This past November we spent a bit of time at the Running Event in Austin Texas, the premier conference and trade show for run specialty retailers. 

Here are 20 interesting things that we came across while down there. Most of these products will be available sometime in the first half of 2024.

We're breaking this list down into four categories (in no particular order); Shoes, Gadgets, Apparel, and Nutrition

 

👟 Shoes 👟

Sneaker Impact

Our one sentence summary: Free recycling for your old running shoes

Sneaker Impact is a social enterprise that partners with running stores, businesses, and the community to recycle shoes and give them a second life in communities of need.

They recycle all conditions of shoes, and it’s totally free for anyone to participate! All you need to do is go to sneakerimpact.com, request a free compostable mailer bag for up to 7 pairs of shoes, then drop the bag off at a Fedex location using the prepaid return label.

Where to learn more: www.sneakerimpact.com

 

Craft Nordlite Ultra

Our one sentence summary: The Subaru Outback of the running world

Fun fact! Craft Sportswear started out in the 1970's developing high tech base layer fabrics for Swedish fighter pilots.

Their Nordlite Ultra shoe is engineered to work well across changing terrain, so take a look at this one if you're planning on hitting a bit of road, a bit of trail, and everything in between.

Where to learn more: https://www.craftsportswear.com/global/nordlite-ultra

 

Hettas

Our one sentence summary: High performance footwear for women

Hettas is building high-performance, technical running shoes for women from the ground up. Historically, athletic footwear has been designed, researched, and tested for men. Hettas operates from a purely female perspective.

They currently offer a line of shoes built for specific workout pruposes; cruisey runs, tempo runs, and a shoe for intervals.

Where to learn more: https://hettas.ca/

 

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 

Our one sentence summary: Mizuno's newest super shoe

The one thing that you'll quickly notice with these shoes is the unique geometry and exaggerated shape of the shoe. The midsole shape is actually designed to help keep you on your forefoot throughout your stride, while at the same time, helping to take pressure off of your calf and achillies.

Combine the shoe geometry with the carbon plate in the midsole and you're looking at some pretty easy "free speed".

Where to learn more (men's fit): https://mizunousa.com/running-wave-rebellion-pro-2-mens

Where to learn more (women's fit): https://can.mizuno.com/running-wave-rebellion-pro-2-womens

 

Sketchers GO RUN Ride 11 

Our one sentence summary: Daily trainer from Sketchers performance division

Sketchers performance division has built this shoe to be a lightweight, durable, and resilient runner. They are debuting their own Skechers Hyper Burst Ice™ cushioning in this shoe to help create a stable, and comfortable ride.

Where to learn more (men's fit): https://www.skechers.com/go-run-ride-11/246079_BKW.html

Where to learn more (women's fit): https://www.skechers.com/go-run-ride-11/172079.html

 

Asics GEL-NIMBUS 26 

Our one sentence summary: Shoes that make you feel like you're walking on clouds

Asics' GEL-NIMBUS® 26 shoe creates a lighter and softer cushioning experience while you run, with less of an impact on the environment (the shoe's carbon footprint is 25% lower than the industry average).

The focus on cushioning make this a show that you'll want to consider for your long runs.

Where to learn more: https://www.asics.com/us/en-us/search/?q=gel+nimbus+26&lang=en_US

 

OOFOS OOahh Sport Flex

Our one sentence summary: Slide sandals that make you feel like you're walking on marshmallows

The OOahh Sport Flex sandal features OOfoam™ technology that absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foam materials.

In short, this is an incrediablly comfortable sandal that you can wear anywhere (they feel great after a run!). One nice bonus with these is that they're machine washable, plus moisture and bacteria resistant. 

Where to learn more: https://www.oofos.com/collections/mens-sandals/products/mens-ooahh-sport-flex-black-matte

 

🤖 Gadgets 🤖

Garmin Forerunner 265

Our one sentence summary: Everything that you want in a running watch

The Forerunner line by Garmin have consistantly been some of the best watches for runners over the years. 

Their newest 265 model features a colorful AMOLED touchscreen (the same screen as their high end watch models) and has a pretty cool training readiness feature that analyzes your recovery and training to let you know when you’re primed for a productive session.

Also worth mentioning that the battery life on this watch can run up to 13 days if you have it in smartwatch mode.

Where to learn more: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/886785/pn/010-02810-02

 

Suunto Race

Our one sentence summary: Everything that you need in a running watch

The Suunto Race is a performance GPS watch for racing and training. This watch features a high-definition AMOLED display, offers free offline maps, 95+ sport modes, Advanced Training Metrics, HRV, Recovery and Sleep tracking and more.

This watch has the absolute best battery performance of any AMOLED GPS watch on the market today. You can expect 40+ hours of battery life if you have the watch running in performance mode (max accuracy, everything on), and 26 days in smartwatch mode. 

Where to learn more: https://www.suunto.com/en-us/Products/Sports-Watches/suunto-race/

 

SHOKZ OpenRun Pro

Our one sentence summary: Headphones that allow you to stay aware of your surroundings

If you haven't heard of Shokz, they are an open-ear headphone that uses bone conduction to transmit sound. You hear your music, while at the same time, stay aware of everything happening around you.

