NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF RUN SPECIALTY
Kiprun Enters U.S. Market
Kiprun, the running brand born within European retailer Decathlon, will launch in the United States in April 2026, bringing its road and trail running shoes to a new market. Designed, developed and tested throughout France – from the trails of Chamonix to the roads of Lille – Kiprun “brings together cutting-edge performance technology, sustainable materials and innovative design to deliver high performance and comfort for runners of every level.”
“With Kiprun already trusted by runners in over 70 countries, entering the U.S. is a major milestone for our brand. Together with key wholesale partners like Running Warehouse and Run Moore, we’re excited to democratize high-performance running and inspire one of the world’s most vibrant running communities to keep running,” says Julien Vancauwenberghe, chief marketing officer at Kiprun.
Kiprun’s U.S. line-up will include footwear from three of its product franchises.
• Kipride – Everyday Run. Key Features: A blend of underfoot foam to deliver maximum comfort on the road. Use: Everyday, recovery, and long runs.
• Kipstorm – Training and Racing. Key Features: Ultralight and propulsive construction to deliver increased running economy. Use: Tempo and speed runs with race day performance.
• Kipsummit – Trail Running. Key Features: Max cushioning, protection, and traction for comfortable runs in varied terrain. Use: Trail run and races.
The U.S. launch serves as a homecoming of sorts, as the brand’s name was inspired by the electrifying cheers of the 2007 NYC Marathon crowd, specifically the rallying cry heard throughout the course, “Keep Running!” That same spirit now defines Kiprun’s mission to support every runner to keep running so they can explore their potential and grow.
Balega Launches New Feel the Difference Campaign
Performance sock brand Balega has launched its latest campaign, Feel the Difference, that highlights the brand’s dedication to providing the most comfortable performance sock on the market. Balega’s Feel the Difference campaign highlights the brand’s dedication to providing the most comfortable performance sock on the market.
“The Feel the Difference campaign demonstrates the product point of difference of Balega socks for runners, athletes and other consumers living active lives,” says Michael Polk, Implus CEO.
Lems Shoes to Enter Road Running Category
Lems Shoes, the Boulder-based footwear brand known for its natural foot-shaped designs, will launch its first road running collection in Fall 2026: the RadMaker and RadUltralite. Both models debuted at The Running Event earlier this month.
“Entering the road category has been years in the making,” says Andrew Rademacher, founder of Lems Shoes. “Our new road running collection is engineered to provide proper toe alignment, optimal metatarsal spread and a streamlined fit. Designed with our fit-first approach, this new collection prioritizes performance, efficiency, and foot health in a category that is often dominated by fashion and cushioning trends.”
For this new collection, Lems developed its TrueFit last to give runners a more natural, efficient ride. Built around the true shape of the foot, the last keeps the big toe properly aligned and allows all five toes to splay on impact, supporting better stability and power transfer. Its sleek profile removes the bulk and unwanted movement common in wide-toe box shoes, creating a more secure, responsive fit. The result is a smoother, more comfortable experience on the road. This new collection is an evolution of Lems’ fit-first philosophy that has guided every design since day one.
New Product: Diadora Track Mezzofondo Track Spike
Diadora has launched the Mezzofondo, a mid-distance spike and the latest addition to the brand’s high-performance competition footwear. This full-length carbon-filled spike is engineered for 800 to 10,000 meter races and is a fast rolling product with explosive propulsion and energy return. It was designed and developed by the Centro Ricerche Diadora, the brand’s in-house performance center based in Caerano di San Marco, Italy, and was tested extensively by Diadora’s athletes, including NIL athlete Marco Langon.
The Mezzofondo’s top-of-the-market performance stems from Diadora’s experience with sculpting the carbon plate for maximum propulsion, while Diadora’s enhanced ANIMA PX midsole provides responsiveness and lightness. The result is a race spike with a more stable and efficient stride plus 74% energy return.
