Running Insight 3.10.2026

The Running Apparel Issue

The Art & Science of SELLING APPAREL

Running shoes may drive traffic, but apparel can drive margin, loyalty and possibly most importantly, an emotional connection to your store. Yet in many run specialty stores, apparel remains the most underperforming category, not because the product isn’t strong, but because the merchandising and selling strategies aren’t intentional.

Selling running apparel is both an art

and a science. The science lies in placement, visual strategy and staff training. The art lies in storytelling, inspiration and emotion. When you blend the two, apparel can become a really powerful category that brings people in to see what’s new.

Why Apparel Requires a Different Approach

Here’s the reality: Very few customers walk into a run specialty store planning

to buy apparel. They’re coming in for shoes, socks, nutrition or a specific need. Apparel is almost always an emotional add-on purchase.

Grasping this point changes everything. Success in this category doesn’t come from simply filling a wall. It comes from inten tionally creating excitement before the customer even realizes they want it.

Here are five solid pieces of

Art & Science of Selling Apparel

merchandising advice that can help make apparel a more improtant part of your run specialty product mix.

1. WIN THE FIRST FIVE SECONDS

If customers don’t walk in thinking about apparel, you have about five seconds to change that. First impressions matter…and in retail, the front entry sets the tone for what happens with shoppers inside the store. If customers are immediately greeted by a styled, energetic apparel presentation, you expand their mindset before they ever reach the shoe wall.

A strong front entry apparel moment might include:

• One two three full-body mannequins in complete outfits; top, bottom, socks, shoes, hydration and maybe even a hat.

• A bold seasonal color story.

• A curated table nearby with the actual product folded or stacked so customers can touch and feel the fabrics,

• Clear visual connection from that entry display to the apparel section with a clean line of sight and eye-catching signage.

This does two powerful things.

First, it plants the seed. Even if the customer walks straight to footwear, apparel is now on their radar — they’ve started thinking about that great looking outfit that greeted them at the door.

Second, it creates anticipation. When there is a clear line of sight from the entry display to the apparel section, customers begin to explore naturally. The store feels intentional and the journey feels exciting and inviting.

Apparel should not feel like a side department tucked away after the “important” categories. It should feel integrated into the very first impression of the store.

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Art & Science of Selling Apparel (continued)

Excitement drives exploration, and this exploration is what drives apparel sales.

2. USE MANNEQUINS. GOOD ONES.

There is no more effective tool for selling apparel than well-styled, modern mannequins. There’s a reason brands like Lululemon, Athleta and Anthropologie fill their stores with them. It’s because they work. A beautifully styled outfit on an athletic, contemporary mannequin allows customers to instantly visualize themselves in the product. It answers questions before they’re asked:

• How does this fit?

• What does this look like as a full outfit?

• How do I style it?

Don’t be afraid to integrate some strategic pops of color on these front-entry mannequins, as this can really create buzz and send a signal of “newness” to your shopper.

Once you get your customers thinking about apparel with that first impression, keep the momentum going as they move through the store. Stay consistent with mannequin presentations by placing them throughout the entire space, rather than limiting them to the front entry or the apparel section.

Some of the strongest apparel sales we see among our running store clients come from retailers who consistently integrate outfitted mannequins and torso forms throughout the store — near seating areas, in the footwear area, by dressing rooms and even close to the cash wrap when space allows.

The goal is repetition without redundancy. Each moment reinforces the idea that apparel isn’t a side category, but an essential

part of the running experience. Every time you don’t include a styled outfit on a mannequin, it’s a missed opportunity to remind shoppers of the exciting new gear they could be running in tomorrow.

Don’t forget about the wide variety of mannequins and forms that you can incorporate into your displays to add interest. Leg forms, hand and arm forms for gloves, head forms for hats can all help highlight accessories and a growing selection of athletic cut plus size mannequins is now readily available. Torso and bust forms are critical for displaying sports bras. We consistently fi nd high-quality athletic cut forms in a range of dynamic poses (including sitting, running, and stretching) from www.greneker.com

Remember, when apparel is consistently visible throughout the store, it naturally shifts in the customer’s mind from an optional add-on to an integrated part of their run journey, rather than something isolated on a back wall.

3.CONSIDER

SOME SIMPLE TECHNIQUES WHEN DISPLAYING APPAREL

An effective apparel section should include a visible wall to display color stories and curated collections, as well as floor fixtures in front of the wall, that lead customers over and entice them to explore the many color and style options. Having all apparel on a wall or floor fixture only, instead of the combination, loses impact and makes it challenging to merchandising the whole category story.

