After ending 2021 with over US$1.11 billion in global revenue, Brooks Running is projecting double-digit year-on-year growth in 2022.
In a release the company added that it… ‘continues to deliver for runners and outpace competitors despite ongoing global supply chain disruptions impacting the running industry.’
“While Vietnam factory closures last year caused us to fall short of fulfilling strong market demand for Brooks in Q1, we remain bullish for substantial growth in 2022,” said Brooks CEO Jim Weber.
“Brooks’ performance products continued to lead with runners, and the best is yet to come as our new Glycerin styles come to market featuring DNA LOFT v3, a nitrogen-infused midsole compound that delivers an incredibly compelling running experience.”
In Q1 2022, Brooks reportedly claimed the top spot in the US national performance footwear market for the first time, with 22% dollar share across all US channels (NPD Group tracked data for athletic specialty and sporting goods, mid-tier, premium, and shoe chains).
The Brooks Ghost and the Brooks Adrenaline GTS were reportedly the top two selling models at US retail, collectively accounting for 14% of the dollar share across all channels.
Citing the 2022 Sports & Fitness Industry (SFIA) Manufacturers Sales Report, Brooks noted that total US run industry growth – including equipment, apparel, and footwear – grew 15.8% in 2021.
With a backdrop of increasing demand, the company adds that it will continue… ‘using runner insight to inform innovation, with the belief that every runner deserves performance – from those who run occasionally to athletes competing on a global stage.
‘Brooks recently introduced a refreshed Dare Run Bra collection, incorporating runner insight to deliver greater adjustability and run-ready support. In partnership with the Research Group in Breast Health at the University of Portsmouth, Brooks performs biomechanical testing on a wide range of sizes, using both lab and consumer research findings to engineer a range of support options and sizes for diverse runners.’
This July, Brooks will introduce the Glycerin 20, Glycerin GTS 20, and Caldera 6. The launch of these updated shoes franchises brings a Brooks BlueLine Lab midsole innovation, DNA LOFT v3, into in-line footwear styles.
DNA LOFT v3 is a nitrogen-infused midsole compound that is claimed to allow for a softer, lighter, and more responsive runner experience.
As Brooks grows, the company remains committed to corporate responsibility. Its 2021 report, ‘Running Responsibly: Our People and Planet Path’, tracks the brand’s progress supporting its conviction that everyone who wants to run feels welcome to run, and has a place to do it. I
nclusion starts with its employees, and in 2021, the company grew representation of women among its global workforce to 53%, grew BIPOC representation among US employees to 35%, and achieved a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index for the second consecutive year.
Brooks invested US$5.7 million in community giving last year, with a focus on social impact programs that advance health and well-being.
Brooks also took steps toward its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2040: in 2021, 60% of total polyester yarn used across both its footwear and apparel collections was recycled; and Brooks launched its first carbon neutral product, the Ghost 14 style.
