Hoka Athletes Fare Well at UTMB Race
Hoka athlete Ludovic Pommeret finished in fifth place at the recent Hoka Ultra-Trail Du Mont-Blanc UTMB Race, yet the biggest moment of the race was a surprise victory from Hoka employee, Vincent Bouillard. Bouillard, 31, is the senior manager of product engineering–Innovation for Hoka and he dominated the men’s field with a winning time of 19:54:23.
Pommeret, 49, was Hoka’s top finisher in the men’s race, completing the 106-mile route in 20:58:18. Pommeret returned to UTMB after winning the Hardrock 100 just over six weeks earlier.
Bouillard has been working for Hoka for eight years, starting as an intern in 2016. A French native who resides in Annecy, Bouillard has spent his career as a materials engineer developing products for the brand’s elite athletes.
“I have come to the race many times and even to be on the start line was a dream come true,” says Bouillard. “It was beyond my wildest dreams to win the race. Some of my great friends, like Jim Walmsley and Tim Tollefson, have inspired me, and if I could inspire others that would be a beautiful full circle moment — that’s one of the best parts of the sport.
Foundation Wellness Acquired by PE Firm
Foundation Wellness, the parent company of the Powerstep, Currex, Foot Petals, Flat Socks, Doctor Hoys and other footcare-focused branded companies, has been acquired from Gridiron Capital by Bansk Group, described as “a consumer-focused private investment firm building consumer brands.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with the Bansk team to accelerate our brand growth and enhance the best-in-class orthotics solutions our industry-leading brands deliver to help consumers live higher quality, active lives,” says Sean Williams, CEO of Foundational Wellness. “Bansk’s deep expertise in consumer healthcare and track record of nurturing distinctive brands to drive long-term business growth aligns closely with our vision for Foundation Wellness.”
“As we see consumers increasingly focus on health, wellness and fitness, along with an aging U.S. population seeking to live a more active lifestyle, demand for effective, pain-relieving orthotic solutions is poised for long-term, secular growth,” adds Chris Kelly, senior partner of Bansk Group. “For nearly 90 years, Foundation Wellness has built a reputation for prioritizing the health and wellness of consumers. We look forward to leveraging our track record in the consumer health sector to capitalize on strong demand for Foundation Wellness’ clinical orthotics offering and thoughtfully expand the company’s platform in adjacent categories.”
Bansk Group’s investment in Foundation Wellness marks the company’s third consumer healthcare platform investment and fifth in less than three years, following the pending acquisition of PetIQ, a pet medication, health and wellness company, the acquisitions of Arcadia Consumer Healthcare, a platform of OTC medicines brands; CloSYS, a science-based oral rinse product for sensitive mouths; and Avrio Health, another OTC consumer health products company.
McRae Named Head of Puma’s NA Brand Strategy and Marketing
Tara McRae has returned to Puma as the company’s, new senior VP– marketing and brand strategy for the North American market. She will be responsible for developing and executing longer-term consumer-centric brand and marketing strategies and plans for the North American market across all channels.
“Tara will be instrumental in shaping our brand and marketing strategies in North America, delivering on our mission to push sport and culture forward,” says Bob Philion, president of Puma NA. “Her proven track record in understanding the consumer and brand elevation will be invaluable for us as we amplify our Forever.Faster. Mantra and drive the next chapter of growth for the region.”
McRae spent the last four years working at Clarks as the company’s global chief marketing and digital officer. She was also responsible for the Clarks Originals product business unit. Earlier McRae was the first CMO at TB12, Tom Brady’s global health and wellness brand. Previously she was a part of Puma North America’s regional marketing team from 2006 until 2016. She worked in the company’s media planning and sports marketing departments before taking on regional marketing responsibilities.
“Puma is one of the most iconic global brands in sport and lifestyle with a super-rich heritage. It is known for using the power of sport to push culture forward through a relentless focus on being true to the brand and obsessed with the consumer,” says McRae. “I am thrilled to come back home to Puma and work closely with the great team to drive the brand in the North American market.”
McRae reports to President Bob Philion and serves on Puma’s North America senior leadership team.
Alwrld Unveils Fall 2024 Line
Running apparel brand Alwrld recently released its Fall 2024 collection focused on style and performance. The Accelerated Collection, inspired by the fluidity and strength of the human body in motion, embodies both sophistication and resilience, blending style with function.
