There were a lot of new products and personnel announcements from run specialty brands in the past month.

Kane Footwear Launches Revive OB 
Kane Footwear, one of the leaders in the active recovery footwear industry, recently launched the Revive OB, its first open-backed recovery shoe, designed for in-between activity moments. The Revive OB, meaning “Open Back,ˮ is the third recovery shoe model in the Revive family, joining the Revive and Revive AC. 
The OB was crafted with the same core philosophy and features as the rest of the Revive line: 

● Raised footbed nodes to activate blood flow and pressure points.

● Smooth transferability and energy from heel to toes.

● Dual-density EVA construction for generous cushioning and active support.

● Oversized channels and siped soles to provide flexibility and traction.

● Water-friendly and breathable, as exterior perforations act as interior channels that allow enhanced airflow.

Unlike traditional slip-ons, the Revive OB combines ease with an engineered recovery platform that provides greater stability, grip and protection during short transitions. Inspired by the fast-paced nature of locker rooms, the OB was created for the periods in between activities where speed and convenience is a priority: in and out of the cold plunge and sauna, moments before putting on cleats, kicking off before hitting the reformer, and more. 

“We often take for granted recovery for the foot. Kane looks to address that need in a variety of ways,ˮ explains Joe Distor, Kane footwear advisor and NFL strength and conditioning coach. “The Revive OB will make it even easier to prioritize recovery in transitional moments that often get overlooked. Every second counts when you are a professional athlete, so it is refreshing to see KANE take a conscious approach to the footwear athletes want and need.ˮ

The Revive OB retails for $78 and is available in adult sizes M3/W5 - M17/W19. The active recovery shoe will launch in four colorways: Bone, Stone, Black, and Neon Yellow.

Brooks Strengthens Leadership Team
Brooks Running last week announced a strategic evolution of its global and regional business structure, with a number of new global roles, including promoting Carson Caprara to chief product officer and elevating chief marketing officer Melanie Allen’s responsibilities, as well as a newly created role of senior VP&GM of the Americas.

“Carson brings exceptional clarity to how product vision becomes meaningful performance for runners,” says Dan Sheridan, CEO of Brooks Running. “Elevating this role reflects both the scale of our ambition and the strength of Carson’s leadership as we expand our product lines and accelerate our global growth.”

As part of this next phase, chief marketing officer Melanie Allen is taking on expanded responsibility for shaping and activating a global brand vision that connects more deeply across product, consumer experience and regional execution. In her elevated role, Allen will focus on long-term strategic foresight, global consumer insight and elevating branded experiences across Brooks’ digital and physical touchpoints worldwide.

At the same time, Brooks has appointed Mike Billish to the newly created role of senior VP&GM of the Americas. Billish will oversee the Americas business across wholesale, direct, marketing and retail, aligning commercial execution and regional decision-making under a single leader.

“These moves ensure the right leaders are focused on the right time horizons,” Sheridan adds. “By strengthening both our global leadership and our North America operating model, we’re positioning Brooks to win today — and scale for the future.”

2026 Brooks x Pittsburgh Marathon Shoe Unveiled
P3R and Brooks Running have unveiled the 2026 Brooks x Pittsburgh Marathon limited-edition running shoe, a design inspired by the steel, strength and unmistakable colors of the City of Bridges. The custom Brooks Glycerin 23 features bold yellow, black and steel accents, along with playful design details that pay tribute to Pittsburgh’s skyline, bridges and the energy of race weekend.

 “The Pittsburgh Marathon is known for taking runners across some of the most iconic bridges and neighborhoods in our city, and this year’s Brooks collaboration captures that spirit in a really special way,” says Troy Schooley, CEO of P3R. “This shoe gives runners a unique way to celebrate their connection to Pittsburgh and commemorate their race experience with a design that reflects the pride, resilience and energy of our community.”

The commemorative shoe blends the comfort and cushioning of the Glycerin franchise with a distinctly Pittsburgh aesthetic. Subtle design elements woven throughout the shoe reflect the city’s character and the spirit of the thousands of runners who will cross its bridges during race weekend.

As the official footwear and apparel partner of the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon (May 3, 2026), Brooks continues a tradition of creating annual Pittsburgh-inspired shoes that allow runners to showcase their city pride on race day and long after they cross the finish line.

New Product: Notace Michi 1
Notace, the athletic footwear brand  built around natural movement and intentional performance, recently launched its first road running shoe, the michi 1. Designed to support natural biomechanics while delivering modern cushioning and all-day comfort, the michi 1 empowers runners to stay connected to the road without compromise.

"With the michi 1, we wanted to create a road shoe that truly supports natural movement through foot strength, efficiency, and intention," says 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."