Although every wall presentation you create comes with its own unique challenges, some

simple rules of thumb apply across almost all apparel merchandising. When building your display strategy, remember that prints and statement pieces tend to get lost when hung sideways on a crossbar. Placing these items face-forward on a faceout is far more effective for catching a shopper’s eye.

• Reserve horizontal crossbars for your bulk inventory, such as high-volume items like solid colored shorts or core tights. Crossbars are also ideal for showcasing solid tops or jackets in multiple colors. Displaying them side by side allows customers to quickly see the full color range you offer, while ensuring no important design details on the front of the garments are hidden.

When building your wall

display strategy, remember to break up the large wall of apparel with shelves, mannequin forms, plants, props, graphics or anything else that can act as a focal point that creates interest for the shopper.

• When placing an out fi t on a torso form on a shelf, be sure to place it right next to the inventory of that product on the wall, so the customer can easily locate the piece they love and not get frustrated digging through the racks to fi nd it.

4. THE SALES PERSPECTIVE: DON’T PRE-DECIDE FOR THE CUSTOMER

One of the biggest missed apparel opportunities in run specialty is simply not talking about it.

Staff members have no hesitation asking about footwear

or socks. But when it comes to technical apparel, many hold back, often because of price assumptions and the feeling that they may be too “pushy.”

Actually, this is quite the opposite, as customers truly appreciate the insight of trusted running store associates. Employees who are used to pro deals may assume customers won’t pay full price and that is a costly assumption.

In reality, many specialty run customers appreciate performance fabrics, value comfort and innovation and often don’t even know certain products existed. Over the years, I have found that shoppers are actually excited about upgrading their wardrobe and have no problem shelling out additional funds at the register for a fun, new

running outfit.

Its important to teach your staff that there is zero risk in asking the simple question during a shoe fitting, “Do you have a favorite short or tight right now?” Or, “Have you updated your cold-weather gear recently?”

Often, the customer just hasn’t wandered over to apparel and this simple conversation is the bridge they needed. Once your staff believes that they should never decide for the customer what they will or won’t pay, they’ll be pleasantly surprised by the increase they’ll start seeing in apparel add-on sales.

5. THE BIGGER PICTURE: EXPERIENCE OVER TRANSACTION

Customers don’t drive to

Art & Science of Selling Apparel (continued)

your store for the same experience they can get online. They come for expertise, community and inspiration. Apparel is one of your most powerful tools to elevate that experience. A beautifully styled mannequin tells a story and creates excitement about the product in a way that can’t happen when scrolling the web. The right first impression plants the seed with shoppers, and then a thoughtful staff question opens the door to discovery.

When you treat apparel as an emotional category, not just an inventory category, it begins to perform differently. The key thing to remember is that selling running apparel isn’t about pushing product. It’s about creating desire and excitement, telling a story and confidently inviting the customer into something new.

When you and your staff approach how you display and talk about apparel from this perspective, you may be surprised at how naturally it starts selling right along with those shoes. n

Holly Wiese is founder of 3 Dots Design, a retail design consultancy serving specialty run, bike, and outdoor brands including Fleet Feet and Specialized Bicycle. A former industry retail leader and frequent speaker, she helps retailers create more compelling, high-performing store environments.

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LOOKING GOOD

What running retailers are wearing on the run in 2026

Running Insight’s now annual “What Retailers Are Wearing” feature curated by senior writer Danny Smith queries run specialty store leaders about the gear they’re grabbing when they head out for a run. Highlighting run shop leaders from four distinct regions of the U.S., the following pages showcase the diverse selection of energizing product in the marketplace and the dynamic solutions available from head to toe. The pictorial feature also underscores just how varied personal tastes can be, with more than two dozen brands represented across the footwear, apparel and accessories categories.

So, from Pensacola to Salt Lake City, from Portland to West Reading, take a look at what four run specialty retail leaders are sporting when it’s time to head out the door and log some miles.

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Dom Zambrano is the owner of Running Wild, which has locations in Pensacola, FL, and Fairhope, AL. Zambrano, who purchased Running Wild in 2024 from original owners Paul and Cherie Epstein, is currently training for a spring marathon followed by a 100-mile race.

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“While we live in a runner-friendly town, it’s also a populated coastal town. I want to hear the world around me, as much for safety as the opportunity to connect with people while I’m out getting in some miles.”

rnnr Pacer Hat in Custom Double Bridge Run Colorway

“This hat is lightweight, on par with anything else out there and fully customizable, which allows me to showcase a local race we sponsor.”

