’s more, the tooling used in the manufacture of the outsole was made from 100 per cent recycled thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) fashioned from scrap airbag material.

According to Nike, recycling shoes at the end of their life is sometimes impossible and, if not, an extremely energy-intensive process. Designers tend to use glue and other bonding elements that make tearing the shoe apart tricky.

On top of this, recycling shoes usually requires shredding, an energy-intensive process that limits how the recycled materials can be used.

The fact that the Nike ISPA Link Axis can easily be taken apart by hand means all of the individual materials can be saved and recycled for future use. 

The only place Nike had to compromise was the 20 per cent recycled TPU cage. The company required this to be durable and provide traction, so it couldn’t be quite as green as the company wanted.

Still, it’s one step towards Nike’s completely circular vision, which it claims will yield no waste in the future and greatly cut down on the emissions produced by the manufacturing process. 

It all sounds good, but we can’t get away from the fact they look a bit like they’ve been repeatedly stung by angry bees.

If you like your kicks a little freaky, the shoe hits stores on 12 September 2023, where a pair comes in a Total Orange and Sonic Yellow colourway - a nod to the hues used in the prototype. It is available from Nike’s own SNKRS website - a hub for rare and limited edition footwear from the brand.

Nike Ultrafly Trail review summary: the grip of Nike's super trail shoe is on point, as is the speed and agility of the Ultrafly Trail. Trail runners – you need these shoes.

Nike are doing their thing in 2023, releasing new iterations of fan-favourite franchises, such as the Nike Invincible 3, the Nike Pegasus 40 and the Nike Vaporfly 3, the latter of which I'm yet to test. And while it's all well and good that Nike fans get their usual fix, the Nike shoes I was most excited about testing and reviewing is the Ultrafly Trail.

You see, the Ultrafly Trail is a new franchise from Nike and not just that, but it's designed as a flagship racing shoe for the trails, so therefore, there is a lot riding the success of the Ultrafly Trail. After the so-so reception of the Nike Zegama, which, to be honest, I didn't mind, I wondered what changes Nike applied to make the Ultrafly Trail better suited for racing.

Did Nike succeed? Indeed they did; the Ultrafly Trail might be one of the most exciting Nike releases in recent years. Is it the best trail running shoe? Let's dive in.

(First reviewed July 2023)

Nike Ultrafly Trail review: price and availbility

The Ultrafly Trail was released in limited quantities in Europe beginning 27 July and is available for all runners to purchase starting in August at Nike US, Nike UK and Nike AU and speciality retailers for a recommended retail price of $250/ £230 (approx. AU$ 377). This price places the shoes firmly in the 'super shoe' category, although these days, 'super trainers' (see also: Saucony Kinvara Pro) sell for almost as much as high-end racing shoes.

Nike Ultrafly Trail review: specification

• Weight: W8: 249g; M10: 300g
• Offset: 8.5mm
• Stack Height (M10/W11.5): Forefoot: 30mm; Heel: 38.5mm
• Foam: ZoomX
• Price: $250/ £230

Nike Ultrafly Trail review: design and build quality

There are three main areas worth mentioning: the Carbon Flyplate, the Vibram outsole and Vaporweave upper. 

The first one is a biggie; the Ultrafly Trail is the Nike Trail shoe to feature the Carbon Flyplate layered between ZoomX foam and a fabric-wrapped midsole. In Nike's words, "A flat bottom and minimised cross rocker allow runners optimal stability on trail terrain while the heel-to-toe rocker promotes a smooth transition."

The inclusion of a Vibram outsole is even bigger news. The Ultrafly Trail is not only the first Nike trail shoe to feature Vibram but also the first Nike running shoe overall. The bespoke Vibram Litebase outsole design, with Vibram Traction Lugs, made of Vibram Megagrip rubber compound, "offers athletes the extra grip they need on the trails'" as Nike put it.

Finally, the Vaporweave upper uses a classic collar construction, counter and fit system, ensuring "lightweight comfort and reliability for miles and miles of racing on the trails."

As you can tell, the Ultrafly Trail is all about speed, traction and support, and the technologies mentioned above allow the shoes to do just that. To my delight, and unlike other trail super shoes such as The North Face Summit Vectiv 2.0 Pro (a brill road-to-trail shoe), the Nike Ultrafly Trail isn't too tall or unstable; instead, it keeps you closer to the ground and more in control, while pushing you forward.

Nike Ultrafly Trail review: running performance

Before we move on to talking about the running performance of the Nike Ultrafly Trail, let's quickly discuss ergonomics. I was thrilled to see that despite the flagship, race-ready nature of the shoes, the Ultrafly Trail's upper and especially the toe box of very accommodating. The forefoot platform is wide, and the upper, although supportive, isn't restrictive in any way.

The laces are longer, and there are no tabs to tuck them away; however, it's probably for the best, as I found the heel counter a bit loose. The padding around the ankle is more than enough, which is also excellent, as I could tie a runner's knot to ensure my heels stayed in place without putting too much pressure on the tarsals. The low-cut ankle profile helps the joints move freely.

Running in the Nike Ultrafly Trail is... energetic. You feel stable on your feet, thanks to the wide forefoot platform and the moderate flexibility of the midsole – the plate adds stiffness – you'll feel in control of your stride. I tried the Ultrafly Trail on a mixed-terrain forest path with stones poking out of the ground, and I had no issues with either grip or stability.

