Four Upcoming Running Shoes: Which Ones Are Worth a Closer Look

Introduction

Four upcoming or newly released shoes, four very different answers to the question of what a modern running shoe should be. This is not a verdict on whether each shoe is good or bad on foot, since that only becomes clear with real miles. It is a closer look at what each model is trying to do, what the specs suggest, and whether it earns a spot on a personal shortlist. Three of these end up as pass-for-now picks, and one is a clear yes.

Nike Structure Plus

The Structure series has been around for ages, and the new Plus version lands as part of a broader reorganisation of the running line, one that still does not obviously make the range easier to navigate. The Vomero models lean on cushion, but only the Vomero Plus really stands out from a runner’s perspective, so the question is whether the Plus treatment does the same for the Structure.

At 155 in the UK and 309 g in the sample size, this is a genuinely chunky model, likely landing somewhere near the 360 g mark in larger sizes. For reference, the Vomero Premium was about 326 g in the sample size and just shy of 400 g in a UK 11. A heavy structured shoe with this type of plush upper material raises immediate doubts. Instead of a medial post, Nike uses large sidewalls on both the lateral and medial sides to grip around the foot and guide the foot strike. The midsole combines ZoomX and React X foam, which the brand describes as firm but soft with high energy return, though firm-but-soft describes a memory foam mattress just as well.

The outsole uses two rubber types: firmer, more resilient rubber in the heel and blown rubber in the forefoot for flex. Oddly, the heel protection is just a thinner line of rubber over an exposed-foam high-wear area, which seems like a miss. The overall look leans retro, but with deep discounts already common on similarly styled sneakers, that vibe is a tough sell. A lighter alternative like the Nimbus 28, at around 314 g in a UK 11, looks stable enough without the extra weight.

Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra 2

The Agravic Speed Ultra 2 is a Light Strike Pro trail shoe with serious stack: 43 mm in the heel and 35 mm in the forefoot in the sample size, with energy rods sandwiched between the two sections. That is about a millimetre more stacked than the first version, a small change that runners with sensitive toes might still notice.

The big question with soft, tall foam on trails is how good your form needs to be. The Evo SL ATR, for example, was unstable even on roads and pavements without rigidity elements to keep the footprint consistent. This trail model likely uses a firmer, more responsive version of Light Strike Pro than the one in the Adios Pro 4, which would help. The lugs sit around 3 to 4 mm, and the upper appears more breathable than the V1, more in keeping with the road lineup, though the thinner material may sacrifice some toe box protection.

It is listed as an ultra shoe rather than an out-and-out trail shoe, which is realistic given that most routes include road or gravel sections anyway. Even so, at 200 in the UK, this is not a needed model when a dedicated trail shoe with more specific lugs would make more sense for genuine off-road ventures.

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 Hyrox

Puma is set to launch this special Hyrox version of the Deviate Nitro Elite in February 2026, and it is a perplexing one. The main visible difference is the outsole, clearly tuned for indoor running, with additional rubber that adds little for outdoor running. The midside foam appears to use the older version of the Nitro Elite material rather than the latest one, making it a slightly firmer, likely more durable option for the activities between the running segments.

The midsole construction otherwise looks similar to the existing Nitro Elite 3, perhaps with some extra sculpting on the midsole sidewalls. With existing Hyrox-branded shoes already on the market that arguably make more sense, and the standard Nitro Elite 3 already discounted, there is simply not enough here to make this a confident purchase. It is a very niche update for a very specific event audience.

Saucony Endorphin Azura

The Endorphin Azura launches in February 2026 alongside the Endorphin Pro 5, and it is the standout of this group. It is a plateless option, always welcome, at around $150 or 150 in the UK, and Saucony is clearly positioning it against the popular Adidas Evo SL: top-level foam in a slightly more affordable shoe.

The full spec reads well: 40 mm of stack, an 8 mm drop in the sample size, and only 240 g, which puts it roughly in Superblast 2 territory for larger sizes. With the PWRRUN PB midsole, this has real potential as a long run shoe. The upper design is less busy, which is a welcome change for anyone tired of clunky, overtly plush max-cushion shoes, and it comes in a bit cheaper than comparable max-stack options.

Most promising is its versatility. The Azura looks like more than just a daily trainer, and it could pair really well as a training partner to the Endorphin Pro 5, which has been strong in early testing. This is the definite pick of the four.

Buying Advice

If you want a stability shoe, check whether a lighter, moderately stable trainer like the Nimbus 28 covers your needs before committing to something this heavy. Trail runners with tall-stack experience may still find the Agravic Speed Ultra 2 appealing despite the price, but anyone preferring real trail grip should look at dedicated lugs. Hyrox competitors already have better-established options. For most runners, the Endorphin Azura is the one worth waiting for: light, plateless, well-cushioned, and priced sensibly.

Conclusion

Three of these four shoes solve problems most runners do not have, but the Saucony Endorphin Azura looks like a genuinely versatile trainer with an appealing weight, stack, and price combination. When it lands in February 2026, it should be near the top of the list for anyone shopping for a fast daily or long run shoe.