Alwrld ALTRN Tee

“I can run 10 miles in this shirt and it’ll hardly be wet. It’s super stretchy and lightweight, which I really appreciate living in Florida.”

Garmin Fenix 8 Pro

“As a run specialty retailer, it’s my responsibility to know about the latest and greatest, including GPS watches. Having familiarity with this Garmin and all the data it gives allows me to talk to customers about it as a major training tool.”

Vuori Trail Short

“The liner is a futuristic mesh that’s incredibly breathable, and the shorts are so dynamic I can go straight from my run to the coffee shop and not feel out of place.”

Skin Strong SLIK

“Skin Strong is a Florida company and I appreciate supporting local, but the product also works. I just spray and go.”

Running Wild Quarter Crew Socks

“Anyone who runs knows socks are crucial and these are synthetic, wick well and rep the home team, which is a win-win-win in my book.”

Altra Escalante 4

“I like the Escalante because it keeps me grounded with its lower stack height and foot shape design. There’s something irreplaceable about feeling the ground you’re running on, even in the age of some exciting super trainers.”

Adriane Hoke is the buyer at Fleet Feet in West Reading, PA. Though a torn lateral meniscus has temporarily paused her running, the injury isn’t keeping Hoke from doing other things outside, particularly walking. “I like to keep my cardio up,” she says.

Junk Ear Warmer

“I do not like wearing running hats because they get me too hot and sweaty. This headband covers my forehead and ears, so it’s perfect for this time of year.”

Mizuno Tech Thermal Charge Breath

Thermo Long Sleeve Tee

“My go-to base layer when it’s cold outside. As my body heats up, the material in this top heats up, too, keeping me nice and warm.”

New Balance Power X Sports Bra

“This bra’s soft, offers the perfect amount of support and doesn’t ride up or chafe. As a bonus, it’s easy to take off when I’m sweaty.”

Nathan HyperNight Reflective Convertible Mitt

“Mittens or gloves? Here, I can get either depending on what I need.”

Nike Therma FIT Synthetic Fill Running Jacket

“It’s not too heavy and not too light, while the jacket also comes down to cover my waistline so no cold air swoops in.”

goodr Sunglasses

“Polarized, non-slip and very affordable.”

Kari Traa Rose Half Zip Base Layer Top

“First, I love that Kari Traa is a for girls, by girls line. Second, this form-fitting top is made of Merino wool and, though I’m allergic to wool, this particular top doesn’t cause me to break out at all.”

Mizuno Breath Thermo Running Tight

“When I wear these leggings, I don’t need anything else on top because, just like the crew top, the material heats up to keep me warm.”

Nike Vomero Plus

“The Vomero Plus looks like a heavy shoe, but it’s lightweight and the responsiveness is insane. The cushioning is perfect for me and protects my knees and joints.”

Feetures Elite Light Cushion Quarter

“I like the quarter height because it covers my ankles in cold weather. The moisture wicking fabric is on point and the compression fit creates warmth as well.”

Currex RunPro Insoles

“I wear this insole in all of my shoes. I have high arches and appreciate that this insole fills in the gap between my arch and the shoe and balances out my body.”

Salt Lake Running Co. chief operating officer Eli White is a devoted long-distance trail runner, often logging miles alongside his dog, Indi. Given the variable conditions late winter/early spring can bring to the SLC area, White favors versatile gear.

SLRC x ciele CLBCap

“The hat’s materials are breathable and comfy, and I always love repping SLRC.”

goodr Professor 00G Sunglasses

“This is an economical pair of sunglasses with polarized lenses. They perform well and don’t slide, so I don’t have to think of them.”

Craft Essence Hybrid Glove

“My hands are usually the first to get cold and these gloves shine in all different types of conditions.”

Saxx Multi-Sport Mesh Boxer Brief

“I haven’t found anything as good as these boxer briefs to eliminate chafing, which no one wants.”

Brooks Momentum Thermal Tight

“The fleece lining on the inside keeps me warm and I love the accessible pockets on the thigh, which I can use to store gel packets or treats for Indi.”

Darn Tough Vermont Prism Micro Crew

“On the trails, especially in the winter, merino is my favorite material for socks. Even if I’m running through snow and my feet get wet, these socks still keep me warm.”

Altra Lone Peak 9+

Craft Active Intensity CN LS

“People often think so much about insulating layers providing warmth, when the base layer is the real key. This Craft top is a highly technical base layer that manages moisture exceptionally well and provides the warmth I need.”

Patagonia Airshed Pro Pullover

“Easily one of my favorite pieces because of its versatility. I can wear it anywhere from 15-45 degrees and just switch up what I layer underneath. It cuts through the wind well, is super breathable and has a DWR finish to keep me dry.”

