Joseph Wilkes’ Post

Running shoe jargon can be very confusing and befuddling. 'Carbon' this and 'drop' that. It's the one thing my runners ask me about the most. To help make things simpler I've written a guide on what to look out for when buying new running shoes. https://lnkd.in/edrJz9mg #running #runningshoes

This is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the days following The Running Event. I am a former running store employee, love the running industry, and a running shoe nerd. I get so stoked to see the videos on YouTube and the photos and reels on IG showing off all the upcoming shoes and gear from the big brands and small start up brands. A few things I noticed: 1. Brands are continuing to broaden their presence in trail. I was particularly excited about The North Face's line up. I appreciate that they have a feature packed shoe for the sub ultra distance racer. To me, it seems like most of the exciting high end shoes are more geared towards ultra distances. I also appreciate how they put a premium foam and put some thought into the training counterparts to their racing shoes. So there's a high quality shoe for everyone that wants to trail run regardless of distance, preference, or ability. 2. There are brands that are continuing to pop up and I think that's breeding some healthy competition and keeping everyone on their toes. I really like the direction Mount to Coast is heading. It's tough for a new brand to break in but I think they are here to stay. They have a new shoe in the very growing door to trail or "gravel" category and even a trail shoe to go with their road shoes. A couple talking points I noticed were durability and longevity. For consumers, those are two very important parts for a shoe that's a regular in their rotation. 3. I like that sustainability is becoming a standard in every brands line up. It seems like almost everyone has recycled aspects in parts or all of their lineups. I think we all hope that continues. What stood out to you from this years TRE? #therunningevent #TRE #runningshoes #running #runspecialty

Why did I post a picture of my old running shoes on LinkedIn? Last year, I started taking long-distance running more seriously and quite soon discovered a little-mentioned challenge that the running shoe segment (like the broader footwear industry) faces significant challenges in terms of waste management and recycling. My total annual mileage last year was a bit over 2500 km. When you compare it with the data that, on average, a pair of running shoes lasts anywhere from 600 to 1000 kilometers (before needing to be replaced due to wear and tear) simple math shows that I “run through” about 3 pairs of shoes. (one of them is In the picture) And my yearly mileage is quite average. They are still OK for walking but how many shoes do you need for walking? Given various factors such as: 1. Running popularity - Running has become increasingly popular as a form of exercise, recreation, and sport around the world. The rise of running events, training apps, and online communities has contributed to a growing number of amateur runners. 2. Participation in long-distance running - There are a considerable number of amateur runners who regularly participate in long-distance running events like marathons, ultra-marathons, and endurance challenges. It's reasonable to estimate that there are potentially millions of amateur runners (like me) globally. This means that millions of running shoes are disposed each year. What are brands doing to resolve it? Several of them claim that they have initiated recycling programs and sustainability initiatives to address the environmental impact of their products. But unfortunately, it’s a shame to admit that none of that is seen in the Baltics. Have I missed something or what can we expect from the future? 1. Nike, AS Jalajälg 2. adidas, Patryk Cebartowski #actforimpact #running #circulareconomy

Have you gotten onto the green yet? Great blog post about the fashion side of golf! Check out these polos and chino combinations and all of the customizable options.

I recently shared an FT.com article talking about Abercrombie & Fitch using real time sales data to manage ordering and production... Apparel industry friends: Why, when a brand is it's own primary retail outlet (online and in-store), does significant, continuous, overstock happen? Can a brand, which seems permanently on sale, recover? Does a brand have the ability to make a comeback in the eyes of the target audience (customer)? Burberry managed it. Luxottica are about to attempt it with Supreme (for reasons other than overstock). Nike is wading through the process (if you believe what you read, which, lets face it, isn't exactly the most reliable barometer). When does pre-order become the sensible option for truly specialist brands, working in an industry that's seen decades of over production, aggressive margin erosion, and has global mountains of clothing waste to its name? #apparel #sportsapparel #cycling #sportsindustry #sportsbusiness #fashion #brand #globalmarket #globalbusiness #globalindustry #manufacturing #supplierrelationships #sustainability #consumption #excess #consciousconsumerism #businessinnovation #businessmodel #preorder #premiumbrand #clothingwaste #textileindustry #fastfashion #waste #disposal #landfill #incinerated #burnt #incineration #environmentalimpact https://lnkd.in/ebhTaJgf

Running USA recently released its 2024 survey results. If you are in the running industry, here are a few highlights you should know. Highlights: _Favorite Race Formats: Traditional road races and trail events are growing, while obstacle races, relays, and triathlons see declines. _Barriers to Racing: Top challenges include motivation, time commitments, and event availability. _Top Brands for Training: Brooks leads, followed by Asics, Saucony, Nike, and Hoka. _Top Brands for Racing: Brooks, Nike, Asics, Saucony, and Hoka (in that order). _Race Brand Loyalty: 54% train and race in the same brand, while 46% use different brands. _Shopping Preferences: 48% prefer in-store purchases, while 38% buy online. #running #footwear #apparel

In my latest feature, I chatted with Zhou Guanyu, the first and only Chinese Formula 1 driver, of Sauber Group's Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber. We discussed all things paddock fashion, Lewis Hamilton's impact on opening up the sport for drivers to express themselves off the track, his post-career plans and more. Read the full story here!

Could Salomon be the first running shoe brand to dive into the "gravel" trend that’s been making waves in the cycling community? 🤔 🚲 In an exciting move, Salomon has introduced several "gravel shoes" including the DRX DEFY GRVL, a shoe with an outsole inspired by gravel biking. Designed to transition seamlessly between pavement and gravel, "this shoe opens up endless possibilities for runners". A gravel-specific running segment could be a major shift—though some might see it as a new angle in the hybrid running shoe market. Are we witnessing the dawn of a new era in running footwear? Will other brands join in? https://lnkd.in/gnAu5FmG #Running #TrailRunning #Gravel #Salomon #FootwearDesign #Innovation

🚴♀️ Recently, I stumbled upon Terry Bicycles. Known for their top-notch bike apparel, they blend style and durability. 🏆 Head over to today's blog, where I share my full review—and don’t miss the exclusive discount code! 🌟 #TerryBicycles #BikeApparel #CyclingStyle #DiscountAlert #BlogReview

Innovation and creativity come into play