The grip is second to none on dusty, dry paths. Changing speed is easy, thanks to the Ultrafly Trail not having industrial amounts of foam, which is a strange but welcome move from the company that made high-stack running shoes the norm.

I'm yet to take the shoes on really long runs, and it's hard to tell how long the Nike Ultrafly Trail will be able to carry you due to the comparatively short stack height. I would imagine that experienced trail runners will find the propulsion adequate for longer distances, but some might experience fatigue sooner. Also, the upper is lovely, but I'm yet to see how resilient the thin Vaporweave material is.

Nike Ultrafly Trail review: verdict

The Nike Ultrafly Trail is an exciting concept. It's a first for Nike in many ways, from the inclusion of a carbon plate in a Nike Trail shoe to the first appearance of a Vibram outsole on any Nike running shoe to date. The Ultrafly Trail is also the first truly super shoe from the brand designed for the trail. There is a lot to get excited about.

I'm happy to report that the shoes live up to the hype, although further testing is required to determine the extent of their capabilities. Will the Ultrafly Trail be as disruptive as the Nike Vaporfly NEXT%? Only time will tell. If you'd excuse me, I'll need to go for a run in the nearby forest in the Nike Ultrafly Trail for some more testing...

Nike Ultrafly Trail review: also consider

There aren't loads of carbon-enhanced trail running shoes out there. Saucony have their Endorphin Edge, with its Carbitex carbon plate and 6mm drop that also sells for a horrible amount of money, as most super shoes do. As a non-carbon alternative, how about the Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2? If you liked V1, you’re going to love the second iteration. It retains all the excellence of the first-gen trail tamer – the speed and agility, balanced protection, great grip, and robust durability – and adds a little extra upper comfort. Read Kieran's full Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2 review.

On Cloudboom Echo 3, review in a sentence: On's latest running shoes come with a recyclable midsole and a comfortable upper, making them one of the best super shoes out there.

Super shoes are everywhere these days. Considered by many as the best running shoes, these blisteringly fast running footwear provide tons of energy return while protecting your legs from the impact force of pounding the tarmac mile after mile after mile. Every running shoe brand has its version of the super shoes; many have multiple iterations at this point.

On's first super shoe, the original Cloudboom, released in July 2020, was okay at best. I remember trying them and thinking; these shoes aren't a match for the Nike Vaporfly Next%. The upper was too tight, and the foam was as rigid as most other On shoes those days – the shoes weren't fit for the purpose. Then, in 2021, On released the Cloudboom Echo, and it was everything I hoped the original Cloudboom would be, and then some.

Since then, On released a bunch of exciting shoes, such as the fan-favourite On Cloudmonster, which features a double serving of On signature groovy foam. The success of these softer, taller shoes helped On realising that's the right way forward. And surprise-surprise, the On Cloudboom Echo 3 is an excellent running shoe because it's soft, because it's accommodating, and because it's just pure awesomeness. 

(Furst reviewed July 2023)

On Cloudboom Echo 3 review: price and availability 

The On Cloudboom Echo was launched in June 2023 and is available to buy now at On UK, On US and On AU for a recommended retail price of £260/ $290/ AU$ 390. I could go on about saying how not cheap this is, but I won't because I hope, at this point, no one expects top-tier racing shoes to be much more affordable than the Cloudboom Echo 3. The original retail price of the Nike Alphafly 2 was $275/ £270/ AU$ 370, and the Saucony Endorphin Elite is $275/ £280/ AU$ 380.

On Cloudboom Echo 3 review: specifications

• Weight: 215g (US M 8.5)
• Drop: 9mm (website says 9.5mm)
• Stack height: 37mm/28mm
• Midsole foam: CloudTec Helion HF (Hyper Foam)
• Plate: carbon Carbon Speedboard
• Upper: Single cohesive woven structure mesh
• Outsole: not specified rubber compound applied in key areas

On Cloudboom Echo 3 review: design and technology

The On Cloudboom Echo 3 follows its predecessor's footsteps while taking cues from other super shoes. The most significant update is the Helion HF hyperfoam midsole foam. Derived from castor beans, it's made out of 46% bio-based materials and is fully recyclable. If that sounds familiar, you're not wrong: the fully recyclable On Cloudneo also uses foam made castor beans.

Sitting in the middle of the foam is the spoon-shaped full-length Carbon Speedboard. Technically, the plate sits closer to the outsole at the front, and sort of in the middle under the heel, and sections of this Carbon Speedboard are visible from the side. Interestingly, On didn't remove any foam from underneath the plate, which is what most running shoe companies do to reduce weight.

The outsole has very little rubber placed only in a few areas. There is plenty of it under the forefoot but only little blocks under the heel and hardly any under the midsection of the foot. This is a bold choice because if your running form deviates from optimal to any degree, you'll wear away that midsole pretty quickly.

That said, most super shoes use a similar approach by applying rubber only where it's absolutely necessary. Rubber is heavy, and since everyone is obsessed with weight, manufacturers will reduce outsole coverage to keep the heft down. After all, super shoes are for racing only, so, at least in theory, the rubber should last for as long as the midsole.

Finally, the upper is composed of a single cohesive woven structure, which to me, looks like a synthetic mesh upper. There is very little information available about it; On only says it offers "deliberate zones for high breathability."

