Our reviews are 100% organic. We do not accept payment for reviews or bundle with advertising budgets. In most cases, the brand is providing the product to our reviewers free of charge. As the running industry’s largest annual trade show, The Running Event (TRE) functions as a yearly check-in on the state of the running world. It’s also a barometer of trends that are developing, and an early peek at products that will be released in the year ahead.
In terms of trends, we found many reasons for encouragement. The overall growth of the show has increased by 20% over the last two years, a sign that the industry is thriving. There is also a large movement to make running, and trail running in particular, more approachable and accessible. This was a popular theme around footwear at the event, as many companies are focused on multi-purpose road-to-trail shoes, or modifying the dimensions and geometry of shoe models for improved comfort. Alongside additional improvements to many tried-and-true models, there were a lot of new offerings for us to take in for our preview of shoes coming in 2024.
(As always with preview posts, note that any of the spec information listed below, especially official weights, availability dates and MSRP, may not be available and are also subject to change prior to official release.)
SCOTT
Described as a “Swiss Army knife” shoe, the Kinabalu has historically been great for smooth to moderate trails, and rolls smoothly on firmer surfaces. The upcoming Kinabalu 3 is getting an update from top to bottom. A more durable ripstop mesh upper maintains flexibility, and a modified ER2 (Evolved Rocker) geometry provides greater efficiency from impact to toe-off. The outsole has been fully redeveloped, with chevrons stretched through the full length and repositioned with more space to shed mud. It will also be available in waterproof versions using new Gore-Tex Invisible Fit lining that is thinner, lighter and more flexible than previous iterations. The Kinabalu 3 has a stack height of 29mm/22mm, with weights of 10.5oz for men and 9.5oz for women, and has an MSRP of $150.
Scott Kinabalu 3 models
ADIDAS TERREX
Adidas Terrex shot to the top of everyone’s radar this summer after Tom Evans took first place at Western States wearing a shoe that will be available in spring 2024. The Agravic Speed Ultra is built for ultra-distance racing where speed and efficiency are key. The shoe pulls technologies from Adidas’s Adios Pro road shoe that has landed at the top of world marathon podiums. A dual layer of Lightstrike Pro foam with a 38mm/30mm stack height combines with PEBA energy rods for a snappy and responsive ride while maintaining both flexibility and durability. An aggressive dual rocker improves efficiency for both downhill and uphill running without sacrificing speed and comfort on the flats. The Continental rubber outsole has 2.5mm center lugs and 3mm edge lugs for grippy agility. The Agravic Speed Ultra weighs 9.5oz for men and 8.1oz for women, and will launch in April with an MSRP of $220.
Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra (front, with Tom Evans signature) and Agravic Speed
For shorter runs and races, the Agravic Speed is lighter and closer to the ground than the Speed Ultra, and is designed to move fast while providing moderate protection and support underfoot. The midsole is a combination of standard Lightstrike around the rim for support and stability, with central Lightstrike Pro for a more lively response with a 30mm/20mm stack height. The Speed does not have the energy rods of the Speed Ultra, but shares a rocker geometry in the midsole for smooth transitions. The outsole is slightly more robust, with the same Continental rubber 3mm lugs in the center and 4mm on the edges. The Agravic Speed weighs 8.5oz / 6.7oz, will be released in May and retail for $160.
HOKA
HOKA has their own high-profile ultramarathon champion involved in product development. The Tecton X3 is the culmination of a prototype shoe that carried Jim Walmsley to victory this year at UTMB and includes major modifications from top to bottom. The eye-catching uppers feature a new integrated bootie and knit gaiter system that eliminates the need for external attachments. The shoe also utilizes a super-durable Matryx textile with a wider forefoot vamp to provide flexibility. In the midsole, two layers of lightweight and resilient PEBA compound combine with updated carbon fiber plates that have extended their width to the medial and lateral edges while remaining disarticulated in the center. Overall cushioning has increased from the previous version, with stack heights of 40mm/35mm for men and 39mm/34mm for women. To counterbalance the increased height, shapes and positioning of the Vibram Megagrip Litebase lugs have been redesigned for broader overall coverage and improved ground stability. The Tecton X3 does not have an official spec weight yet and will retail for $275 in fall 2024.