The Fall 2024 line features a palette of elevated tones and versatile designs for transitioning from workout to everyday wear. Each piece promises comfort and durability, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality, responsibility and leadership.
CEP Compression Launches Cold Weather Hybrid Jacket
Extending its reach into functional apparel, CEP Compression has unveiled a Cold Weather Hybrid Jacket. Available in both men’s and women’s styles, the jacket is PFAS-free and features recycled polyester.
New Product: Puma Fast RB Nitro Elite
On its mission to “rewrite the rules of speed,” Puma recently unveiled its highly anticipated Fast RB Nitro Elite. Featuring rule-breaking (RB) innovation and some radical design features, Fast RB Nitro Elite features 58mm of Nitrofoam Elite, its most advanced foam technology. And at 18mm above regulations, it offers a “cheat code” of cushion and responsiveness that releases a confidence in runners they’re yet to experience.
Locked between the layers of NIT Nitrofoam Elite are three carbon PWRplaters that are strategically placed for powerful propulsion. A laceless mesh upper is reinforced with Puma PWRtape and Pumagrip provides multi-surface traction.
"Our elite race day running shoes are often confided to work within the rules, but with Fast RB Nitro Elite, we asked the question, ‘What if we pushed running technology as far as we can?’” explains Romain Girard, head of Innovation Design at PUMA said: This is not just a running shoe; it's a statement. Proof of our intent to not only be the fastest brand in the world, but the most innovative.”
Fast RB Nitro Elite is available in two colorways, including the futuristic Psychedelic Rush. The eye-catching hue is complemented by outlines of silver and a black Puma formstrip to make runners feel their best as they step into their fastest stride. MSRP: $350
The Black-Sun Stream colorway combines a sleek, black upper with a vibrant fireglow sole, providing runners with a higher contrast aesthetic.
Rossignol Unveils Its First Trail Shoe
With the introduction of its first high-performance trail-running shoe, Rossignol is taking another step forward in its diversification strategy. Following the launch of recent spring summer collections including technical clothing, mountain bikes and hiking footwear, Rossignol first trail-running collection for 2025 is spearheaded by its flagship trail run shoe, the Vezor.
Representing the culmination of three-years of R&D work and in-depth field testing, the Vezor has been thoughtfully designed with a balance of precision, grip and propulsive performance to carry trail runners across the most rugged and technical terrain. The lightweight, stable and altogether fast shoe is designed for medium-distance races, in both training and competition.
“The fusion of our new, ultra-resilient nitrogen-injected foam and our Diapazon+ technology gives the Vezor the perfect balance of energy return and stability,” he adds. “Its ingeniously designed outsole incorporating Michelin’s OCX3 compound ensures impeccable grip on all types of terrain. Ideal for medium distances, the Vezor will be an ally of choice for committed trail runners, accompanying them in training sessions and high-intensity races. Its neon red color alludes to Rossignol's heritage and performance-oriented DNA."
H2O Audio Launches TRI 2 Multi-Sport Series:
H2O Audio, the maker of waterproof audio technology, has introduced the TRI 2 Multi-Sport Series, what it calls “a new standard in bone conduction audio and represent the pinnacle of H2O Audio’s innovations.”
Available in two models – TRI 2 and TRI 2 PRO – the series features a new proprietary bone conduction acoustics design that offers extended battery life and a lightweight, soft silicone finish. Designed with input from athletes and customers, the headphones also feature improved button placement among other advancements.
The TRI 2 PRO includes H2O Audio’s patent-pending PLAYLIST+ technology – an industry first – allowing users to download and store streaming music directly onto their headphones for offline play, even underwater.
The TRI 2 is priced at $179.99 and the TRI 2 PRO at $199.99.
Oiselle Named Athletic Apparel Sponsor of Alexis Ohanian’s Athlos NYC
Women’s running brand Oiselle has been named the inaugural athletic apparel sponsor for Athlos, the track invitational created by entrepreneur and investor Alexis Ohanian. Focused on centering and celebrating the female athlete, Athlos NYC will feature an investment in the sport with the largest prize purse ever for a women’s track event – aligning seamlessly with Oiselle’s founding mission to improve the sport of running by creating a platform to amplify the voices of women in the sport.
The inaugural race, Athlos NYC, will be held on September 26 at Icahn Stadium in New York City. The event will boast a roster of track stars that includes Gabby Thomas, Faith Kipyegon and Alexis Holmes. With 10 percent of all revenue redistributed to all participating athletes across the six races, Athlos NYC will also feature a unique compensation model that aims to transform women’s track.