On Cloudboom Echo 3 review: running performance

I'm not the fastest runner, so I'm always a bit cautious when I have to write about super shoes. One advantage I have over fast runners is that I have tried most of the fastest running footwear in recent years, so although I won't run 2-hour marathons in the shoes, I can at least compare them more accurately.

First thing you'll notice when putting on the On Cloudboom Echo 3 is how thin and lightweight the upper is. Padding around the ankles is only applied to where it's essential; otherwise, the rest of the upper is paper thin. Nevertheless, step-in comfort is superb, and the toebox feels spacious without being too baggy. Midfoot lockdown also seems on point, and my heels weren't slipping, either.

(To be safe, I used the runner's knot lacing technique.)

The new CloudTec Helion HF foam feels bouncy and responsive. Moving forward feels effortless, and it's further aided by the rocker shape of the shoes. As a matter of fact, the rocker is so effective that it reduces the springboard effect of the carbon plate; at least, that was my experience when I ran in the shoes.

The On Cloudboom Echo 3 isn't slow, though. I felt peppy and energetic running while doing my initial 10k test run. I appreciated the airiness of the upper, keeping my feet cool as time passed. I focused hard on detecting any areas of discomfort anywhere, yet, I found none.

The grip felt firm on dry tarmac – I'm yet to run in the shoes on wet surfaces – which reminded me of the ASICS Metaspeed Edge Plus, one of my favourite shoes from last year. I don't think the running dynamics of the Cloudboom Echo 3 is quite as fine-tuned as the Alphafly 2 or the Adidas Adios Pro 3, but it's certainly good enough to be considered one of the best on the market today.

On Cloudboom Echo 3 review: verdict

The On Cloudboom Echo 3 is an excellent running shoe. The new Helion HF foam not only contains 46% bio-based materials and is fully recyclable but also peppy and responsive. Not sure how On managed to marry sustainability to performance so eloquently, but I'd like to see more of it, please.

The upper feels accommodating, with a spacious toebox, optimal midfoot lockdown and a secure heel counter. Airflow in the shoes is superb, with the thin upper allowing the feet to cool down adequately. My only grief, really, is that the shoes don't look quite as On-y as its predecessor, which had those nice sharp lines and geometric design, but that might just be the On superfan talking.

Overall, the On Cloudboom Echo 3 deserves to be considered one of the fastest, most beautiful super shoes these days. It's not the best running shoe, but it's not far from it. I'm sure the price will come down eventually, so if that's your main concern, wait a few months. Otherwise, order the shoes as fast as you can.

On Cloudboom Echo 3 review: also consider

Nike has always been at the forefront of product innovation in the running industry. Think about the Nike Vaporfly 4% – six years after its launch, the best running shoe manufacturers are still trying to catch up with those shoes. Now, Nike is back with yet more innovation in the form of the Nike Run Division Aerogami Jacket.

Aerogami is a venting system that autonomously adapts to your needs, creating more-breathable performance gear with on-demand ventilation. Nike says Aerogami is designed to interact with your body in real time as you warm up, sweat and cool down.

What does this even mean? According to the brand, Aerogami utilises tiny winged vents that open as sweat builds against the skin, allowing better airflow and for sweat to escape. The vents close back up when the body cools down, and sweat dries. This capability comes from a moisture-reactive film applied to the ducts that autonomously contracts and expands upon sensing sweat against the body.

The new jacket's venting system is located across the chest and back of the garment, where runners heat up and sweat most, allowing airflow to travel through the jacket as runners move.

"Aerogami is our latest example of Nike's culture of innovation focused on solving the timeless needs of runners," says Jahan Behbahany, Senior Apparel Innovation Product Manager in Nike's Advanced Innovation Collective. "What's great about this technology is not only can the athlete feel the benefit, but they can also see it."

The jacket also features Storm-FIT ADV (retailer link) — Nike's pinnacle performance apparel material — to help protect runners from wind and rain. The women's Nike Run Division Aerogami Jacket releases in July 2023 at Nike and select retailers—the men's jacket releases later this year.

Writing this Nike Pegasus 40 review is as much of a blessing as it is a curse. I love the Nike Peg more than any other Nike running shoes, but they are like Apple Watches; changes from one iteration to the other aren't always significant enough to get excited over, which is exactly the case with the Pegasus 40.

However, I must write a review of the shoes, if, for nothing else, so more people become aware of how great the Pegasus franchise is. If you're a casual runner, who needs the best running shoes for walking, running, and anything in between, you need the Nike Pegasus 40. Simple as that.

Nike Pegasus 40 review: price and availability

The Nike Pegasus 40 was released in April 2023 and is available to buy now directly from Nike UK, Nike US and Nike AU for a recommended retail price of £115/$130/AU$190. This makes the shoes some of the best value-for-money running trainers from Nike and overall. The shoes are also available to buy from third-party retailers like Sportsshoes.com.

Nike Pegasus 40 review: specs

• Weight: 242g (W8)/ 288g (M8)
• Offset/drop: 10mm
• Stack height: 23 mm (forefoot), 33mm (heel)
• Price: £115/ $130/ AU$ XXX
• Fit: Regular, Extra wide

Nike Pegasus 40 review: what's new?

