News from the brands that sell to run specialty retail.
Brooks Running Delivers Record-Breaking Growth in 2025
Brooks Running closed 2025 with record-breaking global revenue, achieving a 16 percent increase year-over-year and extending its track record to nine consecutive years of growth. Regional performance remained strong, with 13 percent growth in North America.
Brooks’ also achieved the number one market position in performance running footwear at U.S. specialty retail in Q4. In North America, The Brooks Run Club, the brand’s loyalty program, surpassed two million members, doubling year-over-year. On the global app Strava, where Brooks’ combined NA and EMEA run clubs exceed 785,000 members, more than any other run brand on the app, running clubs more than tripled in 2025.
“Running continues to gain extraordinary momentum around the world as more people choose movement as part of their approach to health and wellness,” says Dan Sheridan, Brooks CEO. “Our opportunity ahead is incredibly exciting. Following a record 2025, we enter 2026 energized by the innovations and programs we’ll deliver to runners and retailers worldwide.”
Among other highlights:
• In 2025, 10 Brooks footwear styles posted year‑over‑year revenue growth of 20 percent or more. The Glycerin series, featuring Brooks’ new DNA Tuned midsole foam, delivered 33 percent revenue growth and a 27 percent increase in unit sales year over year, accelerated by a 46 percent year-over-year revenue surge in Q4.
• The Brooks Adrenaline GTS celebrated its 25th anniversary, contributing double-digit full-price growth as a top seller for the brand.
• Brooks introduced the Glycerin Flex, featuring an industry-first articulated, strategically segmented midsole. This marked a bold milestone for the brand as it leads the category into what’s next for performance running innovation.
• At Paris Fashion Week in January, Brooks unveiled its new lifestyle footwear collection, which celebrates the brand’s 112-year heritage. Brooks partnered with streetwear pioneers and visionaries to launch multiple collaborations, including the Brooks x STAPLE Adrenaline GTS 4 with New York-based Jeff Staple and the Brooks x RSVP Gallery Caldera 8 with the renowned Don C.
Brooks Names Wood VP–Footwear Product Strategy
In other news at Brooks Running, industry veteran Claire Wood was recently named VP–footwear product strategy, a newly created role designed to further accelerate the brand’s focus on performance footwear. In this position, Wood will lead Brooks’ Footwear Product Line Management (PLM), Merchandising, and Product Marketing teams.
Wood began her career at Brooks as a field marketing representative and later as one of the brand’s first‑ever Footwear PLMs, helping shape the early evolution of the Brooks Ghost. Wood also spent over a decade at New Balance, advancing to global product director and strategic business manager, Performance Running. Most recently, Wood served as VP–product creation and global footwear at Sorel, where she led design, development, and product management.
Norda Unveils SS26 Footwear Range
Norda recently debuted its SS26 footwear collection, encompassing nine new colorways spread across the 001A, 002, 003 and 008. Inspired by the observation of beautiful forms in nature, the collection is split into three main color stories: Camo, Cosmic and Kanagawa.
• Camo: Consisting of the 001A RZ Fireclay and the 001A Abyss, the Camo pack is centered around an abstract, two-tone camouflage print on its midsoles. The 001A RZ Fireclay, which draws its name from the bold red accent hue it uses, is the latest installment of Norda’s perennial collaboration with adventurer and ultrarunner Ray Zahab.
• Cosmic: With three new 001A colorways — 001A Astral, 001A Sky and 001A Horizon — as well as a 002 Moonbeam, the Cosmic pack is inspired by the otherworldly hues and endless expanses of the solar system. The 001A Astral offers a familiar Cinder-style mix of black and soft tan as its base, but then quickly differentiates itself with rich jade and gold accents. The 001A Sky combines its own earth tones with rich ombre-style hits of pink on its mudguard, a bold silver heel tab and a two-tone gradient fade on its midsole. The 001A Horizon offers a medley of nighttime sky hues through its dark blue-green upper and jade mudguard. Finally, the 002 Moonbeam boasts a mix of soft grey and brown shades embellished with punchy pink and gold accents.
• Kanagawa: Oceanic blue hues inspired by an iconic woodblock print from Japan’s Edo period abound on the Kanagawa pack, which includes a 002, 003 and 008. These blues are supported by gum, gold and off-white accents on the 002, while the 003 combines its slightly darker blue shade with black and silver trim and details. Finally, the 008 opts for a tonal look atop a signature gum outsole.
The 001A, 002 and 003 are priced at $295, while the 008 is priced at $145.
