Four Running Shoes Worth Watching: Yay or Nay Roundup

Introduction

Four shoes are on the table this time, and they cover a nice spread of what the running shoe market currently offers: a reliable daily trainer refresh, a dual-foam cushioning experiment, a winterized special edition, and a completely new brand with an unusual design philosophy. Some are easy picks, one is a harder call, and one we are genuinely excited to try for the first time. Here is how each one shakes out.

Nike Pegasus 40: A Reliable Workhorse Gets an Upper Refresh

A 40th version of a shoe first launched in 1983 is a serious milestone, and Nike is calling the Pegasus “the running shoe for all runners.” This has always been a workhorse model, built for mile accumulation rather than tempo sessions or race day. The 39 was a real return to form after the firmer 37 and 38, with a softer midsole that made it feel like the Swiss Army knife of trainers again.

The Pegasus 40 is an upper update on a tried and tested midsole and outsole. The new upper looks light and flexible in the toe box, with a meshy, breathable construction not unlike materials seen elsewhere in Nike’s faster lineup. The reinforced lace loops and final eyelets carry over, along with the lower ankle profile of the 39. Zoom Air remains in the forefoot and heel, a setup the line has used since the Pegasus 27, and it has proven durable over the years. The 40 is also lighter than the 39, which is a move in the right direction. A fresh upper on a proven ride can make or break an iteration, but the early signs are encouraging.

Adidas Supernova 2.0: Boost Meets Bounce

The Supernova 2.0 stands out from its peers with a mix of Boost in the heel and Adidas Bounce material in the forefoot, a combination that recalls the pre-Adios-era Boston models. Boost still has a place in modern shoes, and heavier runners in particular seem to appreciate its resilience and stability over long distances, where softer, more compressive foams can break down under the pounding.

The upper looks closer to the Adizero SL than the more minimal Adizero race shoes, with a touchable padding around the heel and one of the plusher designs Adidas has produced recently. For anyone who enjoyed the older Boston models, this feels like a natural continuation. The only wrinkle is pricing: if a reasonable discount shows up, this one is well worth picking up.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Permafrost: A Winterized Take

The Permafrost is the only model of its type available in the UK right now, and it is a genuinely thoughtful winter version of the standard 1080 V12. The upper carries a water-repellent treatment to keep water from entering through the sides, which should help keep feet drier in wet weather. There is reflective content too, useful for those lonely winter runs before sunrise or after sunset.

The outsole has been modified for wet conditions, swapping in New Balance rubber for better traction, a welcome change given that the standard 1080 could feel a little slippery on smoother terrain in the rain. A toggle lacing system makes lockdown easier, even with mittens on. The catch is the price: at 165 pounds in the UK, it looks overpriced next to a standard V12 that frequently drops below 100 pounds on sale. It is also a hefty shoe at 290 grams in a sample size. Beautiful, functional, but a hard sell at full price.

Vimazi Z40: A New Brand With a Pace-Tuned Ethos

The Vimazi Z40 is the most intriguing of the four, coming from a new American brand launching its first lineup. Every Vimazi shoe is pace-tuned, meaning it uses a specific foam type in the heel to absorb impact and a forefoot pod designed to be responsive and quick to return to shape. The Z40 is engineered for running between 6:15 and 7:45 per mile, which covers a wide range of typical racing and training paces.

The spec reads sensibly too: around 29mm of heel stack height with roughly a 5mm drop across most of the range, and a feel expected to be like a fast performance trainer but with a roomier arch and toe box. The ethos is refreshing. Rather than throwing out a pile of different shoes for different sessions, Vimazi offers a selection of pace-tuned options so there is something for every runner. Pre-orders were expected to open in February 2023, starting in the US only. This one is an easy yay and we are keen to see how it performs in person.

Buying Advice: Which One Fits Your Needs

If you want a dependable daily trainer for high mileage, the Pegasus 40 remains the safe, sensible choice. If you value plush, durable cushioning and appreciated the older Boston models, the Supernova 2.0 deserves a look, ideally on discount. The 1080 V12 Permafrost is the pick for winter runners who face wet roads and dark evenings, as long as the premium price does not put you off. And if you like the idea of a shoe engineered specifically for your pace rather than a generic all-rounder, the Vimazi Z40 is the most interesting new arrival on this list.

Conclusion

Three yays and one that hinges on price: the Pegasus 40, Supernova 2.0, and Vimazi Z40 all earn a spot on the watch list, while the Permafrost is a lovely winterized design held back by its 165-pound price tag. Keep an eye out for discounts, and if a pace-tuned trainer sounds appealing, the Z40 is one to follow closely.