HOKA Tecton X3
HOKA Speedgoat 6
Most of HOKA’s trail lineup will see updates in fall 2024, and aside from the Tecton X3, the one we’re most excited about is the Speedgoat 6. This update to the brand’s classic long-distance trainer and ultra-distance workhorse is the lightest Speedgoat shoe ever, with improved fit and increased longevity of ride. This is thanks to a new midsole foam borrowed from the Clifton road series that should be bouncier and more durable than the previous Speedgoats, and weighs less despite increasing the stack height by 2mm. The uppers consist of a new breathable woven textile upper with a foot-hugging internal chassis and a plusher tongue, and underfoot the 5mm Vibram Megagrip outsole lugs have been repositioned in a similar manner as the Tecton X3. The Speedgoat 6 has stack heights of 40mm/35mm for men and 38/33 for women, with weights of 9.8oz (m) and 8.2oz (w) and will retail for $155.
THE NORTH FACE
Incorporating elements of TNF’s high-end Vectiv performance shoes, the new Altamesa 500 and 300 are more comfort- and stability-focused shoes for everyday training. The 500 and 300 models differ primarily in midsole compound and stack height. The Altamesa 500 uses the same full-length DREAM compound of nitrogen-infused supercritical foam (get ready to hear “nitrogen-infused supercritical foam” a lot in 2024) used in the Vectiv models, but lacks the carbon plate. It has a midsole stack height of 30mm/24mm, as well as a dynamic stability zone in the forefoot to keep the foot centered on the platform. There is more space in the toebox than in previous TNF models, and the Surface CTRL rubber outsole compound has 4mm lugs designed to work well on roads as well as rugged trails. The TNF Altamesa 500 will release this spring at an MSRP of $155.
TNF Altamesa 500 (left) and 300
The Altamesa 300 is lower to the ground, with a midsole stack height of 25mm/19mm, and uses a standard high-rebound EVA instead of the supercritical foam of the 500. However, it gains a rock plate for protection underfoot, and keeps the dynamic stability zone in the forefoot. The mesh uppers and Surface CTRL outsole configuration are very similar on both the 300 and 500 models, however this model is an ideal entry-level shoe for runners new to trail running or who frequently do road-to-trail routes in training, and will be available this spring for $129.
VJ SHOES
Two new models from VJ Shoes are designed to move fast, light and low to the ground. The Lightspeed has a stack height of 22mm/16mm and weighs just 7oz (unisex sizing), with a composite propulsion plate and rocker midsole for forward momentum. The composite plate is branched to allow some flexibility and ground feel along with propulsion. The Lightspeed shoe features VJ’s new PerFOAMance midsole, a nitrogen-injected supercritical compound. It is extremely sleek, with a minimalist sock-like upper and a scalloped last that is very narrow in the heel and midfoot for a racing fit. Underfoot, the Superior Contact outsole made of butyl rubber provides the self-proclaimed “best grip on the planet” with 3.5mm lugs that we’ve historically found to provide exceptional traction. The Lightspeed will be available in spring 2024 with an MSRP of $200.
VJ Lightspeed (front) and Maxx2
For non-race days, the VJ Maxx2 everyday trainer has the same midsole compound as the Lightspeed, with a plush 35/29mm platform, and a full-length rock plate instead of a propulsion plate. It also uses the same outsole compound as the Lightspeed, but with more complete coverage across the entire surface, and 4mm lugs instead of 3.5mm. The additional midsole and outsole materials add weight, but the Maxx2 still is an impressively light 9.9oz (unisex) for its size. This is another spring release that will retail for $180.