Raide LF 2L Running Belt

“I generally prefer a belt to a vest and if I’m wearing a belt, this is the one. It’s suspension system keeps the belt snug against my back, so nothing is jostling around.”

Ruffwear Roamer Dog Leash

“Indi is my trail sidekick and this leash wraps around my waist, so I don’t have to hold anything. Even better, there’s elasticity to the leash, so I don’t get pulled if she tugs in one direction or another.”

“The Lone Peak has been my go-to trail shoe for years for its wide fit and low-to-the-ground feel. I was stoked when Altra added the 9+ version with Vibram Megagrip outsole because I did want more grip in the shoe. Whether I’m running on dirt, mud, ice or snow, the combination of the shoe’s lug pattern and Vibram compound does well on any surface.”

Josie Pratt is the footwear buyer and chief operating officer at Portland Running Company, a 31-year-old operation with locations in Portland and Beaverton, OR. A self-described “creature of habit,” Pratt logs about 40 miles a week on Portland area roads.

Sprints Flex on the Beach OG Hat

“This hat is so light you forget you’re wearing it. And it shades out everything while holding my hair back.”

Brooks Luxe Strappy Sports Bra

“It’s a super supportive sports bra, yet it doesn’t squeeze me too tightly.”

Nike Women’s Swift Dri-FIT Running Tank Top

“I’m content wearing a short sleeve or tank top under my Brooks jacket, and this particular Nike top is lightweight and doesn’t hold onto a lot of moisture.”

Brooks Canopy Jacket

“Running in Portland, you need some protection from the elements and this is the only jacket I’ve ever found that doesn’t get too hot while still keeping the weather out.”

Garmin Forerunner 265S

“This Garmin is user friendly. It gives me clear, accurate data and I can easily pair my headphones to it.”

New Balance Sleek Pocket High-Rise Legging

“Though this legging has seams, it’s still super comfortable and flexible and it isn’t too tight anywhere or too hot.”

Brooks Ghost Crew Socks

“These Brooks socks are comfy on the foot and cushy without being too hot or thick.”

Hoka Mach 7

“The Mach 7 is my speedy shoe. It’s lightweight and snappy and I feel I can wear it every day.”

Tracksmith’s Next Chapter

Introducing Tracksmith CEO Jared Carver and his plans to scale the Boston-based brand’s cult appeal. / By Danny

Smith

On a Thursday afternoon in February, Tracksmith CEO Jared Carver settles before a computer in his office on Boston’s Newbury Street. He’s excited to talk about his new favorite topic: a 12-yearold running brand with a cult following and, Carver swears, a long runway ahead.

One of running’s leading independent brands, Tracksmith has captured notoriety for blending its New England prep school aesthetic with premium materials and premium prices – first with apparel such as shorts and singlets before venturing into footwear in late 2022. Over the last year, meanwhile, Tracksmith has increasingly veered from its direct-to-consumer playbook and embraced wholesale. Run specialty shops from coast to coast now stock its distinctive products.

In Tracksmith’s flagship retail store below his office – a space Carver visits daily to talk with customers and staff and observe shopping habits – Tracksmith product fills a space doused with sophisticated flair. As has become Tracksmith’s modus operandi, everything at the Trackhouse is carefully curated and thoughtfully planned – the hardwood flooring, the lighting, the hangers, the photos on the wall and the frames they sit in, the hardware and so on. Intentionally, unapologetically, unabashedly, Tracksmith is who it is.

Lofty Goals

“What has me energized is what the brand has always been, but ultimately what it can become,” Carver says.

Tracksmith tapped Carver to address the latter, to steer

Tracksmith’s future at a critical time in its present.

At the end of January, Tracksmith announced Carver as its new chief executive. At the same time, the company revealed that founder and longtime CEO Matt Taylor would be stepping into the newly established chief creative officer role. While Taylor will continue to shepherd the brand’s creative direction, Carver will oversee day-to-day operations and Tracksmith’s long-term business strategy.

Carver, a runner himself who completed the 2025 Covered Bridges Half Marathon in Vermont in 2:07, joins Tracksmith following a 15-year run at Converse, the Nike-owned brand best known for its beloved Chuck Taylor sneakers. He served as Converse CEO from 2023-2025.

Carver calls his new gig at Tracksmith a “return home.” His father worked as a sales rep selling to run specialty stores and Carver remembers visiting run shops with his father as a kid.

“From my earliest days, I’ve been connected to the running marketplace and the brands winning in this space,” Carver says.

And Carver believes Tracksmith can win – and win big.

