Yay or Nay: Four New Running Shoes Worth a Second Look

Introduction

Four recently released or soon-to-arrive running shoes, one simple question: would we pick them up for a full test right now? This is not a verdict on whether each shoe is good or bad on foot, since you only really know that once they have some miles in them. It is a first-look judgment based on specs, construction, price and how each model fits the current market.

The lineup covers a nice spread: a minimalist reboot from Brooks, a flagship carbon racer from On, a stability staple from Asics, and a lightweight daily trainer from Saucony. Here is how each one shakes out.

Brooks Hyperion: A Welcome Reboot

The long-awaited return of the Hyperion finally lands, and this time the Tempo name is gone: it is simply called the Hyperion again. It fits a minimalist mould with a lower stack than most modern equivalents, paired with a nitrogen-infused midsole. The original was a quick, nimble shoe with a low weight and a good amount of bounce and response, and the same hallmarks are visible here: a very thin upper, a less bulky midsole and a sleek rubber application on the underside.

There are a couple of question marks. A rubber tab in terms of depth might improve grip, but some small holes in the midsole poking through are new compared to the original, and those could catch stones. Pricing is set at £140 in the UK, roughly what the original cost back in 2020, and the colorways (gecko green, oyster and mushroom-tinged options) lean into fun territory. Given the fond memories of the first version and the attributes on display, this one is a clear yay.

On Cloudboom Echo 3: Super Soft, Super Expensive

The Cloudboom Echo 3 from On brings a very soft midsole foam from the brand’s super foam formulas, a carbon speed board, and Cloud Tech. It also moves to a more conventional upper, which is a welcome change from the overly technical lace loops and glued-on pieces of previous models. Early reports suggest it is very soft and possibly the best On running shoe so far.

The sticking point is the price: £260 in the UK puts it above the Alphafly, well above the Vaporfly Next% 3, and more expensive than the Endorphin Pro 3, Adios Pro 3, Prime X Strung and Metaspeed Sky Plus. At that level it has to be exceptional, and that is a gamble. The silicone on the laces and the claim that the shoe adapts to your running style are interesting, but until more real-world feedback lands, this one stays on the fence. For now: nay, mostly on price.

Asics Gel-Kayano 30: The Reliable Staple Returns

The Gel-Kayano is a staple of the stability category, now on its 30th iteration, with continued stability support and a slightly lighter package overall. The midsole uses FF Blast Plus Eco, an eco version featuring 20% bio-based material, which promises better impact protection with a slightly firmer feel, similar in character to what appeared in the Nimbus 25.

The numbers tell the story: 40mm in the heel, 30mm in the forefoot, a 10mm drop, and a sample weight of 303 grams, a little more than the 290g sample of the Nimbus 25. That points to impact protection rather than all-out pace, which matches how the manufacturer positions it. Gel is used only in the rear of the shoe, now encapsulated within the midsole foam, and a firmer material in the arch area adds stability where you need it. With a bit more cushion than before and no weight sacrifice, this is an easy yay.

View more details for ASICS Gel-Kayano 30

Saucony Kinvara 14: Light, but Is It Enough?

The Kinvara 14 is supposed to be a lightweight shoe and shares tooling with the upcoming Kinvara Pro, but with less stack and none of the PWRRUN PB material found in the Endorphin line. It is positioned as a firmer, more responsive daily ride, closer in feel to the Hoka Rincon or the Mach 4 and 5.

The concern is durability on mixed surfaces: there is very little outsole rubber here, with Saucony opting for rubber only on the lateral side of the heel and the medial side of the toe, an approach that brings the New Balance Beacon to mind. The stack is lower than the norm too, at 31mm in the heel and 27mm in the forefoot for a 4mm drop, which could be low for some riders, especially with an EVA-blend midsole. The PWRRUN+ insole does add step-in comfort and has good durability, and that counts for something.

But at this price point, the maths gets hard to justify. You could pick up the Brooks Hyperion for roughly the same money (the Brooks is very slightly more expensive) and get better technology in the midsole. After many miles in EVA-only shoes, it feels like time has moved on, so the Kinvara 14 stays on the shelf for now: nay.

Overall Buying Advice

If you want a lightweight minimalist trainer with modern midsole foam at a sensible price, the Brooks Hyperion is the strongest pick of this group. If stability and impact protection matter most and you like a long-proven platform, the Asics Gel-Kayano 30 looks like a safe, refined choice. The On Cloudboom Echo 3 is one to watch, but only consider it if the premium price feels justified to you. The Saucony Kinvara 14 will suit fans of firmer, EVA-based rides and a 4mm drop, but the minimal outsole rubber and dated midsole tech are worth weighing carefully.

Conclusion

Two yays, two nays, and a clear theme: midsole technology and price-to-performance now decide almost everything. The Hyperion and Gel-Kayano 30 look like smart buys, while the Cloudboom Echo 3 and Kinvara 14 will need stronger on-foot results to change our minds.