This year, socks were the big push from companies, from the beloved Injinji and Balega to newcomers like Farm to Feet. Expect to start hearing a lot more importance placed on what goes between your shoe and your foot in the coming year. Though this piece of gear is often overlooked, it looks like companies are starting to recognize the importance of pushing the benefits of a good running sock (sweat wicking, cooling and more).
In addition to the socks, the buzz was around that other thing you put on your foot, and brands are pulling out all of the stops for their 2016 updates, from new colors to completely redone uppers and outsoles.
Here are shoes you can expect to see hitting stores next year--some brand new and some updates of old favorites.
adidas Ultra Boost
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These shoes offer a one hundred percent boost with no ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) often used in rubber soles for shoes.
adidas Energy
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The Spring/ Summer '16 update to the adidas Energy comes with changes to the upper and is a continual top seller for the company.
On Cloudflyer
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This is a stability shoe offering a wider outsole that rolls up for your gait cycle. They have a star lacing system for a better fit.
Nike Free RN Distance
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This is Nike's new Free model, designed as an everyday trainer. It is lightweight with plenty of cushioning and has an outsole perfect for long-runs. Nike was celebrating the release of the shoe at The Running Event, and this one you don't have to wait until 2016 for.
Skechers (Women's)
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On the women's side, Skechers has some updates hitting stores as early as this month. Most exciting is the GOrun 4 (pictured left) with its sock-like upper offering breathability and a perfect fit.
Skechers (Men's)
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The GOrun Forza (pictured left) is a great men's release that offers complete stability and a mid-foot strike zone.
GORE-TEX and Brooks GHOST 9 GTX
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Thanks to GORE-TEX if you are in need of a completely waterproof shoe, you are in luck. Lovers of Brooks will want to pick up the GHOST 9 GTX perfect for road running.
Pearl Izumi Trail N3
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This is a new shoe from Pearl Izumi showcased at The Running Event, aimed toward ultra-runners. It comes with a new seamless upper and new carbon rubber outsole, available March 2016.
Mizuno (Assorted)
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Mizuno has several new colors and features launching, and they were excited to share information about the Wave Catalyst (pictured left) with new colors launching including the pictured Directionare Blue/ Clownfish/ White. This soft, responsive ride will be available July 2016 in its new colors.
Brooks Launch
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What was once discontinued is now back. Fans of the original Brooks Launch were sad to see the shoe go, so the company has brought back this favorite years later. This shoe is great for high-mileage running.
Hoka One One Clayton
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This shoe is coming in April 2016 and is one that the team said triathletes will love. The shoe has a single midsole with firmness increasing in the front and is a great light shoe for the road.
New Balance Fresh Foam Zante v2
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This is an update to the original Zante, with neutral cushioning that utilizes their fresh foam for a smooth transition from heel to toe.
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