ASICS has unveiled the GEL-Nimbus 29, the latest generation of its hugely popular cushioned running shoe, with a new midsole foam and updated sole geometry designed to make the run feel softer than ever.

The GEL-Nimbus has long been a go-to option for runners who value comfort over outright speed.

With the 29th generation, ASICS doubles down on that reputation, though the changes go beyond simply adding more cushioning underfoot.

A new kind of softness

The biggest update is FF LUXE PLUS, an entirely new cushioning compound designed to deliver a plush feel while keeping the shoe relatively lightweight.

ASICS has also redesigned the sole with a distinctive wave pattern that allows the foam to compress more easily under pressure.

Combined with the brand's existing PureGEL technology beneath the heel, the new construction aims to make landings feel noticeably softer.

Of course, softer cushioning doesn't automatically mean a better experience, especially for runners who prefer a little more responsiveness from their daily trainers.

Yet more upgrades

ASICS also gave the upper a makeover, introducing an engineered mesh construction that promises improved breathability without sacrificing the comfortable fit the Nimbus series is known for.

The knitted tongue should feel softer against the top of your foot, and the ribbed collar is designed to fit more securely around the ankle.

The HYBRID ASICSGRIP outsole now offers more rubber coverage than the previous generation, potentially reducing wear and tear for runners who regularly log substantial mileage.

Despite the updates, the GEL-Nimbus 29 weighs approx. 279g for men and 238g for women, suggesting ASICS has kept the overall weight in check.

Visually, the new shoe follows what ASICS calls its "Soaring Cloud" design philosophy, inspired by the sensation of floating on an updraft.

The sculpted midsole takes cues from traditional Japanese painting, giving the shoe a flowing appearance that complements its comfort-focused positioning.

The GEL-Nimbus 29 looks like a promising evolution of an already well-established franchise, particularly for anyone who enjoys highly cushioned footwear for everyday training.

Will we see an even bigger overhaul for next year’s 30th anniversary? We’ll have to wait and see.

The ASICS GEL-Nimbus 29 will be available globally from 1 December for €190. UK, US and AU pricing has yet to be confirmed.

For more information, head over to ASICS.

Running shoes are big business, and while brands like Hoka, On and Nike tend to dominate the conversation, plenty of smaller players are looking to carve out a larger slice of the market.

One of them is Altra, the US-based running shoe specialist whose latest financial results suggest it's doing something very right.

According to parent company VF Corporation's latest earnings report, published on 28 October, Altra's revenue grew by more than 40% in the second quarter of fiscal 2027.

This makes the brand the fastest-growing brand in VF's portfolio, which also includes The North Face, Timberland and Vans.

Even more impressively, the growth wasn't limited to one particular market or product category, as Altra reported gains across every geographical region and sales channel, with both road and trail running shoes performing strongly.

From trails to tarmac

Altra is best known for its roomy FootShape toe boxes and zero-drop running shoes, though its range now includes models with some heel-to-toe drop.

Its distinctive approach has helped the brand establish a loyal following among runners looking for something different from conventional footwear.

However, trail running is only part of the equation, and Altra's biggest opportunity might be elsewhere.

During VF Corporation's earnings call, CEO Bracken Darrell noted that the road running market is about ten times larger than trail running, making it an obvious area for expansion.

The company highlighted the Altra Torin 9 as its biggest launch of the season, with strong sales suggesting the brand's everyday road running shoes are resonating with customers.

The Vanish Carbon 3 and Tempo 2 are helping Altra strengthen its racing credentials, giving runners more reasons to consider the brand beyond its established trail running favourites.

Not everyone's running ahead

Altra may have done exceptionally well, but other VF brands also did okay last fiscal season.

The North Face and Timberland both posted 4% revenue growth, though their success stories looked very different.

Interestingly, The North Face saw double-digit growth in global footwear sales, led by models such as the Clyffe, Thermoball Mules, and Altamesa. Its bags also performed well, especially the Hot Shot and Base Camp collections, which is probably not all that surprising.

Timberland is also looking beyond its iconic 6-inch boots, with growing interest in its Field Boot, Euro Hiker and boat shoes.

VF Corp also sees significant potential in the brand’s sneakers and apparel range, suggesting a broader push into lifestyle categories could be on the horizon.

Vans remains the problem child, with revenue falling 9.8% during the quarter, but its direct-to-consumer business returned to global growth for the first time in almost five years, offering some encouragement.

For Altra, though, the picture is much brighter: having established itself as a serious contender in trail running, the brand is now pushing further into the much larger road-running market.

[via VF Investor Relations]

A couple of years ago, my colleague Pat published an article arguing that trail running shoes shouldn't be waterproof, explaining why adding a waterproof membrane to footwear designed for running through unpredictable terrain can sometimes create more problems than it solves.

The article made several compelling points about water drainage, breathability, and the added cost of waterproof footwear, especially when you're likely to encounter streams, deep puddles, and boggy trails.

I spent considerable time running off-road over the years, and I can appreciate the argument. Waterproof running shoes might seem like the obvious choice for Britain's notoriously wet conditions, but a fundamental problem becomes apparent as soon as you step into water deeper than the shoe's collar.

So, when I recently visited GORE-TEX's headquarters in Putzbrunn, Germany, to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary, I put the question directly to its footwear experts: if serious trail runners often prefer non-waterproof shoes, why does GORE-TEX keep developing waterproof running footwear?

Their response made more sense than I expected (not like I thought it wouldn’t), and it reinforced something I've come to appreciate through my own running experience. That is, waterproof footwear matters less when conditions are wet and more when moisture is likely to reach your feet.

The problem with waterproof running shoes

The main argument against waterproof trail running shoes is relatively straightforward. While a waterproof membrane prevents rain and external moisture from penetrating the upper, it cannot stop water entering through the opening around your ankle.

If you're running through deep puddles or crossing streams, water can enter from above the collar, leaving you with wet socks inside a shoe that isn't particularly good at letting liquid water escape.

Waterproof membranes let moisture vapour pass through, but that doesn't mean they can drain the water sloshing around inside your shoes after an unexpected plunge into a stream.

Non-waterproof trail running shoes generally have the advantage here, as their more open construction lets water drain more readily while also providing better ventilation during high-intensity efforts.

It's one reason why competitive trail runners, particularly those tackling technical courses with multiple water crossings, often favour lightweight, non-waterproof footwear.

Interestingly, the GORE-TEX team didn't attempt to dismiss this argument during our discussion.

They acknowledged that elite athletes competing in demanding trail races might not choose waterproof shoes, but pointed out that competitive racing represents only a small part of the running market (fair point).

For recreational runners and people training throughout the colder months, the considerations can be quite different.

Not all wet trails are created equal

The conversation made me think about the distinction between running through water and running in wet conditions, because the two experiences aren't necessarily interchangeable.

A typical autumn morning in the UK often brings dewy grass, and trails can be damp from overnight drizzle. You might run for an hour without hitting a single puddle deep enough to submerge your shoes, but conventional mesh uppers might still let in some moisture.

Waterproof running shoes make sense here, because keeping external moisture from penetrating the upper can help your socks stay dry, potentially making the experience much more comfortable.

The same applies to winter training sessions on relatively predictable routes, where you're more concerned about cold, damp conditions than negotiating deep streams or knee-high bogs.

Compromises remain, of course. Waterproof footwear can feel warmer and less ventilated than its non-waterproof equivalent, and a membrane won't stop your feet from getting damp from sweat during particularly demanding efforts.

However, for an easy morning run, a winter training session or even a casual walk along muddy woodland paths, those compromises might be perfectly acceptable.

The right shoe for the right run

During the visit, GORE-TEX also discussed technologies such as Invisible Fit, which integrates the waterproof membrane more closely with the shoe's upper to create a construction that feels less intrusive than traditional waterproof footwear.

Many trail runners already use this technology, including the Brooks Cascadia 20 GTX, Altra’s Experience Wild 3+ GTX and the NNormal Tomir 02 GTX, to name a few.

It's an interesting development, especially for runners who've found waterproof shoes too stiff or bulky, though construction improvements don't eliminate the fundamental limitations of a low-cut waterproof shoe.

Personally, I still wouldn't choose waterproof trail running shoes for an event where I knew I'd be crossing streams or running through deep bogs, because once water gets inside, I'd rather have footwear that allows it to escape.

But for everyday running on familiar trails without significant water crossings, I can see the appeal of keeping rain, dew, and moisture from vegetation off my socks.

Ultimately, my conversation with GORE-TEX didn't convince me that every trail runner needs waterproof shoes, nor did it undermine the arguments made in T3's original article.

Instead, it highlighted that waterproof running footwear shouldn't be judged solely by the demands of competitive trail racing, because the conditions on a leisurely woodland run can differ greatly from those on a mountain ultra.

And while I'd still reach for non-waterproof shoes on unpredictable terrain, I wouldn't dismiss GORE-TEX trail runners on a cold, drizzly morning on familiar trails, especially if the alternative meant spending the rest of my run with damp socks.

The Brooks Cascadia is synonymous with trail running, as it is the world’s longest-running trail shoe franchise. With the first iteration released more than 20 years ago and designed with trail-running royalty Scott Jurek, the shoe has undergone multiple iterations to meet the growing demand for fast-paced adventures over rough terrain.

I was a bit late to the game – my first foray into the Cascadia experience was last year's Brooks Cascadia 19, which I wore in Chamonix while covering the UTMB finals. But I loved it so much I’ve been wearing it off and on since then.

Sometimes, it can be hard to see why a brand releases an update, but in the Brooks Cascadia 20, it’s clear the goal is to make a shoe that better meets the demands of the trail. To that end, just a few key changes amount to significant upgrades.

The Seattle brand has finally traded its TrailTack Green outsole, which was pretty reliable on a variety of surfaces, for Vibram Megagrip, widely considered the best outsole for trail.

The brand has transitioned to the new DNA Loft v3 foam, which is lighter and more abundant than ever, while the dramatically reimagined upper creates a snugger, zero-slip experience on the trail.

Is it enough to make the leap from my beloved 19? I’ve recently run 50k in them over four trail adventures to find out, and this is my honest opinion.

Brooks Cascadia 20 review

Price and availability

The Brooks Cascadia 20 is available in men’s and women’s sizing with five different colourways for each to choose from. After the bright splash of the canary yellow 19s, the brand has gone for more muted tones, though men’s colours are a little bolder.

I tested the white/blue/black colourway, which is the brightest for women, a little bit too much like toothpaste for my taste, and stains very easily on muddy days. I’d recommend trying a darker colourway like Peppercorn or Grey, and you can browse directly on the brand’s website, where the shoes are priced at an MSRP of £140.

That is really quite a reasonable price tag for a legacy shoe from a big brand. It’s never been the most technical shoe out there, but it’s highly versatile, one that you could wear on gravel days, a bit of road and even some muddier trails. It’s the same price as the Hoka Speedgoat 6, another jack-of-all-trades trail shoe that you can wear for hiking as well as running.

Design and materials

The big story in the design of the Cascadia 20 is the transition to a Vibram outsole, with confidence-inspiring lugs that have proven themselves on many a great trail shoe in recent years. The chevron lugs have tiny teeth that really increase grip, and though there is some foam on display, the coverage is quite good.

Even though last year’s Cascadia 19 introduced DNA LOFT v3 foam, the 20’s midsole has been upgraded with the DNA Flash v2. This foam is stiffer and feels similarly bouncy to the Loft v3. Once again, the stack height steadily creeps up, this time to nearly 38mm under the heel, while Brooks has kept the 6mm heel-to-toe drop that was introduced last year.

While the Cascadia 19’s upper was criticised for being a little too warm and thick, this one is thinner by comparison, with bigger ventilation holes in the outer mesh, though it's still a fabric construction. There’s a decent amount of reinforcement around the heel and toe without being too rugged.

What’s more pronounced is the huge change in the shoe’s profile. The 20 is distinctly narrower, has shaved a good amount of real estate off the toe box and is built to deliver a better lockdown fit. The tongue isn’t fully gusseted but stays in place, and there’s a big heel pull tab and lace garage for convenience.

You might think all of these updates result in a lighter shoe, but it weighs in at exactly the same weight as the 19s: 235 grams per shoe for a women’s UK 4.

Performance and comfort

When I first wore the 19s, I remember being a bit worried that they weren’t high-volume enough for my high arches, but after one run, they broke in nicely. With the 20s, I had the same fear about the fit, and even after 50k, they haven’t loosened up as much as I would like.

The result is that even after several long runs in these, I can feel a little pressure on the top of my foot. Overall, the design is noticeably narrower and shallower than the previous shoe, and Brooks has trimmed a sizeable chunk off the toe box. At about the 10k mark, I start to get hot spots on my toes.

The upside of this new design, however, is that the shoes do offer a better lockdown fit, with no slippage at all on the inside of the shoe. I’d still like my foot to sit deeper in the shoe, but I can’t really fault the fit around my heel.

The upper fabric construction isn’t as thick as the 19, which probably makes the shoe a little less sweaty, but it isn’t thin enough to cut down on protection.

I’ve had plenty of opportunity to test these shoes out in muddy and slick conditions and, unsurprisingly, they’re a great match for Scottish trails in autumn. I’ve been running a lot on a long, quiet trail that doesn’t see much footfall and is very overgrown in parts. It takes me across mud, wet leaves and grass, and I’ve had no problem keeping my footing.

The lugs aren’t too aggressive, so they might struggle on really muddy slopes, but for gravel and rolling hills I’m confident in their abilities. The lug design does seem to pick up a lot of mud, which hasn’t impacted their traction but does mean I need to be careful to take these off before entering my house.

I’ve got them completely soaked on several occasions running in the rain and through wet grass. They drain well, but they do take several days to dry out, even stuffed with newspaper.

The new midsole is really quite plush and very stiff, so it doesn’t give me any trail feedback whatsoever. But the upside of that is that, when I have to run sections of tarmac, the shoes don’t feel heavy. Overall, I’d say they feel similarly springy to the 19s, but personally I prefer a little more flex in the sole.

Verdict

It’s hard to deny that the Cascadia 20 has some significant design upgrades: it’s lighter, grippier, and has a more secure fit than its predecessor. However, this model is a good lesson in the value of trying shoes on before you buy, as the updated design doesn’t work for my foot shape as well as the Cascadia 19, which I’ll probably continue wearing. For other runners, this shoe will be the upgrade they’ve been waiting for.

When Sebastian Sawe strode into the record books, becoming the first person to run an official sub-2-hour marathon in London earlier this year, all eyes turned to what was on his feet. There, we saw an impossibly lightweight pair of sub-100g Adidas carbon supershoes, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3.

Runners everywhere asked themselves the same question: do we all need Sawe’s super-minimal speedsters to chase our own PB goals?

I spoke to the Adidas Pro Evo 3 designers, and they were quite clear. The Pro Evo 3 shoe was designed specifically for the fastest runners, those clocking sub-3-hour marathons and, like Sawe, much, much faster.

I raced the Cape Town Marathon in the Adios Pro Evo 3, squeaking under three hours, and while it’s a light, fast weapon of a running shoe, I can confirm the stripped-back racer is fun but definitely not for everyone. Not least because of the £450/$500 price tag and the limited availability.

However, Adidas seemed pretty sure they would pretty quickly repackage some of that record-breaking, efficiency-boosting tech into shoes better suited to those of us taking ever so slightly longer than Sawe to conquer the 42km.

