sportstyle

30 • May/June 2022 sportstyle • sportstylemag.com FLYING HIGH Innovation in midsole technology keeps pace with runners who want their shoes to be light, bouncy, comfortable and fast. RUN / FOOTWEAR Supply and demand remains a key topic in the running footwear space (just like every other product space). Brands tell us they are working to diversify their own supply chains in order to deliver products to meet the demand. e great news is that demand for running footwear remains very high. And innovation from brands across the board continues to astound. e focus on innovative midsole technologies is a major conversation driver right now. Key attributes making waves in midsole tech include super so cushion, uber lightweight foams, and bouncy, energy returning properties. Here are a few standouts. Skechers Built for speed, the lightweight Skechers GOrun Razor Excess 2 is an ultra-cushioned, neutral road running shoe. It has a carbon-infused forefoot plate, which promotes stability and energy return. It also boasts highly resilient Hyper Burst cushioning and a Goodyear Performance Outsole. The lightweight (7.2oz men's 9) shoe has a mono mesh and polyester knit upper. MSRP $134.99. Brooks Built for the trails, the Caldera 6 Ultra Trail features the brand's softest cushioning, nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3, which offers plush comfort along with being lightweight, responsive and durable. The shoe also has a lightweight and quick-drying air mesh upper. The Caldera 6 aims to provide maximum comfort and a stable ride. MSRP $150. Asics Building on the buzz around the Metaspeed running shoes introduced by Asics last year, the new MetaSpeed Sky + focuses on refining the placement of the carbon plate and the volume of foam in the shoe. It has a 34-39mm stack height (5mm drop) and features a carbon plate designed to "press the foam" and give the runner a higher bounce back. It also features FF Blast Turbo cushioning, a light and bouncy midsole foam. Available in June. MSRP $250.

• Cover