I loved the Nike Pegasus 39 more than the Nike Pegasus 38 (I was a bit harsh with the latter in the review, I must admit). The Peg 40 builds on what made the Peg 39 good and makes the shoes more comfortable by reworking the midfoot band and the upper.

The band is said to provide a more secure but forgiving fit for all arches, while the upper's new design allows more air to enter the shoes compared to traditional sandwich mesh upper. Nike says that each upper layer is engineered individually, whatever this might mean. The foam under the collar has been increased, and Nike also reworked the internal linings and padding throughout the upper to further improve fit.

Nike Pegasus 40 review: fit and ergonomics

The Nike Pegasus 40 is all about comfort. Not like the Peg 39 was uncomfortable, but even so, the latest iteration provides a better fit, improved step-in comfort and a lot of room in the toe box. The shoes aren't baggy, but thanks to the redesigned upper, they are even less restrictive than they were before.

The new midfoot band disperses pressure across the upper instead of pressing down hard in the middle of the shoes. I really appreciated the updated collar design – getting in and out of the trainers is a breeze. Airflow is excellent in the shoes. Not sure what kind of dark magic Nike used to enhance the already breathable upper, but it works.

Nike Pegasus 40 review: running performance

Nike hasn't changed much underfoot in the Pegasus 40. It uses the same React foam and the two Air Zoom units, one under the forefoot and the other under the heel, providing a smooth, responsive ride throughout the gait cycle. At this point – this is the 40th iteration of the Pegasus, after all – Nike knows full well how to create a daily trainer that can help you move around effortlessly.

That said, what I appreciate most about the Pegasus 40 is that it doesn't force you to run in a certain way. It's not the Nike Alphafly 2 or the Nike ZoomX Streakfly, which will always make you feel like you have to go fast. No, I'm happy to run slowly in the Pegasus 40, or walk, or stand. I often wear them for work or when I need to go to the shop.

This effortless versatility makes the Nike Pegasus 40 such a brilliant running trainer. Oh, and the fact that it's so keenly priced. Running shoes aren't getting cheaper (see also: are expensive running shoes worth it?), yet here we are, the Pegasus 40 selling for only a hair more than the Peg 39, despite the improvements. That's what I like to see!

Nike Pegasus 40 review: verdict

The Nike Pegasus 40 might not be a revolutionary running shoe, but it's a steady evolution of a franchise that consistently puts out some of the best daily trainers for casual athletes. The Peg 40 truly is a jack-of-all-trades shoe that's comfortable, responsive and just the right amount of stylish.

The improvements in fit and ergonomics ensure the Pegasus 40 is the most comfortable iteration of the shoes yet. Breathability is better, and so is step-in comfort. Best of all, the running experience is virtually unchanged, which is a positive in this case—recommended for anyone who needs a decent pair of trainers for everyday use.

Nike Pegasus 40 review: also consider

If you're looking for a similar running shoe to the Peg 40 with a more plush feel, check out New Balanace's Fresh Foam X 1080v12. It surpasses its predecessor in every way – the shoes are more comfortable, responsive and supportive than ever before. And they look pretty cool, too. Read my full New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12 review.

Another plush option is ASICS' Gel-Nimbus 25. It uses a new Gel (PUREGEL), new midsole foam (FF Blast Plus ECO), new knitted upper and new outsole, making the now 25-year-old shoes feel fresher than ever. Read my full ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 review.

Finally, I can't leave out one of my favourite running shoes from 2022, the Hoka Mach 5. It's a brilliant update over the fan-favourite Mach 4, which uses the softer and more responsive PROFLY+ foam and the stripped-back creel mesh upper—highly recommended. Read my full Hoka Mach 5 review.

The best running shoes sure aren't getting cheaper. In fact, they are getting increasingly costlier as time goes by. Some not-limited edition 'super shoes' – high-stack racing shoes designed for long-distance running – are almost as expensive as running watches and workout headphones. Looking at these prices, you wonder: are expensive running shoes worth it?

Saucony's latest super shoe, the excellent Endorphin Elite, made waves recently, not just because of its good energy return and unique design. At launch, the Saucony Endorphin Elite cost as much as the Nike Alphafly 2, the most expensive running shoes in recent times. The Elite hasn't just got a hefty price tag compared to other running trainers but also in general. $275/£280 is a lot of money to spend on some racing-only shoes.

In our review of the Sauconys, we mentioned it was a ballsy move from the brand to launch a shoe at that price point. We're sure the brand spent a lot of resources developing the shoes, and so did Adidas, Nike, Brooks, New Balance, On Running and all the other big-ticket brands creating their own super shoes. Still, not many people have the kind of money to splash out buying running footwear for this much.

Is a higher price equal to better performance? If you thought you were the only person thinking about this, you're wrong. Researchers are equally as excited about the notion that footwear can improve running performance as everybody else. One research looked at marathon performance data from a systematic sample of elite and sub-elite athletes from 2015 to 2019 to "estimate the effect on marathon times of wearing the [Nike] Vaporfly shoes."

They found that Vaporflys "improve men's times between 2.0 and 3.9 minutes, and women's times between 0.8 and 3.5 minutes." They added that "assuming that the effect of Vaporfly shoes is multiplicative, we estimate that they improve men's times between 1.4 and 2.8 per cent and women's performances between 0.6 and 2.2 per cent."