That shoe landed last week – the Adidas Adios Pro 5. And I just got to lace it up to race the Berlin Marathon. The perfect test to find out if it translates the Pro Evo 3’s punchiness into a more accessible little sibling. And where this sits in the super shoe standings.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5 review

What’s new with the Adidas Adios Pro 5?

The Adidas Adios Pro 5 is a complete overhaul from the Adios Pro 4. It looks like a cross between the Pro Evo 3, the hugely popular fast trainer, the EVO SL, and the Pro 4 and features a completely new midsole setup.

It sticks with the highly rockered wedge of a new-formula Lightstrike Pro foam but adds an extra 2mm under the forefoot, shooting for a softer, more responsive and more energetic ride.

Adidas replaced the carbon EnergyRods that sat under the metatarsals on the Pro 4 with a horseshoe-style carbon EnergyRim running around the edge of the shoe that mimics the tech used in the Pro Evo 3. That sits you directly on top of the new bed of Lightstrike Pro.

The Pro 4 had a big, weight-saving midsole cutaway that exposed those rods. That’s gone, replaced by a flatter complete midsole that makes for a much more consistent and smooth transition, particularly at the slower paces.

Up top you’ve got new uppers deploying the same lightweight woven material. But with lots of added pinhole perforations to boost breathability. There’s an updated version of the Lightlock 2.0 uppers with internal support bands to help secure your foot. You’re still getting short, thin, minimal tongues which are stitched in on both sides to help them stay put, rather than gusseted.

Adidas also swapped the regular laces for sawtooth laces that don’t wriggle loose. That’s a welcome improvement.

Another thing I like. The Pro 5 now has some reinforcement in the toe box that helps provide some extra clearance across the top of the toes. Though the forefoot still tapers quite sharply for a narrow toe box.

The heel package has been changed too, sticking with race-style, weight-saving, minimal internal pads with just a hint of cushion at the base of the Achilles. Adidas says they also now use a material coating that helps those heel pads grip better when things get wet or sweaty, to help avoid movement and rubbing.

The outsole sticks with a very similar outsole combination of Lighttraxion and a Continental rubber pad under the main strike point in the forefoot.

A few tiny but very important details to note here: The outsole looks recessed into the midsole in places and thinner overall. Presumably, more weight savings, but that could help avoid catching the edges of the outsole rubber pads, reducing the risk of those lifting off.

Then, on the lateral side, there’s also an exposed section of the Lightstrike Pro foam. Adidas says it’s added protection only where you need it to keep things light. So there’s no Lighttraxion rubber on this edge. For some runners, that’s led to scuffing and damage.

How’s the fit?

Fit and sizing are areas where Adidas race shoes don’t always deliver. In the last-gen Adidas Adios Pro 4, I struggled with the length in my usual Adidas size.

The end of the toe box caught my (neatly clipped) toenails on runs over 2 hours or so. The sharp tapered toe box also made everything a little more cramped.

The Adidas Adios Pro 5 seems to have fixed the toenail woes, thanks to those reinforcements in the toe box. But the fit remains snug. If I’m being kind, I’d call it a race fit, but the tapered forefoot leaves little wiggle room, and I think I’d recommend going half a size up in the Adios Pro 5.

But then there’s the heel package. The Pro Evo 3 cut my heels in Cape Town; the Adios Pro 5 did the same on my solo marathon test, from around mile three. For Berlin I chose thicker socks and plastered up, and that extra protection prevented a repeat of the damage, though I could still feel those heel collars more than I would like.

This is something I think Adidas could definitely improve. I’d take a couple more grams for a little bit more guaranteed comfort back there. 
I don't really want to have to plaster up my heels every time, or go into a race worrying about what might happen.

I didn't have any toenail lifting, as I suffered with the Pro 4. That little reinforcement of the toe box seems to have fixed that issue. Though. I think you still might want to consider going half a size up to give yourself good clearance and account for that tapered, narrower fit toe box.

The marathon test(s)

Two weeks prior to Berlin, I laced up the Adios Pro 5 for a 3:45 solo marathon around the streets of London, with two blocks of sub-3 marathon pace in the middle. The Pro 5 felt good moving fast when I hit my target marathon pace.

I lined up for the Berlin Marathon, feeling in good form, a bit off my 2:50 PB fitness, but still targeting a sub-3-hour marathon. Something I clocked with the assistance of the top-tier Adidas Pro Evo 3 back in June at the Cape Town Marathon.

Ride experience

On the Berlin streets, I went out a little hot, hitting between 6:30 and 6:50 min/miles – the latter being my target pace. When I was moving well on fresh legs with a good mid-to-forefoot strike, there was a really nice impetus to the shoes, good energy coming back from that Lightstrike Pro midsole.

I'd call it smooth and efficient, though maybe not as aggressive and punchy in the toe-off as the Adios Pro 4, which I find has a less compressive foam that's much more immediate in responding when you're engaging it.

But the Pro 5s feel much smoother and more natural. I found a more consistent sensation underfoot, much more uniform and planted across all paces, from when I was feeling really fresh and running well, to the last bit where I was really struggling, landing very heavy and suffering.

They might not be quite as bouncy or propulsive as, say, an Asics Metaspeed Edge, not as punchy as the Puma Fast-R 3. You don't get the same stiffness and aggression; they're not a bounding shoe. But I don't think the Pro 5 lacks energy. If Adidas was aiming for a shoe with a more democratic, accessible setup to appeal to a wider range of abilities, I think it delivers.

It gave back what I invested when I was hitting pace, with a nice efficiency and buttery smooth, controlled energy. And it certainly looked after me well from a protection perspective when I dropped to a minute slower than marathon pace and was heavy and ragged deep into the race, likely because you're now landing on the foam rather than the rods or a plate.

What stood out most was the boosted comfort and reliability versus the Pro 4, and the extra support, protection and restraint versus the Pro Evo 3, when the inevitable ragged form hit.

I had virtually no foot fatigue under the forefoot, and though the Pro 5 wasn't perhaps assisting me much at the slower paces, it didn't leave me exposed the way some carbon racers can.

Durability concerns

On durability, a lot has been shared on social media, with some runners finding the outsole cutting up where there’s that exposed bit of foam.

Post-Berlin, I’ve now run 100km+ in the Adios Pro 5, including two full marathons and a bit of training, and I’m not seeing any signs of that wear.

Interestingly, while in Berlin, we saw an early prototype of the Pro 5 that had a full covering, and I think Adidas may well respond quickly and tweak the outsole to have more coverage to address those concerns.

Verdict

The Adios Pro 5 has a lot of merit. It's a really good, consistent performer with a smooth, efficient energy that returns when you’re moving well but still protects when you’re not.

It’s probably not the top carbon shoe in terms of all-out punchiness and all-out speed, though. The Asics Metaspeed Edge Tokyo has a bit more bounce, snap and bite. The Puma Fast-R3 brings a bit more stiffness and propulsion.

However, you're sacrificing a bit of that aggression for a more accommodating ride, which I was very happy to lean into when my race hit the skids yesterday. This setup could well suit a wider range of runners with different race goals.

Also consider

Adidas Adios Pro 5 vs the Adios Pro 4

The Adidas Pro 5 is a notable improvement over the Adidas Pro 4. It’s lighter, more stable and more consistent, and if, like me, you found the Pro 4 midsole tended to roll you out when you landed further back, or felt a bit blocky on the roads and had faster-returning foam under the forefoot, this new setup fixes that.

The Pro 5 is less aggressive, and if you were a big fan of the Pro 4s, the changes here add up to quite a significant change to the ride. Everything is smoother, softer, more protective, and I think better suited to a wider range of running gaits. If the Pro 4 was a bit forefoot-biased, the Pro 5 is much more accommodating for different landings.

Adidas Pro 5 vs the Adidas Pro Evo 3

The Adidas Adios Pro 5 isn’t as light, as fast or as all-out punchy as the Pro Evo 3. But Adidas' top-tier concept shoe really caters for runners smashing the very fastest marathon times. I just about held my own in it for a sub-3 in Cape Town, and it’s a fun ride with that impossibly high-energy Lightstrike Pro Evo foam.

I would recommend the Pro 5 over the Pro Evo 3 for most runners. The slightly higher drop is a bit more protective on the calves. There’s more support from the uppers, and the Pro 5’s Lightstrike Pro midsole offers a more consistent, reliable and protective ride. The Pro 5 is also significantly cheaper.

Saucony has taken the current cowboy-core obsession about as far as a running brand possibly can with its new Space Cowboy collection, dressing five very different shoes in cow print, chrome and Western-inspired detailing.

And, despite the name, this doesn't appear to have anything to do with Jamiroquai. Weird.

Originally previewed in Paris in June 2025, the Space Cowboy capsule is designed by Isaac Neves and brings what Saucony calls a modern perspective to classic Western styling.

The collection takes the dusty browns and animal prints you'd expect from Western clothing and applies them to running shoes spanning more than two decades of Saucony design.

From ranch hand to race day

The Endorphin Elite 3 Space Cowboy, the most expensive model in the range, features an aggressively sculpted midsole that looks more lifestyle-oriented than ever thanks to the mottled Western print running along its edge, with brown panels and rope-like laces finishing the transformation.

The Endorphin Azura gets an equally dramatic treatment, combining a predominantly white upper with brown detailing and a cow-print strip wrapped around the midsole.

Then things get increasingly retro

The ProGrid Triumph 4 Space Cowboy mixes black mesh, chrome leather and brown accents with Saucony's early-2000s ProGrid cushioning.

It uses Arc-lock technology through the medial panel, making it perhaps the most unapologetically Y2K-looking shoe of the bunch.

The ProGrid V2 goes even harder on the Western theme, pairing white mesh with large burnt-orange panels, embroidered-style detailing and cow-print material around the collar.

Saucony says the V2 was originally developed for runners who combine mileage with strength training, with the resurrected model intentionally bridging early-2000s technical footwear and contemporary fashion.

The mysterious fifth cowboy

Interestingly, the UK and EU are currently missing the 586i Space Cowboy model, which appears on Saucony's US Space Cowboy collection page for $140.

It's arguably the least running-focused shoe here, looking more like a low-profile Western sneaker, complete with dark leather, white contrast stitching and a gum-coloured sole.

The Space Cowboy collection is available now at Saucony US, Saucony UK and Saucony EU.

UK and US prices are £140 / $160 for the ProGrid V2, £140 / $150 for the Endorphin Azura and £300 / $290 for the Endorphin Elite 3.

European RRPs are €160, €160 and €320, respectively. The US-exclusive-looking 586i is listed at $140 on Saucony's US store. AU price and availability TBC.

Nike has spent the past couple of years tearing up and rebuilding its running shoe range, and now it’s turning its attention to its fastest shoes.

The brand has unveiled what it calls its new “race-day system of speed”, a three-shoe family comprising the cream-of-the-crop Nike Apex, the now-demoted Alphafly 4 and the super-trainer Swooshfly.

Interestingly, the Vaporfly, arguably the shoe that started the modern super-shoe revolution, isn’t part of it.

The Vaporfly isn't going anywhere, though; Nike says the new system complements its wider road-running range rather than replacing it.

The shoes' omission is significant, particularly because Nike is making the roles of these three new racers unusually clear.

Four Air units and no heel-to-toe drop

At the sharp end sits the all-new Nike Apex, which Nike describes as its “pinnacle expression of race-day innovation”, aimed at marathon runners chasing every possible second.

Apex is the first Nike racing shoe to use two double-stacked Air Zoom units, effectively putting four Air units beneath the forefoot.

The company says this is the most Air it has ever used in the forefoot of one of its running shoes, and a clear expression of what Nike has been talking about earlier this year in Cortina.

Those units sit alongside new ZoomX LT foam, a redesigned carbon-fibre Flyplate and a lightweight Flyknit X upper.

Nike claims the combination produces up to 40% more energy return (!) than the Alphafly 3 in a men’s size 10, while Apex itself weighs more than 10% less.

Those are Nike's laboratory figures, but they're nevertheless striking numbers.

Apex has a 40mm stack at both the heel and forefoot, giving it zero drop, highly unusual for a modern marathon super shoe.

A wider outsole, rocker geometry and specially tuned carbon plate are intended to keep that tall platform stable while driving the runner forward.

ZoomX LT is also described as softer and lighter than regular ZoomX and returns more energy, while the inverse-wave Flyplate is shaped specifically to load the stacked Air Zoom units beneath it.

Nike’s running reset reaches race day

Back in 2024, the company completely reorganised its everyday road-running range around Pegasus, Vomero and Structure, simplifying things into responsive, maximum and supportive cushioning categories.

At the time, Alphafly and Vaporfly sat outside that restructuring as Nike’s established racing options. Now, essentially, race day is getting the same treatment.

Apex is aimed at runners chasing maximum marathon performance, while the Alphafly 4 is the more broadly accessible long-distance racer, balancing responsiveness with comfort, stability and efficiency.

The also-new Swooshfly is intended as an invitation into super shoes for runners tackling their first race or chasing a new goal.

The Swooshfly combines new SkyX supercritical foam with a tailored carbon Flyplate and Vaporweave upper, yet Nike claims it delivers up to 16% more energy return than Vaporfly 4 in a men's size 10.

Nike wants its racing crown back

Nike helped create the modern super-shoe era, and Air remains central to how the company thinks about performance.

When I visited the Nike: Form Follows Motion exhibition in 2024, Nike VP of Footwear Innovation Tony Bignell told me there was “no other material” that offered the same energy return as Air.

Even back then, the company was already talking about graduating Air as a technology for serious performance.

Since then, however, rivals have kept pushing. Adidas in particular has turned its featherweight Adizero Adios Pro Evo project into a formidable marathon platform, culminating in two official sub-two-hour marathon performances in London earlier this year.

Against that backdrop, Apex appears to be Nike planting a flag at the extreme end of marathon footwear again while simultaneously reorganising everything underneath it.

The Alphafly 4 arrives in October 2026, Apex follows in January 2027, and Swooshfly launches first in China in February, followed by a wider global release in spring 2027.

Nike’s strange, neuroscience-inspired Mind 001 sliders have just landed in a new colourway.

The Cucumber Calm finish doesn’t introduce any hardware changes, only extends the availability of the recovery sliders.

The unique footwear features an array of 22 independently moving foam nodes underfoot to increase sensory input from the feet.

According to the brand, the system helps athletes feel calmer, more focused and more present.

The Mind platform was developed by the company’s Mind Science Department over the better part of a decade,

It combines footwear design with neuroscience research into how stimulation through the feet can influence brain activity.

It’s all in the nodes

According to Nike, each node can move independently as pressure is applied, acting like a tiny piston beneath the foot.

The system is intended to amplify sensations that conventional cushioned footwear might otherwise dampen.

Nike’s researchers mapped sensitivity across the foot using the two-point discrimination threshold, which measures the minimum distance between two points required to perceive them as separate.

That’s why the Mind’s nodes sit closer together beneath the forefoot and become more widely spaced towards the heel.

Nike also used plantar pressure sensors, lower-limb muscle measurements and EEG brain monitoring while developing the footwear.

According to its researchers, testing showed changes in sensory-motor brain activity and increases in alpha oscillations associated with what the company describes as “relaxed alertness”.

That doesn’t mean slipping into a pair will magically make you Zen before your next Parkrun.

What Nike has demonstrated is that changing the sensory stimulation beneath your feet can alter measurable brain activity.

The broader claims around improving focus and helping athletes feel calm and present are what the company hopes to achieve with that effect.

