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40 runstyle Fall 2024 runstylemag.com Fitzpatrick further sees continuing momentum behind carbon plates as they've become the "gold standard" component to race-day footwear. He said, "We are seeing more carbon plates in high-end training shoes this year and this will continue in 2025. e consumer understands the benefits of carbon fiber and is looking for it in different kinds of footwear." Mike Arce, national sales manager at Xelero, believes runners are learning more and more about the benefits of carbon plates, including not only speed but improved running economy, enhanced stability and reduced ankle flexion. He further sees runners increasingly discerning the difference between carbon plate applications. "The idea that anyone can put a carbon plate in a foamy super soft outsole will be greatly disappointed," said Arce. "What you place the carbon plate on matters. A carbon plate combined with a mild rocker and built- in propulsion system is the perfect marriage biomechanically speaking. ink of like loading a diving board. You have to load the board (carbon plate) in order to launch you." Conor Cashin, senior product line manager Run/Train Footwear at Puma, sees a number of trends working in running footwear. He said, "Carbon plates, max cushion, and super foams are still 'buzzy' as that combination is allowing runners to go faster and further than ever before." With max cushioning trending up ever since Hoka came to market in 2009, Cashin further believes expectations have been raised about what a plush ride offers. He said, "Shoes that have a 34mm stack height used to be seen as very cushioned, but now are seen as medium cushioning or more lightweight/low profile." Regardless, Puma ensures its range of running product covers a wide range for usage from those running a marathon, doing intervals on the track to an easy jog. Cashin added, "We won't forget about low profile or more minimalistic running either. Running without carbon plates and with less cushion can be good for runners, mixing up the stress on their muscles and joints." Chris Brewer, senior director, running, Mizuno USA, sees increasing demand for more traditional stack heights to complement the plethora of higher stack models now available for a better and more well-rounded running experience. "We believe that there will always be a need and demand for higher stack height shoes. And carbon-plated shoes," said Brewer. "But we also believe that too high is too high and too so is too so." Brewer doesn't see the industry moving back to 20/10mm midsoles and barefoot models, "but we know there is a certain experiences runners are seeking that is simpler and lower." Brewer adds, "e reality is that runners are seeking highly technical racing shoes, really great go-faster/elevated daily trainers, daily trainers, and maximum cushioning/recovery training shoes. Our prediction is that more traditional stack heights shoes can and will fall into each of these experience silos." At Saucony, Ted Fitzpatrick, VP of product management, believes the overarching driver on the performance run side will continue to emphasize cushioning with Saucony seeing strongest growth from its max cushion shoes (Guide and Hurricane) and Neutral Cushion shoes (Ride, Triumph). He said, "e demand for comfort and a protective/supportive feel continue to be desired for everyday running as well as everyday comfort/wear." Fitzpatrick adds, "ere are always rumblings and of course a subset of consumers who want to have more connection to the ground. at is where our Kinvara comes into play. But the industry is riding a wave of cushion right now that we see continuing to drive the business in 2025." Fitzpatrick likewise believes carbon plate models will continue to hold appeal with the FOOTWEAR: TALKING TRENDS Asics Novablast 5 Featuring FF BLAST MAX cushioning that supports soer landings and a more energized toe-off, the Novablast 5 also has a trampoline-inspired outsole design for a more responsive bounce back. Tongue wing construction in the upper helps improves the fit while reducing tongue movement. MSRP $140. Xelero GPS Suited for both supination and pronation runners, the Xelero GPS is a lightweight, super-stability running shoe featuring the brand's Guidance Propulsion System that guides the foot into a neutral position. "Slingshot" carbon fiber plate adds torsional stability, aids in forward motion, and offloads bottom pressure. MSRP $219.99. On Cloudmonster 2 e Cloudmonster 2 features updates to the CloudTec sole that include an elevated stack height for a more cushioned sensation, combined with a new dual- density midsole which is firmer at the back and soer at the front for smooth but energetic transitions. MSRP $180. Brooks Glycerin Max e high-stack Glycerin Max features DNA Tuned, a nitrogen-infused foam featuring dual-size cell technology. Larger cells in the heel provide plush landings, while smaller cells in the forefoot invite responsive toe- offs. A GlideRoll Rocker eases heel-to-toe transitions. MSRP $200.

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