As the run specialty industry prepares to gather once again this December in San Antonio, TX, for The Running Event 2025, we’re shining a spotlight on a number of emerging brands making their mark in stores and at TRE. These companies are newcomers, first-time TRE exhibitors and brands generating buzz with unique products and fresh perspectives. They embody the innovation and energy that make TRE the most captivating event in the running industry.

Here are their stories.

Chubbies
Executive: Rainer Castillo, President
Years in business: 15
Categories: Swim, Active, Casual, Golf, Youth, Toddler
Years at TRE: First year

Founded in 2011, Chubbies was born out of a desire to bring fun, comfort and confidence back to men’s apparel. What started as a rebellion against the overly serious world of fashion has evolved into a community-driven lifestyle brand built around a mission to deliver that “Friday at 5 p.m.” feeling every day of the week. 

From its signature proper-length shorts to a full lineup of swimwear, polos, and performance pieces, Chubbies creates versatile, well-crafted apparel designed for life beyond the grind — where style meets ease and every day feels like the weekend.

TRE attendees should stop by the Chubbies booth if they’re looking to branch out from traditional colorways of black, grey and navy in hopes of finding apparel that offers personality and irreverence. The brand hopes to connect with traditional activewear customers and share its passion for high-quality apparel that delivers a fun twist.

Chubbies’ 2026 plans include continuing its expansion categorically within its existing retail partnerships, and nurturing and building new meaningful relationships with an increased wholesaler-dealer base.  

Hollow Socks
Executives: Brian Davis, Co-founder; Zach Stuck, Co-founder and CEO; Max Orr, CMO; Mary Weider, Chief of Staff
Years in business: Six
Product Category: Socks
Years at TRE: First year

Hollow Socks is looking to redefine what a high-performance sock can be, starting with the materials. The brand crafts premium performance socks using alpaca fibers, which are credited as one of nature’s highest-performing natural materials. 

Hollow’s story began when co-founder Brian Davis, a competitive cyclist, got tired of socks that felt damp, smelly and fell short on comfort. His search for a better solution led him to alpaca — and Hollow was born. Hollow’s socks are temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking and stink-resistant, designed for runners, cyclists, hikers or anyone who wants all-day comfort that performs.

Hollow believes that socks are often the most underestimated gear in anyone’s lineup. But the right socks can make or break a run. Its alpaca performance socks help reduce moisture and friction to eliminate blisters. At TRE, Hollow is inviting visitors to stop by its booth and feel the difference (and maybe even cop a free pair).

Hollow is gearing up to launch its “Run” collection, featuring a no-show tab and ankle sock built specifically for runners, later this month. As first-time TRE exhibitors, Hollow is excited to connect, impress and get Hollow socks on more feet. The brand looks forward to opportunities to meet retailers, partners, and fellow innovators.

Hollow Socks has grown 100 percent year-over-year for the past four years through its direct-to-consumer model and in 2026 the brand is focused on expanding into retail. It has been focused on building relationships to support that leap and has several new product drops planned to keep Hollow at the forefront of comfort and performance.

Duer
Executives: Gary Lenett, Founder and CEO; Michael Macintyre, COO; Bryan Anderson, VP–Global Sales
Years in business: 10
Years at TRE: First year
Category: Performance apparel

Duer is a Canadian apparel brand pioneering the category of performance jeanswear to create versatile, style-forward clothing designed for active lifestyles. The brand infuses heritage fabrics such as denim and canvas with technical features, so wearers don’t have to choose between style and performance.

At its TRE debut, Duer will introduce its performance jeanswear to the running and outdoor community. The brand invites attendees to visit its booth and discover a fresh retail category that bridges technical performance with lifestyle apparel designed for runners to wear beyond the sport. Duer will showcase its best-sellers, including Performance Denim, No Sweat and Stretch Canvas, in addition to its staples for travel, outdoor pursuits and daily life. 

As a first-time TRE exhibitor, Duer is looking forward to the opportunity to connect with new partners and expand its footprint in the running market. 

Beyond TRE, the brand’s upcoming and 2026 initiatives include maximizing its return on investment with wholesale partners, driving omni-channel brand awareness and aligning its demand planning resources with partners’ sell-through performance to maximize turns at retail.

Tantrums
Executives: Adam Copeland, Chief Running Officer; Josiel Correa, Head of Design
Years in business: Founded in 2024
Product categories: Hydration packs, duffels, performance headwear and apparel
Years at TRE: Second year

Tantrums is a performance trail running brand dedicated to building cutting-edge products that meet the demands of the sport’s toughest courses. The brand’s Crest 6L hydration pack has already found its way to finish lines at High Lonesome (course record), CCC (second place), UTMB (eighth place) and, most recently, carried Rachel Entrekin to a win at the inaugural Mammoth 200. 

As a second-time exhibitor, Tantrums is aiming to disrupt the trail category. Its booth experience is designed to immerse visitors in its world and it wants retailers and media to see firsthand how Tantrums approaches design differently to reshape expectations for hydration and trail gear.

