The Running Event (TRE): 2025 Runners High
Running is having a moment and it was palpable at TRE25.
In November, I was able to attend The Running Event (TRE) in Austin. For those of you who are not familiar with the event, it is a B2B trade show where run specialty retailers meet with key running brands to make their buy for 2025. Simply put, this is when retailers decide what products will be on the wall next year. As a result, all the brands showcase the newest products and innovations that are about to hit the market. So, if you are into running products, this is the show to attend.
I spent three days listening to presentations, walking the floor, and meeting with friends and colleagues. Based on my experience, I wanted to share my key highlights and themes I observed.
SECOND NATURE PODCAST TRE SUMMARY
Dylan, Aaron and I sat down for an emergency podcast to review TRE25. The YouTube link is below.
Or, if you want to listen on Spotify, see below.
TRE25: THEMES
1. Running has never been more accessible, yet less accessable
Running footwear and style has broadened the consumer base, but high performance aesthetic and high prices may be creating a barrier to the sport.
2. The messages were all about high performance or style/lifestyle
Performance trainers seemed to be the sharp point for many footwear brands. On the apparel side, style-forward brands were a big focus (see Packed Booths below).
3. Everything looks new, but generally similar
Don’t get me wrong, there are some disruptors out there (I see you Satisfy and Bandit), but a lot of product and messaging felt similar between brands.
4. Running extends to trail and recovery, but not the gym
The extension of running this year largely focused on trail footwear (especially performance trail) and recovery. Other than Tyr, I saw very few brands connecting to the gym. With the popularity of Hyrox, I expected a few more options.
5. Brands focused almost exclusively on footwear or apparel but not both
I shouldn’t be surprised, but I am. While there are select exceptions (e.g. Satisfy, North Face, and Salomon), generally, footwear brands are singularly focused on footwear, and apparel brands are singularly focused on apparel. I was expecting to see more crossover and believe this is an opportunity for brands, especially as running apparel is having a moment.
TRE25: BRAND HIGHLIGHTS
(Yes, many of these brands can live in multiple categories)
Brands No One Missed
Brooks
HOKA
Packed Booths
Puma
Satisfy
Bandit
Vuori
Lululemon
On
Trail Brands that Nailed Footwear
Salomon
The North Face
New Trail Brands to Watch
Norda
NNormal
Raide Research
Most Improved Product
Mizuno
Sketcher
Diadora
In summary, 2025 will be an exciting year for running retail. There are many brands to follow, races to attend and athletes to watch. I hope you are as excited as I am.