This might not sound much, but the implications of this fact are, in fact, huge. This means that all variables are accounted for, and just by putting on a pair of shoes, you can improve running performance to a statistically significant degree. No wonder people think some shoes count as 'mechanical doping' – there is an argument they actually do.

Of course, saying that expensive shoes will improve running performance is a blanket statement we won't make. People run differently, and putting on any ol' trainers might not have the same effect on your PB as they do with your buddy using the same shoes. External circumstances also matter.

For example, a running shoe store owner once told us that someone came into his shop for advice on the shoes they were planning on using for an upcoming trail race. The person in question wanted to use the Nike Vaporly NEXT% for an off-road race – that's not only silly but also dangerous due to the soft foam and lack of grip on those shoes.

That said, if you are at least a little bit experienced in running and go the extra mile to consult an expert (maybe in your local running store), getting an expensive running shoe can help improve your time. You don't necessarily need the most cutting-edge pair; the best shoes of yesteryear often produce similar results to the latest models but for a much lower price.

Coming back to the original question, are expensive running shoes worth it? In the proper context, they sure are. For those looking to improve their PBs and are happy to spend money on running footwear in order to shave off some time, expensive running shoes could mean the difference. However, just because shoes are expensive, that doesn't mean they are good.

There is no correlation between price and performance. If that were the case, the most expensive trainers would be the best; that isn't true. Companies often use price as a marketing tool, and super shoes usually cost more because they are placed right at the top of the metaphorical food chain of brands' offerings.

Our best advice is first to figure out what kind of running shoes provide the most benefits for you by talking to local running experts/doing a gait analysis, then look around for the best shoes in that category. You'll often find that the most suitable shoes aren't necessarily the most expensive. Occasionally, though, they might be. But, at least you know they are worth it for you. 

You're probably not into CrossFit if you've never heard of the TYR CXT-1 Trainer. But if you are in the market for a highly versatile cross-training shoe that isn't a Nike Metcon, a Reebok Nano, or a Nobull trainer, you need to pay attention.

In a move that surprised everyone, American fitness apparel brand TYR – better known for kitting out triathletes and Olympic swimmers in racing suits, goggles, and swim caps – transferred their considerable talents to the CrossFit scene last year with the introduction of their first shoe, the CXT-1 

I say 'introduction' because the CXT-1 first came to the world's attention in stunning style during the 2022 CrossFit Games when it appeared on the feet of no less than six male athletes who finished in the top 10, including Roman Khrennikov and Ricky Garard who podiumed in second and third place, respectively. 

In a further genius marketing move, those wanting to buy the CXT-1 after seeing it in action could only sign up for waiting lists and patiently countdown the weeks until it was released several months after making its debut, which only upped its desirability and helped the shoe to sell out several times over. 

But is the TYR CXT-1 really worth the hype? And should you be trading in your best cross-training shoes or best workout shoes for the new kids on the block? Keep reading to find out.

TYR CXT-1 Trainer review: price and availability

The TYR CXT-1 Trainer is available to buy now directly from TYR US / TYR AUS for $130/AU$ 229. In the UK, it is available to buy from third-party retailers such as WIT Fitness for £128.

TYR CXT-1 Trainer review: features and technology

You might think the TYR CXT-1 Trainer looks like most other CrossFit shoes on the market with its flat rubber sole, toe bumper, and wrap-around rope guards…and you’d be right. But it also features a few subtle differences that make quite an impact, the biggest being the 9mm heel-to-toe drop in the midsole.

Most CrossFit shoes – such as the Nike Metcon 8 with its 4mm toe drop - feature a minimal drop to help distribute weight more evenly across the foot. Therefore, the 9mm drop on the CXT-1 is, I believe, the biggest we’ve seen on a CrossFit shoe ever. But the high drop is there specifically to aid ankle mobility and increase squatting depth while boosting overall comfort and stability (more on this later).

Billed by TYR as ‘powered from the ground up’, the CXT-1 features a patent-pending stability platform for premium support and optimum ground contact, which is further enhanced by the very wide wrap-around side grippers that extend around the heel for added stability.

These grippers – in conjunction with the heel guard and deep toe bumper - also help to increase the durability of the shoe during moves like rope climbing, wall walks, and burpees. 

Finally, the firm yet flexible Surge NRG foam midsole promises responsiveness during agility training, while the engineered mesh upper aims to keep your feet cool no matter how intense your workouts get.

TYR CXT-1 Trainer review: style and aesthetics

If I had to sum up the aesthetic of the TYR CXT-1 Trainer in a couple of words, I’d call it satisfyingly ‘old school’. Maybe it’s because I’m a 90s chick who spent most of the decade wearing shoes with gum-coloured soles – think the Adidas Originals Gazelle or Stan Smith – but for me, traditional, plain styles just scream dependability and resilience, and I like it.

I appreciate that there are no bells and whistles or flashes of neon on the CXT-1. It’s almost like TYR (pronounced ‘tier’) are happy for the shoe to do the talking without screaming it through the design. But that’s just me. If you like a bolder colourway, TYR has now introduced brighter, more colourful styles alongside their more muted designs, and more are in the pipeline. That said, if you want a flashy shoe, you should look elsewhere. 

