Brooks Running Expands Global Headquarters in Seattle
Brooks Running recently unveiled an expansion of its global headquarters in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. The new office space occupies all five floors of the new CornerStone building and they were designed to foster creativity and connection, supporting the design and development of the brand’s performance run gear.
With the addition of CornerStone, located across the street from Brooks’ offices in Stone 34, the brand’s global headquarters now spans two, totaling nearly 250,000-square feet of space. This expansion supports the brand’s growing employee base, which has doubled in size since relocating its offices from Bothell, WA, to Seattle in 2014. Brooks’ global headquarters now supports more than 500 Seattle-based employees.
“The new addition to our headquarters campus represents Brooks’ commitment to serving the needs of our growing team and business,” says Dan Sheridan, CEO of Brooks Running. “We are excited and proud to expand our footprint in the vibrant and active community in Fremont, the self-proclaimed ‘Center of the Universe.’ With access to seemingly endless miles of recreation trails at our doorstep and our focus on runners globally, we like to think of our Fremont headquarters as the ‘Center of the Running Universe.’”
The modern and flexible office space caters to the workflows across departments and the tactile needs of the footwear and apparel teams. Multi-story, open vertical spaces and clear sightlines foster interaction and make product creation outcomes visible. Collaborative workspaces create seamless flow between product creation spaces, hands-on testing and development, and meeting rooms.
“Our new headquarters building is a structural expression of our core brand values,” adds Katie Carlson, SVP, chief human resources officer. “We are a company centered around people. Our purpose is to inspire everyone to run and be active, and that starts with creating workspaces where teams can come together and find inspiration.”
The building fosters Brooks’ values like “Runner First” and “Keep Moving” with features that include an art installation that evokes the experience of running through dappled sunlight, a two-story shoelace pendant light, an interactive wall of local running routes, and a 50-foot mural inspired by Brooks history and running culture by Shogo Ota in the “BlueLine” Cafe, which pays homage to the fastest route to a marathon finish. The building also boasts 104 bike stalls, a bike repair station and a fully equipped gym and locker room.
Peluva Partners With NFL’s Ameer Abdullah
Peluva, the minimalist footwear brand that is “on a mission to change the way the world walks,” has partnered with NFL running back Ameer Abdullah. Abdullah, who plays for the Las Vegas Raiders and advocates for innovative performance gear on and off the field. Peluva is featuring Abdullah in campaigns showcasing its latest performance and lifestyle shoes as part of this partnership. His involvement extends beyond traditional endorsements. He plans to collaborate on initiatives highlighting the importance of foot health, performance, and the innovation Peluva brings to the footwear industry.
Superfeet Makes Leadership Changes
Superfeet recently announced a series of strategic leadership appointments aimed at fueling its next phase of growth.
• Annie Quammen has been promoted to become Superfeet’s first-ever chief people officer. In this expanded executive team role, Quammen will continue to oversee the company’s Global Human Resources operations and take on a leadership role driving Superfeet’s purpose pillars: people, planet and philanthropy.
• Leading the charge as Superfeet’s chief growth officer is Dan Bailey, who joins the company from Traeger, where he served as VP–U.S. sales for nearly three years. Prior to that, Bailey led a cross-functional group of product, marketing and commercial teams for Nike.
• Mike Donnelly joins Superfeet as VP-marketing. Donnelly, a former professional runner, most recently led brand marketing efforts for Nike Global Running.
• Rounding out the leadership team, Superfeet has appointed Jiewei Fridgen VP-operations. Fridgen brings two decades of experience in strategic planning across global and international markets, global supply chain management, operational excellence and team development from her tenures at Nike and Eddie Bauer.
• Heather Allerdice-Gerow also joins Superfeet as head of digital product. She will be instrumental in shaping Superfeet’s digital product journey.
Jogology Partners With Black Girls RUN!
National running group Black Girls RUN! (BGR!) and Jogology have entered into a national partnership through 2026 to help bring exposure to both brands in the running space. Jogology will join BGR! Nation on the road in 2025 for its Sweet 16 Tour providing product to members at select events across the country. The tour kicks off with the Gate River Run 15K/5K in Jacksonville, FL in March.
“We are excited to have Jogology as an exclusive running sock partner. Their commitment to promoting health and fitness aligns with our mission to create a movement to get women out running in the right support, including your feet,” says Jay Ell Alexander, owner and CEO of Black Girls RUN!
“Jogology’s brand ethos is to grow the running community in meaningful ways – to unite runners around the world and inspire community,” adds Tanya Pictor, co-founder of Jogology. “We are thrilled to partner with Black Girls RUN! which not only inspires community but also is an incredibly powerful force that gets women moving."
Altra Teams Up with Cooldown Run Club
Altra has entered into a footwear partnership with Cooldown, the largest running club in the nation with 15 locations and counting. This collaboration is a celebration of the vibrant, inclusive running community and a shared passion for bringing people together to move and connect.
