Imagine a large convention center filled with nothing but the latest and greatest running shoes and gear. Sound cool? It is! The Running Event 2017 was held Nov. 28-Dec. 1 in Austin, Texas. Our team of editors cruised the aisles to check out the latest shoes and gear that will hit stores in 2018. Here are some of our favorite finds …
On Cloudventure Waterproof
With a water- and windproof upper membrane that comes from its physical properties rather than added coating, On retains breathability in this trail shoe while also offering up grippy rubber and pod cushioning attributes. ($170)
Nathan VaporMag 2.5L Vest
Endurance runner Maggie Guterl collaborated on the design of this vest while training and racing events like Western States Endurance Run and Run Rabbit Run. It’s designed for a female fit, holds soft flasks instead of a bladder and comes with plenty of pockets. ($125)
Under Armour HOVR Sonic
Under Armour unveiled its new HOVR cushioning platform that is engineered to provide an ideal mix of cushioning and energy return. The HOVR midsole is made of a proprietary foam compound developed in partnership with Dow Chemical and aimed at providing a super-soft durometer with incredible cushioning and shock absorption in every single footstrike. The HOVR material is wrapped by a comprehensive mesh web that helps to maintain the midsole’s shape and, in return, delivers strong responsiveness and energy return. ($100; $110 with Record-Equipped tracking technology)
Saucony Ride ISO
Saucony’s top lightweight, neutral cushioned trainer returns with the same EVA and Everun midsole (and 8mm heel-toe drop), but it’s been updated with an ISO upper, ensuing a more foot-wrapping fit. ($120)
Twinery Innovations by MAS Nova Jacket
This jacket still has to go through some funding, but fingers crossed it succeeds because not only does it provide light to keep you visible and safe, it’s a good looking jacket… okay, plus the lights look really rad! Silicone light guides are embedded in the jacket and powered for up to eight hours by a rechargeable battery, that’s smaller than a key fob. The light can be seen up to 400 feet away. ($139)
HOKA One One Torrent
A new speed-oriented trail racing shoe (that essentially replaces the older Speed Instinct shoe in Hoka’s line), this shoe is light and nimble with an aggressively lugged outsole. ($120)
Ultimate Direction Comfort Belt
No pockets, no problem with this belt designed to hold essentials and stay put. It folds over to keep gear safe and secure in the interior pockets and features some sweet designs as well. ($39)
Reebok Float Ride Fast
On the heels of the successful Float Ride Run and Harmony Road shoes, Reebok appears to be on the way back in running in a big way. The latest from the brand is the Float Ride Fast, a 6 oz. speed trainer built on Reebok’s super-light Float Foam with a single-piece engineered mesh upper and a full rubber outsole. ($140)
New Balance Hiero v3
The updated version of this trail shoe features an aggressive Vibram outsole for technical terrain, an updated Fresh Foam midsole and Hyposkin upper that delivers protection and adaptability. ($125)
Naked Running Bra
Are you guilty of shoving things in your running bra, whether there’s room or not? Well Naked created one designed for that very thing, with side pockets and a rear pocket large enough to hold hydration or stash a jacket. It even has a built-in safety whistle. The Naked Running Bra will come in 12 sizes. (Price TBD)
Brooks Levitate 2
The second edition of this well-cushioned and very energetic trainer will have the same lively DNA Amp midsole formulation, but it will be updated with an elastic knit sock-fit collar, a more streamlined fit, a new rubber outsole and an Achilles notch in the back of the heel. ($150)
Altra Wasatch Vest
After the successful rollout of the Wasatch Jacket, Altra is following it up with a vest version. It has a large back, zippered pocket and two front zippered pockets for plenty of storage. ($149)
Adidas Outdoor Terrex Boa Two
This cleanly designed trail running shoe features Boa System dial lacing built to withstand wet and muddy environments, a Continental rubber outsole for improved grip and a rocker design for a smoother, longer run. ($120)
Rollga Activator
This three-in-one massage ball has a smooth side, bumpy side and a firm ridge for working every nook and cranny. What makes it truly unique is that it’s tough, yet as light as a feather, perfect for travel or tossing in your gym bag. Even better, it’s available now! ($15)
Skechers Performance GO Run Ride 7
This well-cushioned training shoe was rebuilt from the bottom up. Updates include a more durable rubber outsole, a new 6mm heel-toe offset (previously it was 4mm), a more stable midsole and a more dialed-in fit from two insole options to adjust for a runner’s foot volume. A breathable, knit/mesh upper and comfortable interior round out the refurbished ride. ($95)
FuelBelt Soft Bottle Hand Held
With a 12-ounce handheld soft flask, that you can cinch as you drink it down and a handy zippered pocket, this ergonomic design is easy to hold. Plus, each FuelBelt purchase gives one person clean water for a year. ($35)
Superfeet ME3D Recover
First came custom foot beds made from scans taken at specialty run stores. Now Superfeet is moving into recovery mode with custom slides created with the same personalized fit process. ($150)
Salomon Salomon Sense Ride GTX
As a rising star, all-purpose trail shoe with top-shelf cushioning, protection and traction, the Sense Ride now gains Gore-Tex waterproof protection. ($160)
361 Degrees Santiago
This hybrid, all-surface, training shoe features a burly, weather shielded upper, substantial outsole lugs and high midsole sidewalls for added stability, offering a lot of shoe for its weight and price. ($120)