TYR CXT-1 Trainer review: fit and performance

The CXT-1 has an anatomical toe box that isn’t overly wide for a secure fit, but it is certainly roomier than the toe box on the narrower Nike Metcon 8. These shoes are true to size, so I went with my regular size, and my normal-width feet felt very comfortable, but wider feet may want to buy a half size up. 

I have high arches, so I really appreciated the arch support. Even though the Surge NRG foam midsole is on the firm side and geared towards stability, my feet felt incredibly comfy and well-supported throughout the footbed, and I could wear these shoes for a couple of hours during workouts without any issues. 

The mesh upper that wraps from the lateral side across the toe box to the medial side of the foot is certainly as breathable as promised, and it has a nice bit of stretch, but not so much as to take away from the seriously secure, locked in feel across the midfoot. 

That’s helped by the basic lacing system, which is surrounded by microsuede for added durability, so you can pull your laces pretty tight if you want or use the sixth eyelet if needed. The tongue is also nicely cushioned and doesn’t shift around because it is gusseted at the sides.  

The shoe certainly seems durable, thanks to the extended toe guard that helps protect the shoe during toe-dragging moves like burpees, plus the smooth heel clip, which helps you glide down the wall during wall walks.

I can’t comment on the durability of the generously sized lateral and medial rope guards (I haven’t climbed a rope since primary school), but I can say they really add to the stability of the shoe and do a great job of cupping your foot in certain places. Overall, the rubber surrounding the shoe is fairly rigid but also surprisingly flexible, so it supports the foot while allowing it to flex at the same time. 

The sole itself is predominantly flat with a little groove in the middle to help channel a rope through, and there’s a very slight toe spring to make running easier, although these shoes are best used for short sprints and not for anything over a mile or two as the cushioning just isn’t there under the forefoot to support long runs (as is the case with most CrossFit-specific shoes).

The rubber sole features different textures and is extremely grippy, and the flexibility in the forefoot and overall responsiveness make this shoe excellent for agility work, multi-directional movements, and explosive exercises like box jumps. 

Onto the bit you’ve been waiting for: the midsole drop. Well, personally, I love it. I don’t have the best squatting action due to tightness in my ankles and calf muscles, but the CXT-1 helps with that issue brilliantly, and I felt really supported. 

Even though the shoe has a 9mm heel-to-toe drop, you don’t necessarily feel it because the shoe feels surprisingly flat. Rather than have the drop gradually slope downwards (which could make you feel like you’re pitching forwards), you instead feel a tiny but sharp rise right at the back of the foot, and I think it’s this that helps to boost the heel a little while still providing a flat feel. In short, this simple but clever trick makes a big difference, and I reckon those with long limbs will appreciate it too.

The wide, flat base provides amazing ground contact and stability, and overall, the CXT-1 really shines during heavy lifts. That said, if you prefer training in a minimal shoe, it probably won’t be right for you, and it’s this factor that could split people’s opinions of the CXT-1 down the middle. 

TYR CXT-1 Trainer review: verdict

The TYR CXT-1 is hands down one of the best cross-training shoes around and will handle pretty much anything you want to throw at it. The wide, flat base and 9mm heel-to-toe drop provide an incredibly stable platform for lifting yet manages to be flexible and responsive enough for agility work and multi-directional movement at the same time. 

Durable, tough, and solid, you might think this trainer lacks some of the bells and whistles of other CrossFit-specific shoes, but it has everything you need to get the job done well, whether you’re in a CrossFit box, the gym, or training at home. Top marks. 

I get excited over most Nike releases – I was on holiday when the new Peg 40 was launched last week, sadly, so I couldn't report on it – but the company's latest drop filled me with more joy than any other launch from Nike this year (although I haven't tried the Nike Vaporfly 3 yet). The reason for my excitement is the Nike Motiva, a new running/jogging/walking shoe that seemingly ticks all the boxes I want from my footwear: it looks great, is versatile and accessibly priced. Hooray!

Of course, I'm not saying the new Nike Motiva is the best Nike running shoe; it's just a very, very exciting concept. According to the brand, the idea came from looking at data in the Nike Run Club app. The Nike team noticed that the majority of women logging their first workout in the app were averaging a 13-minute mile. They weren’t just running at that pace – they were fluctuating between walking, jogging and running throughout their activity.

The Nike Motiva is said to help these first-time runners and people who don't yet belong to the 'split short gang' (those fast runners who'd do anything for marginal gains on races) to move around more comfortably. To do just that, Nike focused on the transition between the different states of movement (walking/jogging/running).

As the company explains, at a slower pace, people are more likely to strike the ground heel-first. Therefore, the sole of the Motiva features an exaggerated rocker that helps provide a smooth transition, easing your foot to the ground after heel impact before rolling your foot forward to push back off for your next step.

The shoes also feature full-length Cushlon 3.0 foam in the midsole for added cushioning. New ComfortGroove bumps on the outsole (pictured above) help make it even softer, according to Nike. Finally, a soft foam waterfall collar is said to hug around the ankle and heel, while an internal half-bootie helps seamlessly get the shoe on and off.

The Nike Motiva has a recommended retail price of £99.95 (approx. $124/AU$185) and will be offered in both women’s and men’s sizes in a range of colours beginning in May 2023. Technical details: offset 12 mm, weight (W8): W8 253.6 g (per shoe/half pair). For more information about the Motiva, visit Nike today. For more information on running and walking shoes, check out T3's best women's running shoes and best women's walking shoe guides.

