20 Upcoming Running Shoes We Want Now

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The running footwear offerings for 2013 have been quite impressive thus far, but there’s still plenty to look forward to as we transition into the fall season. In the coming months, and well into 2014, some of your favorite running brands—like Mizuno, Brooks, and Saucony—are slated to drop some heavily anticipated sneakers that are worth keeping an eye out for. In fact, there’s so much anticipation built up, the release dates couldn’t come soon enough. Check out the 20 Upcoming Running Shoes We Want Now.

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2.

Altra

No. 20 - Altra Superior 1.5

Running specialty brand Altra has only been around for a couple of years, but already it's making waves in the zero drop category. The brand's lineup for 2014 looks to be on point with the rest of its collection, featuring the best in lightweight and supportive running shoes.

3.

Helly Hansen Zephy VTR

No. 19 - Helly Hansen Zephyr VTR

This versatile trainer is perhaps the best-looking runner from Helly Hansen, shedding extra layers and bright colors for a stealth look. With engineered mesh and a HellyGrip outsole, the Zephyr VTR will go for $110 when it hits retailers next year.

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Hoka One One Conquest

No. 18 - Hoka One One Conquest

Hoka One One continues to cater to maximalist runners with the newest addition to its footwear lineup, the Conquest. The shoe features the same stacked sole featured in other Hoka models for unmatched cushioning and support, as well as a lightweight upper for breathability.

5.

Ecco Biom Evo Racer Lite

No. 17 - Ecco Biom Evo Racer Lite

You may never have run in a pair of Ecco shoes before, but it's about time you changed that. Designed for speed--and lots of it--the Biom Evo Racer Lite features a low-profile design with an extremely lightweight and flexible frame for a natural ride. The shoe is just one of many high performance running models on tap from Ecco as the brand looks to expand its already impressive reach in the footwear market.

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Helly Hansen Nimble R2

No. 16 - Helly Hansen Nimble R2

Helly Hansen is no stranger to the trail running category, however, the introduction of the Nimble R2 marks the first time the brand has put out a true road running shoe. Weighing in at just under 8 ounces, the Nimbe R2 features a lightweight, seamless design perfect for your next 10k.

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Brooks Cascadia 9

No. 15 - Brooks Cascadia 9

Set to enter its 9th installment, the Brooks Cascadia continues to gain popularity amongst trail running enthusiasts. The latest version, the Cascadia 9, features a more streamlined design, which includes fewer overlays on the upper to go with the same rugged outsole featured on previous models.

8.

Skora Fit

No. 14 - Skora Fit

As Skora continues to make a name for itself in the specialty running category, the brand unveils the latest addition to its zero drop collection, the Fit. Featuring the same puncture-resistant outsole and goatskin leather upper we've come to love on the Skora Form, the Fit is a do-it-all shoe that is expected to be equally impressive on the road as it is in the gym.

9.

Helly Hansen Kenosha HT

No. 13 - Helly Hansen Kenosha HT

The lightweight Kenosha HT is a good option for trail runners faced with the unpredictibility of weather. HellyTech and aggressive grip on a low-profile runner, we're feeling the sleep look on this Hansen shoe. The Kenosha will be available in January for $120.

10.

Vivobarefoot Trail Freak

No. 12 - Vivobarefoot Trail Freak

If the Vivobarefoot Trail Freak's blazing hot design isn't enough to get you excited, the shoe's performance features should do the trick. The Trail Freak houses a 3M mesh and laminated structure for a comfortable and secure fit, as well as a high-grade rubber outsole for solid grip on rugged terrain.

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Brooks Ravenna 5

No. 11 - Brooks Ravenna 5

The middle child to neutral and support, the Brooks Ravenna 5 is one of those shoes that you just have to try for yourself in order to realize its full potential. The latest version features a less clunky design, as well as a redesigned midfoot band to better lock the foot in place.

12.

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3_1

No. 10 - Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3

In the Wave Prophecy 3, the first major change that stands out is the upper. Mizuno has done away with the checkered mesh upper seen on the previous version in lieu of a more streamlined hexagonal print. Also gone are all the bold overlays that covered a large portion of the shoe for a seamless fit. The shoe also features a tweaked Wave Plate chassis for enhanced cushioning.

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Saucony Peregrine 4

No. 9 - Saucony Peregrine 4.0

The Saucony Peregrie 3 is one of the best lightweight trail runners of 2013, so you can see why we're excited to get our hands on the follow-up model. The Peregrine 4.0 features the same aggressive outsole as the previous version, but with a redesigned upper for a better fit and more attractive look.

14.

Brooks PureProject 3

No. 8 - Brooks PureProject 3

Building on the success of its PureProject running footwear collection, Brooks Running has introduced the third installment of the minimalist-friendly series—yes, that means your favorite PureProject shoe could get even better. The entire lineup has been revamped for improved performance and aesthetics, so there's a lot to look forward to in this one.

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Saucony Virrata 2

No. 7 - Saucony Virrata 2

Earlier this year, Saucony introduced the newest member to its Natural Series collection, the Virrata. Given the immediate success of the lightweight runner, Saucony is now set to roll out the follow-up model, the Virrata 2. While the shoe will feature the same open mesh upper as its predecessor, it will have redesigned overlays for improved support. It's too early to tell, but the Virrata 2 could very well be one of the best running shoes of 2014.

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New Balance 1400v2

No. 6 - New Balance 1400v2

In Fall 2013, New Balance will introduce the follow-up to the award winning 1400 racing flat in the NB 1400v2. At its core, the 1400v2 features the same performance tech that made the previous version so popular. Instead, the updates come in the upper, which features less seams and a reduced weight for enhanced comfort.

17.

Brooks Transcend

No. 5 - Brooks Transcend

Not often does Brooks unveil a completely new running shoe. So when the word on the arrival of the Transcend hit the street, it certainly got everyone's attention. If Brooks' claim holds true, the Transcend could very well be one of the smoothest running shoes every created.

18.

Saucony Guide 7

No. 4 - Saucony Guide 7

If you want support and stability, look no further than the Saucony Guide series. Where the Guide 6 was impressive, the Guide 7 looks to go even further by introducing a reworked upper and crash pad for improved flexibility and overall feel. We expect big things from the 7.

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Mizuno Wave Rider 17_1

No. 3 - Mizuno Wave Rider 17

Now entering its seventeenth installment, the Mizuno Wave Rider series is back and better than ever. Given the success of its predecessors, the Wave Rider 17 isn't a complete redesign, though it does feature some tweaks that Mizuno hopes will give it a better overall feel. Along with a more lightweight and breathable upper, the shoe features Mizuno's new U4iC midsole which is 30% lighter than traditional foam.

20.

New Balance Fresh Foam

No. 2 - New Balance Fresh Foam 980

In the name of innovation, New Balance recently unveiled its latest midsole technology dubbed Fresh Foam. Using 3-D printing, the midsole features a different density than regular foam for a more plush ride. The first shoe to boast Fresh Foam will be the NB 980, though the technology is expected to adopted in other NB models as well.

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Brooks Adrenaline 14 GTS

No. 1 - Brooks Running Adrenaline 14 GTS

One of the most successful running series of all time continues to get better with the unveiling of the Brooks Adrenaline 14 GTS. This do-it-all shoe features a full-length Caterpillar crash pad for maximum ground contact, as well as cushioning and support underfoot. It's your next favorite shoe, you just don't know it yet.