New Balance and New York Road Runners Extend Partnership
New York Road Runners (NYRR), the nonprofit that “runs” New York City and produces 60 annual adult and youth races including the TCS New York City Marathon, with New Balance, recently extended their long-standing partnership. As part of a multi-year renewal, New Balance will continue to serve as the Official Athletic Footwear and Apparel Sponsor of New York Road Runners and the TCS New York City Marathon.
The nonprofit and retailer began their partnership in 2015 rooted in a shared commitment to community and the power of running, particularly for the next generation of athletes, including participants of Rising New York Road Runners, NYRR’s free youth running program serving 200,000 kids nationwide, of which 100,000 are NYC-based.
“New York Road Runners impacts nearly half a million people each year and that’s possible because of the support of strong, mission-aligned partners like New Balance,” says Rob Simmelkjaer, New York Road Runners CEO. “We are excited to embark on a new chapter with New Balance to help reach more runners and invest in the New York City community.”
“Our partnership with New York Road Runners has grown into a powerful force for change — not just in how we support runners, but in how we inspire communities,” adds Joe Preston, president and CEO of New Balance. “Together, we are reaching runners of all ages especially kids.”
“New Balance has been an extraordinary partner in uplifting our mission to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running,” said Christine Burke, New York Road Runners Chief Commercial Officer. “We’re deeply grateful for a decade of collaboration and look forward to building on that foundation as we continue creating meaningful impact for generations of athletes to come.”
As part of the extended relationship, New York Road Runners and New Balance will refurbish a number of local tracks. The joint refurbishment project will begin in 2026; the track refurbishment initiative will help increase access to running for students across the five boroughs.
The partnership extension was announced during a special Rising New York Road Runners shoe distribution event shortly before the New York marathon earlier this month, with more than 400 elementary, middle and high school-aged NYC Public School students from across the five boroughs receiving free pairs of New Balance shoes. Rising New York Road Runners and New Balance have distributed nearly 50,000 free pairs of shoes to students at more than 1,000 underserved schools and community centers since the start of their 10-year partnership.
After receiving their new shoes, students participated in a series of fitness activities, led by four-time Olympic gold medalist, World Record Holder, American record holder, and New Balance athlete Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who recently won the 400 meters at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, running the second fastest time in history.
Adidas Running Enters Partnership With Fleet Feet
Fleet Feet recently entered into a new vendor partnership with Adidas. Through this collaboration, Fleet Feet and Adidas will elevate grassroots events across the country, creating opportunities for runners to engage with the sport on a deeper and more personal level.
“Adidas has asserted itself as a formidable force in running through product innovation and athlete partnerships and we’ve seen tremendous growth in customer interest in the brand,” says Joey Pointer, president and CEO of Fleet Feet. “Adidas has proven itself to be both a performance and purpose-driven brand, and we’re excited to launch our partnership.”
The partnership builds on successful collaborations between the two brands at events such as the TCS New York City Marathon, where Fleet Feet and Adidas engaged with thousands of runners through expo activations and community experiences. Moving forward, Fleet Feet and Adidas will expand their joint efforts at major marathons, regional races and local events.
“With a commitment to being the best sports brand in the world, helping athletes achieve their best through running innovation is at the core of who we are,” adds Eric Smith, SVP of NAM Wholesale at Adidas. “Our partnership with Fleet Feet will allow us to connect with runners in more meaningful ways through product, experience and community.”
Fleet Feet Adds Two Executives
Also at Fleet Feet, the company recently named Stacey Donley VP–merchandising strategy and planning and Jason Williams VP–store development and real estate.
In her role, Donley will lead Fleet Feet’s merchandising, buying functions and retail inventory management across Fleet Feet’s company-owned stores and e-commerce. Prior to joining Fleet Feet, Donley led buying for Kontoor Brands, specifically all U.S. brick-and-mortar Lee/Wrangler stores, and spent more than a decade in merchandising leadership roles at Macy’s. She will report to Fleet Feet COO Jason Jabaut.
Williams will oversee all aspects of Fleet Feet’s real estate strategy, including new store development, site selection, construction and portfolio management. Williams brings more than a decade of experience in retail real estate, most recently serving as senior director of real estate at The Orvis Company, where he led nationwide initiatives encompassing site selection, portfolio management construction and lease negotiations. Williams will report directly to CEO Joey Pointer.
Coats Completes Acquisition of OrthoLite
Coats Group, a Tier 2 supplier of critical components to the apparel and footwear industries, recently completed its acquisition of OrthoLite.
Coats first announced its intention to purchase OrthoLite, and its sustainable materials brand, Cirql, on July 16, 2025, for an initial enterprise value of $770 million.
The acquisition marks a milestone in Coats’ long-term growth plans and strengthens its existing footwear division through expansion into the high-growth premium insole segment. Both companies already have a similar customer base, a complementary global footprint and a commitment to industry-leading innovation and sustainability practices.
“OrthoLite is one of the world’s most innovative manufacturers in footwear materials. With our combined capabilities, we’ll now be able to offer our customers more future-focused solutions for more of the shoe – without compromising on the trusted quality both companies stand for,” says David Paja, Group CEO.
“I’m confident this move will bring even more value and opportunity for our customers and our people, while still delivering the great partnership and collaboration we’ve taken pride in over the years,” adds Glenn Barrett, founder and CEO of OrthoLite.
OOFOS Announces Co-CEO Leadership Structure
Global footwear brand, OOFOS, recently announced that co-founder Lou Panaccione and footwear industry veteran Angel Martinez will serve as co-chief executive officers. This new leadership structure enhances the brand’s growth opportunities and evolution from its roots as the creator of the recovery footwear category.
Martinez, who joined the OOFOS Board of Directors in early 2025, brings decades of leadership experience across some of the footwear industry’s most influential brands. As a founding executive at Reebok, CEO of The Rockport Company, CEO and Vice Chairman of Keen, and President, CEO, and Chairman of Deckers Brands, Martinez has helped shape and scale global businesses rooted in innovation, culture, and purpose.
Panaccione, who co-founded OOFOS in 2011, has been instrumental in building the company from the ground up — pioneering the recovery footwear category, introducing proprietary OOfoam technology, and guiding the brand through a decade of sustained growth. He continues to champion expanding the brand and remains steadfast in advancing OOFOS’ mission.
As co-CEOs, Martinez will oversee brand, product creation, sales and marketing, while Panaccione will focus on product development, operations, supply chain, finance and culture. This structure reflects a shared vision for the future of OOFOS and the brand’s readiness for continued expansion.
As part of these leadership updates, Liz White will serve as chief commercial officer, expanding her role beyond marketing to oversee all commercial functions, including North American sales, e-commerce and merchandising. Since joining the company in January 2025 as chief marketing officer, White has built OOFOS’ brand identity and strengthened its business strategy. She will continue to drive alignment across teams and functions with these new responsibilities.
Feetures Expands Apparel Collection
Feetures is bringing its sock performance innovation to apparel with the launch of the Women’s Stride Flex Performance Tank. Following the debut of the Stride Flex Performance Tee, the new tank continues Feetures’ mission to deliver apparel designed for movement, comfort and all-day versatility.
The Stride Flex Tank (MSRP: $55) balances coverage, confidence and freedom of movement. The scoop neckline and racerback straps provide a blend of style and function, while the flattering hem length and in-between fit offer comfort for a wide range of body types. Made with the same premium fabrication as the Stride Flex Tee, the tank adapts seamlessly from workouts to errands — proving that performance gear can be lived in all day.