It's worth noting that the basic principle behind Mind isn’t entirely novel.

Barefoot and minimalist-shoe brands have long argued that reducing the material between your feet and the ground increases sensory feedback to the brain.

Nike’s approach is kind of the opposite, adding more tech to amplify those sensations, but its aim is the same.

The Nike Mind 001 in Cucumber Calm/Black/Barely Volt is priced at £79.99 in the UK. The Mind 001 remains available in other colours at Nike.

The super trainer category has become one of the busiest parts of the running shoe market, with seemingly every major brand now offering a highly cushioned, plated shoe designed to bring race-day technology into everyday training.

Altra is the latest to make a play for the category with the Vanish Tempo 2, a completely overhauled speed shoe that combines a new dual-supercritical foam setup with a flexible PEBAX plate.

However, this being Altra, it isn't simply following the established super-trainer formula.

The Vanish Tempo 2 pairs all that go-fast technology with the brand's distinctive FootShape design to give runners more space for their toes.

The Racing FootShape is the brand's most performance-focused silhouette, which hugs the midfoot more closely while still leaving room at the front for the toes to move.

The shoes feature Altra's new FAST TRN midsole, which uses what the company describes as a dual-supercritical foam setup designed to deliver high rebound over longer training miles.

The split PEBAX plate embedded in the midsole is intended to add propulsion while allowing the forefoot to move more naturally.

Altra is changing its formula, too

For years, Altra has embraced a strictly zero-drop approach, but the brand's latest performance shoes are increasingly moving towards a low-drop setup.

The Vanish Tempo 2 has a 34mm heel and 30mm forefoot stack, creating a 4mm heel-to-toe drop, the same as the Vanish Carbon 3 and, interestingly, the new Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5 .

That combination should also make the Tempo 2 more approachable for runners who like the idea of Altra's anatomical fit but aren't ready to jump straight into a completely flat platform.

Weight comes in at 243g for the men's US size 10 and 208g for the women's US size 8, keeping it reasonably light considering the generous cushioning and plate.

Up top is a breathable engineered mesh upper with a padded heel and lightweight tongue.

Altra has also added an independent bottom eyelet to improve midfoot lockdown without tightening the shoe around the toes.

The result is an intriguing take on the modern super trainer with lots of foam, a propulsion plate and enough cushioning for high-mileage training, but packaged in a shoe that still looks and feels distinctly Altra.

The Vanish Tempo 2 is available now at Altra US in three colours for $190 (~£143 / €167 / AU$270).

Adidas might have been the first major running brand to crack the 100g barrier (and the two-hour marathon limit) with a high-stack racing shoe, but it didn’t take long for the competition to catch up.

Mizuno just announced the Hyperwarp 96, an extraordinarily stripped-back carbon running shoe that weighs, as the name rather conveniently suggests, just 96g.

That technically puts it a gram below the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3, which weighs an average of 97g in a UK 8.5.

Adidas only unveiled that shoe earlier this year as its first sub-100g racer, making Mizuno’s arrival particularly interesting.

As expected, the Hyperwarp 96 sits at the very top of Mizuno's racing line-up and has been engineered specifically to get beneath the 100g mark.

More interestingly, it does so without completely sacrificing the cushioning and rebound expected from a modern supershoe.

How do you make a 96g running shoe?

The Hyperwarp 96 is built on the Mizuno Enerzy XP+, an entirely new midsole foam developed specifically for the shoe.

Mizuno says engineers removed material from areas of the midsole that aren't needed at foot strike, sculpting away anything that wasn't contributing to performance.

The resulting shoe still manages a substantial 39mm heel and 36mm forefoot stack, giving it the same 3mm drop as Adidas' Evo 3.

There's also a full-length, three-dimensional carbon Smooth Speed Plate, which Mizuno says is designed to increase bounce and rebound during toe-off.

To save even more weight, Mizuno has created a 3D-engineered lace-free spray-on upper, similar to On's LightSpray technology.

It's constructed with two densities in the lower section of the foot, then becoming a single-density structure higher up.

Judging from the first images, the result appears to be a thin shell wrapped directly around the foot.

Mizuno says its development process has also changed considerably behind the scenes.

Following investment in its Osaka headquarters, the company says it can now turn around new prototypes within 48 hours of receiving tester feedback, allowing designers to make rapid iterations during development.

The Mizuno Hyperwarp 96 will make its first public appearance around the Berlin Marathon and be available to consumers in early December 2026.

Mizuno hasn't formally confirmed its retail price yet, but it's expected to launch with an RRP of around £400.

Head over to Mizuno for more information.

Adidas has unveiled the Adizero Adios Pro 5 without the signature EnergyRods system that has defined the franchise since its inception six years ago.

Adidas introduced the individual carbon-infused rods that follow the metatarsal bones of the foot as an alternative to the stiff carbon plate found in most modern racing shoes.

They survived through subsequent generations, evolving into the connected EnergyRods 2.0 structure on the Adios Pro 3 and remaining a key part of the outgoing Adios Pro 4.

The rods are replaced by a new carbon-infused structure called ENERGYRIM, which sits around the midsole.

The company says this new setup allows more Lightstrike Pro foam directly beneath the runner while still providing the stiffness needed for stability and propulsion.

The exploded technical illustration provided by Adidas makes the change particularly clear and shows ENERGYRIM as a separate perimeter-like carbon component between the outsole and Lightstrike Pro foam.

Lighter, but not simply an Evo 3 spin-off

The Pro 5 averages 175g in a UK 8.5, making it about 25g, or 12.5%, lighter than the Adios Pro 4.

The combination of the latest Lightstrike Pro foam and new carbon construction is also claimed to deliver a 9% increase in energy return over its predecessor.

Adidas is understandably drawing connections between the Pro 5 and the record-breaking Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3, the running shoes that helped break the 2-hour marathon barrier earlier this year.

However, given the development timelines involved, it’s perhaps better to think of the two shoes as products of the same broader generation of Adidas racing-shoe R&D rather than the Pro 5 being a direct consequence of the Evo 3 launching earlier this year.

In addition to reworking the midsole, Adidas has completely redesigned the Lightlock 2.0 upper, with ventilation zones, internal support bands, and a revised heel construction.

Underneath, you'll find the new maximum-grip outsole combining lightweight Lighttraxion with Continental rubber.

The geometry remains decidedly race-focused with the maximum stack height of 39mm at the heel and 35mm at the forefoot, giving the Pro 5 a relatively low 4mm drop.

The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5 launches globally on 22 September, priced at $275 / €275, via Adidas and selected retailers.

Nike has unveiled the Alphafly 4, the latest generation of its flagship marathon racing shoe, with some big changes.

The sports giant's pinnacle long-distance franchise has been under pressure since Adidas broke the two-hour marathon barrier with its sub-100g Pro Evo 3 shoes.

While the new Alphafly isn't nearly as light as the Pro Evo 3, Nike says it redesigned the running shoes as a complete system to help runners maintain their speed as fatigue starts to take its toll late in a race.

The numbers are promising: Nike claims the Alphafly 4 delivers 10% more energy return than its predecessor while weighing 5% less in a men's size 8.5, tipping the scales at just 188g.

The biggest changes are underfoot. Nike has redesigned the Alphafly's distinctive Air Zoom units for the first time in the shoe's history, with the new version said to feel softer and quieter while returning more energy.

They work alongside a full-length carbon-fibre Flyplate and a new two-foam setup combining Nike's familiar ZoomX with ZoomX LT, which the brand describes as its lightest responsive cushioning.

Fresh air

Along with reworking the midsole, Nike has introduced another generation of Atomknit.

The new construction adds open-hole mesh zones to improve ventilation, with integrated midfoot cables locking the foot down as the pace increases.

Perhaps most interestingly, Nike hasn't altered the basic stack considerably in pursuit of those improvements. The Alphafly 4 measures 39 mm at the heel and 31 mm at the forefoot for an 8mm drop.

Nike says much of the development focused on what happens later in the marathon, when fatigue begins altering a runner's mechanics.

According to Emily Farina of the Nike Sport Research Lab, the aim was to create a shoe that lets athletes stay efficient and confident deeper into a race.

The Nike Alphafly 4 costs £254.99 / €279.99 (~$321 / AU$452), making it £30 cheaper in the UK than the £284.99 Alphafly 3 currently listed by Nike.

A limited early release takes place today, 17 September, through Nike, followed by wider availability from 29 October at Nike and selected retailers.

VEJA is best known for making the sort of trainers you’re more likely to spot outside a coffee shop than halfway up a muddy mountain, but that could be about to change.

The French footwear brand has unveiled the Harpie Trail, its first dedicated trail-running shoe and arguably its most serious attempt yet to break out of the lifestyle sneaker world.

It joins the existing VEJA Condor 3 variations in the company's performance range, but unlike those, which are designed for roads and paths, the Harpie is built specifically for trails.

And, judging by the images, VEJA hasn’t forgotten how to make a good-looking shoe in the process.

There are six colourways at launch, ranging from the very wearable Eagle Black and Full Black to the considerably louder Lavande Acai, Honey Tent and Floral Camo.

The Harpie Trail uses VEJA’s proprietary TerraGrip outsole, which the company says provides traction across different types of terrain.

Above it sits a relatively firm Rubberfoam midsole, intended to balance energy return and stability with enough cushioning for longer distances.

Stack height is listed at 27.4mm, with a 6.7mm drop and a weight of 275g in an EU size 43.

Rubber meets the road less travelled

The midsole contains 20% Amazonian rubber and 20% bio-based EVA, while the outsole includes 27% Amazonian rubber, 27% mineral silica, 27% synthetic rubber, and 4% recycled rubber.

The lining and laces are made entirely from recycled polyester, while the insole uses a mixture including bio-based EVA derived partly from sugar cane.

The brand says the lightweight upper is breathable and quick-drying, while the shoe’s anatomical shape is designed to accommodate the natural width of the foot.

A thermoformed heel section in the insole adds support, while perforations toward the forefoot help moisture escape.

The Harpie takes inspiration from the harpy eagle, South America’s largest bird of prey and one of the Amazon rainforest’s most powerful raptors.

VEJA also points to the harpies of Greek mythology, creatures supposedly faster than the wind and invulnerable – admittedly a fairly ambitious benchmark for any trail shoe.

The VEJA Harpie Trail launches on 17 September 2026 and is made in Brazil.

Price and availability by region are TBC at the time of writing. Visit VEJA for more info.

As well as working hard to reach its sustainability goals, Salomon has recently given one of its trail running shoes a fairly substantial makeover.

The Genesis 2 isn't just a cosmetic update, either, with the new model adding a reworked chassis, wider platform, and completely revamped outsole.

With the Speedcross moving into more lifestyle territory, the Genesis has become one of the French brand’s most trusted long-distance trail shoes.

It sits somewhere between a cushioned everyday off-roader and the more specialist shoes in Salomon’s S/LAB range.

For generation two, Salomon added a fully integrated activeCHASSIS and a widened midsole platform to improve stability on uneven terrain.

The improved rocker and cushioning are intended to make the Genesis 2 feel more dynamic underfoot, although the midsole still uses lightweight optiFOAM EVA and not one of the racier compounds found elsewhere in the brand’s line-up.

Salomon describes the cushioning as “soft and protective”, with high levels of foot protection for mixed, rocky, and technical terrain.

Same bloodline, broader shoulders

One of the most important changes is the redesigned lug geometry on the all-new All-Terrain contaGRIP outsole, which Salomon says improves traction in wet and muddy conditions.

Lug depth remains a relatively versatile 4mm, making the shoe better suited to mixed routes than aggressively soft ground.

The wider platform should also work alongside the redesigned activeCHASSIS to provide more guidance without turning the Genesis into an overt stability shoe.

Salomon adds that the system provides increased guidance while maintaining agility and freedom of movement.

The Genesis 2 uses a new, lighter Matryx upper, a material that combines individually coated high-tenacity Kevlar yarn with technical fibres.

An internal endoFit sleeve wraps the foot, while the familiar quickLACE system handles lockdown.

The shoes retain an 8mm heel-to-toe drop, which is notably more conventional than some of the lower-drop trail shoes increasingly appearing elsewhere in the category.

The Genesis 2 is available now at Salomon UK, Salomon US and Salomon EU for £140 / $150 / €150 (~AU$264), with six colourways currently listed on the website.

On has spent the past few years growing from an idiosyncratic Swiss running brand into one of the biggest names in premium sportswear, but that expansion has also forced it to clarify what each of its running shoes is actually for.

The company has been consolidating its everyday lineup around three core franchises – Cloudrunner for support, Cloudmonster for responsiveness and versatility, and Cloudsurfer for soft, neutral cushioning – and the latest Cloudsurfer 3 is arguably the clearest expression yet of where On wants its running shoes to go next.

The biggest change is a new foam called SURREAL, developed at On Labs in Zurich and positioned between the brand’s existing Helion and Helion HF compounds.

On says it is lighter, softer and more responsive than the Helion foam previously used in its everyday running shoes.

More interestingly, On has managed to add its distinctive 'foam holes' directly into the supercritical foam.

“It’s the first time that we’ve been able to engineer cavities in a superfoam,” Cloudsurfer 3 Product Manager Zoé Gerdil told me ahead of the launch, describing it as an engineering milestone for the brand.

The foam and the geometry are intended to work as a single system, Gerdil explained, with the cavities compressing sequentially from heel to forefoot in what she likened to a domino effect.

The most obvious change is around the heel, where the cavities now sweep across the midsole in a different orientation, intended to create an even smoother transition through the stride.

On used Finite Element Analysis to model those changes, and its internal simulations suggest that incorporating CloudTec Phase into SURREAL produces 15.5% more compression than the foam alone, while reducing peak braking force by 9.9%.

On has been reorganising its running shoe lineup

The Cloudsurfer 3 also arrives as On simplifies the way its everyday running shoes fit together.

Gerdil told me the company has increasingly consolidated the range around three principal franchises.

Cloudrunner provides the support and stability option, Cloudmonster focuses more heavily on responsiveness, energy and versatility, while Cloudsurfer is the neutral cushioning family, centred around softness, comfort and a smooth heel-to-toe roll.

That makes Cloudsurfer an important platform for introducing something as significant as SURREAL.

Gerdil described it as On's “most commercial” and “most democratic” running shoe, arguing that it needs to work for everyone from somebody taking up running or coming back after an injury to a professional athlete looking for a comfortable recovery-day shoe.

“We knew we needed that revolution moment,” she said of the Cloudsurfer 3's development.

She also believes Cloudsurfer should “set the standard of what we want our running shoes to be”, which helps explain why On chose it to launch SURREAL.

The foam won't remain exclusive to this shoe either; On says it will play a growing role across its running footwear range.

The changes go well beyond the midsole

On has also put a surprising amount of work into the upper. Gerdil said the development team effectively dissected the Cloudsurfer 2 and looked at where small construction changes could improve the first step-in experience.

The heel counter has been revised to provide more security, the tongue is heavily padded, and the lacing system was deliberately simplified to avoid the irritation of a shoe that's difficult to tighten evenly.

The upper also has more stretch, which Gerdil says should let the shoe accommodate a wider variety of foot shapes. On's goal was to eliminate obvious pressure points while retaining enough structure to lock the foot down.

She described the desired sensation as being “in a slipper more than I'm in a running shoe”, with additional padding creating more of a wrapped or hugged feeling around the foot.

The engineered upper is also zoned for breathability and support, while its textured, two-tone construction is intended to visually reinforce the Cloudsurfer's softer positioning.