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 a balance of flexibility, cushioning and ground feel. 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.

Scarpa Names Degenhardt North America CEO

Scarpa, global manufacturer of high-performance mountain footwear, has named Jonathan Degenhardt as new CEO of its North American operation. 

Along with Degenhardt’s hire, two longtime employees have been elevated into new leadership positions with additional responsibilities at Scarpa North America. Mark Mathews, currently VP–sales, becomes chief commercial officer, and Joe Higby, currently VP–finance, becomes VP–finance and operations. 

Degenhardt will join the company mid April, and spend an extensive transition period working with longtime ScarpaNorth America CEO Kim Miller, who will retire early next year. 

Degenhardt joins Scarpa from Deuter USA and Ortovox USA, where he was managing director for the last six years for those two EU-based brands. It is a full-circle transition for Degenhardt, who worked in sales for Scarpa at the outset of its North American operation 20 years ago. 

Mathews’ responsibilities in his new role as chief commercial officer at Scarpa North America will continue to include oversight of sales, and expand to product category development, line planning, merchandising, market research and go-to-market strategy. 

In his new role as VP–finance and operations, Higby’s responsibilities will grow to include operations for SCARPA North America, including oversight of supply chain and logistics, distribution and systems administration. 

New Balance Celebrates the Ellipse

In celebration of New Balance’s newest running shoe – the Ellipse – the company is hosting Run x LIFT: Total Body with New Balance Ellipse at Barry’s studios across North America. These special classes will be offered once per week from April 6–30 at momre than 60 Barry’s studios in the U.S. and Canada. 

Guests will have the opportunity to try out the new Ellipse during the class to experience its bouncy, Fresh Foam X cushioning, designed to make daily runs and workouts even more enjoyable. Throughout the month of April, studios will feature Ellipse‑themed décor to bring the experience to life including lobby and locker room takeovers. At Barry’s studios with Fuel Bars, attendees can enjoy a post‑workout green Ellipse shake.

The Ellipse is New Balance’s newest evolution in running crafted to help runners lose track of time – whether they’re just beginning their running journey or seasoned athletes looking for smooth, easy recovery miles. 

Salomon Adds Grayson Murphy to International Team
Salomon recently signed trail-running athlete Grayson Murphy to its International Team on a multi-year agreement. Murphy has built a legacy defined by consistency, competitiveness. A four-time USATF Mountain Ultra Trail (MUT) Champion (2019, 2021, 2023, 2024), she claimed the 2023 WMRA Classic Mountain Championship and earned two medals at the 2023 World Championships. Her range extends seamlessly to the roads, where she owns a 1:10 half marathon (Olympic Trials qualifying standard), underscoring her rare blend of speed and endurance.
Murphy is currently expecting a child and will be easing back into structured training in the latter half of the year. She plans to make her first attempt at an Olympic Trials qualifying marathon during this cycle, before shifting her primary competitive focus back to the trails in 2027.

Salomon North America Appoints Stauth
Also at Salomon North America, Laura Stauth was recently appointed SVP-sales. She joins the brand from VF Corp.-owned Vans, where she most recently was VP-sales.

In her new role, Stauth will oversee Salomon’s North American soft goods sales organization, “with a focused mandate to strengthen and expand wholesale partnerships and deepen investments in specialty retail to accelerate the brand’s performance-led business across footwear, apparel, and accessories.”

Merrell Unveils “It Starts Outside” Brand Platform
Merrell is celebrating its 45th anniversary with the debut of its first-ever global brand platform and creative expression: It Starts Outside. Rooted in the belief that even a few steps outdoors can shift how people think, feel, and move, this new platform reframes the outdoors as the spark of possibility that can change everything.

At a moment when people around the world feel overwhelmed, digitally tethered and in need of micro-breaks from the pace of modern life, Merrell is redefining the “outside” as something immediate and accessible. More than a campaign, It Starts Outside establishes going outside as a catalyst for transformation: fueling clarity, resilience, creativity, and human connection—accessible just beyond your front door.

“It Starts Outside is more than a campaign, it’s our global point of view as we architect the future of the brand,” explains Richard McLeod, Global CMO of Merrell. “For 45 years we’ve built the world’s most trusted hiking boots. Now we’re expanding that purpose: to help people unlock clarity, connection and momentum, simply by stepping outside. This belief guides how we design product, shape culture, and empower the next generation of outdoor creators.”

The new creative expression launches with a 30‑second hero film developed with Uncommon Creative Studio, capturing the exact physiological and emotional shift that occurs when someone moves from inside to outside. Three shortform vignettes further explore the ways people experience the outside today — illustrating the transformation that can begin the moment you cross the threshold of your front door.