You need to read this HOKA Rocket X 2 review if you’re a fan of the brand who's been waiting patiently for them to drop a carbon race shoe contender. HOKA was among the first to follow Nike and launch a carbon plate shoe with the Carbon X way back when. That shoe was well-liked. Jim Walmsley even used it to break ultra-running records. Then came the original Rocket X, and while it was an ok performer, it failed to set the world on fire. 

That mixed success sent HOKA back to the drawing board for a rethink. The result is a completely overhauled Rocket X 2 that sports a reshaped carbon plate, new midsole foam, transformed uppers and altered rocker geometry. But has HOKA finally produced the best running shoe – a carbon super shoe, even – that can keep pace with the best? Read on to find out.

HOKA Rocket X 2 review: Price and availability

The HOKA Rocket X 2 was launched in March 2023. It’s available to buy now for a recommended retail price of $250/£220. On price, it drops in towards the lower end of the carbon super shoe rack. It’s £50 cheaper than the Nike Alphafly Next% 2 in the UK ($25 cheaper in the US), and also cheaper than the new Vaporfly Next% 3. The same price as the New Balance SC Elite V3, the new Under Armour Velociti Elite and the Adidas Adios Pro 3 in the UK.

Other rivals to consider in the carbon running shoes race include the much pricier Saucony Endorphin Elite ($275/£280), the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 ($225/£210) and the ASICS Metaspeed Sky+ ($250/£225).

HOKA Rocket X 2 review: What’s new?

Built for racing and faster efforts, HOKA says its overhauled carbon racer is “geared for elite runners”, but there’s plenty here in the brand-new design that makes this a more democratic and versatile shoe – even if you’re not in the split shorts elite gang.

The two-part ProFlyX midsole unit has been transformed. There’s a new higher stack, dual-density PEBA midsole with a softer layer of foam close to the foot and a firmer, more responsive layer on the bottom. Sandwiched between those layers, there’s a spoon-shaped, offset carbon fibre plate that HOKA says works with the foam to improve rebound over its previous shoes. There’s also an early-stage rocker to improve toe spring and smooth the transitions.

With 36mm / 31mm heel-to-toe, the Rocket X 2 has the lowest stack of the leading super shoes. The 5mm drop is also shallower than the big stack Nike shoes and the likes of the Saucony Endorphin Elite. Closer to the New Balance SC Elite V3 and the ASICS Metaspeed Sky+.

Up top, you’ve got seriously snug synthetic mesh uppers – think that plastic uppers like the last-gen Vaporfly Next %2 – gusseted tongues and an internal foot cage that’s there to create a race-ready hugging locked-in fit. Flip them over, and the outsole has the familiar weight-saving zonal rubber reinforcements on high-traction areas to boost grip and durability.

HOKA Rocket X 2 review: Weight

This is a compact shoe, and at 7.8oz / 221g in our UK men’s size 8.5 test shoe, the HOKA Rocket X 2 is one of the lighter carbon shoes on the shelves. It’s carrying 27g less than the Nike Alphafly Next%2, but it’s a shade heavier than the likes of the Adidas Adios Pro 3 and the New Balance SC Elite V3.

HOKA Rocket X 2 review: Fit

When it comes to fit, I ran in my regular size, UK 8.5. But I found the fit initially a bit awkward. Some race shoes can be a struggle to get into, and the Rocket X 2 certainly took some wrestling on.

That hugging, locked-in race fit borders on being too cramped, and my first reaction was that I wouldn’t even get wide, high instep feet into them. However, once they were on, and I was running, there was just about enough room. Just.

I’d say these come up small, and the fit is a bit fussy. Going half a size up may add too much length. What I really wanted was a quarter size with more wiggle room. But if you like a tighter dialled-in race fit, you’ll definitely get it.

HOKA Rocket X 2 review: Running performance

In testing, I ran around 50 miles in the HOKA Rocket X 2, including a 20-mile effort that combined a 7-mile low-and-slow run to the start of the London Landmarks Half Marathon, which I then raced.

I also clocked a 10-mile effort (mixing slower and faster miles), a tempo 10km and some all-out 5kms to test the top speed.

Let’s start with comfort. The HOKA Rocket X 2 doesn't immediately disappear on your foot. It’s a bit of a battle to get them on and get the gusseted tongue and the internal foot cage in place. If you’ve got wide feet, the tongues won’t quite fully wrap your foot either. You can see your socks. All in all, it’s a bit fussy and fiddly with the potential for irritation. If you’re planning to buy these, you’ll need to pay particular attention to fit (more below).

However, despite that tight fit, once the shoes are on and you’re running, the comfort is pretty good. Though if you like any kind of wiggle room for your toes, you won’t get it here. Some other runners I spoke to said they found that hugging a touch too restrictive and troublesome even over a half marathon distance. 

The ride is a little reminiscent of the old Vaporfly 4%. That’s a good thing. It’s light, lively, compact, agile and fun. It puts plenty of spring right under the ball of your foot that makes you feel race ready. 

But it’s not overbaked, either. There’s also pretty good stability (for a super shoe) and that dual-density midsole makes for a nice platform to run off at a range of paces. I was surprised at how accommodating the Rocket X 2 were at my slower pace runs while also easily shifting gears up to marathon pace. Or, as I prefer to describe it, my dialled-in race form versus my slightly more loose and ragged easy run form.