“Tracksmith is both the beginning of an iconic brand and has the potential to be a brand that lasts into perpetuity,” he says.

‘Doubling down’

To be certain, Carver sees challenges before Tracksmith. Most notably, the performance running apparel market has never been more intense and crowded with established players such as Nike and Brooks as well as fellow upstarts like Satisfy, Bandit and Saysky all battling for consumer attention and spending.

Carver is clear in his immediate priorities. He wants to serve Tracksmith’s current customers in the most efficient way possible and cement the brand’s foothold in New England – its home base – before more aggressively exporting that awareness across the country and internationally.

“Every brand has a place — and this is ours,” Carver says of New England. “But that doesn’t mean we’re a brand only for this place. I think what inspires us about New England appeals to people everywhere.”

Carver’s mission is to make sure Tracksmith’s values and genuine love for sport continues to shine in its storytelling and, most importantly, its product, which Taylor launched

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Tracksmith’s Next Chapter (continued)

on the principle that “running deserves better.”

“This brand was built on iterating on product while Matt went out and ran in it, and that’s what’s made the brand great,” Carver says. “We can’t stop doing that. In fact, we absolutely need to double down on it.”

Next Steps for the Brand

While building upon Tracksmith staples – pop-up shops around major marathons, lively visual storytelling and its own branded retail stores in Boston, Brooklyn and London – Carver also sees compelling opportunities to sharpen and scale the Tracksmith business.

At present, for instance, Tracksmith’s business skews male and Carver aims to create more accessibility in female product offerings from a fit and

grading perspective. He also wants to strengthen Tracksmith’s wholesale business by developing deeper partnerships with retailers to elevate the brand’s presence in retail shops across the country.

“We can’t just be a shoe on the wall or a shirt on a rack. We’ve got to figure out how to bring our brand to wholesale in a way that really drives impact,” Carver says. “We’ve got to stay maniacal that our brand feels like our brand, regardless of where you find it.”

Carver insists Tracksmith can accomplish that and compete effectively in a discerning market.

“I love the notion of writing a great story for Tracksmith and looking back on this time as a really fun period of growth,” he says. n

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Apparel Outlier The Running Apparel Issue

With its robust apparel business, RC Outfitters was already unique in the run specialty marketplace. Kelsey Klaus’s arrival last year has only further pushed the Peoria, IL-based retailer into a different territory. / By Danny

Smith

Long before Kelsey Klaus became the new apparel product line manager at RC Outfitters, the Peoria, IL-based running store was already doing things a bit differently on the apparel front.

RC Outfitters’ showroom featured denim, dresses and other lifestyle apparel alongside performance run pieces, boldly pushing the boundaries of traditional run specialty and investing in apparel at a level of few peers. (In fact, the store’s ambitious and diverse inventory mix spurred its rebranding from Running Central to the less run-specific RC Outfitters moniker in 2019.) RC Outfitters’ hefty apparel focus stirred results, too, as its apparel sales – both in total dollars and as a percentage of overall sales – far outpaced industry benchmarks.

Leveraging an academic background in apparel merchandising, past experiences in visual merchandising for retail behemoths like Target and Saks Fifth Avenue and a passion for fashion and presentation, Klaus has poured accelerant on an already healthy apparel business at RC Outfitters since her arrival last April.

RC Outfitters owner Adam White calls Klaus “a fashionista” who possesses both an enterprising vision as well as practical understanding of small business dynamics, two traits that have helped grow apparel sales at RC Outfitters to 40 percent of overall sales – a mark four times greater than the nation’s typical run specialty shop.

“With social media and run clubs booming, people want to look good on and after the run,” Klaus says. “It’s something we can all capitalize on.”

Klaus, who recently added the store manager title at RC Outfitters to her resume, chatted with Running Insight about the

As both the store

work she has led to elevate and sharpen RC Outfitters’ apparel business.

GET A GRIP.

While Klaus entered a solid apparel business at RC Outfitters in early 2025, she also champions continuous improvement. She took a deep dive into store data to discover what was selling at RC Outfitters and what items pulled people into the store. She also analyzed the market and RC Outfitters’ place in it to discern just how far the store

could push the envelope.

“The truth is people in and around Peoria don’t have a lot of shopping options when it comes to fashion,” she says. “RC Outfitters has earned trust over the years that it will bring fashion and options, which was something we could leverage even more.”

TIGHTEN INVENTORY.

