New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v15: The most radical change of the month
The New Balance 1080 v15 is undoubtedly January's most significant update. It's not an evolution: it's a reinvention.
What has really changed?
- New Infinion Foam midsole, which completely replaces Fresh Foam and offers more rebound, durability, and a more modern feel.
- Weight reduction of 39 g compared to the previous version, which is extraordinary for such a cushioned daily training shoe.
- Completely redesigned upper, more stable, wider, and with a better overall fit.
- Official launch on the 15th of January 2026.
Our expert opinion
The 1080 v15 puts New Balance back at the top of the “premium daily shoe” segment. It is lighter, more responsive, and much more modern. The leap in quality is enormous, and it competes head-to-head with models such as the Novablast, Triumph, and Fresh Foam X More.
Puma Deviate Nitro 4 + Deviate Nitro 4 HYROX Pack: the most powerful offensive in terms of accessible speed
Puma kicks off 2026 with a clear strategy: two different models, one platform, two audiences (pure running and hybrid training). It makes sense to present them together, just as a professional media outlet would.
Puma Deviate Nitro 4 — lighter, smoother, and more stable
- –15 g lighter than the previous version, thanks to an optimized upper.
- New NITRO PEBA foam, more reactive and softer.
- More flexible PWRPLATE, providing stability and smoothness in transition.
- Stack 38/30 mm, drop 8 mm.
Our expert opinion
It is the most “friendly” plate on the market right now: fast, stable, and without the typical hardness of super shoes. Ideal for runners who want a fast shoe for varied training but are not looking for something extreme.
Puma Deviate Nitro 4 HYROX: hybrid training
- Launch: the 23rd of January 2026 in Pure Pink/Electric Orchid.
- NITROFOAM™ + PWRPLATE, but with a more stable set-up to combine running + strength.
- Weight 250 g, 10 mm drop.
It's perfect for HYROX, cross training, gym-to-run, and athletes looking for real versatility. Its stability makes it a very interesting commercial product for 2026.
adidas Supernova Rise 3: Consolidation, new colours, and real improvement
Following its launch at the end of 2025, the Supernova Rise 3 returns in January with new colourways and a clearly more refined design:
- DREAMSTRIKE+ 20% softer.
- LIGHTTRAXION outsole, inherited from the Adios Pro 4 for better grip and less weight.
- More adaptive and comfortable PRIMEWEAVE upper.
Our opinion
It is the ideal “wild card shoe” for easy runs, beginners, getting back into shape, or runners who just want a stable, soft, and easy-to-use model. A very good commercial option to attract a wide audience.
ASICS Trail Pack: Trabuco 14 + Trabuco Max 5: total revamp of the segment
ASICS is simultaneously revamping its trail range with two very different but complementary models. As with PUMA, it makes sense to present them together.
ASICS Gel Trabuco 14: versatility and stability for all types of terrain
- +2 mm of FF BLAST MAX cushioning.
- ASICSGRIP outsole with great grip on technical terrain.
- Wider and more stable upper, ideal for hours in the mountains.
Our opinion
This is probably the most versatile trail model of the month. Its stability and grip make it perfect for runners looking for safety, variety of terrain, or those new to mountain running.
ASICS Trabuco Max 5: maximum cushioning for ultras and long distances
- FF BLAST PLUS cushioning, softer and lighter.
- 13 g lighter than the previous version.
- Water-repellent upper, ASICSGRIP outsole, and GUIDESOLE geometry to reduce fatigue.
Our opinion
This is the ideal shoe for ultras, long hours on trails, steady paces, and runners who prioritize soft impact + efficiency. A very good option for users who “want to be comfortable no matter what.”
Conclusion
January gets off to an exceptional start, full of major redesigns and serious commitments from brands. Particularly noteworthy are the radical change to the New Balance 1080 v15, Puma's dual strategy, and the total revamp of ASICS trail shoes.
But if January has been strong...
February is set to be even more powerful.
Nike is preparing one of the biggest moves of the year with the complete revamp of its ACG line, a structural change that promises to shake up the outdoor and trail market with new geometries, more technical compounds, and a much more performance-oriented approach.
Stay tuned, because February could be one of the most important months of the year... and at Running Emotion, we'll tell you about it before anyone else.
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