OS1st Makes Two Executive Appointments
OS1st, the performance sock and foot wellness brand, recently added two executive positions as it continues its expansion beyond its core performance channels.
First it appointed Cape Capener (photo above) as VP–new categories, a newly created role reflecting the company’s investment in strategic growth. In his role, Capener will lead the development and expansion of new product categories and market opportunities, with an initial focus on golf, performance accessories and strategic footwear adjacencies.
Capener brings more than 20 years of experience building and scaling brands across athletic footwear, performance apparel, outdoor, golf and wellness. His background includes senior leadership and advisory roles with both global and emerging brands, supporting category creation, wholesale and direct-to-consumer growth, and retail expansion in domestic and international markets.
More recently OS1st appointed Brent Hollowell senior VP–marketing. In this newly created role, Hollowell will oversee OS1st’s brand positioning, integrated marketing strategy, digital storytelling, and market activation. He will work with cross-functional leadership to strengthen connections with athletes, active consumers, and broader lifestyle audiences while supporting the brand’s expansion into adjacent performance categories.
Hollowell brings more than 25 years of experience leading marketing and brand functions across the global footwear and retail industries. His previous roles include Chief Marketing Officer and General Manager at Volumental, Chief Marketing Officer at Fleet Feet, Director of Marketing and Retail at Adidas America, and Vice President of Global Marketing at Foot Locker. Prior to joining OS1st, he founded Brandemic, a strategic brand consultancy focused on translating vision into execution.
New Product: Skechers Aero Razor
Skechers recently unveiled its Aero Razor ultra-lightweight daily trainer, combining its Hyper Burst Pro Super Critical Foam technology with a reimagined design inspired by the company’s Razor 3, launched in 2018.
HydraPak Inks Three-Year Partnership with Western States 100 Mile
To celebrate this new partnership, HydraPak will be launching an exclusive limited edition 500ml SkyFlask, available for purchase leading up to and at the event. The design incorporates line art inspired by the rugged granite peaks of the Sierra, which help visualize the daunting vertical profile of the race. The actual course, pulled from topo maps, shows the winding race route and marks the many legendary aid stations along the way. Like every SkyFlask Speed it’s topped with HydraPak’s SpeedFill Cap for quick refills on the go.
As part of the sponsorship, HydraPak will provide custom Tempo bottles with the WSER logo to all racers.
New Product: Notace michi 1
Notace, the athletic footwear brand built around natural movement and intentional performance, has launched its first road running shoe, the michi 1. Designed to support natural biomechanics while delivering modern cushioning and comfort, the michi 1 empowers runners to stay connected to the road. Lightweight and responsive for running, stable for training and comfortable to live in, the Michi 1 is built for movement.
While barefoot style footwear provides freedom, flexibility and ground connection, modern hard surfaces require additional comfort and protection. The michi 1 bridges that gap, delivering a road shoe that supports natural movement while remaining comfortable for long runs and training sessions.
"With the michi 1, we wanted to create a road shoe that truly supports natural movement through foot strength, efficiency, and intention," explains Cedric Scotto, founder of Notace. "Every detail, from the foot-shaped toe box to the eTPU midsole, was designed intentionally to keep runners connected to the ground while protecting them where it matters. This shoe reflects our philosophy that less is more and that thoughtful design can make every step feel effortless."
The michi 1 is designed to support a natural stride and better mechanics. It’s built for runners who train on multiple surfaces, as well as everyday athletes who want one shoe that can run, train, walk and move comfortably all day.
A lightweight, breathable upper pairs with a neutral heel to toe platform to promote proper alignment and healthy gait mechanics from. The foot shaped toe box allows natural toe splay, improving stability and enabling a strong, efficient toe off with each step. Underfoot, an engineered eTPU midsole provides the ideal balance of flexibility, cushioning, and ground feel so runners stay connected to every step without sacrificing comfort. Anatomical grooves in the midsole and outsole improve flexibility and encourage natural movement, while a durable screen mesh upper ensures breathability and long-term performance.
New Product: La Sportiva Prodigo
An evolution of the original, La Sportiva’s Prodigio 2 is built for runners who need one shoe that does it all—from daily training to race day. Lighter, more breathable, and fine-tuned for stability on technical terrain, this versatile workhorse is a go-to for tempo runs, long days and everything in between.
Positioned between the high-cushion Prodigio Max and the race-ready Prodigio Pro, the Prodigio 2 blends soft cushioning with energetic rebound. A breathable, high-tenacity mesh upper locks in a secure fit, while the tuned midsole delivers consistent comfort and smooth transitions.