“When we heard that Alexis Ohanian was creating a sport-changing women’s track event, our first thought was, ‘Let’s join forces!’ The prize purse model is trailblazing in and of itself, but the impact of this event will extend far beyond the payout,” explains Oiselle CEO Arielle Knutson. “Oiselle has long been on a mission to grow the attention on women’s running and Athlos centers the woman runner to amplify her voice and elevate the sport in a big way. We couldn’t be more mission aligned.”
New Product: Brooks Glycerin Max
On October 5 Brooks is ushering in the next generation of its nitrogen-infused technology with a model imbued with maximum softness and spring and designed for an adaptive experience that keeps you locked into the run with ease and efficiency. The Glycerin Max features DNA Tuned, the newest iteration of nitrogen infused foam, created with a tuned dual-cell technique. The heel features large cells for plush landings, while the forefoot features small cells for responsive toe-offs. Our cutting-edge foam reduces added layers and processes for a seamlessly tuned experience.
Other features:
• Effortless Transitions: The GlideRoll Rocker features dramatically sculpted bevel and toe spring geometries for an optimal and effortless heel-to-toe transition.
• Stacked to the Max: DNA Tuned helps protects the body from impact and will leave legs feeling fresh day after day.
According to the company, with the Glycerin Max, Brooks research and development teams sought to create a model that further enabled runners to run pain-free for longer, with better energy efficiency and decreased expense. The shoes new foaming formula, DNA Tuned, uses strategically placed nitrogen properties for plush landings and responsive toe-offs to help people move more effortlessly.
Selkirk Sport Unveils Overhauled SLK line
Selkirk Sport has released a fully revamped SLK pickleball equipment line, designed to provide players with top-tier pickleball equipment at an affordable price. Each paddle in the new line has been engineered to meet the specific needs of different players, ensuring that everyone can find the perfect paddle to elevate their game, regardless of their skill level or budget.
“Selkirk’s mission has always been to expand the game of pickleball by providing players with the best equipment available,” says Rob Barnes, co-Founder and co-CEO of Selkirk Sport. “With the new SLK line, we’re excited to offer players the opportunity to experience cutting-edge technology and superior performance without breaking the bank. We believe that everyone deserves to play with the best, and this line truly reflects that commitment.”
The new SLK line features six distinct paddle models, designed to cater to different play styles. The models range from $50 to $150 and are offered in two shapes.
The Max shape offers a shorter, wider paddle face for a larger sweet spot, while the XL shape offers a longer and narrower paddle face for extended reach.
- HALO Series — The SLK Halo series caters to intermediate to advanced players, offering three models tailored to different playstyles. The HALO Power is built for aggressive players who prioritize power in their shots. The HALO Control is ideal for those who value precision and accuracy. The HALO Pro is a balanced option for all-court players, combining power and control. The HALO Power and HALO Control start at $130, with the HALO Pro available for $150.
- OMEGA Hybrid Air — Designed for balanced players who seek versatility on the court, the Omega Hybrid Air paddle delivers faster swing speeds to support explosive power. Its new paddle face texture enhances spin capability, while high-density foam walls offer precise control. Suitable for players of all skill levels, this paddle is available for $120.
- EVO Series — Perfect for players transitioning from other sports or those upgrading their equipment, the EVO series focuses on optimizing swing speed and impact absorption. The EVO Power model is designed for forceful, fast-paced shots, while the EVO Control paddle enhances playability with its ability to absorb impact. Each paddle in this series is priced at $100.
- Atlas — Emerging players seeking exceptional control and spin will find the SLK Atlas paddle an excellent choice. With a raw carbon surface that delivers a crisp, responsive feel, the Atlas allows players to place shots with precision. Available at an unbeatable price of $80.
- Latitude — Recommended for developing players, the Latitude paddle enhances power and spin capabilities with its graphite paddle face. This paddle is ideal for those looking to boost their confidence on the court with consistent shot control. The Latitude is priced at $70.
- Nexus — The Nexus paddle is a premium starter option, offering unmatched durability and consistent performance. Designed for beginners, it features a fiberglass-wrapped honeycomb core that blends power and control, along with a comfortable grip and wrapped edges for long-lasting enjoyment. It retails for $50.