After identifying the franchise models of apparel moving the needle at RC Outfitters, Klaus made a concerted effort to tighten the

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The Hot Shot Recovery Set from FP Movement hits on two emerging fashion trends RC Outfitters’ Kelsey Klaus identifies: shades of brown and balloon-styled pants.

breadth of specific lines. With lululemon, for instance, Klaus noticed RC Outfitters would stock nearly every single color of a popular short or jacket. To Klaus, it was too much of the same thing. She believed carrying two or three colors would lead to more focused inventory while still providing the

necessary energy for customers.

DEEPEN THE ASSORTMENT.

Tightening inventory provided RC Outfitters added license to focus on other brands. She explored the offerings of existing in-store brands such as On and Diadora while also steering RC Outfitters’ investment in

new brands for the store such as Tracksmith that were increasingly catching consumers’ eyes.

Today, RC Outfitters’ apparel floor is a smorgasbord of technical and lifestyle goods from legacy players like Brooks and New Balance as well as upstart brands like FP Movement, Rhone, Roark and Free Fly.

DON’T RESIST TRENDS.

Run specialty needs to remember the “special” part, Klaus reminds. “If I’m only going to stock black shorts, then customers are likely to go elsewhere,” she says.

While carrying core colors and styles, Klaus hasn’t shied away from “sprinkling in the trends” at RC Outfitters, from monochromatic sets to wide-leg pants.

“We have to be okay taking some risk and stepping outside the basic options to bring in the trends,” she says.

SHIFT PERSPECTIVE.

In her third week on the job, Klaus fl ipped men’s and women’s apparel on the RC Outfitters sales floor to alter the store’s look.

“Don’t be afraid to try a different set up,” Klaus says. “You can always move things around and display products differently.”

At RC Outfitters, Klaus has experimented with various setups to avoid a stale feeling on the floor, from where she places mannequins to how she arranges and presents products.

“My team laughs that I’m always walking around with a half-dressed mannequin,” Klaus says. “Your inventory can’t necessarily change fast, but the look of the store can, and when things are beautifully displayed and put together well, people are more willing to buy.”

KEEP EVOLVING.

Again, there’s always room for improvement, which is why Klaus is working to heighten staff education on the apparel side to complement RC Outfitters’ robust education on footwear and shoe fittings. Moving forward, she aims to host more apparel-focused staff clinics, trend sessions, educational nights and try-on sessions so staff are better prepared to move from the footwear bench to the apparel floor with confidence.

“Much like our running, we can always be better,” says Klaus, who recently ran the Tokyo Marathon, the fifth stop on her six-star Abbott World Marathon Majors journey. “I never want to be content with the status quo.” n

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The performance-oriented Distance running shorts are engineered with input from BLACK DIAMOND mountain athletes, constructed from a stretchy nylon-elastane fabric with a PFC-free DWR finish that holds up to weather and abuse without restricting movement. Store gels and other essentials in two side-drop pockets that hug the hips (no bouncing) and a zippered rear pocket large enough for secure phone storage. The Distance Wind Shell is made from 15D nylon ripstop with a PFC-free DWR finish — it blocks chills and gusts while allowing moisture to vent out and packs down into its own zippered chest pocket with a carabiner clip loop for easy storage and carry.

ROYAL TREAT

ROYAL ROBBINS’ Salathé Sun Hoodie provides UPF 40+ sun protection and MPT chemical-free mosquito protection in an ultralight, highly breathable design. Made from 100 pecent recycled performance fabric, it features a relaxed fit for easy movement, fun prints and functional details like a zippered front, elastic cuffs and an adjustable hem. MSRP: $120. The All In Short is inspired by classic ’90s Royal Robbins designs and is offered in five-inch and 2.5-inch inseam lengths in vibrant summer-inspired colors. MSRP: $85

LIGHT AS A FEATHER

MONTANE’S Featherlite hoodie is for runners and hikers who require high levels of wind protection while moving quickly. Pertex Quantum Air has been engineered to offer a balance of performance while allowing any build-up of moisture within the layering system to escape quickly. A Pivot 0 Hood, elasticated cuffs and fully adjustable hem lock out cold winds while keeping the hoodie as light as possible.

