Lightweight design and innovation in uppers, midsoles and foam materials have running footwear brands racing ahead into 2022. With supply chain and inventory issues expected to continue well into the new year, look for some shifts on the shoe walls as availability and innovation combine to impact the running footwear brand pecking order.

HOKA Kawana

This do-it all style, which gets its name from the Gold Coast’s famous beach break, pushes the boundaries of HOKA foams and geometries. It has a lively new foam that provides solid rebound without packing out, and it is designed to deliver a well-balanced ride. Sporting a modified crash pad with SwallowTail geometry, the Kawana’s beveled heel creates a broader, flatter surface designed for smoother heel strikes. MSRP $140.

Altra Timp 4

Spring brings this revamped, ultra-cushioned trail cruiser to market with a MaxTrac outsole and multi-directional lug pattern for traction on any trail. Updated collar construction presents a softer, more premium fit an EGO MAX midsole provides a cushioned feel without sacrificing ruggedness,. Midsole drainage points make it practical for big runs. MSRP $150.

ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 24

With advanced impact protection for distance training, the GEL-NIMBUS 24 offers a softer landing in every step. It is approximately 10 grams lighter than the previous version. The upper features soft engineered mesh and the midfoot panel is flexible, moving seamlessly with the foot for a smoother stride in every step.  FF BLAST+ cushioning keeps the shoe lightweight while increasing shock absorption in each step. MSRP $160.

Skechers GO RUN Razor Excess 2

New for Spring 2022, this ultra-cushioned, lightweight, neutral road running shoe is built for speed, with a 4mm drop. A versatile trainer or race day shoe, the GO RUN Razor Excess 2 has a mono mesh and polyester knit upper and it features a carbon infused forefoot plate, which promotes stability and energy return. It also has a dynamic Arch Fit  insole for podiatrist certified arch support. The shoe also features highly resilient Hyper Burst cushioning and a Goodyear Performance Outsole. MSRP $145.

Mizuno Wave Rebellion

Made to be bouncy and responsive, the Wave Rebellion has a glass fiber wave plate that starts from the heel and forks into the forefoot – offering higher rigidity and 1,141 percent more snap than the standard Mizuno wave plate. MIZUNO ENERZY LITE cushioning delivers comfort and responsiveness, without adding additional weight. And the shoe’s G3 PU resin outsole is a lightweight material that delivers grip and traction. MSRP $180.

Xelero Steadfast

New for Spring 2022 in Carbon Grey, the Steadfast is designed to deliver “ultimate stability.” Xelero’s patented technology helps keep the foot in alignment and off-loads forefoot bottom pressure. Combining stability and cushioning with a dynamic forward motion, the Steadfast works to help wearers run easier for a greater distance with less pain. Available in multiple widths.

ENDA Koobi Fora

This nimble, lightweight trail shoe, with a 4mmm heel to toe drop, has a ripstop fabric upper for extra protection and water resistance, and an ariaprene fabric booty that hugs the foot around the heel. The Koobi For a also has a flexible ballistic fabric rock plate and 18mm high-rebound EVA under the forefoot. Enda footwear is designed for a natural midfoot landing. The brand makes its shoes in Kenya.

Brooks Glycerin 20

Featuring the brand’s super-soft DNA Loft v3 (nitrogen-infused foam) midsole tech, this Summer 2022 offering is designed to deliver comfort on the run. The Glycerin 20 has a redesigned midsole and outsole, offering a widened platform for smoother, easier transitions. And its plush and breathable, engineered air-mesh upper offers a secure fit, comfortably holding the foot in place. It has a 10mm drop. MSRP $160.

Propét Visper

New for Spring 2022, the Visper is a follow up to the men’s Visp trail shoe launched in 2021. It has a precision knit and leather upper with a padded collar and tongue. It features OrthoLite X40 for high rebound performance and has the brand’s EVA spacer to customize fit. The Visper boasts an EVA midsole with toe guard plus a Vibram Arctic Grip three-season traction outsole with Wet-Ice Technology. MSRP $114.95.

Under Armour HOVR Machina 3

In its third iteration, the HOVR Machina 3 continues to blur the lines between race day performance and everyday high-mileage trainer. It delivers softer landings with a more decoupled heel midsole design, along with softer HOVR in the heel and more responsive HOVR in the forefoot for improved shock attenuation at heel strike and more efficient toe-offs. It also has an enhanced rocker effect with more beveled heel and sprung forefoot. An aerodynamic heel design reduces weight and eliminates layers while still delivering lockdown fit. MSRP $150.