Tantrums’ 2026 plans involve expanding its distribution in the U.S., Canada and Europe, while growing into adjacent categories such as apparel and new hydration verticals. To achieve this, Tantrums will continue innovating in product development, strengthening its athlete partnerships and scaling its specialty retail presence with the right partners worldwide.

Stio
Executives: Stephen Sullivan, CEO and Founder; Noah Waterhouse, COO and President; Alex Brown, VP–Sales; Kelly Hill, CPO; Evan Torrance, VP–Marketing; Sara Raff, VP–Operations
Years in business: 14
Categories: Four-season mountain apparel for ski, alpine athletes, mountain water and mountain lifestyle
Years at TRE: First year

Stio is a brand comprised of mountain athletes supporting those who seek to live beyond a typical daily routine. Since 2011, Stio has been developing apparel and gear at the base of the Teton Mountains in its hometown of Jackson Hole, WY. The brand’s mission is to make it easy for people to do more of what they love. 

Stio finds itself obsessed with the tiny details of daily use gear to understand the demands of fit, mobility, durability and protection. The brand builds four-season technical apparel made to perform in mountain conditions – on the trail, in the snow, on the water and every moment in between. Crafted with sustainable materials from partners including Polartec, PrimaLoft, and Gore-Tex, Stio gear strives to deliver the protection and comfort needed without sacrificing everyday wearability.

Stio is excited to bring the energy of Jackson Hole to San Antonio at its first TRE. Attendees are encouraged to stop by the booth to meet the people behind the product and have a little fun; strum a guitar, play a game or share a story or two about the mountains.

TRE is all about connection. Stio is looking forward to deepening relationships with the specialty community, sharing what makes its brand unique and spreading a little mountain-life mindset to new partners and friends.

In 2026, Stio will continue expanding its omni-channel mission and meeting mountain athletes where they shop. That means growing its retail presence, investing in its teams, and sharing the Stio story in meaningful ways.

OTIVM
Executives: Paul Kwon, Founder/CEO; Jeff Filkins, VP–Sales
Years in business: Launching 2026
Category: Performance Running
Years at TRE: First year

OTIVM (pronounced “oh-tee-yum”)  is a new, premium design-driven performance footwear brand launching to market in 2026. OTIVM believes in nurturing an “expansive growth mindset,” encouraging creative, multicultural communities to run, connect and thrive. The brand designs footwear for runners of all backgrounds, those who not only seek mind-body equilibrium, but also stride together in pursuit of enlightenment.

The brand’s name is inspired by the Latin word “otium,” defined as a time of leisure and self-realization. Through its performance products, OTIVM manifests the balance sought out through self-preservation to champion a movement toward compassion, creativity and joy. 

OTIVM embraces active wellness as a pathway to joy, connection and growth. OTIVM may be new to the market, but it is not new to running as a lifestyle. It encourages TRE attendees who are seeking a new perspective on running and have a desire to connect with a community inspired by the eclectic subcultures of art, music, and design to visit its booth.

OTIVM will launch and showcase the product it created for runners of all backgrounds at TRE. With more than 20 years of footwear experience on its team, the brand is driven primarily by comfort and performance and defines itself by style and purpose. 

In 2026, the brand is determined to share its collective vision of OTIVM as a creative source for all things running, wellness and creative exploration. The brand believes movement is a necessary conduit to wellness. It hopes to spread its mission to encourage athletes, artists, creatives, and philosophers alike to run and find that peace together.

Heat it
Executives: Lukas Liedtke, Armin Meyer, Christof Reuter and Stefan Hotz, Founders
Years in business: 26
Category: Medical device
Years at TRE: First year

Heat it is billed as the world’s first insect bite healer powered by a smartphone. Founded in 1999 by four German engineering students studying at Pace University, Lukas Liedtke, Armin Meyer, Christof Reuter, and Stefan Hotz convinced 2000 people to support their concept to treat and heal insect bites via a crowdfunding effort. In 2002, they managed to make and sell 250,000 units and more than one million units in 2024. On track to eclipse two million units in 2025, the four still lead the company. 

Heat it is a medical device registered by the FDA. This medical, future-tech device relieves pain and itch caused by bug bites and helps reduce the risk of bacterial staph or strep infections by scratching itchy, open sores.

The moment runners pause, their warm skin, CO2 breath, and sweat become irresistible to mosquitoes and biting flies. Heat it uses concentrated heat to neutralize insect saliva proteins and cut itch and swelling by up to 81 percent in seconds. The app-controlled device is ultra-light, micro-compact and smaller than a sugar cube and can clip to a keychain or running vest.

As a first-timer at TRE, Heat it encourages attendees to experience its “must-see” product for themselves. Attendees can hold it, tap the app and feel the instant relief. Retailers are invited to stop by its booth and discover the potential this tiny device has for reshaping outdoor health and wellness. The brand hopes its debut at TRE will give it more exposure to generate sales and spread hyperthermic insect bite treatment to the premier run and outdoor community.

