Saucony Kinvara 4 - May 2013 Release

Saucony’s Kinvara series has developed a cult like following amongst lightweight and minimal fans. In May 2013, the successful 4mm drop shoe will be receiving an update with the addition of the Kinvara 4. Not a huge change from the popular Kinvara 3, but look for an improved upper design and the addition of a PowerGrid heel insert. The stripped down upper, increases breathability and has a much softer feel during foot flexion. Updating to Saucony PowerGrid cushioning will give a smooth transition from heel to toe. Look for the Saucony Kinvara 4 in May 2013 for $100.

New Balance Trail 1010v2 - Fall 2013

 

Minimal platforms with a little more cushioning seemed to be dominating the updates for 2013. The New Balance Minimus line has been extremely successful and the NB 1010 Trail Shoe is no different. The Boston based brand will be updating to the Trail 1010v2 in Fall 2013. As described in the video below, the New Balance 1010v2 offers a lower (4mm drop) ride, an aggressive Vibram outsole and a protective impact plate. The updates are mostly seen in the upper with TPU film supports and a new tongue design. The New Balance 1010v2 trail running shoe will retail for $110.

Brooks PureConnect 2 - Sneak Peak 2013

RunningShoes.com was able to get a sneak peek at the Brooks Pure Connect 2. As a minimal runner, the Pure Connect offers a 4mm heel-to-toe drop, neutral running gate and is ultra lightweight. Fans of the original Pure Project can expect a similar ride, as the midsole and outsole remain unchanged. Brooks has done some retooling of the upper, with a breathable mesh, extra support around the NAV-Band and moving Brooks signature logo. Brooks will release the Pure Connect 2 on January 1^st 2013.  

Hoka One One Stinson Evo - Available Now

New this fall from Ultramarathon favorite, Hoka One One, is the Stinson Evo. This minimalistic trainer (4mm heel-to-toe drop), offers maximalistic cushioning with 2.5 time more volume then a standard running shoe. Hoka One One’s design dissipates up 80% more shock, reducing the impact many miles put on the body. Additionally, the rocker geometry of the midsole encourage proper mid-foot strike. A bungee lace system allows for easy on-the-go adjustment and the breathable mesh upper is lightweight and extra plush. The Hoka One One Stinson Evo weighs 14 oz and can now for $170.

Salomon S-Lab Sense - Color Update

With years of innovation and the guidance Ultra Marathoner and 2011 Western States Champion Killian Jornet, Salomon released the minimal S-Lab Sense in 2012. As Killian continues to dominate the Ultra distances, Salomon will be introducing a color update for Spring 2013. The technical aspects of the S-Lab Sense remain the same, weighing 7.4 oz and 4mm heel-to-toe drop. $180  

Source: Alpenglow Sports

La Sportiva Helios - Spring 2013

The Helios from La Sportiva is another minimalist trail runner releasing in Spring 2013.Weight has been significantly reduced thanks to a deconstructed upper design that utilizes minimal overlays, a “sock like” liner and increased breathability. Weighing 16.2 oz, the Helios has a 4mm heel-to-toe differential and uses La Sportiva’s MorphoDynamic technology throughout the midsole. Found in many other models, MorphoDynoamic allows the shoe to adapt to varying roughness of terrain and increases traction. Added protection can be found in the midfoot from a 2mm anti-shock plate. Look for the La Sportiva Helios in 2013.  

New Balance Minimus 10v2 - Spring 2013

Updating its successful Minimus running collection, the New Balance Minimus 10v2 will be hitting stores in 2013. Minimus 10v2 offers a 4mm drop and is designed for road runners looking for a balance between ground feel and protection. Changes from the original Minimus include a redesigned upper, new Vibram Road Lite outsole, New Balance’s RevLite cushioning foam and increased flexibility. Much like the Minimus Zero, the 10v2 will feature a mono-tongue construction that securely wraps athlete’s instep. This finely tuned revamp has also been lowered by 2mm, bring road runners closer to the ground. The Minimus 10v2 will launch in March 2013 for $109.95.  

Montrail FluidFlex

Montrail’s Fluidflex ($90) will be release in January 2013 according to Running Warehouse. This flexible, yet beefy trail runner offers a FluidFoam midsole with a minimal 4mm offset. The full-length compression-molded foam (11mm forefoot and 15mm heel) is engineered with flex grooves for natural motion. The upper looks very clean with minimal overlays. The Fluidflex is part of Montrail’s new Fluid line which also includes the FluidFeel (a hypbird shoe focused on road duty) and the FluidBalance (a stability road/trail shoe).