Gerdil says the overall stack now reaches around 45mm when you count the sockliner, midsole, and outsole together, with that added stack being the primary reason the shoe has gained weight.

The shoe also has 3mm of outsole rubber in key high-wear areas, a deliberate decision to improve durability for runners who may rely on a single pair for most of their weekly mileage.

Drop decreases from 9mm to 8mm, a figure Gerdil says On considers broadly accessible for everyday running and one it intends to use more consistently across the Cloudsurfer franchise.

The finished Cloudsurfer 3 weighs 285g in a men's US 8.5 and costs £150 / $160 / €170 / CHF 210.

It launches first through specialist running retailers on 1 October 2026, with the wider global release through On.com, On stores and other channels following in early 2027.

Reebok has spent the past few years rebuilding its performance running range, but the new SpeedShifter represents a considerably more serious statement of intent.

The newly announced racer is the first shoe in Reebok's performance running category to feature a full-length carbon plate, firmly placing the brand in the increasingly technical end of the running shoe market.

Designed for faster training, long-distance running, and race day, the new running shoes pair that plate with an entirely new foam technology and a stripped-back upper, all wrapped in a package weighing just 7.4oz (or around 210g).

Made from an ATPU compound, the biggest news underfoot is Reebok's new HYPERFLOAT foam.

The company claims it provides maximum energy return alongside plush cushioning, with the SpeedShifter using a dual-density midsole intended to balance bounce with stability.

Sandwiched between those layers is the brand's full-length AccelerPlate carbon plate, said to deliver an explosive, propulsive sensation and help runners maintain speed.

The breathable upper uses a minimalist construction for lightweight support, though Reebok hasn't completely sacrificed comfort and has retained extra cushioning around the collar to help lock the foot in place.

The Non-Stop Grip outsole comprises three separate sections of high-abrasion rubber designed to provide durability and traction without unnecessarily covering the entire bottom of the shoe. The SpeedShifter also has an 8mm heel-to-toe drop.

The launch colourway fades from vivid orange through purple and blue, while the heavily sculpted midsole exposes portions of the shoe's internal construction and gives it a distinctly aggressive racing silhouette.

Reebok athlete and ultrarunner Lydia Oldham describes the combination as delivering "ultimate bounce", while Product Director Chris Stone says the SpeedShifter was engineered specifically to feel propulsive.

The Reebok SpeedShifter launches on 20 October for $220 (~£163 / €190 / AU$308), with unisex and women's sizing available. You can sign up for updates at Reebok US.

Swiss sportswear brand On and South Korea’s POST ARCHIVE FACTION (PAF) are bringing one of running’s more unconventional fashion collaborations to a close with Current Form 5.0.

The collection marks the sixth and final season of the partnership, with the two brands returning to footwear for one last reinterpretation of an On running silhouette.

This time, it’s the Cloudsoma PAF, a trail shoe inspired by mountains, rock formations, and the contrast between the permanence of the landscape and the movement of a runner passing through it.

The result is considerably more experimental than your average trail running shoe.

Its quick-drying, high-abrasion upper uses flowing patterns and swirling lines, while an asymmetrical lacing system gives the Cloudsoma PAF an immediately distinctive look.

Those details sit on top of the technical foundations of On’s existing Cloudsoma, a lightweight trainer designed to provide a more connected, natural feel underfoot.

The Cloudsoma PAF will be available in three colourways – Cobble/Raven, Black/Black and Haze/Linen – with the darker versions in particular giving the shoe a surprisingly wearable appearance despite the asymmetric construction.

A monument you can actually run

To mark six seasons of working together, On and PAF collaborated with South African land artist Strijdom van der Merwe to build a circular stone installation on Tenerife that doubles as a permanent trail loop for runners.

On describes it as a “monument to movement”, designed to represent the circular nature of the collaboration while leaving something behind that can continue to be used after the partnership ends.

The process is also documented in a three-part campaign film moving from past to present to future.

It begins with PAF co-founder and creative director Dongjoon Lim arranging pieces from the brands’ previous collections into a circular display, before following van der Merwe as he constructs the Tenerife installation.

The final section sees athletes running around the completed loop.

It’s an appropriately unusual way to draw a line under a partnership that has regularly blurred the boundaries between performance footwear and experimental fashion.

On x POST ARCHIVE FACTION Current Form 5.0 launches on 3 September 2026 via On, POST ARCHIVE FACTION and selected retailers. Pricing has not yet been confirmed.

Nike ACG has unveiled the Picklejus, a new long-distance trail running shoe designed for big mountain efforts.

While its unusual name might be the first thing that catches your attention, there is considerably more going on underneath.

Developed around the demands of the long, technical mountain routes found around Mont Blanc, Nike describes the Picklejus as ACG’s “pinnacle expression” of mountain running performance.

Nike has combined two versions of ZoomX in what it says is its first co-moulded, dual-density supercritical foam platform designed specifically for trail running.

(Not sure where this leaves all other 'super' trail running shoes from Nike/Nike ACG, including the ACG Kigerfly and the ACG Zegama).

A softer ZoomX core handles cushioning and impact protection, while a firmer foam ring around the perimeter provides added stability and support.

Interestingly, Nike says the latter creates a plate-like effect without a traditional plate, allowing the two foams to work together as a single platform.

Up top is a trail-specific Flyknit construction with integrated containment cables designed to adapt to the foot as runners move across uneven terrain.

Hydrophobic yarns help repel water and reduce the extra weight the upper picks up in wet conditions, while a gaiter-inspired cuff is intended to keep stones and other debris out.

The goat underneath

The shoe introduces GOATEK, ACG’s new proprietary traction technology, developed for everything from wet rock and loose dirt to steep climbs and technical descents.

Nike claims GOATEK delivers 45% more wet traction and 25% better abrasion resistance than its previous all-terrain outsoles – those are substantial numbers (and a serious challenge to Vibram).

The company says the technology has been through five rounds of long-term wear testing covering more than 18,000 miles of rugged mountain terrain.

Nike says ACG is effectively acting as a proving ground for the technology, with the traction platform potentially informing other performance footwear across the company in the future.

Picklejus is the first ACG footwear innovation developed through the Nike Sport Research Lab and the result of three years of athlete conversations, 10 research studies, and 20 prototypes tested by more than 100 athletes, the company claims.

The name is, of course, a reference to pickle juice, the salty drink that has become something of a cult remedy among endurance athletes for dealing with muscle cramps.

There will be quite a wait before you can try any of this for yourself, though.

Nike is scheduled to launch the ACG Picklejus in late 2027 through Nike ACG and select retailers, with pricing yet to be announced.

Adidas has taken inspiration from one of its most advanced road racing shoes and sent it into the mountains.

The new Agravic Speed Ultra Evo brings technology developed for the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 to trail running, creating what adidas calls its fastest trail running shoe ever.

The Agravic Speed Ultra Evo borrows the ENERGYRIM technology first introduced in the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3, adapting it for the unpredictable demands of trail racing.

It lets each side of the shoe move independently and is said to improve adaptability across uneven terrain while increasing stability and energy return.

The Adios Pro Evo 3 goes wild

While road racing shoes can focus purely on efficiency and speed, trail shoes must be able to handle rocks, roots, climbs, and technical descents, so the company had to rethink how the technology works off smooth tarmac.

Weighing an average of 250g, the Agravic Speed Ultra Evo is around 5% lighter than the Agravic Speed Ultra 2, while adidas claims it delivers more than 10% greater energy return and a 1% improvement in running economy.

Underfoot, the shoe uses a moulded LIGHTSTRIKE PRO midsole, designed to deform 15% more while maintaining stability.

A tuned rocker geometry and landing platform are intended to create smoother transitions and more confidence when moving quickly over varied surfaces.

The upper has also been engineered for long-distance racing, using a soft, one-way stretch woven material with an integrated debris-protection collar and minimal stitching to create what adidas describes as a second-skin fit.

“Trail running asks so much more of a shoe. Our challenge was finding the balance between speed, stability and confidence, and that's exactly what the Agravic Speed Ultra Evo was built to deliver,” said Korbinian Lehner, Senior Manager Footwear Innovation at adidas.

The Agravic Speed Ultra Evo launches in very limited numbers during UTMB Mont Blanc from 25 August, priced at $500/€500 (~£428 / AU$818), with initial availability limited to selected retailers in Chamonix.

Visit Adidas for more information on the Agravic line.

Nike has revealed the Pegasus Plus 2, a new tempo-focused addition to its long-running Pegasus franchise that introduces a feature rarely seen outside the brand’s performance racing shoes.

The exposed forefoot Air Zoom unit immediately recalls the look of Nike’s Alphafly 'super shoe', but the new trainer isn't a stripped-back race shoe.

The spiritual successor to the Pegasus Turbo, Nike says the Pegasus Plus 2 is a versatile trainer for runners who want a faster ride for tempo runs, intervals, and long runs without committing to a carbon-plated racing shoe.

It combines the visible curved Air Zoom unit with a ZoomX foam midsole, creating what Nike describes as a lighter, more responsive ride.

According to the brand, the setup delivers at least 18% more energy return than the first-generation Pegasus Plus.

“Our goal was simple: speed without sacrifice,” says Deepa Ramprasad, senior director, Nike Running footwear.

“We spent years obsessing every ingredient in this system. Nothing more and nothing less than what a runner needs to feel fast, comfortable and confident to push their pace.”

Nike’s running lineup just got clearer

Nike has spent the last few years revamping its running shoe lineup, and the Pegasus Plus 2 shows it's not done with it yet.

By now, the range has become increasingly specialised, with the brand offering distinct options for different types of runners.

Vaporfly remains the pure racing weapon, designed for chasing personal bests over shorter road distances and marathon racing.

Alphafly sits at the top of the marathon hierarchy, combining maximum energy return with a race-focused geometry.

Pegasus Plus 2 now occupies the middle ground as a high-performance trainer for runners who want some of the excitement of Nike’s race shoes without the compromises.

Pegasus remains the dependable everyday option, built for runners who want one shoe that can handle almost anything.

Vomero is Nike’s maximum-cushion option, prioritising comfort and protection for easy miles and longer runs.

Structure provides a more supportive ride for runners who need extra stability.

The result is a running range that looks less like a ladder and more like a toolkit, with each shoe designed around a specific type of run.

The race-day feeling, without the race-day shoe

The Pegasus Plus 2’s biggest technical change is the exposed Air Zoom unit in the forefoot.

Nike says the curved design helps create a smoother transition from landing to toe-off, while internal tensile fibres act like preloaded springs to return energy through each stride.

The shoe also gets an updated MR10 2.0 last, first introduced in the Pegasus 42, with a more accommodating forefoot and toe box.

That could make it a more appealing option for runners who have traditionally found Nike’s faster shoes restrictive.

The upper has been refined with elevated ankle materials, reflective details, and a redesigned waffle outsole with flex zones, all aimed at creating a lighter, more connected feel on the road.

Nike says more than 30 elite athletes across marathon and track disciplines tested the Pegasus Plus 2, with input from the Nike Sport Research Lab helping shape the final design.

The Nike Pegasus Plus 2 launches in late August at Nike UK, Nike US and Nike EU. AU availability TBC. Price in all regoins TBC.

ASICS has unveiled the Sonicblast 2, an updated version of its energetic super trainer that cuts weight, changes the shape of its plate and promises a bouncier ride for faster training sessions.

The shoe arrives as the hero model in the new Rise & Shine collection, which gives eight ASICS running shoes bright colourways inspired by the changing colours of sunrise.

ASICS has redesigned its Astroplate (a.k.a. carbon plate) into a forked shape, allowing more FF Turbo Squared foam (which debuted in the equally stunning Tokyo Collection) to extend through the midsole and into what the company now calls the Trampoline Pod.

ASICS says this setup is designed to increase propulsion and bounce while keeping the shoe light, with FF Blast Max foam forming the second part of the dual-density midsole.

The Sonicblast 2 weighs approximately 242g for a men's US size 9, down from 256g, while the women's model drops from 223g to 212g.

The 8mm heel-to-toe drop remains unchanged, as does the listed 38–46mm men's and 37–45mm women's stack.

The upper has also changed, with ASICS replacing the previous jacquard mesh with a new engineered mesh that is designed to improve breathability and comfort. The outsole still uses ASICSgrip rubber.

Within the wider Blast range, ASICS positions the Sonicblast 2 as the option for uptempo and interval running, sitting between the easier-running Novablast 6 and the Superblast 3 and Megablast models.

The shoe combines FF Blast Max and FF Turbo Squared cushioning with the Astroplate, while its quoted 242g weight makes it slightly heavier than the Superblast 3 and Megablast.

Eight shoes get the sunrise treatment

The Sonicblast 2 is joined in the Rise & Shine collection by the Megablast, Superblast 3, Novablast 6, Gel-Nimbus 28, Gel-Cumulus 28, Gel-Kayano 33 and GT-2000 15.

Each shoe receives sunrise-inspired colours, with whites and pale tones joined by shades of orange, yellow and red across the range.

The collection covers a broad mix of ASICS running shoes, including softer daily trainers, stability models, and faster options, so runners don't need to change the type of shoe they normally use to get the new look.

The Rise & Shine collection, including the Sonicblast 2, launches globally at ASICS US, ASICS UK and ASICS EU on 1 September 2026 for $190 / £170 / €190 (AU$268).

Altra has unveiled the Vanish Carbon 3, its fastest running shoe yet, and while the headline specs tick plenty of familiar super-shoe boxes, the thinking behind it is quite different.

The new racer combines a 40mm heel stack, supercritical PEBA foam and a carbon plate, but that plate has been split beneath the big toe to allow more natural forefoot movement. It is a very Altra solution to a very modern racing-shoe problem.

“We wanted to make a shoe that stays true to our core, that honours our DNA, the biomechanics, the body and more natural movement, but puts us more in direct competition with what's leading in the industry,” Kylee Barton, Altra’s Head of Product and Merchandising, told me during a recent interview.

According to Barton, the Vanish Carbon 2 had plenty of strong individual components, but Altra felt they didn't work together closely enough as a complete racing system.

That led the development team to rethink the foam, plate, outsole and upper together.

The result is FAST RCE, Altra’s lightest and most responsive foam to date, arranged as two pieces of supercritical pure PEBA with the carbon plate sandwiched between them.

But it is the plate itself that makes the Vanish Carbon 3 particularly interesting.

Let the toes do the work

Altra experimented with several different plate constructions, including full-length plates, partial plates and a heavily perforated design.

The split-toe version ultimately performed best, Barton says, in both mechanical testing and runners’ subjective feedback.

“We want to be in the carbon racing game in a more relevant way, but we're not going to compromise on the power of the big toe,” she explained.

Altra believes allowing the big toe to engage independently helps the runner generate power more naturally through the foot and lower leg, rather than effectively immobilising the forefoot with a rigid plate.

That thinking also explains why the Vanish Carbon 3 retains Altra’s roomy toe box.

A redesigned eyestay and narrower midfoot are intended to provide the lockdown expected from a race shoe without restricting the toes.

One elite runner involved in testing apparently summed up the difference particularly neatly. Barton recalls her saying: “I never knew a racing shoe could be comfortable.”

The new model also represents a significant shift in another area.

Where previous Altra racing shoes have closely followed the brand’s zero-drop philosophy, the Vanish Carbon 3 uses a 4mm drop, with 40mm of foam beneath the heel and 36mm under the forefoot.