After TRE, Heat it’s 2026 plans are to help as many people as possible get outside and “Live Out There Longer,” as part of its mission. The brand hopes it can alleviate the anxiety associated with the fear of getting bitten and encourage people to continue spending time outdoors without worrying about pain or itching.

Thacker NYC
Executives: Ron Donchez, Founder; Sara Lawhead, Vice President
Years in business: Founded in 2017, reimagined in 2023
Categories: Bags, Outerwear, Accessories
Years at TRE: First year

Thacker NYC was originally founded in 2017 and reimagined in 2023 into the brand it is today. Thacker NYC’s goal is to fuse the fashion and active worlds to create products that are functional, stylish and purposeful. From the start, the brand’s focus has been on utility, rather than vanity, with a lineup that includes modern, performance-driven bags and layering pieces designed for women who live life in motion. Each piece is designed to combine clean lines, water-resistant materials and a modern, fashion-forward edge, made to move effortlessly from the streets of NYC to the trail. 

At its core, Thacker NYC believes the future of design is about doing more with less. That means fewer things made better. Pieces that adapt to real life, last longer and complement what people already own. The brand also believes that “sustainability” shouldn’t just be a marketing term; it should be a mindset that challenges how and why products are made.

Thacker NYC invites TRE attendees to explore how it’s blending modern design, performance materials and a fashion sensibility that celebrates versatility over excess. The brand’s product line bridges the gap between performance and style, creating pieces that work hard and look effortless.

At its first TRE, Thacker NYC’s focus is on connection. The brand is eager to connect with retailers, creators and other brands that share its belief that women deserve more versatile options and build a community where performance and style don’t have to live in separate worlds.

In 2026, Thacker NYC plans to expand its wholesale distribution into key outdoor and active lifestyle retailers while continuing to grow its direct-to-consumer channel, all while staying true to its design principles. The goal is to continue creating fewer, more versatile products with longevity and partnering with like-minded retailers who are redefining what outdoor looks like for women.

Mimikai
Executives: Michelle Arnau, CEO and Co-Founder; Stephanie Waton, Co-Founder
Years in business: Less than one year (launched June 2025)
Categories: Skincare, Active, Outdoor, Camping
Years at TRE: First year

Launched in mid-2025 by co-founders Michelle Arnau and Stephanie Watson, Mimikai is redefining what it means to stay protected outdoors. The outdoor skincare company is making its debut at this year’s TRE to showcase its clean-ingredient insect repellent, which is designed to match the efficacy of DEET, without the harsh chemicals, odor, or sticky residue.

Powered by undecanone, a naturally occurring compound found in wild tomato plants and the first new EPA-registered repellent active in over 25 years, Mimikai offers up to eight hours of mosquito protection and four hours against ticks. After five years of rigorous lab and field testing, the result is an active repellent that’s both powerful and planet-conscious.

TRE attendees are invited to meet the Mimikai team and experience firsthand how its formula blends high performance with an outdoor-inspired scent. Designed for runners, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, Mimikai delivers clean, effective protection to help make time outside safer, more enjoyable, and toxin-free.

As first-time exhibitors, Mimikai is eager to connect with running and outdoor retailers seeking to expand their wellness and protection offerings. The team aims to build new partnerships, raise awareness within the specialty retail community and strengthen relationships with early retail adopters who have already brought Mimikai into their assortments.

In 2026, Mimikai plans to broaden its retail footprint across diverse channels as demand grows for effective, plant-based repellents. With new product launches on the horizon, the brand is poised to continue leading the movement toward cleaner, smarter protection for active lifestyles.

Cotopaxi
Executives: Lindsay Shumlas, Chief Executive Officer
Years in Business: 11
Categories: Apparel, Equipment, and Accessories
Years at TRE: First year

Cotopaxi makes colorful and sustainably designed adventure gear that empowers people to see the world and make it better. Cotopaxi designs its products with features that help give others confidence to explore the world in their own way with bold and joyful colors. As a certified B Corporation, it dedicates one percent of revenue to the Cotopaxi Foundation to fuel its mission to alleviate poverty. To date, Cotopaxi has helped more than 4.25 million individuals experiencing extreme poverty through its foundation. 

Fully aware that lifestyle is driving the outdoor retail sector right now, Cotopaxi invites TRE attendees to experience its joyful and vibrant colors that help evoke passion, create excitement for retailers and inspire lifestyle customers. Paired with its Gear For Good promise, Cotopaxi creates products that speak to the values of today’s outdoor consumer.

Cotopaxi is the brand with a llama for a logo, so it loves being part of a herd. Community is at the core of the brand, so Cotopaxi is excited to share what it’s been up to, its evolution, and how it can collaborate in ways that align well with the current retailer needs at its TRE debut.

In 2026, Cotopaxi is telling its audience to “buckle up” for some surprises coming around the corner. The brand will also be doubling down on what makes it unique. 

Cotopaxi has prided itself on being the brand for people who don’t exactly see themselves as “outdoorsy.” With that in mind, it plans to stay true to its roots and deliver some smart updates for today’s lifestyle customer. In addition, Cotopaxi will continue to find retail partners that understand the brand, know where the industry is going, and want to be part of the story together.