All the innovation we’ve seen in running shoe tech over the past few years, particularly in foams, cushioning and geometry, has given brands plenty of tools in their toolboxes. In 2024 we’ll see those innovations put to use in shoes designed to “wow” runners at all levels.

Honoring the best of the best independent retailers with the Gold Medal Service Award for Outstanding Customer Service is something we’ve been doing annually since 2015 at Footwear Insight.

Gold Medal winning retailers tell us how their stores continue to deliver great customer service and excel in a hyper-competitive environment. Challenges, advantages, top tips & more.

In-store service and brand/product assortment both top the list of important criteria for consumers when they are shopping for footwear, according to our most recent survey.

Vasque Footwear announced it has hired Austyn Dunham as product developer. She will be responsible for taking design intent, managing the construction, collaborating with the suppliers and manufacturers to make each design come to life...

Recovery brand Kane Footwear has launched a product collab of its Revive design in partnership with running influencer and personal trainer Matt Choi.

Craft Sportswear North America is moving its HQ across the country from Manchester, MA, to Seattle, WA, and getting a new CEO.

Product innovation and brand launch news from the running industry is in the spotlight today, including NNormal’s Kboix Experience, Mount To Coast’s distance shoes, new women’s brand Hettas, and a walking shoe from Vimazi.

JD Sports is partnering with Instacart to launch same-day delivery from more than 500 JD Sports and Finish Line stores across the U.S. via the Instacart App and website. JD Sports and Finish Line already offer online ordering for in-store pickup and shipping.

Columbia Sportswear announced that Cory Long has been named president of the Sorel brand. Long is a veteran of the footwear and apparel industry, most recently serving as global general manager and chief global merchant of DC Shoes.

There is a senior executive shuffle at Nike. John Hoke, a 30-year Swoosh veteran, is moving from chief design officer to chief innovation officer.

Former Saucony leader Anne Cavassa is joining material technology company PrimaLoft as president. Cavassa, who left her role as president at Saucony in May after five years in the position, previously held leadership positions at Brooks, Nike and Timberland.

Authentic Brands Group is expanding its partnership with Warson Brands to have Warson design, develop and distribute occupational footwear for the Authentic-owned DC Shoes and ROXY brands.

Swiss brand On has opened a new store in Miami, the brand’s fifth retail location in the U.S. and 27th globally. Located at 125 NE 40th Street in the heart of Miami’s upscale designer precinct...

Stephen Curry and Under Armour announced the signing of a multi-year partnership with rising NBA star De'Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings as the first signature athlete with Curry Brand.

Academy Sports + Outdoors announced it has promoted Sam J. Johnson to president as Michael P. Mullican has stepped down as president to pursue other personal and professional opportunities.

In a move that reflects Nike’s renewed focus on select wholesale partners as well as its focus on digital connection, Nike is teaming up with retailer Hibbett on a “connected partnership,” connecting Hibbett and Nike’s loyalty programs and...

California-based swim and fitness brand TYR Sport has opened its first brick-and-mortar retail location at Roosevelt Field in Garden City, NY, on Long Island.

Authentic Brands-owned Reebok, which last week announced the appointment of Shaquille O’Neal as the president of Reebok Basketball, announced a NIL (Name Image Likeness) partnership yesterday with women’s college basketball star Angel Reese, who plays for LSU (where O’Neal also starred).

The 20-year-old British brand Inov-8, known for its run, trail and fitness footwear, is rebranding with a fresh look to its name and logo.

The Running Industry Association (RIA) has rebranded its annual member event, formerly known as Runchella, as The RIA Summit. The 2024 RIA Summit will take place in St. Louis, MO, from April 29 to May 2 at the Union Station Hotel.

Innovative designs take these standout styles from New Balance, Altra, Vasque and Adidas Terrex to new heights.

Salomon has appointed Steve Doolan as president of the Americas. Doolan, who starts his new role on October 23rd, joins Salomon from Hoka, where he was VP & GM of Hoka U.S.

ECCO USA announced it has made a leadership change, with Deniz Erda, SVP and GM in ECCO Middle East & Africa, assuming the position of interim president for ECCO USA, replacing Tom Berry, who had led ECCO USA since Jan. 2022.

In our annual feature, we shine a light on brands committed to partnerships with independent retailers. Execs talk strategy, product, relationships (& more).