Their newest headphones have two added bass enhancers, and are definitely their best sounding product to date.

Where to learn more: www.shokz.com

 

😎 Apparel 😎

Tifosi Sanctum

Our one sentence summary: Badass looking sunglasses

Tifosi makes an entire line of lightweight, great looking, performance sports sunglasses. The Sanctums are their newest release, hitting the market in February of 2024.

Where to learn more: https://tifosioptics.com/products/sanctum-sports-eyewear

 

rnnr Pacer Cap

Our one sentence summary: Badass looking run hats

The Pacer Caps by rnnr are ultra breathable, super light, run hats that come in a selection of really cool designs.

Every hat has a sweatband added to the back of the front panel, so you don’t have to worry about sweat dripping down into your eyes as you heat up.

OH, and in case you were wondering, our personal favourite design is their yellow Party Pace hat.

Where to learn more: https://rnnr.com/collections/running-hats

 

Ultimate Direction Xodus Vest

Our one sentence summary: New 7 liter running vest from Ultimate Direction

Ultimate Direction's Xodus vest will be making its debut in March 2024.

The vest features a 7L capacity, trekking pole stash bungees, and loads of pockets distributed between the front and back. Ulimate Direction have focused on making this vest ultra-breathable, with a close contour that reduces rubbing and bounce so that you're focusing on moving rather than gear adjustments.

Where to learn more: https://ultimatedirection.com/

 

CEP Ultralight Compression Socks 

Our one sentence summary: The thinnest compression sock CEP has ever made

CEP’s new Ultralight Compression Socks are the lightest and thinnest socks that they have made to date.

The socks feature a ventilation zone in the calf that continuously cycles in fresh air to keep you cool and comfortable no matter the distance. Medical-grade compression in the ankle and calf help minimize injuries while zig-zag panels in the foot create a non-slip profile giving you greater control and direct contact with your shoes, while also preventing any blisters.

Where to learn more: https://www.cepcompression.com/

 

Bibboards

Our one sentence summary: Snap and lock bib fasteners that replace safety pins

Bibboards fasteners ensure your event bib number stays safe, straight, and secure without damaging your shirt. If you have had enough ssafety pins in your life you'll want to try out a set of Bibboards.

Where to learn more: https://bibboards.com/

 

🍫 Nutrition 🍫

Maurten Gel 100 

Our one sentence summary: Kipchoge's favourite sports gel

From a technical perspective, traditional gels are water and carbohydrates simply mixed into syrups, often containing added flavors and preservatives.

The Gel 100 is completely different. It’s a biopolymer matrix, filled with a unique blend of fructose and glucose (ratio of 0.8:1) which enables uptakes of up to 100 grams of carbohydrates per hour. Also, it doesn’t contain any colorants or preservatives.

Where to learn more: https://www.maurten.com/products/gel-100-box-us

 

Stoked Oats 

Our one sentence summary: Nutrient dense, high protein, low sugar, oat based superfoods

Stoked Oats Stone Age Superfood Oatmeal Blend is a hunter-gatherer mix of pure oats, almonds, walnuts, flax, and chia.

You're going to have to fight the squirrels off for this great tasting blend that's loaded with natural protein and ingredients. Nothing artificial and no "natural" flavoring.

Where to learn more: https://www.stokedoats.com/pages/about

 

2before

Our one sentence summary: New Zealand blackcurrant powder that you take prior to your runs

Over 10 years ago the co-founders of 2before were part of a team from the New Zealand Plant and Food Research Institute that first discovered blackcurrants had benefits for exercise.

This discovery then led to an additional 10 years of research and a growing body of evidence that proved blackcurrants could improve athletic performance and speed up recovery through a highly unique mode of action.

Their team was so inspired by this little berry that they were compelled to take it to the world, and have created a simple and tasty blackcurrent powder that can be used to create a pre-run drink.

Where to learn more: https://2before.com/

 

VeraWella Pure Endurance

Our one sentence summary: Full specturm supplement regime for endurance athletes

VeraWella has recently launched a line of supplements to help runners train and recover better.

Forge - Helps you stay healthy and feeling great so you don't miss workouts.

Launch - A natural nitric oxide booster to help you go faster, farther, and feel better during your workouts.

Recover - Replenishes electrolytes to help reduce muscle soreness and aid in recovery.

One thing that we like is that they're transparent about ingredients. No secretive proprietry powders! You can read exactly what is in each supplement.

Where to learn more: https://verawella.com/collections/pure-endurance

 

kinfield Daily Dew

Our one sentence summary: Sunscreen that won't streak or melt even on the hottest summer days

kinfield's daily dew is a daily moisturizer and sport-ready sunscreen. Daily Dew blends in like a dream to hydrate skin, while keeping your face protected with 100% mineral, broad-spectrum SPF 35.

Main reason that we like this for runners is that it won't streak or melt even on the hottest summer days.

Where to learn more: https://kinfield.com/products/daily-dew

 

Find Running Races

We hope that you found at least one interesting thing in this article! 

Are you looking for your next running race? RunGuides has a full calendar of upcoming runs happening across North America.

Go to www.runguides.com to find an upcoming running race near you!