Through this partnership, Altra will bring its products directly to Cooldown’s energetic and diverse community. Launching new styles at run club events, collaborating at major run culture moments and gathering real-time product feedback are just a few ways Altra plans to engage with Cooldown’s members.
Cooldown, which began in Denver, CO, has rapidly expanded into a nationwide movement, with run clubs now active in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Austin, Chicago, Boston, and beyond.
Wolverine Promotes Parent
Wolverine World Wide recently promoted Brett Parent to chief strategy officer (CSO), a newly created role for the parent company of the Merrell, Saucony, Wolverine and Sweaty Betty brands. The bump up from his prior role as VP–strategy was effective on February 3.
Parent will continue reporting directly to Chris Hufnagel, president and CEO of Wolverine Worldwide, and will now serve on the company’s executive team.
Parent joined Wolverine Worldwide’s Direct-to-Consumer division almost two decades ago and has since held various increasingly significant leadership roles in the organization, both in brand and corporate functions, the company said in a media release.
New Products: Hoka Bondi 9, Mafate speed
Two new launches from Hoka are worth noting this issue.
• First, in mid-January Hoka launched its newest road-running shoe, from the iconic Bondi franchise — the Bondi 9. With this update to the ultra-cushioned franchise that transformed the running industry over ten years ago, the Bondi 9 provides peak plushness for everyday miles providing an even smoother ride.
The Bondi 9 showcases a new premium midsole foam featuring supercritical foamed EVA, delivering a soft, cushioned ride that’s become synonymous with the Bondi. The foam is lighter, more resilient and more dynamic. The midsole also features updated geometries and a rearfoot-focused Active Foot Frame for enhanced support and control. Finally, an additional 2mm of stack height and a refined MetaRocker provide a smooth, plush, cushioned ride.
An elevated structured knit upper with zonal breathability creates a more accommodating and comfortable fit, while the new 3D molded collar gives an even softer feel and easy step-in. The outsole has been finished with durabrasion rubber to combat high wear zones in the outsole, ensuring that the Bondi 9 will provide traction, mile after mile. MSRP: $170.
• Then this month Hoka launches the Mafate Speed 4 Lite, an evolution of the Mafate Speed 4 trail running shoe. Featuring a featherweight, semi-transparent upper, the Mafate Speed 4 Lite redefines HOKA’s trail icon with a minimalist yet high-performance design. This new version incorporates a see-through upper for a lightweight, modern feel for both daily wear and off-road adventures.
Other key features include a durable ripstop nylon designed to withstand rugged trail conditions, reflective 3M logo and lace details for enhanced visibility, ProFly+ midsole delivering a propulsive, energetic ride and a Vibram Megagrip outsole with Litebase and Traction Lug for superior grip and durability.
The Mafate Speed 4 Lite launched Feb. 21 in two colorways: Black/Outer Orbit and Cold Brew/Oat Milk. MSRP: $180
New Product: Tifosi Shumo
Designed for active pursuits but versatile enough for everyday wear, Tifosi’s new Shumo transitions seamlessly from rugged trails to city streets with advanced sport-ready features in a sleek, adaptable frame. Its oversized lenses provide full coverage without the bulk of a full shield, while lightweight, plant-based Thrive frames and hydrophilic rubber nose pads ensure a secure, no-slip fit. MSRP: $39.95; launching Feb. 28
New Product: New Balance Fresh Foam x Hierro v9
Debuting Feb. 27, the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 is designed for trail athletes with a balance of stability, cushioning and comfort. The Dual Density Fresh Foam X midsole is composed of a softer top layer for comfort and cushioning, while the bottom layer is firmer to provide added stability and protection on uneven terrain. The Vibram Megagrip outsole has a revamped tread pattern with deeper, multidirectional lugs. MSRP: $155.
New Product: Diadora Nucelo 2
Diadora recently launched the Nucleo 2, a neutral running shoe for fluid, long runs. Weighing just 9.7 ounces and equipped with an Anima midsole, which offers 30 percent more midsole responsiveness while reducing weight by 20 percent, Nucleo 2 ensures a smooth ride for runners of all levels.
Astral Reveals Spring 2025 Footwear Collection
Astral this month unveiled its Spring 2025 footwear collection, featuring five new models with major updates to its favorite silhouettes—the Brewer and TR1 Mesh.
New to the Spring 2025 collection are the Nosobo, Techyak (in photo), TR1 Mesh 2.0, Brewer 3.0 and Crewer. The key intro is what Axstral is calling “the world’s first Rechargeable hiking shoes,” in the Nosobo and Techyak. Featuring the Rechargeable Drop-In Midsole, these shoes offer comfort and responsiveness while allowing for easy midsole replacement — extending their lifespan far beyond traditional trail footwear. Additionally, Astral debuts Astralite, a proprietary supercritical foam that enhances cushioning and energy return while being more environmentally sustainable to produce and offering a cleaner end-of-life cycle. Select models in the Spring 2025 collection will also feature Biodynamic Fit, providing a roomier toe box that expands on Astral’s signature natural fit.
