Four Running Shoes Worth Watching: Nike, ASICS and Mizuno Preview

Introduction

A new wave of running shoes is arriving, and four of them stand out from the crowd: the Nike Zoom Fly 6, the Nike Alphafly 3, the ASICS Gel Nimbus 26 and the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2. Each targets a very different kind of runner, from tempo-day trainers to marathon racing machines. Here is what we know so far and whether each one deserves a place on your watch list.

Nike Zoom Fly 6: A Trainer That Borrows From Both Sides

Leaked images of the Zoom Fly 6 in a purple and white colorway reveal geometry that looks like elements of both the Vaporfly and Alphafly combined, with more upper material than either. A ZoomX logo visible at the rear of the midsole suggests a ZoomX component there, possibly as a top layer over a ReactX bottom layer, though that remains speculation. A full ZoomX midsole would effectively make it a Vaporfly without the flimsy upper, which seems unlikely.

The reflective pieces on the lateral toe box and the more substantial built-up areas suggest this is a trainer rather than a pure racer, and a pricier one at that. The last three Zoom Fly versions have lagged behind rival tempo shoes, so there is real hope this one returns the line to the standard set by the much-loved original and the Zoom Fly Flyknit. Expect a release sometime in 2024.

Nike Alphafly 3: The Big Name Everyone Is Talking About

The Alphafly 3 arrives with a 15% weight reduction over the Alphafly 2, improved traction and an improved arch area. Interest is high after the world record set in the Alphafly lineage in 2023, and the shoe’s durability reportedly looks strong in real-world testing, a big improvement over the previous two versions.

Two things give pause, though. Nike released an Edinburgh colorway of the Alphafly 2 at the same price only weeks before this new version dropped, and the arch issue that supposedly was fixed in the Alphafly 2 was not. At 285 pounds, this is a serious investment for everyday runners, even if the wider market seems saturated with coverage of it.

ASICS Gel Nimbus 26: A Local-Running Hero, Refined

The Gel Nimbus 26 lands in January as a minor but thoughtful update over the Nimbus 25: a switched-up lacing configuration, slightly altered midsole geometry and new outsole rubber. That last change is especially welcome, because the Nimbus 25 was pretty slippery in wet conditions.

This is a local-running hero shoe that does many things well. It carries a huge amount of cushioning plus ASICS gel in the heel for extra impact protection, and expect it on the feet of many half marathon and marathon runners over the coming year. One caveat: FlyteFoam Blast Plus Eco is a denser, firmer material, so do not expect a big weight reduction here.

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2: Aggressive Geometry and Serious Grip

The Wave Rebellion Pro 2, already launched in Australia, removes the midsole carving around the arch area and instead carves all the way through the centre of the shoe out the back, likely to keep weight near that of the original. The stack appears more extended, with a new 1.5mm drop and a reported 38/36.5mm split versus the original’s 39/33mm, adjustments that should keep it World Athletics legal for marathon racing.

The original Wave Rebellion Pro had some of the best outsole grip of any shoe tested in the past year, and it looks like the same rubber returns here. Sitting somewhere between the Prime X and dedicated race shoe categories, it offers a genuinely unique, characterful ride.

Which of These Running Shoes Fits Your Rotation?

If you want a tempo trainer with a more premium feel, the Zoom Fly 6 is the wildcard. If you are chasing marathon race-day performance and can absorb the price, the Alphafly 3 has the strongest pedigree but the biggest question marks around fit. Daily runners logging steady miles will find the Gel Nimbus 26 a safe, well-cushioned bet, while the Wave Rebellion Pro 2 appeals to anyone after an unusual, high-grip race trainer that stands apart from the usual super shoe formula.

Conclusion

All four shoes earn a place on the watch list: the Zoom Fly 6 for its intriguing hybrid design, the Alphafly 3 for its weight savings and durability gains, the Nimbus 26 for its reliable cushioning with much-needed grip improvements, and the Wave Rebellion Pro 2 for its unique ride character. Waiting for hands-on reviews before committing is the sensible move, especially with the Alphafly 3’s price tag.