Can Specialty Run Handle More Competition? Is the ‘Super Shoe’ Here to Stay? + More Burning Questions for the Running Market

November 9, 2023

The running market continues to be the hot spot in athletic footwear, and everyone wants a piece of it.

For instance, Nike, which had been prioritizing its direct-to-consumer channels, renewed its partnerships with non-athletic retailers Macy’s and DSW earlier this year. And Hoka — FN’s Brand of the Year and a name that has been a star in the running market — has been welcomed by mainstream and fashion retailers in recent years.

Overall, sales for adult road running shoes grew 6 percent by dollar amount from January through August, according to market insights firm Circana. That’s in part thanks to the higher price points on some of the category’s hot brands. FN