Barton says that was a deliberate compromise. “We know you get a better propulsion and a better racing experience with a little bit more drop than when you're flat,” she said.

However, she was equally clear that Altra does not intend to suddenly start producing conventional 8mm or 10mm-drop shoes across the board.

The company believes 4mm remains low enough to preserve the gait characteristics it wants, while providing more of the propulsive sensation runners expect from modern racers.

Interestingly, Barton also admitted Altra sees the Vanish Carbon 3 as a step rather than an endpoint.

“We have plans for the future of how do we rethink what high stack means for racing. How do you get that same propulsion, that same responsiveness and speed with less foam, so your body can do more?”

That could prove to be an even more interesting development than the Carbon 3 itself.

Built in 13 months

Another noteworthy detail is how quickly the Vanish Carbon 3 came together.

Barton says the shoe took roughly 13 months to develop, with Altra working alongside French design and innovation company All Triangles in Annecy, France.

The testing programme involved around 20 men and 20 women over approximately 12 to 14 weeks, combining physiological data such as VO2 measurements with biomechanical analysis and runners’ subjective feedback.

The Carbon 3 was also tested against the Vanish Carbon 2 and three unnamed leading rival racing shoes. Altra says its new shoe improved running economy by 2.6% compared with the Carbon 2.

Barton added that it tested “on par” with all three of the major competitor shoes used during development, while the women’s results were apparently better than one of those rivals.

“We can't name them, nor do we need to,” she said. “But it tells us we're really onto something because that proved out in the science as well as perception.”

Altra is clearly positioning the Vanish Carbon 3 as a genuine alternative to established super shoes rather than an eccentric, foot-shaped option on the fringes of the category.

The company says the shoe is designed to deliver its biggest benefits over half-marathon and marathon distances, especially for faster runners, though Barton says it can still work well for 5K and 10K racing.

The Vanish Carbon 3 weighs a claimed 220g in a men's US size 10 and 192g in a women's US size 8, and it has received World Athletics approval for road racing.

Perhaps more importantly, though, it gives Altra something the brand arguably needed: a flagship racer designed to stand alongside the quickest shoes from the biggest names in running without abandoning the principles that made Altra different in the first place.

The Vanish Carbon 3 will be available beginning August 18 for $240 (~£177 / €207 / AU$339) at Altra and select global retailers in three colourways. The company will also introduce an accompanying plated trainer, the Vanish Tempo 2, in September.

Trail running is becoming extremely popular, with more and more runners taking their daily miles off-road. I'm one of those people; I like the variety the terrain and my surroundings provide over jogging on tarmac.

Given the sport's popularity, the best trail running shoes in 2026 look different from the clunky, almost dorky models from the pre-2020 era. New trail runners look sleek and rival the performance benefits of their road running siblings.

I've been testing plenty over the past year while recovering from an ankle injury, so stability has become just as important to me as outright speed.

I also naturally prefer lower-drop shoes, which help me feel more planted on uneven terrain and give me a little more confidence when the trail gets technical. These are the three pairs I've found myself reaching for most often.

TOP 3

Best overall

Salomon Ultra Glide 4

The Ultra Glide 4 somehow manages to feel soft without becoming unstable, making it equally happy on forest paths, muddy trails or harder-packed gravel. They're also the shoes I've consistently run my fastest times in, setting personal bests over both 5K and 10K trail routes while still feeling fresh enough for longer distances.

A big part of that comes down to the ride. The cushioning is generous but never feels overly squishy, while the grip inspires confidence when cornering or descending. Salomon's Quicklace system also deserves a mention. Once you've used it, it's hard to go back to traditional laces, especially when you're trying to get out the door quickly or adjusting fit mid-run.

They're not the flashiest-looking trainers here, but they're easily the pair I'd trust for race day.

Buy these if: You want one trail shoe that can comfortably do everything.

Best daily trainer

Nike ACG Pegasus Trail

The Nike ACG Pegasus Trail is the shoe I wear the most, even when I'm not running.

Nike has absolutely nailed the balance between everyday comfort and trail capability. The cushioning makes walking, travelling or spending all day on your feet genuinely enjoyable, while they're still more than capable of handling woodland paths, parks and light trails.

They also happen to be, in my opinion, the best-looking trail shoe currently available. Unlike many trail runners, they don't scream "technical footwear", meaning I'm just as happy wearing them with jeans as I am heading out for an easy recovery run.

Performance-wise they aren't quite as confidence-inspiring on rougher terrain as the Salomon, but unless you're tackling particularly technical trails, they'll do almost everything most runners need.

Buy these if: You want one shoe for running, travelling and everyday life.

Best for comfort

Hoka Speedgoat 7

The Speedgoat has become something of a legend in trail running, and it's easy to understand why.

The latest version continues to offer excellent grip, a stable platform and the kind of cushioning that makes long runs feel surprisingly forgiving. The relatively low drop also suits the way I run, giving me a secure feeling over uneven ground without feeling overly aggressive.

My only real criticism is the fit. Compared with the other shoes here, the Speedgoat 7 comes up noticeably small, and I found the toe box a little tighter than I'd like.

On longer runs, especially when your feet naturally swell, I wanted a little more room around my toes. If I were buying again, I'd almost certainly size up or look for the wide version.

That aside, it's still a superb trail shoe and one that's easy to recommend if the fit works for your feet.

Buy these if: You like a cushioned, stable ride and don't mind sizing carefully.

Which would I buy again?

If performance is the priority, I'd buy the Salomon Ultra Glide 4 tomorrow without hesitation. They've helped me run some of my quickest trail times while remaining comfortable enough for everyday training.

If I wanted one shoe to wear every single day, whether running or not, I'd choose the Nike Pegasus Trail. They're simply the pair I find myself slipping on most often.

The Hoka Speedgoat 7 remains an excellent trail shoe, particularly for longer outings, but the slightly snug fit means it just misses out on the top spot for me.

Puma and Copenhagen running label SAYSKY are getting Back to Business for the third and final instalment of their collaboration.

Apparently, this means dressing some of Puma’s best running shoes as though they have a meeting at five and interval training at six.

Launching globally on 20 August, the new Puma x SAYSKY collection takes its cues from classic office clothing, combining pinstripes, restrained detailing and corporate-inspired styling with performance running kit.

Back to Business includes special-edition versions of both the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 and MagMax Nitro 2, covering everything from race day to long, easy training miles.

The MagMax Nitro 2 arrives in particularly punchy purple and blue colourways, complete with oversized SAYSKY branding wrapping around the midsole.

Meanwhile, the Deviate Nitro Elite 4 takes a slightly darker approach, pairing a predominantly black upper with purple detailing underneath.

Running is serious business

The Deviate Nitro Elite 4 is Puma’s carbon-plated racing option, pairing Nitrofoam Elite cushioning with a full-length PWRPLATE carbon-fibre plate designed to boost propulsion and running efficiency.

The MagMax Nitro 2 is aimed at everyday training, using a high-stack Nitrofoam midsole for maximum cushioning, an engineered knit upper, and Puma’s grippy PUMAGRIP outsole.

The office theme continues throughout the accompanying clothing and accessories, where SAYSKY’s typically minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic meets technical running fabrics, with pinstripes, cleaner silhouettes and tailoring-inspired details intended to work beyond training.

“Running has evolved beyond sport – it has become a culture, a community and a way people express who they are,” says Conor Cashin, Lead Product Line Manager at Puma.

“With Back to Business, we wanted to capture the mindset of runners who organise their lives around the miles that matter most.”

It’s a slightly tongue-in-cheek concept, but one that feels increasingly relevant as running brands push further into everyday style.

To celebrate the launch, the brands will host an Out of Office Relay in Copenhagen on 20 August, sending runners through an office building via stairwells, elevators and parking garages.

The Puma x SAYSKY Back to Business collection launches globally on 20 August 2026 at 11 am CET, through Puma, SAYSKY, selected Puma flagship stores and participating retailers.

Nike has offered the first official look at the ACG Kigerfly, a mysterious new trail-running shoe that has been quietly tested by athletes in competition.

The company revealed the mud-covered prototype as part of a wider story about its All Conditions Racing Department, a group of elite runners helping Nike develop new trail footwear through real-world racing.

Nike says the athletes have worn the Kigerfly across climbs, technical descents and long-distance events, collecting podium finishes while feeding information back to its designers.

However, the brand has stopped short of revealing many of the specifications that usually accompany a new performance shoe.

There is no confirmed weight, stack height or heel-to-toe drop, while Nike has yet to say what rubber compound it uses or whether there is a plate hidden inside the midsole.

ZoomX heads for the trails

All that said, the images still give us a few clues. ZoomX branding is clearly visible along the midsole, confirming that Nike’s lightest and most responsive cushioning foam forms part of the design.

The Kigerfly also features a close-fitting knitted ankle collar, a thin ribbed upper and bonded reinforcement around the toe, heel and midfoot.

Its forefoot looks relatively broad, while the dramatically sculpted rear section flares out on either side of the heel.

That unusual geometry could be intended to improve stability on uneven terrain, although Nike has not confirmed its purpose.

Small outsole lugs are also visible beneath the shoe, suggesting it has been designed for firmer and more technical trails rather than deep mud.

Visually, the Kigerfly appears leaner and more race-focused than the max-cushioned Nike Zegama.

It also looks substantially different from the existing Terra Kiger, despite sharing part of its name.

Nike has not said whether the new model will replace the Terra Kiger or sit alongside it as a dedicated racing option.

It has promised to reveal more about the technology behind the shoe in early 2027, with further appearances expected on race podiums before then.

Head over to Nike Running to find out more.

Maximal cushioning might dominate the current trail-running market, but not every runner wants several centimetres of foam separating their feet from the ground.

The Oregon-based footwear brand KEEN is taking a different approach with the Wander, its lowest-profile trail running shoe to date.

Designed to provide better ground feel underfoot, it combines a 26.1mm stack height with a low 4mm heel-to-toe drop and the brand’s characteristically roomy forefoot.

The result should feel very different from the tall, heavily cushioned trail shoes associated with brands such as HOKA (see also our HOKA Mafate 5 review).

The Wander is intended to deliver a more natural stride with enough protection for rugged and moderately technical routes.

That protection comes from a three-quarter-length rock plate, which sits beneath KEEN’s compression-resistant ReGENX cushioning.

The plate should help prevent sharp rocks from pressing through the midsole while also adding stability on uneven ground.

Built to keep wandering

Underneath, the Wander uses an abrasion-resistant rubber outsole with 3mm lugs.

These are shallower than the aggressive teeth found on shoes built for deep mud, suggesting that the Wander is best used on dry trails, gravel tracks and mixed surfaces.

KEEN says independent footwear-testing laboratory Heeluxe rated the outsole to last for more than 925 miles before wearing smooth.

That is an unusually ambitious durability claim for a trail shoe, particularly as many runners retire their footwear long before reaching that distance due to changes in cushioning and overall ride quality.

The upper is made from breathable performance mesh reinforced with overlays in higher-wear areas.

Reflective laces add some low-light visibility, while their woven construction is designed to help prevent them from coming undone on the move.

At 9.95oz, or approximately 282g, in the men’s version, the Wander is reasonably light without stripping away practical trail-running features.

Its most unusual component is the EcoEnd-enhanced midsole, which KEEN describes as a bio-enhanced material designed to biodegrade organically at the shoe’s end of life.

It is intended to help reduce the amount of persistent foam and microplastic waste left behind.

It does not make the entire shoe biodegradable, but it represents an interesting attempt to address what happens to running footwear after it has been worn out.

The Wander is currently only available at KEEN US in men’s and women’s sizes, priced at $140 (~£104 / €121 / AU$198).

UK, EU and EU availability and pricing TBC.

The North Face has just launched the Offtrail Ultra, a lightweight trail running shoe designed for moving quickly across steep, rocky and technically demanding mountain terrain.

The shoes are built around the Dreambound midsole made with nitrogen-infused superfoam.

Unlike the full-length Dream foam used in the more cushioned Altamesa 500 V2, the Offtrail Ultra’s Dreambound midsole combines a soft, rebound-focused core with a firmer outer layer for greater stability and protection on technical ground.

The brand says the two densities are formed together during a single moulding process, removing the need for adhesives between separate layers.

This is said to reduce unnecessary weight while preserving a responsive and protective feel underfoot.

Unlike many contemporary performance shoes, including Hoka's latest Tecton X 4, the Offtrail Ultra has no propulsion plate, exaggerated rocker or especially tall midsole.

It uses a 29mm heel stack with a 6mm heel-to-toe drop, giving it a relatively streamlined profile.

The men’s version has a claimed weight of 264g per shoe, while the women’s model weighs approximately 227g.

When the trail becomes a crux

Underfoot, an updated Surface Ctrl outsole features 5mm traction lugs for loose and rocky ground.

A dedicated scrambling zone beneath the toes is designed to improve grip and control when a route turns into steeper rock.

The reinforced mesh upper balances breathability with protection in areas exposed to abrasion.

An integrated Screeguard stretch gaiter wraps around the ankle to help prevent stones and other trail debris from entering the shoe.

The North Face says prototypes were tested by its top athletes on five continents, including Kaytlyn Gerbin, Tara Fraga and Stephanie Case.

Mountain ultrarunner Zach Miller said the absence of plates, extreme rockers and towering stack heights was central to the shoe’s appeal.

“That simplicity translates to versatility: it climbs, descends, scrambles, corners, and cruises with ease,” Miller said.

The Offtrail Ultra joins The North Face’s Summit Trail Run collection, whose colours and graphics draw inspiration from the 1990 Trans-Antarctica Expedition.

The men’s Offtrail Ultra is available at The North Face UK, The North Face US, The North Face EU and selected specialist retailers for £145 / $190 / €160 (~AU$262).

HOKA and legendary Japanese retailer BEAMS have joined forces for a new interpretation of the Bondi 7, marking the first official collaboration between the two brands.

The Bondi 7 BEAMS project reimagines HOKA’s maximalist running shoes through the quiet visual language of Japanese Zen gardens.

Two tonal camouflage patterns draw on moss, the shadows that fall across karesansui stone gardens, and the grain of timber found in ancient temples.

The shoe will launch in two colourways: a lighter pale stone with off-white tones (Turtledove/Tidal Foam) and a darker deep charcoal and black model (Chestnut/Black Bean).

The treatment extends across the mesh upper and the Bondi’s substantial midsole, creating an almost continuous camouflage surface.

HOKA and BEAMS branding has also been concealed within the patterns.

Contrasting insoles provide one of the clearest co-branded details.

Despite the updated colourway, the Bondi 7 hasn't changed and offers a breathable open-mesh upper supported by TPU overlays, a memory-foam collar and a full-length compression-moulded EVA midsole.

HOKA’s MetaRocker geometry completes a platform known more for generous cushioning and an easy rolling transition than outright speed.

Raked gravel, hidden names

The collaboration arrives as the Bondi 7 enjoys an unexpected second life.

Although newer generations have followed it, HOKA revived the model as a lifestyle proposition.

The brand has done this before, with one of the most recent examples being the UNNA x HOKA Speedgoat 2.

BEAMS will give the shoe an early release at its Harajuku and BEAMS BOY Harajuku stores on 7 August.

A wider launch across participating BEAMS and BEAMS BOY locations, along with the retailer’s online shop, follows on 8 August.

HOKA will then release the collaboration globally through its website and selected retailers from 14 August, although a complete international stockist list has yet to be announced.