It Starts Outside began its global rollout in March.

Feetures Appoints Liz Carter VP–Sales
Feetures recently appointed of Liz Carter VP–sales, reporting to CEO John Gaither. She will focus on strengthening retail partnerships, sharpening operational consistency and aligning sales initiatives with the company’s broader growth ambitions.

In her most recent role as CMO at Reputation.com, Carter built high-performing teams, implemented disciplined sales processes based on actionable insights, and supported scalable growth in highly competitive markets. 

Carter’s appointment also represents something deeper than a leadership transition — it is a continuation of a legacy and a bold investment in the future. As the daughter of Feetures founder Hugh Gaither, she joins her brothers, John Gaither (CEO) and Joe Gaither (CMO), in leading the family-founded business. Her sister, Catherine Leitch, has supported the company since its early years and currently contributes to sales efforts within the golf market.

New Product: Arc’teryx Sylan 2
Originally introduced in 2024, the Sylan laid the foundation for Arc’teryx’s approach to performance and speed in the mountains. Building on that momentum and direct athlete feedback, the Sylan 2 has been refined to deliver a lighter, more responsive, and more stable ride for fast efforts on technical terrain.

Key updates include:
• 20g lighter than the Sylan
• More stable underfoot
• More breathable with improved foothold
• Enhanced energy return
• An ultra-responsive midsole paired with a carbon fibre composite plateImproved traction for fast, technical terrain
• Improved traction for fast, technical terrain

Nike Unveils New Pegasus Models
Nike Running has introduced a new Pegasus, described as “a powerful workhorse built for peak responsive cushioning performance that allows runners to push their limits and break new ground, stride after stride.”

With 15 percent greater energy return than its predecessor, the Pegasus 42 is powered by a curved, full-length Air Zoom unit, which provides a propulsive feel reminiscent of Nike’s road racing footwear but engineered for everyday runs.
A modified last offers an accommodating fit and forefoot cushioning, especially under the toes, where a spring structure accommodates an additional 3mm of cushioning without adding to the stack height in the rest of the shoe.

A plush ReactX foam midsole maintains continuity from the Pegasus 41 and a modernized waffle outsole enables smooth transitions while delivering confident traction on a variety of surfaces. And a midfoot support system and fully molded sock liner promote a comfortable, secure fit, and a new lightweight, breathable upper seamlessly conforms to the foot.
The new silhouette anchors Nike’s Pegasus franchise, one of three distinct categories comprising the brand’s simplified road running footwear lineup.

norda Launches First New 005 Colorways
norda has released two new colorways of the 005, completing its SS26 KALEDISCOPIC footwear collection. 

The 005 reimagined what trail racing footwear could be with its close-to-the-earth, ultralight, plateless design and pure Arnitel TPEE foam midsole upon its debut in March 2025. Now it’s received its first set of new colorways: Laser and Comet. Both draw inspiration from Group B rally racing — a set of rally car regulations from the ‘80s known for speed, power, adrenaline and danger  —  but each interprets that high-adrenaline inspiration in a vastly different fashion.

The Laser is off-road swiftness personified, with a crisp white base accented by hits of hot red, black piping and small dashes of gold. In a first for norda, livery-inspired branding that calls out the 005’s signature technologies like Arnitel and Dyneema is present on the upper.

The Comet (in photo above) offers a more conceptual take on speed, mixing a muted foundation with vibrant embellishments. The light grey shade of the Neve (005 launch colorway) returns as a base, but is accented with a dark midfoot lace loop and black soleplate. Cutting through the middle of this assemblage, like a runner moving swiftly across the trail or a Group B rally car speeding around a corner, is a flash of bright pink.

Each pair is priced at $325 USD.

New Products: Craft Shoe and Jacket

Craft recently launched two new styles for the run season ahead — the Endurance 3 shoe and the Hypervent Light Wind Running Jacket.

• The Endurance 3 is a versatile all around running shoe built to deliver comfort, support and performance across a wide range of terrains and conditions. Designed with enhanced breathability and a supportive feel, it is a dependable choice for everyday runs and runners seeking a smooth and efficient ride. A sleek and aerodynamic design supports speed and agility, while balanced cushioning provides comfort from the first step through longer efforts. A full Px Foam midsole delivers explosive toe off and soft landings to promote a smooth and efficient stride. The highly breathable one piece engineered mesh upper adapts naturally to the foot, offering a snug and supportive fit throughout the run. Craft Endurance Fit provides a narrow heel cup for stability, secure mid foot lock in for confidence, and a spacious forefoot that allows natural movement for lasting comfort across varying terrain.