LA SPORTIVA
La Sportiva has a longstanding reputation for low profiles and narrow lasts, but two spring releases feature wider lasts and platforms to accommodate high stack heights. First up is the Prodigio, a road-to-trail crossover that can still handle rugged mountain terrain. It features a new Xflow midsole compound of nitrogen-infused supercritical foam (told you it was getting popular) with a stack height of 34mm/28mm and a slight bathtub curvature to cradle the foot for improved stability. Rocker geometry and a wide base of support facilitate rolling through the stance phase, and dual compound FriXion XT 2.0 outsole rubber is denser in the forefoot for durability, and stickier in the forefoot for propulsion. The Prodigio weighs 9.5oz (m) and 8.1oz (w) and will retail for $155.
La Sportiva Prodigio
La Sportiva Levante
Next is the Levante, a female-specific shoe built in collaboration with La Sportiva’s female athletes that uses the same Xflow midsole with a slightly lower stack height of 30mm/24mm, but has the same bathtub shape and rocker geometry found on the Prodigio. It has an anatomical heel and rounded forefoot, with a knit gaiter at the ankle collar that contours to the foot. A full length FriXion XF 2.0 has sticky rubber lugs for traction and flex grooves for flexibility. The Levante weighs 7.4oz and will retail for $155.
SALOMON
Two new trail models will be added to the Salomon lineup in spring 2024. First is the Genesis, which is an offshoot of the existing S/Lab Genesis shoe but has a wider last and amplified fit to accommodate more users. It uses the same weaved Matryx uppers and aggressive Contragrip outsole as the S/Lab shoe, and the same Energy Foam midsole compound with a medial active chassis for stability. There is more ankle collar cushioning than the S/Lab shoe, keeping with the overall intention of increasing overall comfort while maintaining high performance capacity. The Genesis has a stack height of 30mm/22mm, weighs 9.5oz (m) and will retail for $160.
Salomon Genesis (front) and Ultra Flow
Salomon had two excellent high-cushioned trail shoes last year—the Ultra Glide 2 and Glide Max TR—and in the spring will introduce a hybrid of those two models called the Ultra Flow, designed for lightweight comfort that can withstand long distances. As with the Glide Max TR, uppers of the Ultra Flow have a traditional lacing system, but from the midsole down this shoe will be identical to the Ultra Glide 2, with an Energy Foam midsole, reverse camber (rocker) geometry, stack height of 32mm/26mm and an all-terrain Contragrip outsole. The Ultra Flow weighs 9.5oz (m) and will retail for $140.
TOPO ATHLETIC
Topo has been gradually increasing stack heights across most of its product line in recent years, and in spring 2024 it will be time for the MT-5 to get taller. With a stack height of 28mm/23mm, Topo also increased the drop from 3mm on the previous model to 5mm on the new version. Its core demographic remains the same, as the MT-5 is designed to easily transition from road to trail and is a good entry-level trail runner for mild to moderate trails. This model weighs 9.3oz (m) and 7.7oz (w) and will retail for $130.
Topo MT-5
Topo Pursuit 2
Summer 2024 brings the Pursuit 2, an update to Topo’s first zero drop trail shoe with a 28mm stack height. The new model uses an updated Zipfoam midsole compound that makes the shoe lighter (official weight TBD), and a new mesh upper. The Vibram Megagrip outsole underfoot remains unchanged, with 4mm lugs that perform well on wet and dry surfaces. It will be available in June 2024 and have an MSRP of $145.
NIKE
Two of our favorite Nike Trail models will see updates in spring 2024. The Zegama 2 continues the nitrogen-infused supercritical foam competition, with its updated high performance ZoomX compound making up most of the midsole. A thin, stiffer ring of firmer foam cradles the ZoomX, protecting it from exterior elements for increased durability, and enhancing stability of the foot on the platform. The last of this shoe has been straightened out somewhat compared to its predecessor, further enhancing stability for the generous stack height of 36mm/32mm. Perhaps the best update here is the use of a Vibram Megagrip outsole that was first seen on the Vaporfly Trail shoe, as outsole durability proved to be a limiting factor on the original Zegama. The Zegama 2 weighs 11.2oz (m) and 9.3oz(w) and will retail for $160.