The Harajuku release will be accompanied by an evening event featuring a live performance from contemporary painter Ryoten Ogata.

The all-gender Bondi 7 BEAMS will launch through HOKA UK and HOKA EU on 14 August, priced at £155 / €175 (~$202 / AU$288). US and AU prices and availability TBC.

Hoka has unveiled the Tecton X 4, a lighter, more aggressively tuned successor to the Tecton X 3, the very same trail-running shoe that previously picked up a T3 Award.

The brand says it has refined the shoe through extensive testing, with changes spanning the midsole, carbon-plate construction, upper and lacing system.

The Tecton X 4 changes the dual-layer PEBA midsole to PROFLY X, Hoka’s new performance platform combining high-energy foams, carbon plates and race-focused geometry.

Luckily for those of us who were fans of the previous version, the PROFLY X still has two layers of PEBA foam, which the brand describes as its lightest and most resilient cushioning material.

Parallel carbon-fibre plates remain central to the formula, but their structure has been adjusted to improve snap and efficiency.

They work alongside Hoka’s speed-focused MetaRocker geometry, intended to move you more quickly from a stable landing into a responsive toe-off.

More than a midsole makeover

Underfoot, the Tecton X 4 uses a Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole with 4mm Traction Lugs.

Vibram claims its Litebase construction can reduce outsole thickness by around 40 to 50 per cent and tread weight by roughly 25 to 30 per cent while maintaining performance.

The lug design is intended to increase rubber contact with uneven ground for added grip and precision.

Hoka has fitted a more breathable Matryx Micro woven upper, a lightweight material with hydrophobic properties for wet conditions.

The shoes retain their signature extended gaiter-style knit collar to help keep trail debris out.

However, the updated lacing structure adds a marathon-lacing option and promises improved lockdown.

The men’s shoe weighs a claimed 275g in a size 10, with a 40mm heel and 35mm forefoot stack.

The women’s version weighs 234g in a size 8 and measures 39mm/34mm. Both have a 5mm drop.

The Tecton X 4 will launch on 20 August 2026 in Frost/Neon Tangerine for men and women, priced at £220 / €250 (~$288 / AU$411) at HOKA.

There are well over 100 marathons in the UK alone in one year, which means that there's always a long-distance run to train for.

While there are myriad things you have to think about when training for a marathon — head to T3's marathon tips guide for more information on this — the absolute basics is getting your trainers right.

Here we have hand-picked 8 of the best marathon trainers around. These are the running shoes that will got the distance, even when you feel like giving up...

1. BROOKS HYPERION ELITE 5

These carbon-plate road racing shoes have been developed with professional athletes to make their marathon times faster. How well they work for you depends on the way your feet land on the ground, but as they're very light (195g each) and have stacked soles that hit the max legal height for road racing, they're a race-day treat.

2. NEW BALANCE 1080V15

NB's classic running shoe has had a redesign to its upper, and sports a new midsole made from Infinion instead of FreshFoam. There's 2mm more depth in the sole, but the 6mm drop remains, and it's still recognisably the 1080.

3. ALTRA EXPERIENCE FLOW 3

Altra's signature toe box helps with a natural running gait, allowing the foot room to spread, and the Flow 3s' low (4mm) drop between heel and forefoot keeps the shoe comfortable over long road-running miles. The Ego P35 foam in the midsole keeps them soft underfoot, and at 255g per shoe they feel light enough to wear every day.

4. SALOMON S/LAB PHANTASM 3

They may look like something you'd wear to cut down on drag while cycling, but these lightweight (198g) aerodynamically optimised shoes with a full-length carbon plate aim to give you the edge over the competition when road-racing using only your feet. The single-layer engineered mesh upper with a flexible gaiter hides traditional laces, and offers a snug fit, and for competitive racers will provide a feeling of high-tech superiority and the chance of extra speed.

5. ASICS NOVABLAST 5

These fan favourites are available in a riot of colours, and Asics is so proud of the bouncy energy-return action that it claims it was inspired by a trampoline. They might not boing you quite that far into the air, but the FF Blast Max foam and 79% recycled upper make this a lightweight (225g) running option that will put a spring in your step.

6. ADIDAS ADIZERO EVO SL

Adidas' versatile racing shoe is priced like your favourite fashion trainers, but they certainly don't perform like them. There's no carbon plate here, just Lightstrike Pro foam in the midsole, but they're responsive and well-cushioned for shock absorption, and returns energy better than some pricier shoes.

7. NIKE ALPHAFLY 3

“Leave your old personal records in the dust” says Nike, and maybe you will. The full-length carbon plate and ZoomX foam midsole on the lightest Alphafly shoes yet (218g) are joined by Zoom Air units to propel you forward to the finish line.

8. SAUCONY ENDORPHIN SPEED 5

Using a nylon plate rather than a carbon one, these 8mmdrop road racing shoes may be positioning themselves as fast training options, so you can save the more expensive footwear for race day. Or you may look at features like the engineered mesh upper and full-length sole groove for smooth transitions, and wear them for everything.

Adidas has expanded its Hyperboost running range with the launch of the new Hyperboost Run, a daily training shoe that brings the franchise's high-energy ride to a broader audience.

Set to launch on 1 August, the Hyperboost Run is designed as an all-round road shoe for runners who split their time between easy miles, faster sessions and everyday wear.

Adidas says the new model focuses on balancing comfort, responsiveness and versatility in a single package.

The Hyperboost Run sits below the Hyperboost Edge in Adidas' latest running shoe franchise.

While the Edge is positioned as the brand's lightweight "super-trainer" for longer, faster efforts, the Run takes the same design philosophy and adapts it into a more accessible daily trainer.

The new trainers feature the Hyperboost Pro midsole, a 38mm heel stack and a 6mm drop.

The brand says the lightweight foam is tuned to provide high energy return while maintaining the cushioning needed for everyday mileage.

The Hyperboost Run also features a lightweight Primeweave engineered mesh upper designed to improve breathability and comfort during longer runs.

Underfoot, Adidas combines its LIGHTTRAXION outsole with Continental rubber pods at the forefoot to boost grip without adding weight.

The shoe also adopts a wider platform and anatomically shaped 3D-printed heel elements to improve stability.

The new trainer weighs 247g (UK men's 8.5), putting it firmly in the lightweight daily trainer category.

Its sculpted midsole and oversized Three Stripes also give it a noticeably more lifestyle-inspired look than many traditional mileage shoes, suggesting Adidas is targeting runners who want one pair to cover training sessions and day-to-day wear.

Alongside the new shoe, Adidas is also introducing fresh colourways for the Hyperboost Edge, continuing its push to establish Hyperboost as one of the brand's flagship cushioning platforms.

The Adidas Hyperboost Run launches globally on 1 August, priced at €170 at Adidas EU. UK, US and AU pricing has yet to be confirmed.

New Balance has unveiled two high-performance running shoes designed to take runners from speedy training sessions through to marathon race day.

The new SuperComp Rebel v1 is arguably the more surprising arrival, essentially fusing the FuelCell Rebel and SuperComp Trainer lines into one high-speed daily trainer.

New Balance says it has created a plated, high-stack training shoe intended to bring “race-day energy” to everyday running.

It is joined by the SuperComp Elite v6, the latest generation of New Balance’s flagship carbon-plated racing shoe and the successor to the T3 Awards-winner FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5.

New Balance has dropped FuelCell from both product names, possibly because the shoes introduce the brand’s new Infinion midsole foam.

The company claims the new compound is designed to provide responsive cushioning and sustained energy return.

Rebel with a plate

The SuperComp Rebel v1 combines Infinion foam with a carbon-infused Pebax propulsion plate.

New Balance says the plate’s shape, material and placement have been engineered to produce a responsive, energetic ride suitable for tempo sessions, faster training runs and potentially racing.

A 40mm heel and 36mm forefoot give the Rebel a 4mm drop. The men’s version weighs a claimed 218g in a size 9.5, while the women’s model comes in at 174g in a size 7.

FANTOMFIT reinforcement locks down the midfoot and heel without adding the weight of a more traditionally structured upper.

At £190, it also sits below New Balance’s premium competition shoe while retaining some of its race-inspired technology.

The SuperComp Elite v6 adopts the lightest version of Infinion foam and a redesigned carbon-fibre plate intended to increase stiffness and propulsion over marathon distances.

Despite retaining a race-legal 40mm heel stack, it weighs just 190g for men and 155g for women.

Its 8mm drop results from a 40mm heel and 32mm forefoot, while a translucent mesh upper reinforced with FANTOMFIT provides a lightweight but secure fit.

New Balance developed the shoe with input from athletes including Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee and American marathon record holder Emily Sisson.

"The innovation in this update raises the bar for race-day footwear," added Sisson when asked about the new shoes.

Yee ran his 2:06:38 marathon personal best in the Elite v5 at the 2025 Valencia Marathon and says the updated v6 feels “even lighter and faster”.

The New Balance SuperComp Elite v6 will launch on 6 August for £230 (~$310 / €271 / AU$441), followed by the SuperComp Rebel v1 on 20 August for £190 (~$255 / €224 / AU$364).

Both shoes will be available through New Balance stores and the brand’s website.

Altra is stepping up its pursuit of trail-running shoe heavyweights Hoka and Salomon with the Olympus 275 HiLo, a heavily cushioned endurance shoe designed to keep moving over technical terrain long after darkness falls.

The new model builds on the Olympus 275, combining a 33mm stack of Altra EGO Max cushioning with a technical MATRYX upper and a Vibram Megagrip outsole.

Despite the substantial amount of foam underfoot, Altra retains the zero-drop geometry for which it is best known, placing the heel and forefoot at the same height.

According to the brand, the updated EGO Max midsole is 15% lighter and 10% softer than the previous version.

The men’s shoe weighs 10.5oz (298g), while the women’s model comes in at 8.8oz (249g).

The Olympus 275 HiLo also uses Altra’s Original FootShape fit, the roomiest of the brand’s three toe-box profiles.

This provides additional space around the toes and through the midfoot, allowing the foot to spread more naturally on long runs.

A tale of one mountain

Perhaps the most distinctive feature is the one-piece woven MATRYX upper, the same as that used in the Olympus 275, launched last year.

The lightweight material incorporates Kevlar yarns to increase durability without adding excessive weight.

Better still, the integrated, sock-like scree sleeve wraps around the ankle to keep stones and trail debris out of the shoe.

Underneath, a Vibram Megagrip outsole with TractionLug technology provides full-length coverage.

The small textured elements moulded into the sides of the main lugs are intended to increase the available surface area, improving traction on wet and dry ground.

The shoes are reminiscent of Hoka's Tecton X 3 with their flared heel and gaitered ankle construction.

The launch arrives as Altra continues to gain ground within owner VF Corporation’s portfolio.

The Utah-born company recorded growth of more than 35% in VF’s 2025 financial reporting, making it the group’s fastest-growing brand at the time and comfortably outpacing stablemates The North Face and Timberland.

The Olympus 275 HiLo launched on 15 July and is available to buy now at Altra UK, Altra US and Altra EU for £175 / $200 / €200 (~AU$328). AU pricing and availability to be confirmed.

If you've admired the performance credentials of Adidas Terrex's flagship trail running shoes but baulked at the price, the brand has just launched a more attainable alternative.

The Agravic SL borrows key technology from the top-of-the-line Agravic Speed Ultra range and packages it into a versatile daily trail shoe that costs 30% less than the flagship racer.

The new shoes are designed as an all-rounder that can tackle everything from daily training runs and local woodland loops to technical mountain trails.

With it, the company is bringing premium technologies to runners who simply want a single shoe that can handle all their off-road adventures.

The Agravic SL features a full-length Lightstrike Pro midsole, the brand's lightweight, highly responsive foam that has become a hallmark of Adidas' fastest road and trail shoes.

It delivers the soft yet energetic ride that runners have come to expect from the brand's premium footwear.

Grip should be equally impressive, thanks to the full Continental Rubber outsole, which uses the tyre manufacturer's well-established rubber compound to provide dependable traction in both wet and dry conditions.

Combined with a lug pattern that looks aggressive enough for loose terrain without becoming overly cumbersome on fireroads or tarmac, the Agravic SL appears well suited to the increasingly popular "door-to-trail" style of running.

Race-day DNA, everyday miles

The rest of the shoe follows the same philosophy, with an engineered mesh upper with durable TPU overlays that aim to balance breathability with trail-ready protection.

Meanwhile, internal reinforcements and elastic tongue wings are designed to keep the foot securely locked in when the terrain becomes more technical.

Despite its generous cushioning, the Agravic SL tips the scales at just 279g.

Underfoot, runners get a 39mm heel stack, a 33mm forefoot stack, and a 6mm drop, giving the shoe a modern, highly cushioned platform built for long-distance comfort.

The Agravic SL is available now directly from Adidas Terrex in Cloud White / Core Black / Semi Impact Orange and Core Black/Grey Two/Core Black colourways for the recommended price of £140 in the UK, $160 in the US and €160 across Europe (~AU$262).

AU price and availability TBC.

HOKA has unveiled the Clifton 11, the latest version of one of the most recognisable daily running shoes on the market.

With the latest update, the brand has focused on enhancing comfort with a redesigned upper, an updated fit, and a softer underfoot feel.

HOKA has introduced a premium engineered jacquard knit upper for improved breathability and a more luxurious feel, alongside an updated ultrasoft sockliner designed to increase step-in comfort.

A new double lace-lock system promises a more secure fit, while reflective detailing improves visibility during early morning and evening runs.

"The Clifton has set the standard for daily trainers for over a decade, earning runners’ trust with HOKA’s signature cushioning and innovative design,” said Bekah Broe, Sr. Director of Performance Footwear at HOKA.

“With the Clifton 11, we have built on that legacy - refining the fit, upgrading the engineered mesh upper, and enhancing the sockliner - to deliver a smoother and effortlessly comfortable ride.”

The Clifton 11 arrives about 15 months after the Clifton 10, suggesting HOKA is confident it got the fundamentals right last time.

It's an approach that mirrors what we've seen from several major running brands recently, where evolutionary updates are increasingly favoured over wholesale redesigns, particularly for bestselling daily trainers.

Keeping the magic intact

If you've enjoyed previous Clifton models, the good news is that HOKA hasn't changed the fundamentals.

The Clifton 11 retains the compression-moulded EVA foam midsole, rearfoot-focused Active Foot Frame and the brand's signature MetaRocker geometry, all designed to deliver the smooth heel-to-toe transition the series is known for.

It also sticks with an 8mm heel-to-toe drop and a high-stack platform, weighing 282.8g in a men's sample and 236.4g in a women's version.

The Clifton 11 will go head-to-head with established favourites such as the Brooks Ghost 18, ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28, Saucony Ride 19, New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v15 and Nike Pegasus 42.

While each shoe takes a slightly different approach to cushioning and ride feel, they're all designed to be versatile workhorses that handle everything from easy recovery runs to marathon training.

Priced at £140 / $155 / €165 / AU$280, the Clifton 11 undercuts several of those rivals while remaining firmly in the premium end of the market.

HOKA appears to be betting that incremental improvements to one of the industry's most recognisable running shoes will be enough to keep the Clifton among the best daily trainers money can buy.

The Clifton 11 is available now directly from HOKA and authorised retailers worldwide.

British performance eyewear brand SunGod has unveiled the Classics⁴ PRO, a new version of its bestselling lifestyle sunglasses, developed in collaboration with ultrarunning superstar Courtney Dauwalter.