Inov8 Gets Dirty In New Campaign
Record-breaking runners Sarah Perry and Andy Berry have backed an Inov8 campaign for more people to prioritize mental fitness as part of the brand’s Play Dirty campaign that encourages people to ditch devices and instead reap the benefits of getting outdoors onto muddy trails this winter. Leading the way, Inov8 is encouraging staff to run or hike every lunchtime this February to boost mental fitness.
“For me, play dirty means adopting a child-like state – running through mud, embracing the elements and enjoying the feeling of pure freedom away from life’s stresses,” says Perry.
“It’s about going out in all conditions, putting in the tough miles when it would be easier to stay at home, splashing mud everywhere and returning home mentally refreshed,” adds Berry.
“We want people to put down their phones and awaken their senses to the outdoors because that’s where the real fun begins,” says Michael Price, Inov8’s product and marketing director. “There’s no better feeling or boost to mental fitness than reconnecting with nature at its toughest and playing dirty on muddy, winter trails.”
The Play Dirty campaign will run until the end of the winter season.
Saucony Launches the Endorphin Azura
Launching alongside the Endorphin Pro 5, Saucony’s carbon-plated race-day shoe, the Endorphin Azura expands the Endorphin collection with an everyday running option focused on comfort and versatility.
At the heart of the shoe is Saucony’s PWRRUN PB super foam, a lightweight, high-energy compound engineered to return more energy than traditional everyday trainers.
Nike Reintroducing ACG
· Performance Innovation: Trail-tuned footwear like the ACG Ultrafly and ACG Zegama, paired with purpose-built apparel including the Radical AirFlow racing top and Lava Loft down jacket.
· Built for Runners: Nike Trail transitions into ACG, tapping into Nike’s unparalleled running history to fuel performance across all abilities and intensities.
· Community & Competition: A growing All Conditions Racing Department, new elite trail athletes, and expanded partnerships with independent trail running events.
· Global Footprint: The opening of the first ACG Base Camp this month in Beijing’s Taikoo Li Sanlitun, with additional activations bringing the wild inside Nike stores worldwide.
MarathonFoto Adds Four Team Members
MarathonFoto, an industry leader in race photography, has added four employees to its team. Shasten Hildebrand and Amanda Tobin have come on board as client relations managers. Dehn Craig and Jacob Harris have joined the team as external operations managers.
Smith Opens New Portland Headquarters
Outdoor eyewear and helmet brand Smith recently relocated to a new Portland, OR, headquarters. The move honors Smith’s continued connection and commitment to the outdoor culture in Portland where the brand has grown over the past decade since relocating from Sun Valley, ID in 2015.
The new location is home to Smith’s Portland-based teams, including product development, design, engineering, sales operations, e-commerce and marketing. The Portland office is supported by employees based in Smith’s longtime goggle manufacturing plant and optical lab in Clearfield, UT and Denver, CO-based distribution center.
Diadora Signs University of Oregon’s Simeon Birnbaum
Diadora, the Italian sportswear brand, has signed Simeon Birnbaum, an elite middle distance runner from the University of Oregon. Hailing from Rapid City, SD, Birnbaum has established himself as one of the nation’s top collegiate distance runners, building on his record-breaking high school career. In 2025, he was an All-American in cross-country and the Oregon record holder at 3000m indoors. As a freshman, he won the 5,000 meters at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships in a meet-record time of 13:31.87, helping lead the University of Oregon to the conference outdoor title and earning Big Ten Track Athlete of the Championships honors. A fierce competitor with the poise of a veteran, "I chose to partner with Diadora because I believe they want to win as badly as I do,” says Birnbaum.
Näak Partners with Courtney Dauwalter
World-renowned ultrarunner Courtney Dauwalter has partnered with Näak, making the Canadian sports nutrition brand her official fuel sponsor for the 2026 season. Through this partnership Dauwalter will be using Näak fuel to further enhance the mindset during her training, racing and life.
“Näak’s brand matches my own personal ethos so well,” says Dauwalter. “Their commitment to sustainability and supporting the trail-running community are values I can stand behind every single day. I’m so happy to join their team this season.”
Through the partnership Näak’s Boost Energy gels and Ultra Energy gels, waffles, purees and bars will fuel Dauwalter’s training and racing. Additionally, a signature product, combining Dauwalter’s favorite flavors and fuel consistencies, between the athlete and brand is being discussed.
