A Sneak Peek At 2012 Running Footwear, Part I

The new RC 5000 hits stores next year and will be the lightest road racing flat New Balance has to offer. Weighing in at 3.2 ounces, the RC 500 has a seamless Fantom Fit upper which weights next to nothing and wraps the foot like a glove. Photo: Mario Fraioli

The combination of RevLite DynaRide in the midsole and outsole make for a lightweight, responsive package with just one thing in mind: speed. Photo: Mario Fraioli

Check out this wild new color update to the Brooks Pure Connect, set to hit stores in spring of 2012. Photo: Mario Fraioli

Hot new look to the men's Brooks Glycerin 10--their high-end maximum cushioning shoe--due to hit stores in Spring 2012. Photo: Mario Fraioli

Here's a look at Altra Running's first foray into trail shoes with the Lone Peak. This shoe features a zero drop midsole, sturdy and sticky outsole and a handy trail rudder on the back of the shoe which acts like a mud flap. Photo: Mario Fraioli

The outsole of the Lone Peak, which is shaped to fit the contours of the foot. Photo: Mario Fraioli

With a female-specific design the Lone Peak features Altra's signature zero-drop midsole to promote a more natural running stride. Featuring an innovative, StoneGuard system, the Lone Peak deflects rocks into the midsole for a smoother, more stable ride. Photo: Mario Fraioli

Medial view of the Lone Peak. Note the level misdole and sturdy midsole and upper design. Photo: Mario Fraioli

Light and fast and built for all types of terrain, the Charge ST utilizes a two piece upper for a close fit that protects the foot from all that an off-road environment has to offer. Photo: Mario Fraioli

A color update to the inline model, the Charge RC weighs in at less than 10 ounces. It has a two-piece upper that encourages the foot to move naturally without inhibition. Under Armour's HeatGear fabric wicks away sweat to keep your feet dry, cool, and ultra-comfortable. Photo: Mario Fraioli

Outsole of the Charge RC, which is built atop a Micro G foam and carbon fiber spring plate that encourages a quick, responsive ride. Photo: Mario Fraioli

A lightweight but protective road-to-trail shoe, the XR Mission will join the Salomon line in December 2011 and is an excellent choice for runners who are trying trail running for the first time or split their time evenly between on-road and off. The women's model features a design specific to the demands of a women's foot. Photo: Mario Fraioli

The XR Mission features an outsole which will grip well on off-road terrain, but is flexible enough to perform well on smooth surfaces. Photo: Mario Fraioli

A lightweight but protective road-to-trail shoe, the XR Mission will join the Salomon line in December 2011 and is an excellent choice for runners who are trying trail running for the first time or split their time evenly between on-road and off. Photo: Mario Fraioli

The XR Mission features an outsole which will grip well on off-road terrain, but is flexible enough to perform well on smooth surfaces. Photo: Mario Fraioli

A new addition to the On line, the Cloud Racer features a minimal, lightweight upper that fits generously and allows the foot to move freely. It's outer lugs are shaved down from those on the Cloud Surfer training shoe, offering an optimal blend of protective cushioning and responsiveness for racing. Photo: Mario Fraioli

The outsole of the Cloud Racer features 18 individual lugs which compress with force to provide maximum energy return and ample cushioning on impact. Photo: Mario Fraioli

The second coming of the 870 stability shoe features a RevLite midsole which reduces weight while offering a soft landing. Repositioned overlays fit a variety of foot types and offer a snug, but comfortable fit. Photo: Mario Fraioli

Revamped posting in the midsole of the 870 v2 is lighter than the previous model and provides stability for the mild to moderate overpronator. Photo: Mario Fraioli