SunGod has taken its popular Everyday Classics⁴ model and given it a significant performance overhaul.

The result is a pair of sunglasses that aims to bridge the gap between casual wear and serious trail running, offering improved stability without sacrificing the familiar silhouette.

According to SunGod, the biggest changes come from redesigned straight arm fins inspired by its wraparound Pace range.

Combined with new Grip-Lock hydrophilic rubber contact points, the updated frame is designed to stay securely in place during long runs and high-intensity efforts while remaining comfortable enough for all-day wear.

Everyday style, race-ready performance

The collaboration makes perfect sense given Dauwalter's long-standing preference for the original Classics⁴.

While many elite runners opt for aggressively styled performance eyewear, the American ultrarunner has become known for racing in SunGod's more casual-looking sunglasses.

The new PRO version keeps that understated aesthetic while adding features better suited to ultramarathon racing, including improved grip, enhanced stability and a lightweight 26g frame.

SunGod is also launching a limited-edition Courtney Dauwalter colourway.

The design features a cracked gold pattern inspired by what Dauwalter calls the "pain cave" – the difficult moments during races where she famously finds her greatest strength – paired with matching gold lenses.

The Classics⁴ PRO retains the features found across SunGod's range, including proprietary 8KO nylon lenses with 100% UVA and UVB protection.

The sunnies also feature Pop-Lock screwless hinges, interchangeable lenses, and an Infinite recycled frame that the company says has a 7x lower environmental impact than conventional virgin plastic.

Like all SunGod eyewear, the new model is backed by the company's lifetime guarantee.

The Classics⁴ PRO is available now at SunGod in six colourways, starting at £100 (~$134 / €117 / AU$192).

Polarised versions cost £130 (~$174 / €153 / AU$250), while the limited-edition Courtney Dauwalter model is priced from £110 (~$147 / €129 / AU$212).

Merrell has launched its most ambitious trail running shoe to date, and you only need to look at its unusual sculpted sole to see that the brand is trying something different.

The new MTL SpeedARC Peak is a carbon-plated racing shoe developed over five years through the Merrell Test Lab, with feedback gathered from the company’s elite athletes.

Merrell describes it as its most advanced running shoe yet, designed for podium attempts and personal bests over demanding trails.

Its most eye-catching feature is the two-part SpeedARC midsole, which looks more like a collection of individual cushioning pods than a conventional slab of foam.

Large cut-outs run along the shoe, separating sections of the midsole and leaving parts of its full-length Carbon FlexPlate visible from the outside.

It is said to combine the propulsion and efficiency normally associated with a carbon plate with enough flexibility for technical terrain.

Merrell pairs the plate with a dual-density mixture of FloatPro foam and PEBA-based racing foam, which promises energy return without making the shoe too rigid when runners need to change direction or negotiate uneven ground.

Carbon above, cut-outs below

The sole is just as unconventional underneath, with Merrell using a skeletal arrangement of Vibram Megagrip Elite rubber that leaves sections of the midsole and carbon plate exposed.

That saves weight while placing the rubber where grip is most important.

The outsole uses 4mm lugs and is intended to maintain traction on both wet and dry surfaces, although the exposed sections may raise durability concerns on particularly rocky routes.

The upper is made from Matryx, combining Kevlar threads with high-tenacity polyamide to create a lightweight, abrasion-resistant structure.

Other details include a padded collar, elastic lace keeper, breathable mesh lining and TPEE footbed.

Official specifications put the shoe at 305g per shoe, with a 30mm heel and 24mm forefoot stack, creating a 6mm drop.

The MTL SpeedARC Peak will be available in the US for $290, initially in a vivid “45th Anniversary” colourway.

European availability is currently listed for August, with an expected price of €290; Merrell has yet to confirm UK pricing or an exact UK release date.

[via PR Times, Outside]

On wants to turn London's running crews into racing teams with its latest global event

Swiss performance brand On is bringing its Squad Race series to London next week, transforming Tobacco Dock into a relay course where local running clubs will compete for a place in a global final in Los Angeles.

Running has become increasingly community-driven in recent years, with run clubs popping up in cities around the world.

On is tapping into that momentum with Squad Race, a relay competition designed to celebrate the crews and communities that have become such a defining part of modern running culture.

The London event takes place on 18 July at Yellow Park, Tobacco Dock, where four-person teams will race around a purpose-built spiral course in front of spectators.

The format puts teamwork at the centre of the action, with the winning squad earning the chance to represent London at the Squad Race World Final in Los Angeles this September.

More than just another running event

London is the latest stop on a global tour that began in Beijing earlier this year and has since travelled through cities including Barcelona, Rio de Janeiro, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo before concluding in California.

The series reflects On's growing investment in community-led running, bringing together grassroots crews and established clubs in a fast-paced competition that blends racing with festival-style experiences.

The event also doubles as a showcase for the new Cloudmonster 3, with participants able to test the latest version of On's max-cushioned running shoes throughout the day.

Alongside the racing, visitors can expect live music, food, customisation stations and post-race celebrations, reinforcing the brand's aim of creating an event that's as much about the wider running community as it is about crossing the finish line first.

You can find out more about the Squad Race at On.

Nearly two years after introducing its first carbon-plated off-road racer, ASICS has unveiled the Metafuji Trail 2, refining what was already one of the most ambitious trail running shoes.

The original Metafuji Trail proved that "super shoe" technology wasn't limited to road marathons, bringing together a carbon plate, lightweight foams and aggressive trail grip in a package designed for serious mountain racing.

Now, the Japanese brand believes it has taken the formula a step further.

The new model tips the scales at 255g (men's), shaving 5g off its predecessor while retaining the same 5mm drop.

A new top layer of FF LEAP, ASICS' lightest and bounciest foam, now sits above the plate, while FF BLAST PLUS remains underneath to cushion long efforts.

Despite becoming lighter, the shoe still packs a substantial 36.5mm heel stack and 31.5mm forefoot stack, giving runners plenty of protection over ultra-distance races.

Built for the biggest mountain races

Grip remains courtesy of the proven ASICSGRIP outsole, complete with 3.5mm lugs designed to balance traction on soft ground without feeling overbearing on firmer trails.

A Motion Wrap upper, SOLYTE sockliner and quick-lace system complete the package, all aimed at keeping weight low while improving comfort over long distances.

During one of trail running's biggest events in Chamonix (a.k.a. UTMB) last year, ASICS athletes Tom Evans and Ben Dhiman wore prototype versions of the Metafuji Trail 2 to claim first and second place, with their feedback helping shape the final production model.

That production version will make its competitive debut today, 10 July, as Evans lines up at one of the world's best-known 100-mile trail races before the shoe goes on general sale.

The Metafuji Trail 2 firmly targets competitive trail runners chasing podiums and personal bests rather than everyday mileage.

But as brands continue to bring road racing technology into the mountains, it shows the trail super shoe category is evolving just as quickly as its road-running counterpart.

The ASICS Metafuji Trail 2 will be available globally from 1 August 2026 for the recommended price of $250.

Find out more at ASICS.

ASICS has unveiled its first-ever footwear collaboration with FP Movement, the activewear arm of Free People, giving two of its most popular performance shoes a fashion-forward overhaul inspired by the colours of sunrise and sunset.

FP Movement has grown into a sizeable activewear business since launching in 2012, became a standalone brand in 2020, and now operates almost 100 stores in the US.

The limited-edition collection spans both running and tennis, with fresh takes on the ASICS GEL-Nimbus 28 and GEL-Challenger 15.

According to the brands, it's the first time they've worked together on footwear, while ASICS says it's also the first collaboration to combine its performance running and tennis categories in a single launch.

The running shoe component of the range adopts warm sunset-inspired accents, including an eye-catching orange midsole, while the GEL-Challenger 15 features the brand's signature paisley print across the upper, giving the stability-focused tennis shoe a distinctly lifestyle feel.

Chasing the light

The collaboration's key message is the idea of "golden hour," those early morning and evening moments when many runners and tennis players head outdoors.

It's a theme reflected in both the colour palette and the accompanying campaign, with FP Movement also hosting community running events in New York and Los Angeles to celebrate the launch.

The GEL-Nimbus 28 retains the same comfort-focused setup as the standard model, combining FF BLAST PLUS cushioning with PureGEL technology to deliver the plush ride that has helped make it one of ASICS' flagship daily trainers.

Meanwhile, the GEL-Challenger 15 continues to use WINGWALL technology to improve lateral stability on court without compromising comfort.

While only the shoes are available at ASICS, FP Movement also sells running and tennis apparel and accessories as part of the collection.

The FP Movement x ASICS collection has gone on sale from 7 July via FP Movement, ASICS and selected Dick's Sporting Goods stores in the US.

The GEL-Nimbus 28 is priced at $180 (around £135), while the GEL-Challenger 15 costs $130 (around £95).

Adidas' Adizero Evo SL has quickly become one of the most talked-about running shoes of the past year, earning a reputation as a lightweight super trainer that borrows heavily from the record-breaking Adios Pro Evo.

Now adidas has given it one of its boldest updates yet, replacing the traditional lacing system with... a full-length zip.

The Adizero Evo SL Zip retains the same Lightstrike Pro midsole and geometry as the standard Evo SL, but wraps the upper in a sleek zippered cover that creates a cleaner, more aerodynamic silhouette and makes the shoe easier to slip on and off.

Adidas says the design was inspired by the Adios Pro Evo 1, although the look also feels like a nod to the zip-covered sprint spikes that dominated athletics tracks in the early 2000s.

The most striking visual change is the uninterrupted Three Stripes branding, which now stretches across the upper without laces breaking up the design.

Fast fashion meets fast running

Beyond the zip, the Evo SL Zip still uses the company's full-length Lightstrike Pro foam, tips the scales at just 209g, and offers a 37mm heel, 31mm forefoot and a 6mm drop.

A textile upper, textile lining and rubber outsole round out what is essentially the same package that made the Evo SL such a popular choice among runners looking for an everyday trainer with race-day DNA.

It costs exactly the same as the standard Evo SL, making the zip more of a design statement than a premium upgrade.

It'll be interesting to see whether the hidden lacing system beneath the zip delivers the same locked-in feel or whether this version ends up finding a bigger audience among sneaker fans than marathon runners.

The Adizero Evo SL has already proved it can comfortably straddle the line between performance shoe and lifestyle trainer.

Adding a zip only pushes it further in that direction, and I wouldn't be surprised if this becomes one of adidas' most polarising launches of the year.

The Adizero EVO SL ZIP Shoes are available now at Adidas UK, Adidas US and Adidas EU for the recommended price of £150 / £170 / €170 (~AU$280).

Montreal-based norda has lifted the lid on its latest premium trail running shoe, the 055, a high-stack performance model designed to tackle everything from fast training runs to ultramarathons.

The newcomer joins the brand's growing lineup as an all-terrain, all-distance option, sitting alongside the race-focused 005 but adopting a more cushioned, supportive approach.

The 055's tall stack height is reminiscent of Hoka's chunky running trainers, including the Bondi and Speedgoat series, and is the first norda shoe to feature a knit tongue and collar.

It's designed to improve lockdown while keeping trail debris at bay, while the structured heel is said to offer greater stability over long distances.

As with the rest of the range, the upper is constructed from bio-circular Dyneema, an exceptionally lightweight woven material that norda says is up to 15 times stronger than steel by weight.

It's the same material used for Simond's ultralight Sprint Tarp Tent 2P and Gossamer Gear's also incredibly light Grit 28 backpack.

More than a numbers game

The biggest change lies underfoot, with the 055 using a 100% Arnitel TPEE midsole, which norda claims returns more than 75% of the energy generated with each stride while maintaining consistent performance across both hot and cold conditions.

Underneath, a bespoke Vibram outsole combines the company's latest Megagrip Elite compound with Litebase technology to maximise grip while trimming unnecessary weight.

According to co-founder Nick Martire, the new model was conceived as a more substantial counterpart to the 005.

While the race shoe prioritises outright speed and minimal weight, the 055 adopts what he describes as a "more is more" philosophy, pairing a higher stack height with a taller collar and more structured upper to deliver explosive performance without sacrificing stability.

The shoe has already seen competitive action during the 2026 trail racing season, including Rachel Entrekin's record-breaking run at the Cocodona 250.

The norda 055 launches globally on 9 July at norda in the Strato colourway and will cost $325 USD/$325 CAD.

UK, EU and AU pricing and availability TBC.

Altra has unveiled the Torin 9, the latest version of its flagship road running shoe, bringing meaningful upgrades to one of the brand's best-known models rather than reinventing a winning formula.

The new trainers retain the zero-drop platform and roomy FootShape fit the Torin's been known for, while introducing a grippier outsole and a redesigned midsole.

The Utah-born brand has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence over the past year, becoming the fastest-growing name in parent company VF Corp's portfolio.

Its revenue climbed more than 30% over the last financial year as more runners embrace its distinctive approach to footwear.

Visually, the Torin 9 pairs a clean white engineered mesh upper with a striking lime-to-orange gradient wrapping around the midsole, giving the shoe considerably more personality than many of its neutral-training rivals.

There are nine colourways to choose from, including the base White/Black/Safety Yellow to the more subtle Turtle Dove/Desert.

Better grip, same natural ride

The biggest update is the all-new Vibram XS DURA outsole, developed exclusively for Altra and claimed to provide 8.5% more grip than the Torin 8.

This is said to make the shoe more confidence-inspiring on wet pavements, painted crossings and other slippery urban surfaces, addressing one of the few areas where previous Torin models lagged behind the competition.

Underfoot, Altra has introduced its new P35X dual-density foam, combining a softer inner layer with a firmer outer section to create a ride that's both more energetic and more stable.

The upper has also been refined with a reshaped heel, an elevated tongue, and an updated collar construction, while maintaining the generous toe box and zero-drop geometry.

At 269g (men's US 10.5), with a 28mm stack height and Altra's signature 0mm drop, the Torin 9 remains firmly aimed at runners seeking a plush, neutral daily trainer that comfortably handles everything from easy recovery runs to marathon training.

The Torin 9 is launching on 6 July for $160 in the US and £135 in the UK. EU and AU prices and availability TBC.

Saucony has given its flagship Endorphin running shoe family a fresh coat of paint, unveiling a new White/Multi colourway across the entire franchise ahead of this year's Saucony London 10K.

Available from 6 July, the capsule spans the Endorphin Elite 3, Endorphin Pro 5, Endorphin Speed 5 and the recently launched Endorphin Azura, bringing a unified visual identity to the brand's speed-focused lineup.

The new palette pairs crisp white engineered mesh uppers with vibrant flashes of aqua, coral and electric yellow.

While the shoes remain unmistakably modern, the combination of colours harks back to the original Endorphin range that helped establish Saucony as one of the leading names in the carbon-plated super shoe market.

It's a cleaner, more refined interpretation of that iconic look, with the bright accents applied more sparingly across largely white midsoles.

The White/Multi treatment extends across each model despite their differing roles within the range.

At the top sits the Endorphin Elite 3, Saucony's premier marathon racer, joined by the Endorphin Pro 5 for race day, the nylon-plated Endorphin Speed 5 for training and racing, and the Endorphin Azura, a non-plated superfoam trainer designed for faster everyday miles.

Saucony says the campaign centres on runners pushing themselves in a high-intensity treadmill environment, with the footwear taking centre stage to showcase the different roles each model plays within the Endorphin family.

The collection launches during race week for the Saucony London 10K, where thousands of runners are expected to take to the streets of the British capital under the brand's "Run As One" banner, celebrating the shared experience of racing together.

The new set is a visual refresh that unifies the entire Endorphin franchise under one striking design language.

For long-time Saucony fans, though, the biggest appeal may be the subtle nostalgia.

The white, turquoise and fluorescent accents evoke memories of the original Endorphin Pro, a shoe that played a major role in defining Saucony's modern performance identity.

The Endorphin Collection is available now at Saucony.

At its "An Exercise in Lightness" showcase in Paris, Swiss running brand On has taken the wraps off the second generation of its flagship marathon running shoes, introducing both the Cloudboom Strike 2 and the LightSpray Cloudboom Strike 2 ahead of their July launch.

The successor of 2024's Cloudboom Strike features an entirely new cushioning platform called CloudTec Sphere, which the company says is designed to help runners maintain speed deep into a marathon rather than simply feel fast over the opening miles.

Fresh legs, faster finish

CloudTec Sphere replaces the original shoe's midsole geometry with a series of engineered cushioning channels intended to improve impact absorption, comfort and energy return.

It works alongside a new version of On's Helion HF super foam, which is said to be 15% lighter than the previous generation, while an updated curved carbon Speedboard sits between dual-density foam layers to maximise forward propulsion.

The LightSpray Cloudboom Strike 2 continues to use On's robot-produced one-piece upper, a seamless construction that eliminates traditional stitching, glue and even laces.

According to the company, testing carried out by the University of Cape Town found the shoe delivers a 1.6% improvement in running economy compared with leading marathon racers.

On says the shoe has already helped several of its sponsored athletes to personal bests, including Hellen Obiri, who cut 1 minute 48 seconds from her marathon PB in London, Yeman Crippa, who improved by 48 seconds while winning the Paris Marathon, and Joe Klecker, who lowered his best by 4 minutes 41 seconds in Boston.

Despite packing plenty of cushioning, the standard Cloudboom Strike 2 weighs just 191g, while the LightSpray version drops to an astonishing 158g, both with a 5mm heel-to-toe drop.

The shoes arrive on 30 July, with UK prices set at £230 / $250 / €250 (~AU$440) for the Cloudboom Strike 2 and £300 / $310 / €320 (~AU$574) for the LightSpray edition, which includes a pair of Elite Run Sock High Hyper socks in the box.

You can find more information about the shoes at On.

For most runners, the biggest challenge of summer is staying cool once the miles start piling up.

French performance running brand SATISFY thinks it has an answer, and it's teamed up with everyone's favourite throwback eyewear brand, Oakley, once again to put that technology to the test.

Shop Oakley's up to 50% off sunglasses sale

The latest SATISFY x Oakley collaboration is dubbed Equipment for Our World – Chapter VII, the latest instalment in the two brands' long-running Equipment for Our World series

These have seen SATISFY revisit classic Oakley eyewear while developing increasingly technical running apparel.

The latest collection's standout innovation is HeatCrush, a new Japanese-developed performance fabric that the brands claim can reduce skin temperature by up to 8°C during exercise.

According to SATISFY, the material responds to sweat and airflow, drawing heat away from the body as effort increases.

In company testing with a thermal mannequin, HeatCrush outperformed standard nylon and polyester fabrics, though these results are based on SATISFY's own testing.

Heat-proof kit with a Y2K twist

SATISFY and Oakley describe Chapter VII as a complete "equipment system" for running in extreme heat.

The collection includes a HeatCrush T-Shirt, 8-inch Desert Shorts, Arm Sleeves and a Neck Cooler, all made from lightweight Japanese fabric that's hand-dip-dyed in a century-old dye house, giving each garment a unique finish.

Bonded AcroFuse seams help reduce weight and minimise chafing, while the cooling fabric is designed to become more effective as sweat and airflow increase.

Stealing the show, though, is the Straight Jacket 99, a limited-edition reinterpretation of one of Oakley's most iconic late-1990s wraparound sunglasses.

Instead of following today's trend for oversized shield lenses, the collaboration embraces the brand's unmistakable Y2K aesthetic, pairing a slim, close-fitting Matte Black frame with exclusive Prizm Black Vented lenses.

The scalloped vents cut into the top and bottom of the lenses are designed to increase airflow behind the lenses, helping reduce heat buildup and fogging during hard efforts.

The sunglasses weigh just 25g and combine Oakley's lightweight O Matter frame with grippy Unobtainium nose pads and earsocks, which become more secure as you sweat.

SATISFY says the Straight Jacket 99 is built for "long efforts and open exposure hours", making it a natural companion to the HeatCrush apparel for runners training through the hottest months of the year.

The new collection is available now through SATISFY, Oakley and selected retail partners.

After months of speculation, the TCS London Marathon has officially confirmed that its 2027 event will take place across two days for the first time in the race's history.

Dubbed the London Marathon Double, the event will be held on Saturday 24 April and Sunday 25 April 2027, with organisers expecting a record-breaking 100,000 runners to cross the finish line over the weekend.

The move comes after a world-record-breaking race in 2026, and demand for places reached unprecedented levels.

More than 1.33 million people entered the ballot for 2027, smashing the previous world record for marathon applications and putting enormous pressure on organisers to find ways of accommodating more runners.

A one-off event designed to let more people run

London Marathon Events describes the Double as a "once-in-a-generation" reimagining of the event rather than a permanent change.

The current plan is for the race to return to its traditional one-day format in 2028.

Both days will feature the full 26.2-mile course, with runners assigned either Saturday or Sunday. Participants will only be able to run once during the weekend.

Elite women, female wheelchair athletes and women's championship runners will compete on one day, while the men's elite and championship races will take place on the other.

The expansion could have a huge impact beyond participation numbers.

Organisers believe the event could raise more than £150 million for charity and generate around £400 million in economic and social benefits for the UK.

For runners, though, the biggest takeaway is simply more places.

While securing a London Marathon spot is still likely to be highly competitive, the Double means that tens of thousands more people will have the chance to experience one of the world's most iconic races.

And if the 2027 experiment proves successful, don't be surprised if calls for a permanent two-day London Marathon grow even louder.

[via London Marathon Official website]

I was lucky enough to be in Chamonix last year for the UTMB, which also coincided with the launch of Hoka's then brand-new trail running shoes, the Rocket X Trail.

The trainers made a lasting impression on me, which is why I ended up using them afterwards. The combination of speed and cushioning makes the Rocket X Trail an excellent option for my local trails, which are pretty flat and less technical.

This is not to say Hoka's speedy trail runners are for training only. If anything, the Rocket X Trail is best for tempo training and racing. And it's likely people will use them for their purpose, given the hefty price tag.

Should you get one? Let's find out.

Hoka Rocket X Trail review

Price and availability

The Hoka Rocket X Trail was launched in August 2025 and is available to buy now at Hoka UK, Hoka US and Hoka EU for the recommended retail price of £185 / $250 / €225 (~AU$367).

That puts it in direct competition with other high-end trail racers, including the Nike Ultrafly, Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra and Hoka's own Tecton X 3.

This isn't a shoe aimed at casual runners or weekend dog walkers. It's designed for athletes chasing personal bests in trail races, ultras and fast-paced adventures.

Specifications

• Weight: 297g / 10.5lb (men's UK11 / US11.5D)
• Drop: 6mm
• Lugs: 3mm
• Midsole: A-TPU Superfoam
• Plate: H-shaped parallel carbon-fibre plate
• Outsole: Lightweight zonal rubber (not Vibram Megagrip)
• Best for: Trail racing, gravel roads, runnable terrain

Design and fit

While most trail racers still borrow heavily from mountain shoes, Hoka has taken the opposite approach here. The Rocket X Trail feels much closer to a road super shoe adapted for dirt roads, gravel paths, and fast-flowing trails.

At just 297g / 10.5lb (men's UK11 / US11.5D), it's impressively lightweight for an off-road shoe. The silhouette is sleek and aggressive, with a pronounced rocker that immediately hints at its racing intentions.

Hoka pairs an A-TPU Superfoam midsole with an H-shaped carbon-fibre plate, creating a platform designed to maximise energy return while keeping weight to a minimum.

The lightweight engineered mesh follows the same philosophy, keeping things airy and breathable, while the stretch vamp is designed to accommodate foot splay as your feet expand.

The tongue is deliberately minimal, helping shave unnecessary grams without compromising comfort. Combined with the secure midfoot lockdown, the Rocket X Trail feels race-ready from the moment you lace it up.

Underfoot, Hoka has opted for a lightweight zonal rubber outsole with shallow 3mm lugs. It's optimised for the sort of surfaces where runners can really open up the throttle: gravel roads, hard-packed trails and smooth singletrack.

Fit is true to size, and I found there was enough room in the toe box to stay comfortable on longer runs without sacrificing the precise feel you'd want in a racing shoe.

The overall package feels more streamlined and performance-focused than the Speedgoat or Mafate lines, which is exactly what I'd expect from a shoe carrying the Rocket X name.

Performance

Within the first few miles in Chamonix, it became obvious that Hoka wasn't trying to build a do-it-all trail shoe. If your local trails consist of gravel roads, compact dirt paths and flowing singletrack, the Rocket X Trail feels right at home.

The combination of the A-TPU Superfoam midsole and H-shaped carbon-fibre plate delivers a level of responsiveness that's rare in trail running, with every ride feeling energetic. At the same time, the aggressive rocker helps maintain momentum, particularly when running at tempo pace or pushing hard during races.

In many ways, the experience is closer to wearing a road super shoe than a traditional trail runner. The Rocket X Trail encourages you to pick up the pace and rewards efficient running, and on long stretches of gravel and hard-packed trail, I often found myself running faster than intended simply because the shoe made it feel effortless.

The lightweight zonal rubber outsole provides plenty of traction on dry dirt, gravel and compact trails, while also coping just about well enough in damp conditions.

The shallow 3mm lugs strike a sensible balance between grip and efficiency, helping keep weight down without leaving you feeling under-equipped.

The Rocket X Trail becomes less convincing as the terrain becomes more technical, such as rocky descents, muddy sections and uneven ground.

What impressed me most was how well the Rocket X Trail maintained its performance over longer distances. Lightweight race shoes can often feel brilliant for an hour, but Hoka has managed to balance speed and comfort remarkably well.

Verdict

With the Rocket X Trail, Hoka has created a specialist racer for runners who prioritise speed on runnable terrain. Gravel roads, buff singletrack and fast trail races are where this shoe truly shines.

The combination of the lightweight construction, energetic A-TPU Superfoam midsole and carbon-fibre plate creates a ride that feels remarkably efficient.

Few trail shoes encourage pace quite as enthusiastically as the Rocket X Trail, and fewer still manage to do so while remaining comfortable over longer distances.

If you're targeting a trail marathon, a gravel race, or any event where maintaining speed matters more than navigating rocky mountain passes, the Rocket X Trail is a compelling option, as it captures the magic of a road super shoe while delivering enough grip and protection for fast off-road adventures.

Also consider

If the Rocket X Trail feels a little too specialised, the Hoka Speedgoat 6 is the safer bet. Hoka's trail-running workhorse offers better value, more grip and greater versatility across a wider range of terrain. It lacks the explosive propulsion of the Rocket X Trail but makes up for it with comfort, durability and everyday usability.

The Rocket X Trail thrives on fast, runnable terrain, but I'd reach for the Brooks Cascadia 19 when the trails become more technical. Brooks' latest mountain-ready shoe offers a more stable platform, deeper traction and superior control on rocky, uneven ground. It's heavier and less lively, but far more reassuring when the terrain gets challenging.

Altra has teamed up with Japanese outdoor fashion label and wander to create a special-edition version of the Experience Wild 3+, bringing a more lifestyle-focused look to one of the brand's newest trail running shoes.

The collaboration marks the first time the Experience Wild 3+ has received the co-branded treatment.

Available in two earthy colourways inspired by natural landscapes, the shoe combines Altra's trail-running credentials with and wander's signature approach to outdoor design.

If you're unfamiliar with and wander, the Tokyo-based brand has built a reputation for blending technical outdoor performance with fashion-led styling.

Its collaborations often sit comfortably in both mountain environments and on city streets, making the Experience Wild 3+ a logical choice for the partnership.

Same trail-ready platform underneath

Unlike some collaboration models that introduce new materials or performance tweaks, the Altra x and wander Experience Wild 3+ collab appears to retain the same trail-running platform as the standard shoe.

That's not necessarily a bad thing, as the Experience Wild 3+ is already one of Altra's most approachable trail runners.

Under the redesigned upper sits the same reliable trainer that launched earlier this year as part of Altra's Experience 3 collection.

The shoe features a 4mm drop, Altra's roomy FootShape toe box and a Vibram Megagrip outsole with Traction Lug technology for improved grip on mixed terrain.

It also uses the brand's EGO P35 midsole foam, designed to provide a lightweight, efficient ride without sacrificing comfort.

The two launch colourways are named Carbon and Humus, drawing inspiration from weathered stone, forest floors and rust-coloured earth.

Matching Trail Gaiters in Sand Camo and Navy Camo are also available if that's something you're interested in.

The collaboration is available now through Altra and and wander (the and wonder store is Japanese and lists the shoes in yen and with Japanese sizing) stores worldwide.

Pricing is set at €170 / £145 (~$191 / AU$273).

ASICS has unveiled the Fuji Lite 7, the latest version of its lightweight trail running shoe, and while the update isn't a complete overhaul, it brings a handful of meaningful improvements for runners who want to move quickly across mixed terrain.

Sitting between the protective Gel Trabuco range and the race-focused Metafuji Trail, the Fuji Lite series has long been one of ASICS' most versatile off-road options.

The seventh-generation model builds on that formula with a new engineered woven upper, a lighter overall weight and a fit system designed to keep feet locked down when the trail gets technical.

The engineered mesh used on the Fuji Lite 6 was replaced by a woven construction that gives the shoe a more premium appearance while promising improved durability on the trail.

The material is paired with ASICS' Tongue Wing design, which wraps more securely around the midfoot and helps reduce unwanted tongue movement during longer runs.

Lighter, faster and ready for the trails

The Fuji Lite 7 retains the FF Blast Plus midsole found in its predecessor (launched in 2021 with the Gel-Nimbus 24), providing a balance of cushioning and responsiveness without added bulk.

In fact, the new model tips the scales at a claimed 241g, making it around 11g lighter than the Fuji Lite 6.

The stack height remains unchanged at 32mm in the heel and 28mm in the forefoot, delivering a 4mm drop that should appeal to runners looking for a more natural trail-running feel.

The outsole also returns largely unchanged, featuring ASICSGrip rubber and 4mm lugs.

Looking at the tread pattern, the design appears geared towards versatility rather than outright aggression, making the Fuji Lite 7 a strong option for everything from forest paths and gravel tracks to moderately technical mountain trails.

Taking cues from ASICS' faster trail shoes

Although ASICS isn't positioning the Fuji Lite 7 as a race shoe, there are clear influences from the brand's more performance-oriented models.

The company is also highlighting the shoe's sustainability credentials. According to ASICS, the Fuji Lite 7 has a carbon footprint of 11.8kg CO₂e per pair, which it says is 18% lower than the industry average for running shoes.

The Fuji Lite 7 is available now at ASICS UK and ASICS US for £125 / $140 (~€125 / AU$198) in a range of colourways, including a striking white-and-coral option that gives the lightweight trail runner one of its most eye-catching looks to date.