The Running Event trade show debuts some of the running industry’s top products for the coming year. Our contributor sifted through the footwear to uncover five exciting new running shoes for 2018.
Hoka One One Torrent
An addition to Hoka’s 2018 trail lineup, the Hoka One One Torrent is a performance-oriented, lightweight, technical trail runner. It maintains Hoka’s reputation for plush cushioning without sacrificing agility.
Utilizing Hoka’s dual-density PROFLY midsole, the Torrent uses softer foam in the heel for a cushioned landing coupled with higher-density foam in the forefoot. The brand claims this gives stronger propulsion off the toes. The outsole is outfitted with an in-house sticky rubber and aggressive multidirectional lug design.
The Hoka One One Torrent has a 5-mm offset and weighs 9 oz for men and 7.4 oz for women. Expect the Torrent to hit stores in June 2018. It retails for $120.00.
Brooks Bedlam
The Brooks Bedlam is an addition to the Brooks Energize series. It offers the same springy, lively underfoot experience as the Levitate but with added support from an asymmetrical guiderail. They should be a great choice for road runners looking for support and high-energy return.
The added structural element should provide holistic support by guiding your feet into alignment. The brand claims it reduces heel and shin rotation, keeping excess knee motion in check.
A 3-mm thermoplastic film encompasses the DNA Amp midsole, preventing energy from seeping out of the sides. A Fit Knit upper wraps the foot, while an elastic, sock-like collar and padded achilles rear give the Bedlam a soft, welcoming fit.
The Brooks Bedlam has an 8-mm offset. It weighs 11.2 oz for men and 9.9 oz for women. Expect the Bedlam to hit stores in September 2018 for $150.00.
Skechers Go Run 6, GO Meb Razor 2, and Meb Speed 5
A few months ago, the most decorated collegiate runner in history, Edward Cheserek, announced a professional contract with a non-mainstream sponsor, Skechers Performance. This move came as a surprise to many.
The Skechers 2018 lineup suits one the world’s top runners. For upbeat tempo running, Cheserek wears the Skechers Go Run 6 (pictured above middle), a lightweight, neutral shoe with Skechers responsive FLIGHT GEN cushioning. Weighing in at 6.7 oz for men and 5.3 oz for women, it should prove super light and fast.
But when Cheserek needs to really rip, he reaches for either the Go Meb Razor 2 (pictured above left) or Meb Speed 5 (pictured above right), both designed to be sleek, snug, and even faster.
New Balance 1500T2 w/ BOA
The sleek New Balance 1500T2 with Boa closure system is a ready-to-rip lightweight favorite. Between the race-like profile, REVlite midsole, and snug fit due to the Boa system, the New Balance 1500T2 is the perfect shoe for speed-seekers.
Originally designed for snowboarding boots, Boa announced a few months ago an entry into the running footwear market with a new run-specific lacing system. Field tested on several Olympic-level sprinters prior to market launch, the Boa lacing system uses a turn-dial tightening mechanism with textile-based lace (a blend of Dyneema and polyester) for a secure, even fit and connection to the platform.
The New Balance 1500T2 has a 6-mm offset and weighs 8.8 oz (unisex size 9). Expect the 1500T2 to hit stores in January 2018.
La Sportiva Lycan
Whether you’re climbing, hiking, or running in the mountains, Italian-born La Sportiva produces some of the highest-quality footwear in the outdoor industry. The problem with producing such top-tier footwear is the high price.
Enter the La Sportiva Lycan, an aggressively-priced all-terrain trail running shoe. Pitched as La Sportiva’s entry-level trail shoe at $115, the Lycan is a wider-volume all-terrain beast. It has a highly breathable mesh upper with microfiber reinforcements coated with abrasion-resistant material for added protection.
Underfoot is a 4-mm Ortholite Mountain footbed with injection-molded EVA midsole. The La Sportiva Lycan has a 6-mm offset and weighs a scant 9.5 oz for men and 7.9 oz for women. Expect the Lycan to hit stores in February 2018.
And be sure to check out our favorite running shoes for women:
