Top Brands Revolutionizing Running Apparel

Running enthusiasts know that the right gear can make all the difference in performance and comfort. Selecting high-quality running clothes can enhance your experience, providing the perfect blend of style, functionality, and durability. From breathable fabrics to moisture-wicking technology, certain brands have mastered the art of creating running attire that meets the needs of diverse runners. If you're interested in discovering the top brands that stand out in the world of running apparel, explore our curated list below.

Illustration of running clothes

Best brands of running clothes in 2025

Nike

Nike is renowned as one of the best producers of running clothes, dominating the athletic footwear market with a nearly 30% market share as of 2023. The company generated over $50 billion in revenue in the fiscal year 2023, with footwear being the largest segment, bringing in about $33 billion. Nike's running category is a top-seller, driven by innovation and high-quality construction. The brand produces over 800 million pairs of shoes annually, with a significant increase in production from 780 million pairs in 2022. Nike's strong financial performance and global presence solidify its position as a leader in the sportswear industry. For more detailed insights, you can explore Nike's business statistics.

Adidas

Adidas is one of the leading producers of running clothes, boasting a significant market share in the global sportswear industry. In 2022, Adidas held an 8% share in the overall sportswear market and a 14.70% share in the sneaker market. Footwear, particularly athletic shoes, constitutes over 55% of Adidas's net sales, highlighting its dominance in this segment. The company's strong presence in key markets such as North America and Greater China, which together account for nearly 40% of its annual retail sales, further solidifies its position. Adidas's commitment to performance-driven designs and accessible prices has made it a favorite among runners and athletes worldwide. For more details, visit their website Adidas.

Under Armour

Under Armour has emerged as a leading producer of running clothes, surpassing Adidas in U.S. apparel and footwear sales to become the second-largest sports brand in the country. With a 14% share of the U.S. sports apparel market, Under Armour's sales have jumped 20% this year, while Adidas' sales have declined by 23%. The company's innovative products, such as the HeatGear and ColdGear lines, have set it apart by providing comfort in extreme conditions. Under Armour's focus on performance-driven innovations and sustainable materials has further solidified its position in the market. The brand aims to continue its growth, targeting the women's sports apparel and footwear markets and expanding globally.

Lululemon

Lululemon is a leading producer of running clothes, known for its high-quality and innovative apparel. Between 2020 and 2023, Lululemon was the fastest-growing brand in the US sportswear market, increasing its market share from 3.9% to 5.4%. The company has expanded its product line beyond yoga to include running and training apparel, contributing to a revenue CAGR of 24.7% over the past five years. Lululemon's brand awareness in the running category stands at 43%, highlighting its strong presence in this segment. Despite increased competition, Lululemon maintains high gross margins of 55-60% and continues to grow through global expansion and digital sales.

Asics

ASICS is a leading brand in the athletic footwear market, particularly renowned for its high-performance running shoes. With a global market share of 8.1% in the athletic footwear industry, ASICS holds the fourth-largest position worldwide. In the performance running segment, ASICS commands more than 10% of the global market, highlighting its specialization and strength in this category. As of 2021, ASICS accounted for approximately 6.5% of the U.S. athletic footwear market share, demonstrating its significant presence in the region. The brand's commitment to innovation, such as its GEL(tm) technology, has contributed to its popularity among runners globally. For more details on ASICS' history and founder, visit their ASICS Founder Story and History page.

New Balance

New Balance is a prominent player in the athletic footwear industry, particularly notable for its running shoes. In 2021, the brand held a significant 12.7% market share of running shoes in the US. Globally, New Balance captures about 4% of the overall shoe market and 6% of the athletic shoe market. The company has seen substantial growth, with its footwear revenue increasing by 214.1% from $1.35 billion in 2008 to $4.24 billion in 2022. New Balance also reports a balanced market share between men and women, with a 50-50 split in 2022. For more detailed insights, you can explore New Balance shoe statistics.

Brooks

Brooks Running has solidified its position as a leading producer in the running footwear market, achieving a new revenue milestone by surpassing $1 billion in global revenue year-to-date through September 2024, the fastest pace in the company's history. This remarkable success was driven by a 10% year-over-year increase in North America, with an impressive 16% growth in e-commerce, alongside significant gains in other regions such as a 30% revenue increase in Asia Pacific/Latin America and a 10% increase in Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Brooks maintained its No. 1 market share in adult performance running footwear at U.S. national retail for the 11th consecutive quarter, while also holding the top position in the U.S. specialty footwear retail segment. The brand posted an impressive 22% year-over-year footwear revenue growth in U.S. specialty retail, significantly outpacing the overall market growth of 7.9%. Brooks was also voted the top brand for both Training and Race Running Shoe categories by more than 20% of the 7,400 participants in the 2024 Running USA Global Runner Survey. To learn more about Brooks' achievements, visit their official website.

Saucony

Saucony is a renowned brand in the running industry, known for its innovative and high-quality footwear and apparel. Despite a 1.9% sales decline in 2023, Saucony remains a trusted name among elite runners, with its sales totaling $495.8 million for the year. The brand is expected to see a decline in the low-20s range for 2024 but will experience sequential improvement each quarter. Saucony's recent launches, such as the Ride 17 and Guide 17, have seen strong double-digit growth in the run specialty channel. The brand is also focusing on democratizing its innovations for the casual running market and elevating its style for lifestyle wear. For more insights on their strategy, check out this detailed report on Saucony's plans for lifestyle components.

Puma

Puma is a formidable player in the global sportswear market, particularly excelling in the running and athletic footwear segments. With a 2.1% share of the global athletic footwear market and a 5.1% share in the trainers category, Puma has demonstrated consistent growth, increasing its footwear revenue from $1.6 billion in 2014 to $4.6 billion in 2022, a 187.5% increase. The brand produces approximately 35 million pairs of shoes annually and holds a 4% market share in the U.S. athletic shoe segment. Puma's strong performance is also reflected in its overall sales, which reached EUR8.6 billion in 2023, marking a significant milestone in the company's 75th anniversary year. Despite competition from major brands like Nike and Adidas, Puma remains a legitimate challenger in the expanding global sportswear market. For more details, visit their official website.

Oiselle

Oiselle, founded in 2007, is a leading women's running apparel brand known for its high-performance, comfortable, and stylish clothing designed specifically for women by women. The company has seen significant growth, with an estimated annual revenue of $12.3 million and a revenue growth rate of 27% since its founding. Oiselle's products, including running shorts, tees, and bras, are made from premium materials that prioritize softness, stretch, durability, and technical properties like heat and sweat management. The brand is also committed to community building, with initiatives like the Volee running community and the Bras for Girls program, which has donated over 11,000 sports bras. Oiselle's strong market share and growing employee base reflect its success in the industry. Learn more about their story on their website.