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BRINGING THE ENERGY NEW AND UPCOMING RUNNING FOOTWEAR STYLES TAKE IT TO THE EXTREME IN 2024. BY CARA GRIFFIN ALL THE INNOVATION WE'VE SEEN IN running shoe tech over the past few years, particularly in foams, cushioning and geometry, has given brands plenty of tools in their toolboxes. And in 2024 we'll see those innovations put to use in shoes designed to "wow" runners at all levels. "The trends we see in 2024 will be pushing the limits of how cutting-edge technologies — midsole compounds, augmented plates, etc. — and geometries can be combined along with exaggerated stack heights to push extreme experiences for the runner," Jon Teipen, principal footwear product line manager at Brooks tells us. "is will come to life in cushioned product that assists the runner to make running feel easier and more comfortable. We'll also see this continue to come to life as well in pinnacle performance product to maximize an athlete's performance on race day." Energy-return and more innovative cushioning are key focuses across the industry. "We think a key trend for 2024 and beyond will be the desire of runners to have not only shoes with high levels of cushioning, but also a move to the kind of cushioning that gives responsiveness and rebound as well," says Chris Brewer, sr. director – running, Mizuno USA. "Too so is too so and we see the trend moving toward cushioning plus responsiveness for a better overall experience for more runners. is is why we have invested our time and effort into creating the most dynamic cushioning material in running. We call it EnerzyNXT and it is by far the best blend of cushioning, responsiveness and lightweight in a midsole material. We'll launch this new cushioning material in autumn/winter 2024." David Laney, elite run team member, Cra, tells us, "I think in 2024 we will continue to see more supercritical foams in all shoes from road to trail and everything in-between. We are now seeing elastomer foams in shoes at much more accessible price points, and I think these super foams will just continue to become more prevalent in everything from daily trainers to performance racing shoes." Russ Stevens, product manager, Topo Athletic, says, "In 2024 the running industry will continue to respond to customers' demands for products that deliver comfort and performance, while being made more sustainably." Topo expects high cushion shoes to continue to be very popular through 2024 and will introduce models to meet that demand, says Stevens. He also notes that many runners still prefer shoes with a lower stack height and more ground feel, so offering products at a range of stack heights, as the brand will do in 2024, remains vital. "We also expect the trend towards foams that are lighter, soer, and deliver more energy return will continue in 2024," says Stevens. Recovery and "natural fit" are also resonating strongly with consumers. Steven Sashen, co- founder and co-CEO, Xero Shoes says more customers are wearing barefoot-type shoes for active recovery and "using the shoes as a tool in tandem with their other running shoes." He notes, "the wider toe box and zero-drop, flexible sole benefits runners and athletes of all sports." Other footwear stories to watch — sustainability, durability, and the continued evolution of the trail category as participation in trail running grows and trail runners seek use-specific product from groomed to technical trails and from short to ultra-distances. "Trail product will continue to evolve to solve whatever this runner will encounter," says Teipen. sportstylemag.com • sportstyle November/December 2023 • 29 FOOTWEAR

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