Norda appoints dble collective as agency of record
Norda,, the high-performance footwear, has named dble collective as its public relations agency of record. This marks an important step in the brand’s strategy to elevate its brand presence, engage new audiences and further solidify its position as a leader in the premium running footwear market. Dble collective, known for its longstanding connections within the run industry and experiential approach to PR, will work closely with Norda to amplify its products, share the brand's innovative story and help propel the company’s growth on a global scale.
The partnership will kick off with the launch of Norda’s 005 model and its SS25 collection.
Jogology Adds Northeast Sales Representative
Jogology has hired Cole Crosby to handle its growing sales efforts in the Northeast. Crosby joins Jogology with more than a decade of experience working with brands and retailers in the run specialty market. Beginning in 2015, Crosby worked as a tech rep for Nathan and also he helped open Confluence Running in Binghamton, NY. He currently works as an independent rep for brands including: NNormal, Naak, and Instinct Trail. For Jogology, Crosby covers the states of Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York.
New Product: Oofos Oomy Zen
Oofos is starting the year off on the right foot – literally – with its latest innovation in active recovery, the OOmy Zen. Launched February 7, this new style enhances the recovery footwear category with a blend of science, design and comfort.
While it’s still built on Oofos’ patented OOfoam technology, which absorbs 37 percent more impact than traditional footwear, the OOmy Zen takes recovery to the next level with a new two-part design. The addition of a seamless knit upper provides a sleek, adaptive fit that enhances both performance and style.
Craft Partners With mammoth trailfest
Following a landmark 2024 event that drew nearly 2000 runners from 22 countries and 40 states – with 47 percent female participation – mammoth trailfest has entered into a multi-year partnership with Craft Sportswear.
Tim Tollefson, head crafter and founder of mammoth trailfest., reflected on the journey leading up to this partnership. “After losing our title sponsor, it was difficult to be honest,” Tollefson shares. “While we measure success in smiles and the feedback we get from our community, it’s hard not to feel disheartened when a sponsor moves on. But just like the seasons in the Eastern Sierra, change came quickly, and we soon found ourselves in discussions with leading brands in the running industry.”
"Tollefson noted the importance of aligning with a partner that shared the festival’s core values. “We believe trail running has the power to change lives and improve communities,” he says. “At trailfest., we pride ourselves on being more than just a world-class event. The focus on experiences with movies, talks, parties, and kids events is our vehicle to reach people. We continue to push for more youth, women, and people from historically underrepresented communities to have access to this sport and it was important for us to find a partner that would help drive that mission forward.”
Enter Craft Sportswear, the Swedish brand in endurance sports. “Much like the upstart underdog we are at trailfest., Craft struck me as a brand ready to make noise,” Tollefson explains. “Trailfest celebrates every runner, from course record breakers to those who persevere to finish against the odds, and Craft is a community-driven brand that
Three New Products from Altra
Altra earlier this month launched three new shoes for road and trail runs. Both the Torin and the Timp are known as legacy shoes by the brand and now there are some major updates to both.
• The Torin 8: Built for runners seeking a dependable, high-cushion ride, the Torin 8 is the latest update to Altra’s best-selling road running shoe. Perfect for everything from casual runs to intense training sessions and long-distance races. It features a Jacquard Mesh Upper, updated Altra Ego Max Midsole Foam and molded Heel Collar. MSRP: $150.
• The Torin 8 GTX: Built for all-weather performance, it features Gore-Tex Invisible Fit Technology, along with a lightweight, waterproof upper and windproof protection. MSRP: $170
•The Timp 5 Boa: For runners who value a cushioned trail experience and Altra’s signature roomy toe box, the Timp 5 Boa takes features from the inline Timp 5 and enhances them. Features include BOA Fit System for micro-adjustable, precision fit, Boa PerformFit Wrap upper configuration that wraps the midfoot and locks the heel for improved stability and energy efficiency, Vibram Megagrip outsole for traction and Altra Ego Max foam.
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New Product: Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2
In early February Puma launched ForeverRun Nitro 2, the second iteration of the ForeverRun stability shoe designed for everyday runners. Built with consistency and longevity in mind, ForeverRun Nitro 2 features improved stability, increased heel support and upgraded comfort.
The shoe features a new, wider midsole made from improved dual-density Nitrofoam for enhanced cushioning and support, while upgraded Runglide technology keeps the foot aligned and centered through each stride for a smooth and enjoyable running experience. Additional TPU support and a 38mm heel stack with a 10mm drop means ForeverRun NITRO 2 is plush under foot without feeling heavy. MSRP: $150
KT Tape Acquired by Bridges
Bridges Consumer Healthcare, a consumer healthcare platform comprised of nine over-the-counter (OTC) personal care brands, including ThermaCare and Absorbine Jr., has acquired KT Tape. The acquisition “diversifies and strengthens Bridges’ portfolio of specialty OTC brands, increasing the company’s scale and positioning Bridges for accelerated organic growth and further add-on opportunities.”
Founded in 2008, KT Tape was acquired by Palladin Consumer Retail Partners, previously known as Palladin Capital Group, in 2014.
