Industry trade shows are where all the gear manufacturers, brand reps, athletes and store buyers go to learn about the coolest new products for the seasons to come. The Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show was held January 25-28 in Denver, and we were there to check out all of the new gear, shoes, apparel and accessories that you’ll see at running stores by late summer or early fall.
Adidas Outdoors Parley Two
With this shoe adidas Outdoor continues to parlay its standout environmental story, using recycled ocean plastic fibers in the upper that features a snug, debris-repelling collar and seamless comfort to match the Boost midsole and aggressive outsole. ($140) Also be on the lookout for their new Parley Trail Run Short ($49) made with the same Parley Ocean Plastic yarn in an eco product that features enough pockets to make a kangaroo jealous and a comfortable waistband for security.
Altra Lone Peak 4.0
The updated version of Altra’s top-selling, run specialty trail shoe has a new skeletal push-through protection guard, outsole improvements and larger bunion windows. It’s also made in a waterproof upper option with welded eVent for rain, snow or mud, “RSM” protection ($120, $150 for RSM). Both fabrications also come in a mid-cut version.Â
Craft Core Comfort Wrap
For the 40th anniversary of the brand, Craft is incorporating the seamless knit benefits of its Fuseknit technology across the line, adding fun stylistic details in the process. Not only is this women’s shirt cozy and good looking, it has a body-mapping weave to dump heat and a semi-relaxed fit so it isn’t skintight. ($60)
Icebreaker Zone 150 Zip T
Yes, this zips up to keep you snug and unzips so you can dump heat, but the real winning attributes are the light weight of the wool—great for training—and the zoned breathability. This shirt, which used to live in the GT line, has longer sleeves and a longer waist that it’s predecessor. Even though it’s made of wool, with four percent Lycra, it won’t snag or pill because it’s made using a construction method in which wool is wrapped around nylon filament. It’s available for men and women, pictured. ($110)
Merrell Agility Synthesis
The latest trail runner from Merrell picks up where its trail line had a bit of gap, filling it with more shoe than the Bare Access and less than the Agility Charge and Peak. It’s a rugged and very runnable, versatile shoe that has formidable traction and protection while retaining running flexibility and lightweight performance qualities. ($110)
Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody
3D knit out of 51 percent merino wool and 49 percent recycled polyester, this seamless hoody delivers lightweight warmth. The fit isn’t too tight, yet the hood is sleek enough to easily fit under a helmet when you head out for a cross training ski or fat bike session. ($199)
Salomon Ultra Pro
The aggressive outsole is geared to perform well on wet surfaces and the upper wings accommodate foot expansion from heat and longer distances. Combining some of Salomon’s newest midsole technologies, the Ultra is impressively light in weight and, with a TPU forefoot insert, it should appeal to those who land toward their toes. ($150)
Saucony Freedom ISO2
The second version of this shoe retains the beloved Everun midsole in this neutral trainer. Most of the updates are in the upper construction and those who enjoyed the original won’t be disappointed that their go-to, high mileage companion has been hijacked because it should still run as smoothly and with the same consistent, dynamic rebound. ($160)
Smartwool PhD Light Long sleeve
When it comes to cold weather running, wool is a go-to fabric choice because of it’s ability to keep you warm even when it’s wet. This new shirt has gender-specific mapping (women’s shirt is pictured) to facilitate evaporation in your high-sweat zones, meaning you’ll be even more comfortable as you turn up the heat. Plus, it has thumbholes to prevent chilly wrists on chilly days. ($85)
Sole Performance
Made with recycled cork, these shoe inserts were created with the help of Dean Karnazes and designed specifically for running. One dollar from each pair sold will go towards Karno Kids. ($50)
The North Face Flight Ventrix Jacket
This is a run-specific version of the Ventrix Jacket we reviewed earlier this year. The insulation is refreshingly light, with breathable panels to keep your hot air moving. It’s available in men’s, pictured, and women’s. ($160) Also be on the lookout for the Winter Warm Bomber jacket with city-styling details like a shorter waist and notched collar.
Under Armour Fat Tire Boa
The Fat Tire Boa brings the same flowy cruising to trail running that fat tire bikes brought to mountain biking. The combined Charged Cushioning midsole (aka responsive) and Michelin outsole give you an almost indestructible sensation and the Boa Closure System locks your foot securely and precisely. ($150)
Vuori Trail Short
These are designed as trail shorts, with a 17” inseam, notched leg and a breathable boxer brief, yet the fun colors and West Coast aesthetic don’t shout, “I’m a runner!” And that’s how Vuori likes it. Their brand, which began as a men’s line, but now includes women’s clothes as well, focuses on styles, colors and fabrics that perform whether you’re running, catching a quick wave or meeting friends for tacos. ($68)
Wigwam Fortitude
The heel and forefoot zoned cushioning on these socks is sweet, but what’s really impressive is the moisture moving construction, with yarns on the bottom of the foot designed to move moisture from the bottom up and ventilation zones on the top for quick evaporation. All of it’s done seamlessly so the only thing you’ll notice is comfortable feet. ($14.50)
