2024: Shoes to Keep an Eye on
Upcoming & Currently On Market
I’m a gear nerd. Running shoes are (sadly) part of the reason why I even continue with this sport sometimes.
Not really, but every late-winter these companies start leaking hints about shoes their dropping in the spring and it gets me giddy like a fat kid in a drive-thru.
I’m not deterministic about my shoe wear, and generally don’t fall for said marketing tactics companies love spew out (e.g. “natural movement of foot”, “amplified energy return in a daily trainer”, “[Insert Buzzwords]”, etc.).
That being said, I basically always have my ear to the ground and have great contacts at [Redacted] companies giving me the low-downs when they can. If I’m being honest right now, this year is going to be great in terms of shoe selection—a return to the golden age if you will.
2023 sucked. We got boring or even downgraded daily trainers from all of the companies we’ve seen 26 versions of before, but this year feels different.
I can already hear the high rebound EVA and Pebax foam pounding away in the distance…
Covering shoes from:
New Balance
Nike
The North Face
Saucony
FuelCell Rebel v4
The Rebel v2 really was the game changer for New Balance. It was a true “rebel” in terms of their lineup. Built as a stepdown from their race-day shoe, the v2 was designed for tempo and general faster efforts on the road.
The v3 was a mixed bag that really didn’t follow the v2, and it turned itself into a daily trainer type shoe.
Now it seems were absolutely back and better. Everything I’m hearing about these shoes points to a do-it-all trainer (but in a good way).
Want to run your 14 mile long run with tempo miles mixed in wearing these?
Want to hit the track for speed work?
Shorter tempo runs?
Z2 comfort on easy days?
It nails it all. Lightweight, cushioned, responsive, not too much stack.
7.7 oz
6mm heel-to-toe drop
$140
Altamesa 300/500
500:
11.9oz
6mm heel-to-toe drop
$150
300: $139
The North Face was due for a re-vamp of their mid-range daily training shoes. They have some solid (with 1-2 issues) trail racing shoes, but lacked in the last few years in terms of a well built out line for training.
Now we have that. Two un-plated trainers for everyone!
The 500 version has a super critical EVA foam (nitrogen infused), to give you cushion for long mileage. The outsole lugs reach out 4mm and are a bit rounded, giving a decent amount of traction. Probably not best for wet/slippery conditions on a muddy trail, but solid enough for most everything, including some road-to-trail routes.
The 300 version features a high rebound EVA, and is a few mm lower to the ground than the 500, allowing for some more stability while out on the trails. You’ll feel the ground a bit more in this shoe, which is a good thing for a lot of people who enjoy “feeling” every step when on a trail—especially on a technical route.
This shoe is also a bit lighter than the 500 with the lower stack height. If you want a more connected shoe that is still soft and at a good price, this is a solid pick.
Pegasus Turbo 4
While I’m excited about the ZoomX midsole, I will also miss the 50/50 react-zoom mix that was featured in the Turbo 2 many years back. Something felt right about it, never knowing if it was going to split down the middle on you mid run (IYKYK).
Anyways, the Turbo 2 at the time (2019-2020) was the KING of non-plated shoes. You could do ANYTHING in it. Short tempo days to a full marathon, it could handle anything (I personally ran two marathons in one pair of Peg Turbos).
Nike really messed up when they did away with the Peg Turbo after the 2nd version. I know you’re probably reading this thinking but it says “4”, and the last version was “2”. Well, they did make a 3rd version, but it wasn’t really a Turbo and everyone knew it. Nike just slapped the Turbo name on some random crossover shoe that had no place in a rotation.
Lightweight and max energy return, if this returns to the v2, it will be a winner for 2024 and compete with Saucony’s Endorphin Speed/Pro.
Not much is known about it at this point.
Price??
Heel-to-toe drop??
Weight??
Pegasus 41
I’m excited for this shoe for one reason: It is an update from the last 40 versions. Literally. This shoe has been the same for decades, which was a good thing. People got what they want, and used it as such. You were never let down, but you were still left asking for a bit more.
Well this year it looks like Nike is finally changing the midsole of the famous Pegasus line and adding in their ReactX foam, which should deliver a bouncier ride at less weight.
Nike is being cagey about the Turbo and Peg 40, so we still don’t know a lot yet.
Price??
Heel-to-toe drop??
Weight??
Endorphin Speed 4
If you ever see a list for “Top Shoes of 20XX” year, and it doesn’t have a Saucony on it, the world is about to end.
Their endorphin line is the gold standard for what a running brand is. Different shoes for daily training, tempo runs, and race day; all built with quality.
The Endorphin Speed is their highest seller in this line, as it is positioned for daily training, tempo days, and race days up to a half marathon (in reality a full marathon is perfectly fine in these).
They are also a great “in-between” shoe, as they feature a nylon plate in the midsole, which is a step-back from the carbon plated modern racing shoes, but a step up from the non-plated trainers. It offers a good “feel” to practice on longer runs, along with picking up the pace on fast days. The PWRRUN midsole invites speed and stability.
$170
8mm Heel-to-toe drop
8.2oz
Fresh Foam X More v5
It’s been two years since we’ve gotten an update and release of the v3. This is more of a run/walk shoe, I would even probably prefer walking in it over running, but this thing just screams softness. The stack height is massive with all of it being fresh foam. If you’ve never ran on fresh foam before, it’s basically running on pillows.
Which is great for recovery and slower speeds, but can be annoying if you do want to push the pace. If you want a easy day shoe or walking shoe, this max cushion trainer is probably the one.
$155
Heel-to-toe drop??
11.3oz
Let me know what you’re excited for!
-BTR
Might be giving the New Rebels a try. Looking for something less stacked than the SC Trainer 1’s (even though i love these things)