Brooks Running 9% Surge Signals Global Running Dominance

Brooks Running capped 2024 with 9% year-over-year global revenue growth, marking its eighth consecutive year of expansion and a 13% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) since 2017. The Seattle-based brand, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, solidified its dominance in the U.S. performance running market while achieving explosive growth in China and Europe.

Financial Milestones and Market Dominance

• U.S. Leadership: Maintained its position as the No. 1 adult performance running footwear brand in U.S. national retail for the third straight year. The brand also led the specialty retail channel in Q4 with a 19% YoY sales surge.

• Global Expansion: Revenue in China skyrocketed 228% YoY, driven by strong demand for the Hyperion Elite and Hyperion Max speed shoes. In Europe, Brooks outpaced the performance running market growth in France (2x) and Germany (3x).

• Revenue Benchmark: Surpassed $1 billion in global revenue by Q3 2024, a first for the company, fueled by a 16% e-commerce growth in North America and a 30% rise in APLA sales.

Dan Sheridan, CEO of Brooks Running, attributed the success to strategic innovation and community engagement:

“The sun is shining on the performance running category, and we continue to welcome new people into the sport and our brand. The Brooks team has never been better at crafting best-in-class running gear and experiences and then connecting with runners and active people in their health and wellness journeys.”

Product Innovation Driving Demand

Brooks’ 2024 product pipeline revitalized its core franchises, driving 12% growth in full-price sales:

• Ghost Max: Generated 203% global revenue growth in its debut year, expanding the Ghost franchise’s market share.

• Glycerin Max: Debuted as the top-selling shoe on Tmall in China and gained a full point of market share in U.S. specialty retail during launch week.

• Hyperion Series: Speed styles grew 41% YoY in China, with Hyperion Max sales more than doubling (103% growth).

Marketing and Partnerships Amplify Reach

• “Let’s Run There” Campaign: This global brand platform, featuring actor Jeremy Renner, won two Gold and two Silver Clio Awards and recognition in Fast Company’s “2024 Brands That Matter Awards”.

• Collaborations: Partnered with NYC streetwear retailer Extra Butter for limited-edition Cascadia 18 sneakers and became the Official Off-Ice Performance Partner of the NHL’s Seattle Kraken.

• Digital Engagement: The Brooks Run Club loyalty program surpassed 1 million members in North America, with European memberships growing 346% YoY on Strava.

Investing in the Running Community

Brooks allocated $6 million to community programs in 2024, impacting 800,000+ runners:

• Elite Athletes: Supported Olympic silver medalists Josh Kerr (men’s 1500m) and Michael Roeger (Paralympic T46 1500m), alongside a world-record distance medley relay team.

• Youth Access: Directed $2 million to the Future Run program to expand opportunities for young U.S. runners.

Looking Ahead

Brooks aims to sustain its momentum by expanding its loyalty program into new markets in 2025 and capitalizing on running’s status as the fastest-growing social sport on Strava. The brand’s blend of innovation, strategic partnerships, and community investment positions it to lead the $40 billion global running market into the next decade.