LEGGIN IT OUT

The men’s Performance Singlet from CHICKN LEGS is lightweight, breathable and comes in more than 10 fun designs for race day, early miles and everything in between. MSRP: $35

TIGHT FIT

Engineered for performance and protection, the Core Run Thermal Compression Tights from CEP deliver warmth, support and movement. They feature lightweight compression panels to help create an anatomical fit that stabilizes joints and muscles. The wind-resistant material insulates against cold air and gusty conditions. Additionally, a secure zippered pocket and reflective details practical storage and visibility. MSRP: $120

SPEED OF SOUND

The Speed Gallery Endurance Suit from SOUND RUNNING pairs a supportive endurance short with an ultralight perforated breathable top. This race day suit features full carrying capacity with a phone-sized zip pocket on the back and multiple concealed pockets around the waist. MSRP: $180

IN THE HOODIE

The ALRN Tech Hoodie from ALWRLD releases heat as runners’ bodies generate it to maintain a comfortable temperature, with the added benefit of UPF sun coverage. MSRP: $118

DON’T ASK Y

The Y-Back Bra from HANDFUL is comfortable enough to take women from sundress to run. Featuring pockets to stash essential items, the Y-Back Bra offers support and balance. MSRP: $72

SWFT THINKING

JUNK’S SWFT hat is crafted from a recycled poly and spandex blend and features perforated panels for airflow and a spandex sweatband to keep sweat in check. The D-Fit micro hook and loop closure delivers a secure, stay-put fit and a reflective print logo adds more visibility. MSRP: $48

TIME TO RUN

DIADORA says “the time to run is now” with its new Stratouno seamless Italian knit line of technical base layers made from polyamide and polypropylene, which wick away moisture and regulate body temperature. Breathable and seamless, Stratouno pieces keep the body dry, cool and at an optimal temperature. The line consists of a tee, tank, half-tight and socks with MSRPs from $20 to $70.

LONG RANGE

The Long Bra from JANJI is the brand’s best-selling bra that doubles as a crop top with streamlined support, coverage and a back pocket to stash phones (or even a soft flask!)

MSRP: $72–$80

PURE FASHION

The LA SPORTIVA Pure Run apparel family is for runners seeking a performance running kit. Made from 100 percent recycled polyester with bonded hems to prevent chafing, the family includes shorts, tanks and T-shirts for both men and women. For inclement weather days, add the Pocketshell Jacket to complete the training or race day kit. MSRP: $55–$175

DELTA FORCE

The ANITA Active Sports Bra Style 5543 Air Control X DeltaPad features straps that can now also be worn as a crossback with the use of a new clip closure. The patented, triangularshaped foam cups help provide support and ensure air circulation with the ultra-light mesh on the outer cup. MSRP: $99

ADVANCED THINKING

SALOMON’S Bonatti Waterproof Jacket is its most versatile waterproof running jacket, featuring ultralight AdvancedSkin Dry 10K/10K protection with breathable membranes and ventilation, two zippered hand pockets, an elasticized hood and a packable design.

MSRP: $200

PACE YOURSELF

The Pacer Shorts from RABBIT are sculpted compression shorts made with PacerKnit fabric for support and feature rear zip and side stash pockets and silicone grippers to stay put. Available in four-inch for women and 8.5-inch for men.

MSRP: $75

PACKING IT IN

The NEW BALANCE RC Jacket blends best-in-class materials with technical performance features for a versatile design that goes beyond the run. Features a packable hood with lightweight, secure zipper, long sleeves with elasticated cuffs, zippered hand pockets, a packable design with hand elastic for easy carrying and durable Water Repellant (DWR) coating for light rain resistance. MSRP: $174.99

FAUX MINGO

The SPRINTS Flexion eight-inch Compression Shorts balance coverage and freedom and feature a four-pocket system. A flat surge stitch creates a seamless feel that helps reduce chafing. The Faux Mingo print is a flamingoforward flex featuring a flock of floaties, lawn legends and the occasional bird with something to prove. MSRP: $64

UTILITY PLAYER

The THACKER NYC Utility Vest can be layered under or over running apparel with intention. This vest features tailored utility, storage and a shell that protects runners from the elements.

MSRP: $178

LIGHT THE WAY

The Iridescent Collection from ALTER EGO brings a dynamic, light-shifting finish to the brand’s performance lineup. Each hat is designed to catch the light from every angle, keeping runners seen, day and night.

MSRP: $69

The RNNR Muscle Tee comes in both men’s and women’s cuts, dialed in for a new fit without losing its relaxed energy. Made from organic cotton and cut and sewn in Los Angeles, this shirt is made to feel broken-in from day one. MSRP: $60

VINCO’S Vitro is for low light conditions or any situation where runners need to see everything in natural color. These lab tested ultra-panoramic clear lens protects eyes from rain, mud and debris whenever the protection of a clear lens is needed. MSRP: $199

RUNDERWEAR’S Pulse Bra provides effortless comfort and confident performance. This style features Runderwear’s seamless design and adaptive knit construction to help ensure chafe-free running. Designed with a racerback style and front ruching. MSRP: $44

The RUNNING PEAS hat offers a modern flatbrimmed design providing sun coverage and style for kids running, exploring or heading to school. MSRP: $25