Brooks Running Delivers Double-Digit Global Growth
Brooks Running achieved its ninth consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth, increasing revenue by 17 percent in Q3 as all regions and channels delivered double-digit gains. Brooks accelerated global expansion efforts, growing year-to-date revenue by 23 percent in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and 82 percent in Asia Pacific and Latin America (APLA) over the same horizon last year.
In the U.S., where adult performance running footwear increased 13 percent in Q3, Brooks achieved number one market share at national retail. Year-to-date through Q3, Brooks held three of the top six adult performance footwear styles sold at U.S. national retail.
“Our entire global team wakes up every day thinking about the runner – how they move, what they feel, the experience they desire and expect from their Brooks gear,” says Dan Sheridan, Brooks Running CEO. “I am super proud of the way Brooks is executing, even against a backdrop of continued economic impacts and uncertainty. More people around the world are running and choosing an active lifestyle and Brooks is central to their health and wellness goals.”
In the third quarter, Brooks launched five footwear styles in three core performance categories – cushion, trail, and speed – fueling a 17 percent growth in year-over-year footwear revenue. The brand also previewed the all-new Cascadia Elite, a shoe that’s helped propel Brooks’ elite trail athletes to 12 first place finishes and 30 podiums this season. Core franchises continued to post gains with Adrenaline GTS up 20% and Glycerin up 29% while full-price products grew 21%.
New Product: Heel Waterproof Roam 350 Virtual Dog Leash
Heel has released the release of the newly IP67 waterproof-certified Heel Roam 350 Virtual Dog Leash — expanding on its virtual leash that allows off-leash, in-control adventures. The Heel Roam 350 Virtual Dog Leash remains the only product that automatically keeps up to three dogs with their owners while on the move — without a physical leash.
With IP67 waterproof certification, the Roam 350 is purpose-built for active dogs that take on real adventures, whether running through creeks or jumping in ponds. The upgraded collar offers dog owners confidence in any environment, with new rugged housing, improved seals, and molded rubber buttons for maximum durability and reliability– no matter what form of water the dog gets into. The collar will also offer multiple color options for the multi-dog units.
CEP Running Adds Behuniak as Midwest Territory Brand Manager
CEP Running has added Joshua Behuniak as its newest territory brand manager for the midwest. Reporting to national specialty sales manager Marc Sylvester, Behuniak will oversee brand growth and strategic partnerships throughout the region. He has previously led territory sales and brand development for OOFOS.
Nike News from TRE 2025
Against the backdrop of The Running Event earlier this month, Nike unveiled the Structure Plus, delivering confidence, comfort and support, as well as two announcements that underscore All Conditions Gear (ACG) commitment to delivering innovation and experiences to support those who want to thrive in the wild, with the launch of ACG Zegama and a multi-year partnership with Broken Arrow Skyrace.
BROKEN ARROW
ACG ZEGAMA
Roll Recovery Introduces Superplush Solace Slides and Flip Flops
Roll Recovery recently unveiled Superplush Solace slides and flip flops to its Recovery Footwear collection. The Solace blends soft, luxurious natural materials with advanced recovery technology to create a premium feel while quietly offering the assist in recovery, comfort and style in the many hours of the day that athletes aren’t training.
The Solace collection will offer adjustable fits and a lifestyle aesthetic. The Solace Flip Flop, in particular, represents a breakthrough in comfort design — a one-of-a-kind recovery experience that sets a new benchmark for casual footwear. The Superplush Solace showcases genuine suede uppers for a refined look and natural touch, paired with Roll Recovery’s proprietary Superplush footbed made with Bloom Foam — a cushioning solution that replaces petroleum-based chemicals with algae for a cleaner, more sustainable approach. Beneath it all lies Roll Recovery’s Cradle Design, providing plush support and stability that delivers confidence with every step. MSRP $110.
Scarpa Promotes Marketing Team
