Supwell's New Shoe Review Line-Up: August 2026
Below we are rating every new running shoe we've tested in August 2026. We'll let you know if you should buy or pass on the Topo Specter Elite, On Cloudboom Strike 2, Puma Fast-FWD Nitro Elite 2, New Balance SC Elite v6, Topo Specter 3, Hoka Clifton Pro, and the Tracksmith Eliot Ryder.
We’ve been putting the latest releases through the wringer, and these are our first impressions after plenty of miles. From A+ standouts like the Topo Specter 3 and Specter Elite to a few shoes that didn’t quite live up to the hype, this batch had a little bit of everything. Safe to say Topo is having a serious moment right now.
#1: Topo Specter 3 - A+
The Topo Specter 3 is an affordable, do-it-all super trainer with a non-plated slab of bouncy ATPU.
Buy if:
- You want a versatile, fun super trainer that can do a bit of everything
- You have a wide and/or high volume foot
Skip if:
- You’re seeking a streamlined, narrow fit
- You don't like to have fun
Topo Specter 3
#2: Topo Specter Elite - A+
The Topo Specter Elite is a near-perfect race shoe, combining an aggressive rocker with a fast, yet comfortable foam.
Buy if:
- You like a protective, highly rockered ride
- You’re looking to try something new for your fall marathon
Skip if:
- You prefer a flatter, more traditional geometry in your race shoe
- You want the most dialed, snug race upper possible
Topo Specter Elite
#3: New Balance SC Elite v6 - A
The New Balance SC Elite v6 is an accessible, bouncy marathon racer with a comfortable, workmanlike underfoot feel.
Buy if:
- You loved the SC Elite v5, and want a safe, reliable updated version
- You want to run fast, but enjoy a more “normal” underfoot feel
Skip if:
- You want the fastest possible marathon racer for your next PR attempt
- You prefer an aggressive rocker geometry
New Balance SC Elite v6
#4: Puma Fast-FWD Nitro Elite 2 - A
The Puma Fast-FWD Nitro Elite 2 is a modern racing flat designed for track style repeats and short distance PR attempts.
Buy if:
- You’re looking for a modern take on the race flat formula
- You frequently run track-style repeats or short distance racers
Skip if:
- You expect your speed trainer to be inherently bouncy—this one requires you to drive power in order to activate the midsole
Puma Fast-FWD Nitro Elite 2
#5: Hoka Clifton Pro - A-
The Hoka Clifton Pro is a reliable, cushioned workhorse designed for comfort over long miles.
Buy if:
- You’re looking for a cushioned workhorse for high mileage training
- You like robust, versatile midsole foams
Skip if:
- You’re a low mileage boy who immediately writes this shoe off because it has supercritical EVA
Hoka Clifton Pro
#6: Tracksmith Eliot Ryder - B+
The Tracksmith Eliot Ryder is a stylish max cushion shoe with a unique drop in ATPU midsole.
Buy if:
- You want to look taller when you hit the country club next weekend
- You want a soft shoe optimized for impact absorption
Skip if:
- You expect energetic bounce in your max cushion shoes (this has a classic squishy ride that’s more in the vein of the New Balance More v6)
Tracksmith Eliot Ryder
#7: On Cloudboom Strike 2 - C
The On Cloudboom Strike 2 is a soft, comfortable racer that lacks the pop and speed assistance we’re looking for.
Buy if:
- You’re prioritizing comfort and stability over speed assistance in your next marathon shoe
Skip if:
- You want a poppy, fast race shoe that encourages quick turnover
- You really enjoyed the bounce and responsiveness of the OG On Cloudboom Strike
On Cloudboom Strike 2
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