The Running Event: New Running Shoes I’m Excited for in 2024

Each year, running brands travel to Austin, TX to showcase their new running shoes to retailers at The Running Event. Oh, and they also display their new running apparel, but no one cares about clothes when there’s new shoes. The truth is, I’d be perfectly fine running in the same outfit for the rest of my life so long as I can continue buying a baker’s dozen or so new running shoes each year. Sure, my shorts will rip, my tops will tatter, my socks will get holes, and my skin will be exposed to the elements in the cruel winter months, but at least my feet will be comfy, right? But I digress.

Here are the most exciting new running shoes I saw at The Running Event 2023:

Brooks Hyperion Max 2

The second version of the Brooks Hyperion Max gets a big overhaul, including the addition of a plate! That news will either annoy or please you depending on your opinion of the ubiquity of plates in shoes. Don’t worry, it’s a pebax plate, not another carbon fiber plate like in the Hyperion Elite. The “SpeedVault” plate delivers a 10% more responsive ride, with increased stability compared to the first version, according to the Brooks rep I spoke with.

Updates include:

• Stack height sees an addition of 4 mm in the heel and 6 mm in forefoot, changing from an 8 mm to 6 mm drop
• The foam upgrades to nitrogen-infused DNA FLASH v2, replacing v1
• Weight will be a bit lighter
• Upper is made of lightweight mesh, offering increased breathability

Release date: Mid-June 2024

Brooks Ghost Max 2

The Brooks Ghost Max was released to much acclaim, but v2 is already on the way. The second version levels up to the fan-favorite, nitrogen-injected DNA LOFT v3 foam found in the Glycerin 21 and Aurora-BL. It promises to be a softer and more responsive ride at the same weight.

Release date: Fall 2024

HOKA Skyflow

A brand-new offering from HOKA, it’s described as a cross between the Clifton and Bondi. Not a bad comparison! The daily trainer combines Skyward X-inspired geometry with upgraded foam compounds. It’s got super-critically foamed EVA for an “extra cushy, springy ride, while a supportive heel-focused Active Foot Frame cradles the foot and a smooth forefoot rocker profile encourages effortless strides,” according to HOKA. Admittedly, I have yet to try a HOKA shoe, but this one looks intriguing. Plus, you can never have too many daily trainers in your rotation.

Release date: July 2024

New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos v1

When will companies learn they don’t have to include “v1” in the name of their shoe’s first edition? That’s understood with it being an all-new shoe. Anyway, now that I’ve demanded you get off of my lawn, I can talk about the shoe. The rise of the super trainers (possible future movie title?) continues with the first PEBA-blend Fresh Foam trainer. Described by New Balance as a super trainer for everyone, the plate-less shoe carries a $200 price tag that’s certainly not for the masses.

• Rockered geometry for a fun, responsive ride
• High sidewalls for added stability
• Wide base underfoot with ample rubber coverage for increased durability
• Upper is made of a lightweight, breathable creel material with a knitted gusseted tongue that’s stretchy.
• Weight comes in at 9.2 oz for US M9.5 and just over 7 oz for US W8.

Release date: August 2024

HOKA Mach 6

Although not available in my size 15, the Mach 5 has been a big winner for HOKA over the past year-plus. How do they follow the success of this hit trainer? Well, the Mach 6 midsole moves away from ProFly+ to a single layer super critical EVA for a more responsive ride. The 6 also adds strategic rubber outsole coverage for extra durability and traction. This speedy trainer sheds a bit of weight as well.

Release date: Out now

Saucony Triumph 22

Two words: PWRRUN PB. That’s right, the same great foam found in the Endorphin Speed and Endorphin Pro makes its way into the Triumph 22. The already dynamic ride of the Triumph 21 will get even more soft, plush, and energetic. My love of the Triumph series has been well documented, and the 22 promises to be the most, well, triumphant one yet.

Updates include:

• Widening the platform in the midfoot for a more stable ride
• The upper changes from knit to engineered mesh with mono mesh. I’ve never run in a Saucony upper I didn’t love and I’m sure this one will be no exception.

Release date: Out now

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26

Yes, I know this shoe was already available for preorder on ASICS’ site so I didn’t have to travel 1,500 miles to see it. But ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 is one of my favorites of 2023, so, naturally, I’m interested in what the 26 offers. Honestly, I hope the ride of the 26 doesn’t change too much. Then again, as long as they keep the excellent FF BLAST PLUS foam, PureGEL technology, and the tall stack height (they have), they could change anything, and I’d still love the shoe. Like, I’ll run in the shoe even if they lovingly crafted the upper out of sandpaper. It’d be worth it.

Updates include:

• Stack height increases just barely from 41.5 mm in the heel and 33.5 in the forefoot to 42 mm and 34 mm. That’s cool—no one likes .5 mm anyway!
• On the outsole, there’s all-new HYBRID ASICSGRIP for “better traction, improved softness, and advanced durability.” Additionally, the 26 upgrades from AHAR to AHAR®PLUS™ outsole rubber.
• The knit upper sees very small changes, keeping the soft tongue and collar. Additionally, there is a slight change to the lacing system. Likely both irrelevant updates to an already very comfy upper.
• Unfortunately, the weight of the men’s model increases 0.4 oz to 10.7 oz/304 g (US M9). The weight of the women’s shoe stays the same at 9.2 oz/262 g for US W8.

Release date: Out now

So, which new running shoes from The Running Event are you most looking forward to? One thing’s for sure: 2024 is an exciting year for running. Of course, we say that every year. I mean, innovation is all relative. What’s “fresh” in 2024 will become outdated in just a couple years. Jeez, I’m such a buzzkill.