Hoka Adds Gentry As Global Ambassador
Guided by her philosophy, “forward is a pace,” she inspires runners to
New Product: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3
Salomon recently unveiled its Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3 (MSRP: $280), its latest pinnacle road racing shoe. Aerodynamically optimized with a completely new upper and midsole design tested in a wind tunnel, the S/Lab Phantasm 3 provides a 2.5 to 3 percent reduction in overall aerodynamic drag, translating to up to 18 seconds shaved off a full marathon ran at 20kmh. At just seven ounces, the shoe is 10 percent lighter than the S/LAB Phantasm 2 while featuring a new foam for increased resiliency and more foam for increased performance.
Running USA Awards Industry Leaders
Running USA recently announced the recipients of its prestigious annual awards during the 2026 Industry Conference, held in St. Louis, MO. The 22nd conference celebrated the achievements of individuals who have made lasting contributions to the running industry.
Three industry leaders were inducted into the 22nd class of Running USA’s Hall of Champions. The Hall of Champions recognizes the leaders who have made the sport and business of road running the successful and beloved industry it is today.
The 2026 inductees are:
• Jack Fleming: Fleming’s leadership at the Boston Athletic Association fundamentally shaped the modern road racing landscape and elevated the standards for event excellence worldwide. Through his stewardship of the Boston Marathon and other BAA events, Fleming helped advance innovations in athlete services, safety, accessibility, and community engagement that influenced how major races are produced across the industry. He has helped position the marathon not only as a world-class competition but also as a powerful civic institution with global reach.
• Joe Moreno: Moreno is the founder and longtime race director of the Quad Cities Marathon in Moline, Illinois, and a nationally respected leader who has spent nearly three decades building inclusive, runner-first events that have strengthened the sport across the Midwest. Known for visionary course design, hands-on servant leadership, and personal touches like greeting every finisher, Joe’s work has left a lasting impact on both the running community and the broader industry.
• Mary Wittenberg: Wittenberg has been a champion of the sport of running for decades, elevating athletes, events, and the industry through her leadership with New York Road Runners, Virgin Sport, Let’s Do This, and her own lifelong commitment to the sport. Through her trailblazing roles as President and CEO of NYRR and founding global CEO of Virgin Sport, she has inspired others to see themselves in leadership and continues to do so with the Running USA LEAD Collective.
In addition to the Hall of Champions inductees, Running USA honored four additional industry leaders:
Legacy Tribute: Susan Hurley’s vision transformed charity fundraising in the running community, creating a lasting model of purpose-driven participation, generosity, and giving. Her impact lives on through CharityTeams, which she founded to empower athletes and endurance events to raise millions of dollars for causes that change lives. She lost her battle with ovarian cancer in late 2025, but Susan will be forever missed in the industry.
Women’s Leadership Award: Linda Maxwell is a visionary leader who has shaped and strengthened the running community in Northeastern Wisconsin for decades, growing iconic events like the Bellin Run and creating impactful programs that empower women, youth, and runners of all backgrounds.
Award of Excellence: Jackie Hoffman is the driving force behind Peace Runners 773, a Chicago-based run club community that uses movement to build connection, promote inclusion, and improve healthy outcomes. Through his leadership and prompted by personal experience, the group has created a welcoming space where runners of all backgrounds feel seen, supported, and empowered both on the roads and beyond them.
St. Louis Award of Excellence: Tom Eckelman is one of the most influential and enduring figures in the St. Louis running community, with decades of service that have shaped the region’s race culture. He served on the St. Louis Track Club board for 40 years, including six years as president, and founded cornerstone events such as the St. Louis Half Marathon (1971), the St. Louis Marathon, and the Frostbite Series (1990), all of which became lasting fixtures in the local running calendar.
New Product: Tread Labs Run Insole
The new Run Insole (MSRP: $85) from Tread Labs features nitrogen-infused rebound foam and clinical-grade arch support (custom-tuned support with multiple arch profiles and size-specific options for a locked-in fit), that turns impact into propulsion and instability into control. Every stride becomes smoother, more efficient, and more powerful. Among its features:
• Clinical-grade arch support. Recyclable, ultra-durable polypropylene shell, available in four arch heights for a dialed-in fit.
• Nitrogen-infused energy return. Supercritical, nitrogen-infused foam engineered for rebound and responsiveness.
• Precision Heel Cushion. Soft where it helps, firm where it matters, combining a 6mm PU heel cushion with a calcaneal drop zone to reduce pressure at impact.
• Refined, locked-in fit. Eleven sizes for a no-slip fit.
• Built to last. Backed by the Million Mile Guarantee: lifetime coverage on molded arch supports, plus replaceable top covers to keep them fresh.