ELITE EFFORT

FEETURES’ Elite Light Cushion Mini Crew in Breezy Court brings performance that shows up and shows off. Cushioning is light and responsive. An anatomical design that actually fits the foot. And targeted compression creates a locked-in fit that feels custom-made. Cool blues and greens collide with bright yellow in a modern, pulsating pattern that turns every stride into a statement. MSRP: $21

WICKED COOL

Built for everyday wear and ready for the trail, OS1st’s Wicked Comfort Merino brings the reliable fit and feel of its best-selling sock to a more rugged, natural fiber. This reimagined Merino blend delivers lightweight insulation, odor resistance and next-level moisture management. A reinforced heel and toe boost lab-tested durability and more than twice the life of comparable socks, while seamless construction helps reduce friction on long days out. MSRP: Crew, $21.99;No Show/1/4 Crew $19.99

NU IDEA

The AroFi-Merino sock by COURIER is built with Nuyarn Merino, mixed with Courier-engineered yarns and CourierPOCKET cushioning technology for consistent compression and targeted relief. MSRP: $34

GLOVE STORY

JOGOLOGY socks are crafted to provide a glove-like fit and cushion where runners need it. These socks are designed to lock in runners’ heels and provide arch support with toe boxes that allow toes to splay naturally. MSRP: $16-$17

A DOG’S LIFE

BALEGA’S UltraGlide with Lycra

Dry delivers a precision fit and targeted comfort to help prevent hot spots and irritation, while the low cushioning and a metatarsal pad provide impact protection. The anatomical design with a supportive arch band helps to ensure a secure fit, and double heel tabs help guard against chafing. MSRP: $21

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One More Thing

All gnood Here

gnorda debuts as a novel apparel and footwear collaborative project from Norda and gnuhr.

In one of the more interesting running apparel/fashion partnerships, Norda has teamed with gnuhr to present gnorda, a 10-style collection of footwear and apparel that celebrates each brand’s core tenets: multifaceted design, textile innovation and an evolution in thinking around outdoor and running gear.

“gnorda focuses on the idea of minimum construction for maximum effect, stemming from both brands’ guiding principle of using the absolute best materials with the most paired back and effective process,” explains gnuhr founder Nur Abbas. “For example, the gnorda 002 is stripped back to its purest form, while the gnorda Warp T Tank is a fully engineered garment that doesn’t require any additive construction and can be worn in a multitude of ways.”

Drawing inspiration from Mount Analogue –the unfinished, allegorical magnum opus of French surrealist writer and poet René Daumal, in which a group of mountaineers in search of higher consciousness embark on an expedition to locate and climb a peak invisible to the outside world – gnorda pieces are presented in a mineral palette of brown and aqua, tuned for freedom of movement and mind, and showcased in an otherworldly campaign shot in the New Mexico desert.

“Since day one, my co-founder Willa and I have been obsessed with

unlocking the potential of the world’s most advanced materials,” adds Norda co-founder Nick Martire. “We believe that Nur and the gnuhr team are at the razor’s edge of outdoor design. Together, we were able to create gnorda, a line that we feel is without parallel.”

The gnorda collection was released in late January and consists of:

• Breaker Wind Shirt (MSRP: $349) and Breaker Wind Pants (MSRP: $259): Go-to layers for active, ultralight protection against the elements.

• Shag Zip Hoodie (MSRP: $149): Providing ultralight active insulation through its Polartec Alpha Direct 60 fleece construction.

• Alien Throne Tubular T (MSRP: $129): Displaying original artwork by Farid Saadi on its chest and branding from the gnorda collection on its back.

• Warp Cargo Legging (MSRP: $229): The legging is constructed from garment-dyed Italian nylon and offers integrated cargo pockets that are woven directly into the fabric.

• Warp Short Short Lined (MSRP: $119): The Short Short features integrated storage with six pockets (four for size 1-2) knit directly into its structure.

• Warp T-tank (MSRP: $139) Made from a single panel of warpknit garment-dyed Italian nylon, its cut lines give 36 total customization options across the body length, sleeves and necklines, while open mesh on the arms and sides allows increased ventilation.

Retro Sock (MSRP: $20) - The sock is for moments of rest and relaxation and offers a large gnorda wordmark on each side.

• 002 (MSRP: $295): The shoe features a bio-circular Dyneema upper, Norda x Vibram SLE midsole and outsole with Vibram Litebase and Megagrip technologies.

• 008 (MSRP: $145): A recovery slide built from dual-density EVA foam above a Vibram Ecostep soleplate. n