Footwear

Leveling Up

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New Balance: The latest iteration in the brand’s Fresh Foam X family of performance running shoes, the Fresh Foam X 1080v13 ($165) ups the ante with a focus on super-soft cushioning, elevated comfort, and an improved fit. A new outsole design is built to increase forefoot stiffness, while an enhanced rocker is designed to improve transitions between strides. The upper utilizes a new engineered mesh with reflective details and a structured fit, making it a good choice for performance or all-day wear.  

Adidas Terrex: Coming to retail in Spring 2024, the Agravic Speed Ultra is a trail shoe with dynamic rocker geometry designed for forefoot running. The $200+ shoe, made for and with elite trail runners, is built to provide runners with speed across ultra-distance races. It has a LIGHTSTRIKE PRO midsole for cushioning, plus energy return. Integrated Energy Rods provide lightweight stiffness for a dynamic stride designed for ultra-distances. A gusseted tongue provides mid-foot support and seamless over-lays provide abrasion resistance and protection. A Continental Rubber outsole offers traction in wet and dry conditions.

Altra: The new AltraFWD Experience road shoe is Altra’s first low-drop style, offering a new running experience and category for the brand known for its zero-drop designs. The $140 style launches as a continuation of the brand’s “natural motion” mission, while expanding its line to create shoes “that work for more and more runners,” according to Altra co-founder Brian Beckstead. It has a 4mm low drop (difference in height between the heel and forefoot) — the neutral stack heights are 32-28mm men’s and 30-26mm women’s. The design focuses on offering a run with “effortless feel and natural propulsion.”  

Vasque: With the launch of the Re:connect Collection, Vasque focuses on lightweight, versatile styles that blur the line between outdoor performance and outdoor lifestyle. The debut product in the line is called the Here — made with lightweight, sustainable materials and designed to maximize comfort. Featuring a recycled polyester upper mesh and built on an anatomical last, the Here is available in low ($130) and mid ($150) silhouettes and has aggressive Xlite outsole lugs for multi-directional traction and has an athletic vibe with a “town to trail” aesthetic.