At The Running Event in Austin, Texas this year, we saw all of the upcoming launches from top footwear brands all over the country. There were a few things we couldn’t be more excited about as well as a few things we’re shaking our heads at. Below are some of the genuine innovations that we can’t wait to test.
361 Strata 3
A bunch of former Asics employees all got together to try and re-create a sneaker that filled the gaps for them, which is where 361 was born. For 2019, the brand is pushing out the Strata 3, which will retail for $155. It has an upper that locks in your foot so the outsole, midsole and upper all move in one motion with your foot. You should never feel any separation or antagonist movements there, which is what 361 is aiming to solve.
Saucony Mad River TR
A variety of legacy and well-liked shoes from Saucony are getting updates in 2019. There’s going to be the Liberty ISO 2, the Hurricane ISO 5 and more. The shoe we couldn’t stop obsessing over is the new Mad River TR. It’s a trail running shoe, but it’s built with an outsole that comes with instructions on how to personalize. There are circles with drill bit numbers on the bottom of the shoe, so you can add a metal stud, drainage and even spikes. It’s one of the first fully customizable shoes we’ve seen in the market and we can’t wait to test this out.
Salomon Speed Cross 5
The Speed Cross is already the best selling trail running shoe in the world, so when we heard Salomon wanted to tweak it, we weren’t sure what to make of that. Enter the Speed Cross 5: it has a wider base, but not wider fit than previous models, and an added heel piece so it’ll keep you more stable as you leap and sprint over rocks, puddles, mud, etc. This is the shoe you’ll have confidence in as you head out for any type of trail run.
Reebok Forever Floatride Energy
The Reebok Floatride was one of our Best Running Shoes of 2018, and Reebok brings that award-winning technology into a lower price point sneaker. The Forever Floatride Energy launches in March for just $100. It’s a more approachable Floatride Run. With the same technology as the Floatride 2.0, it just features a slightly more dense midsole.
Skechers Go Run 7
Touted by many as a lightweight trainer that’s loved on every surface, the Skechers Go Run gets an update for 2019. As the brand’s heritage shoe, it’s built so you feel like you have nothing on your feet, and nothing in your way to crush any 2019 running goals. With a Hyperburst midsole, removable insole and a compression knit upper, this runner is extremely flexible. It’ll be $125, dropping in the spring of 2019.
Brooks Cascadia 14
As the flagship sneaker of the trail running collection, the Cascadia has gone through many iterations to get to where it is for 2019. The goal for the new year was to make a light and fast shoe, that’s more runnable, yet has aggressive traction. To cut weight, Brooks eliminated the overlays and pieces in the sneakers, choosing to use a Cordura mesh as a mudguard and throughout the upper. It’ll be out in June of 2019.
Altra Vanish XC
These sneakers are practically nothing — hold them up to the light and you can see right through them. The theory behind this goes along with why Golden Harper started Altra: the stronger your feet are, the less material (and support) you need between you and the ground. For runners interested, this is something you would test out first as your go-to short run day sneaker and eventually work your way up to longer runs. It’s just 4.9 ounces and will retail for $80.
Hoka One One Rincon
At just 7.5 ounces, this totally new model from Hoka One One is here to help you fly through 5K races. It’s built on the same chassis as the Clifton but with a slightly softer foam so you can go faster.
Asics Gel DS Trainer
These launch in early February and are the first Asics Gel DS sneakers with a knit upper. This Asics runner is no different than the others: the same stability features are there. You’ll find the Duomax support system, a dual-density midsole system, and a new underlay system in the upper so that the knit doesn’t collapse on itself when your feet aren’t in there, providing a bit more support. These will retail for $130.
New Balance Fuel Cell
The original New Balance Fuel Cells were a little small and slightly confusing. So, New Balance totally re-did them. These are fast, aggressive and tough to get you through speed workouts, harsh days and everything else that stands between you and your running goals.