Nike Zegama 2 (left) and Pegasus Trail 5
The Pegasus Trail has always been an outstanding road-to-trail shoe, and the Pegasus Trail 5 will be updated for release in spring 2024. The shoe has a new midsole design featuring Nike ReactX foam, a compound which simultaneously improves performance and decreases environmental impact. First seen in the InfinityRN road shoe, ReactX has a 43% lower carbon footprint due to reduced energy required in the manufacturing process, and 13% greater energy return compared to the previous compound. Other improvements include an updated Flywire midfoot containment system, medial and lateral support scrims, a stiffer heel pull tab for more effective use and a new All Terrain Compound (ATC) high abrasion rubber outsole with revamped lugging. The Pegasus Trail 5 has a stack height of 37mm/28mm, weighs 10.5oz (w) and 8.5oz (w) and will retail for $140.
NNORMAL
One of the most buzzworthy brands on the trail scene last year, Nnormal had difficulty making its shoes available to the US market in 2023, but the supply process is smoothing out just in time for the company’s first updated shoe, the Tomir 2.0, which will be released in March. This model received a new CO2-infused midsole—the same that will be found in the Kjerag model—along with a wider overall platform that expands by 4mm in the midfoot and 7mm in the heel, with a stack height of 31mm/23mm. The midsole has a modified rocker geometry for impact absorption and smoother transitions, while the outsole has been updated with new full-length 5mm lugging. The Tomir 2 weighs 9.3oz (m) and will retail for $170.
Nnormal Tomir 2.0
BROOKS
In the spring, Brooks will be releasing updates to a max cushion model and a racing model, plus a brand new race shoe. On the max cushion end, the Caldera 7 has the same 34mm/28mm stack height as the previous model, but with new Loft V3 nitrogen-infused midsole foam that decreases the overall weight by a half ounce. The midsole has angled cutouts on the sidewalls for improved overall flexibility, and the lug geometry underfoot has been revised for better traction. A new TPEE fiber mesh and external exo cage improve the durability and fit of the upper. The Caldera 7 weighs 10.6oz (m) and 9.4oz (w) and will retail for $150.
Brooks Caldera 7 (front), Catamount 3 (middle), Catamount Agil (rear)
For race days, the Catamount 3 has a more flexible and breathable upper than the previous version, but otherwise remains the same. The new addition to this family is the Catamount Agil, a shorter distance race shoe built for vertical Ks or sub-marathon length trail races. It features a SpeedVault trail plate made from the same Pebax material used in their track spikes to deliver propulsive speed and combines with nitrogen-infused DNA Flash v2 foam that has 10% more energy return than the previous Flash compound. A form-fitting upper on top, and aggressive 5.7mm lugs below give this shoe a sleek fit and secure grip on challenging terrain. The Catamount Agil has a stack height of 26mm/16mm, weighs just 7.7oz for men and will retail for $180.
SAUCONY
As the primary ultra-distance model in the Saucony lineup, the Xodus Ultra 3 includes updates similar to other long-distance shoes at this year’s show—namely, getting increased cushioning for comfort with a wider platform and outsole for increased stability. A stack height of 36mm/30mm consists primarily of PWRRUN PB, the Pebax midsole compound used in Saucony’s racing shoes, with a rim of standard PRURUN EVA to keep the foot centrally positioned. The Xodus Ultra 3 also features a new PWRTRAC outsole compound that is 20% more durable and has 25% increased traction compared to the previous formulation. Weights are 10.1oz (m) and 8.7oz (w), and is targeting a June release with an MSRP of $160.
Saucony Ride TR2 (top) and Xodus Ultra 3
Another summer release is the Ride TR2, an update of Saucony’s road-to-trail model that includes a significant upgrade in ride quality thanks to a new PWRRUN+ midsole which is more plush and responsive than the standard PWRRUN compound used on the previous version. It has a comfortable 35mm/27mm stack height with a new increased durability mesh upper and gets the same updated outsole found on the Xodus Ultra with a 3mm lug height that rolls smoothly on asphalt or dirt. The Ride TR2 weighs 10.4oz (m) and 8.9oz (w) and will retail for $140.
Stay tuned for reviews of many of these shoes online and in the pages of UltraRunning in 2024!