The rocker also helps create a nice clip-along transition, and this shoe definitely spares your legs deep into the longer miles. After my 7-mile, hour-long warm-up run, I managed to pull off a 1:31 half marathon with little pace drop off in – or rising heart rate – in the final three miles.  

The half marathon course I tested on was about as twisty and u-turny as it gets, and the Rocket X 2 was great on the corners, too. One blessing of that glove-like race fit means there’s no slipping off the midsole unit, even on tight turns at pace.

The Rocket X 2 has a heel design like the Adidas Prime X Strung and the Adios Pro 3 that puts two small cushion pads on either side of the heel, and I was concerned about rubbing and cutting. But after a good three hours on my feet, I had no issues at all.

HOKA Rocket X 2 review: Durability and value

At $250/£220, the HOKA Rocket X 2 is among the priciest running shoes. If you’re investing that kind of money in a shoe, it’s a bonus if it can cope with more than just race day. The Rocket X 2 isn’t as punchy at the top end as the Nike Alphafly or the Adidas Prime X Strung but it’s slightly more subtle ride and that comparative stability makes it more comfortable at a range of paces. That translates to more versatility. We said it about the Under Armour Velociti Elite and the same is true here: you can use this shoe more readily for faster training as well as racing. That versatility could add up to good value if you’re only looking to invest in one shoe.

HOKA Rocket X 2 review: Verdict

The HOKA Rocket X 2 is a brilliantly well-balanced carbon racer and closes the gap considerably on the best super shoes. The ride is everything you want in a snappy racer with a good dollop of versatility to boot. If you’re looking for a speedy option with enough energy, stability and versatility to eat a range of paces and distances, this might be it. It’s also well priced and looks nicely durable. A good-value running shoe that’s well worth considering.

HOKA Rocket X 2 review: Also consider

If you like your carbon race shoes lighter and more direct, then the Nike Vaporfly Next% 2 (find good bargains) or the new Vaporfly Next% 3 are always good options. With lightweight uppers, a roomier toe box and a direct-but-punchy ride, it’s still one of the most popular shoes for chasing half and marathon PBs.   

Speaking of like it light and direct, the New Balance SC Elite V3 is also worth consideration, particularly if you’re looking for a shorter half marathon race shoe. 

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 and the Under Armour Velociti Elite are two excellent race shoes that offer plenty of versatility like the Rocket X 2. Though both also offer a more comfortable, roomier and traditional fit. The Endorphin Pro is also a bit more cushioned and protective over longer miles while the Velociti Elite probably has better daily trainer potential.

If you want all-out speed, the Nike Alphafly Next% 2 is still the best marathon race shoe on the shelves. It combines lightweight, race-hugging uppers, a 40mm turbo stack of ZoomX foam with Zoom Air pods in the midfoot, for a winning top-pace mix.

Not long after the Nike Invincible 3 was launched, Nike is back with an absolute bombshell of an announcement. Soon, you'll be able to own the latest iteration of what many runners consider the best running shoes ever made, the Nike Vaporfly 3. Key updates include a smoother transition, improved stability and more energy return in the Vaporfly 3's lightweight design.

Nike is in a tricky situation with the shoes. Firstly, the Vaporfly has been immensely popular from the get-go, and it still is – just look around what runners are wearing on your next race. On the other hand, people love to see frequent updates on their favourite Nike running shoes, like the Nike Pegasus 39 or the Nike Alphafly 2. Put it this way: from a technical point of view, Nike didn't have to update the Vaporfly, but to make sure the shoes stayed relevant in the ever-so-saturated super shoe market, it was time to roll out some changes.

Building on learnings from the Nike Vaporfly 2, Nike designers focused on refining the Vaporfly’s lightweight design with improvements to "meet the timeless needs of distance runners, including a smoother transition, improved stability and more energy return," Nike explains. Of course, Nike didn't want to disturb its goose that lays the golden egg too much; the engine of the Vaporfly 3 remains the same, with the propulsive feel from the pairing of a full-length carbon fibre Flyplate and ZoomX midsole.

That said, the new Vaporfly 3 introduces a reductive midsole geometry that features a convex shape around the forefoot, providing a comfortable and stable ride throughout your transition with Nike’s most resilient foam (a.k.a. the goose mentioned above). Nike also updated the Flyknit yarn upper to provide better lockdown at any distance.

The shoes are launched in the Prototype colourway, ala the Nike ZoomX Streakfly and the Alphafly 2 mentioned above. “The Prototype colourway of the Vaporfly 3 is a nod to our development process, where the athlete and everyday runner feedback critically informs and guides our innovation journey from start to finish,” says Elliott Heath, Nike Running Senior Footwear Product Manager.

Several design features in the model’s first colourway pay tribute to the Nike Running team’s development journey. Graphic text on the midsole nods to the number of Flyknit upper iterations the team tested (57) and a dedicated weartester’s identification number (20126-23). The iconic drop Swoosh against the all-white silhouette pays homage to the first-ever Vaporfly worn at a Breaking 2 test event in 2017.

Launching in the Prototype colourway, the Nike Vaporfly 3 will be available on 6 March 2023 at Nike US, Nike UK, Nike AU and select running speciality stores for a recommended retail price of $250/£235 (approx. AU$435). More colourways will follow.