Four Running Shoes Worth Watching: Nike, Saucony and Inov-8 Roundup

Introduction

Every season brings a wave of new running shoes that look promising in pictures but only earn their place once you get them on foot. This roundup covers four upcoming and recently launched models that caught our attention: a heavily revised max-cushion trainer from Nike, two mysterious new Saucony “Pro” models, and a bouncy new trail shoe from Inov-8.

The idea here is simple: separate the shoes that deserve a spot on your shortlist from the ones that warrant a wait-and-see approach.

Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3

The Invincible Run has built a devoted following thanks to its wonderfully compressive ZoomX foam feel, especially in the heel, and plenty of runners own multiple pairs. For the third version, Nike has trimmed foam from the heel and the side wall of the midfoot in an apparent effort to reduce weight, and the new profile looks closer to a Vomero-style upper strapped onto that familiar midsole.

There are reasons for caution, though. A casing-like feature at the back of the midsole should help protect the foam from scuffs and scrapes, but it also risks dulling some of that signature squish under the heel. The outsole rubber has changed too: the lugs look less plentiful, with exposed midsole poking through in the heel and midfoot, which could affect durability if sharp debris reaches the foam. A new outer texture on the midsole walls may be an attempt to shore up the notoriously fragile ZoomX, and the ankle-area upper bulge from earlier versions is gone, which is a genuine step forward.

Even with the reservations, this is a must-try when it lands. If the ride survives the changes, it could still be one of the most comfortable daily trainers available.

Saucony Triumph Pro

Saucony’s Triumph has always been a long-run shoe: maximally cushioned yet firm enough for everyday use. This new Pro version appears to feature a caged area within the midsole foam, suggesting a split construction, possibly a PWRRUN+ cage with a PWRRUN PB blend in the core. The design thinking looks similar to what worked so well on the Zoom Fly 5, where crushed-up foam and a secondary compound were layered together.

The upper carries over much of what the current Triumph offers, including the midfoot strap Saucony has been experimenting with, and the exposed midsole wrap gives it a modern silhouette. Details like stack height, weight and the exact foam setup remain unclear, so it is hard to issue a firm verdict yet. It may also be months away from release.

Given that the standard Triumph already occupies this space well, the Pro model needs to prove it brings something meaningfully different. For now, this one sits squarely in the wait-and-see category.

Saucony Kinvara Pro

The Kinvara Pro is reported to feature a three-quarter-length plate and a PWRRUN PB midsole, which immediately pushes it away from the lighter, lower-profile Kinvara heritage. The upper looks very close to the Endorphin Pro 3, complete with the raised heel collar and similar toe box styling, rather than the current Kinvara.

That raises an interesting question about intent: is Saucony trying to turn the Kinvara into a longer-run, more maximally cushioned shoe? Not every model needs to go tall. There is still a real need for lower-stack daily trainers, and it would be a shame if companies abandoned that category entirely in pursuit of ever-bigger stacks.

On the plus side, these early images often exaggerate stack height, since a fair amount of the foam cups up around the foot rather than sitting under it, so the shoe may feel less towering in person. Like the Triumph Pro, this one earns a cautious wait-and-see until the intended use and full specs become clearer.

Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 280

Inov-8 consistently brings something fresh to the table, and it is good to see a UK brand building a solid base of runners for trail and beyond. The Trailfly Ultra G 280 launched in October with a new midsole compound called Fly-GEO, described as having more bounce and squash than previous versions, with Inov-8 quoting 68 percent energy return.

That figure matters less on trails than ground feel and stability, and this is where the shoe looks well judged. The midsole and outsole include a flex area that allows a degree of torsional movement, letting different parts of the foot move more naturally. Many trail shoes feel overly rigid, and this flexibility is a genuinely welcome consideration. The trademark graphene-enhanced rubber on the outsole should deliver the super grip and excellent durability the brand is known for.

This is an easy recommendation to test out, particularly for trail runners who value ground feel over cushioned isolation.

Buying Advice

If you want maximum cushioning and comfort above all else, the Invincible Run Flyknit 3 is the clear must-try, with the caveat that its revised heel and outsole deserve a close inspection in store. The Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 280 is the strongest pick for trail runners who want grip, durability and a less rigid ride.

The two Saucony Pro models are harder to call before full specs and release timing are confirmed. If you already run happily in a Triumph or an Endorphin Pro, there is no urgent reason to switch; wait for confirmed stack heights and weights before committing. A well-chosen rotation of a daily trainer, a faster shoe and a long-run shoe still covers almost every runner’s needs, so resist the pressure to buy into every new max-cushion release.

Conclusion

Four shoes, two clear winners in the early assessment and two that need more information. Nike’s Invincible Run 3 remains exciting despite some questionable revisions, Inov-8’s Trailfly Ultra G 280 looks like a thoughtful trail update, and both Saucony Pro models are intriguing but unproven. Keep them on your radar, check the confirmed specs as they arrive, and buy based on how the shoe fits your running rather than the marketing around it.