These ‘what-ifs’ are driving developments in materials benefiting both people and the planet, a key element to the future of running. This mega-trend goes the distance from fiber to finished product, unveiling run apparel, accessories and shoes sporting high-caliber functionality with a low impact environmental footprint. Performance remains paramount; running thrives on product engineered to cross the finish line faster, but growing concern regarding harmful chemicals, microplastics polluting waste streams, and rising temperatures due to climate change is a major factor influencing textile innovation in the run space.

Trends to watch in 2025 take steps to enhance and elevate current sustainability and performance standards in three main ways:

1. Climate-conscious fabrications for protection and comfort no matter what Mother Nature has in store.

2. Circular materials made with a greater use of natural fibers and bio-based technologies to align with a strong focus on textile recycling and upcycled fabrics.

3. Customized manufacturing methods designed to reduce textile waste by offering product ‘just right’ for today’s runners.

Climate Action

“It’s so hot that people are only running in the morning or the evening. That’s the trend as the weather has gotten hotter,” states Eric Schenker, Coolcore CEO. “The conversation around cooling has been percolating, and now when I mention our cooling tech it immediately opens doors to conversation with run brands. Our approach at Coolcore is how we can help people run anytime of the day in warm weather.”

Coolcore’s chemical-free, cooling fabric technology manages heat and moisture for optimal temperature regulation. “A cool to the touch product works great in the store, but doesn’t provide thermal regulation,” Schenker explains. “People are starting to understand the distinction between wicking and cooling, and cooling in the most sustainable way.”

Australian running brand Fractel has partnered with Coolcore in new and upcoming collections. Styles of run hats have launched showcasing Coolbreeze knitted mesh fabric with Coolcore technology, and coming to market in 2025 is Fractel’s Velocity collection of outdoor performance apparel and a new style called the Adventure Hat. “By introducing these new Coolcore fabrics to our collection, we’re advancing our products for maximum comfort, effectively managing the body’s moisture with regulated evaporating technology. Additionally, these fabrics provide UV protection without the use of sun-blocking chemicals, helping you feel fresh—all in the name of our most sustainable practices,” states Matt Niutta, Fractel founder and director.

A Coolcore collaboration with Noble Biomaterials is currently in the works to create Coolcore cooling fabrics with Noble’s yarns infused with anti-microbial properties.

Eco-Performance

Material innovation is a major focus from performance wear to active lifestyle and from socks to shoes, with brands viewing natural fibers as compelling alternatives to petroleum-based synthetics. Both hemp and Merino wool have inherent functional properties, including breathability, temperature regulation and exceptional durability without the need for chemical additives.

Recently Astral rolled out a performance hemp collection for men and women including hoodies and shorts fit for running. The brand highlights hemp as “an extremely sustainable material that provides lots of benefits to soil and water,” noting that hemp is grown with little to no pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, requires significantly less water to grow, and is biodegradable.

Merino wool multi-tasks in a new limited edition seasonal collection from the women’s specialty brand Branwyn. Called SWAG (Sustainable Wool Athleisure Gear), the apparel features ultra-fine Merino wool that feels soft against the skin, is lightweight and comfortable for layering, and free from toxic chemicals including PFAS. “Our goal was to create performance gear that doesn’t compromise your well-being,” explains Branwyn president Deanne Buck.

Vim&Vigr’s Merino Wool Compression Socks are a customer favorite for hiking and running because of their natural fibers, moisture wicking, and temperature regulating abilities,” states Michelle Huie, company founder. “In addition to these benefits, early studies have shown that natural fibers like cotton and wool have the highest vibrational frequency which can promote health and energy. People are starting to be more conscious of the materials they wear, and we’ll continue to see the data surrounding the benefits.”

Sustainable solutions are gaining traction in footwear on and off the trail. For example, eVent Fabrics BIO Footwear is a waterproof and planet-positive laminate designed to withstand any weather conditions, using cutting-edge technology with highly renewable plant-based materials. The Topo Athletic Terraventure 4 WP trail shoe and the Trailventure 2 WP hiking boot both feature the eVent BIO Footwear waterproof/breathable membrane.

Now that carbon fiber footwear has gone through its first-generation cycle, what’s next is harnessing performance factors for use in new and more diverse ways, according to Carbitex founder and president Junus Khan. “I look at it as widening the audience for footwear featuring carbon plate technology from elite athletes to enthusiasts and from road to trail,” he explains.

In terms of sustainability, even though carbon fiber has been around for decades, and Carbitex uses mostly bio-based polymers, the recycling side is still nascent, explains Khan. “However, the carbon plate is removable, depending on how the footwear is designed, and as such could be replaceable,” Khan shares, noting that keeping the material in use longer is a practice that is good for the environment and good for business.

Next-Gen Make

Modern make is all about efficiency. New customized production models conserve natural resources, boost speed to market and mitigate material waste, without sacrificing functionality. Recently On debuted LightSpray, a new high performance upper technology crafted by a single step manufacturing process. The ultra-light uppers are sprayed, not built, in a method that, according to the Swiss firm, lowers CO2 emissions, and is “paving the way for a circular future and faster, localized manufacturing. ”

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Arc’Teryx is on a similar mission to advance circularity. Through its ReGEAR initiative, Arc’Teryx offers a takeback program for used gear, which is then repaired, refreshed and ready for reuse. ReGEAR recently launched in stores, allowing customers to shop a curated selection of past-season and vintage Arc’teryx pieces. Building durable, technical product designed to last for decades is nothing new for Arc’Teryx, but now ReGear extends the concept of longevity beyond a single user.