The Running Event will feature wearable technology, new footwear innovations, gear for age 40 plus runners are among new products coming to The Running Event

AUSTIN, Tex. (Nov. 6, 2014) – What will be the hottest new products in run specialty stores for 2015?

Organizers of The Running Event (TRE), the largest running specialty trade show in North America, recently polled approximately 300 manufacturers exhibiting Dec. 2-5 at their Austin, Tex., conference and trade show, to determine what new products runners can expect to see on store shelves and on-line next year.

Now approaching its ninth year, the trade show is an important part of the sporting goods equipment, apparel, athletic footwear and sports licensed products industry in the U.S. which rose to $81.4 billion in 2013, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s (SFIA) State of the Industry Report.

As a sign of The Running Event’s importance, leading exhibitors such as ASICS, ON Running, and Under Armour, are increasing their presence on the show floor, according to Troy Leonard, show director. Among the 84 new exhibitors this year are Ahnu, Dr. Scholl’s, Helly Hansen, Shock Doctor, Jabra, Hammer Nutrition, and SKLZ.            

The results of the new products survey were gathered by the editorial staff of Running Insight magazine, a publication of show owner Formula 4 Media, based in Great Neck, N.Y.

“What makes TRE especially gratifying is the sense of surprise retailers receive as an exhibitor unveils a new product previously kept under wraps,” said Mark Sullivan, president of Formula 4 Media, and editor-in-chief of Running Insight mag
azine.

“Expect to see some major new developments, especially from the major players.”

Here are some highlights:

On-the-Go Technology

“Clearly, the big story this year are wearable activity trackers,” said Sullivan. “They are on the verge of becoming the next big thing in running. They help existing runners monitor their fitness levels, and encourage the casual athlete to stay active, perhaps getting them to walk instead of ride, to meet daily fitness goals.”

New activity trackers coming to TRE include Garmin’s Forerunner 620 and the new 920XT GPS multisport watch offering running dynamics (cadence, vertical oscillation and ground contact time), VO2 max estimate, recovery advisor and connected features for live tracking and automatic uploads. (garmin.com)

Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless earbuds and the Jabra Sport Life app is an all-in-one training solution that combines an in-ear precision heart rate monitor, immersive Dolby sound, and real-time voice coaching to inspire athletes. (jabra.com)

Wahoo TICKR Run is a workout wearable for runners. It monitors running form in three dimensions, helping identify how to make an athletic stride smoother. It also measures other running metrics: cadence, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, and heart rate. Plus, it captures treadmill workouts and syncs with top running apps. (wahoofitness.com)

Mio Global’s Mio FUSE is a performance wristband with an activity tracker. Boasting ANT+ and BTLE connectivity, FUSE provides performance-accurate heart rate data without a chest strap. It tracks distance, pace, steps, calories, and goal progress to provide athletes with comprehensive insights into exertion, recovery, and fitness. (mioglobal.com)

PulseOn offers a combination of comfort and style that makes heart rate monitoring easier than ever. The stylish wrist device measures heart rate accurately and reliably from the wrist, without the need for a chest belt, providing meaningful, personalized feedback. (pulseon.com)

Minimalist Footwear Shifts to “Maximalist”

Running Insight’s Mark Sullivan believes athletic footwear is moving into the next product evolution – technologies such as lightweight meshes and knit designs that appeared first in minimalist footwear have almost become standard.

The ASICS Natural33 for Spring 2015 offers “max cushioning” for a natural running experience thanks to an oblique last with a rounded toe box, giving it a natural running shape (asicsamerica.com); Hoka One One also brings “max cushion” running shoes to market – a trend some are calling “maximalism. The all-new Stinson 3 ATR features a more balanced Meta-Rocker designed for better forefoot support, and tuned underfoot geometry provides improved ride, stability, and traction for both on- and off-road (deckers.com).

Fresh Foam Zante from New Balance creates an everyday running shoe for runners seeking a smooth underfoot feel and a fast feeling transition through their stride – all in a soft, lightweight and flexible shoe. (newbalance.com)

Saucony’s new ISO-Series footwear features a new “dynamic fit” system called ISOFIT that adapts to the runner’s foot regardless of foot shape, stride mechanics or ground surface (saucony.com).

For Pearl Izumi’s EM ROAD N2,so-called “smoothologists” went back to the lab and got to work to fine tune the shoe to have more forefoot flexibility, enhanced heel cushioning and improved traction. (pearlizumi.com).

Specially-made Gear Helps Age 40+ Runner
s Keep Running

Over 40 percent of all marathon finishers are 40 or above, according to RunningUSA.org. Last year, the largest age group in the NYC Marathon to finish was ages 40 to 44. The 40 to 49 age group was larger than the 30 to 39 age group ­- and almost three times larger than ages 20 to 29. Even ages 50 to 59 is larger than ages 20 to 29, according to New York Road Runners. 

The older runner seeks products that help them warm-up, support joints and muscles during physical activity, then aid in recovery afterwards, said TRE’s Mark Sullivan.

TRE long-time exhibitor CW-X Conditioning Wear has patented “support web” technology, developed from kineseology taping, which is integrated into each product. CW-X StabilyX 3/4-length tights for women will be available in the new Polka-dots print for spring 2015, and provide targeted support to the joints and muscles of the core, quadriceps, hamstrings and knee. (cw-x.com)

2XU’s MCS Compression Technology features a fabric support system traced over key muscle, tendon and fascia groups to focus greater compression power to wrap precise areas and reduce muscle oscillation and damage. (2XU.com) 

Just What the Doctor Ordered

Sports medicine products coming to TRE focus on three key tenets of injury prevention: rolling, wrapping and icing. Arctic Ease wraps offer hours of cold and compression therapy without ice to help reduce pain and swelling associated with repetitive motion injuries, arthritis, muscle pains, strains, and sprains. (arcticeasewrap.com)

FootGym’s multi-use foot strengthening and rehabilitation device for runners incorporates seven exercises in one product, thus eliminating the need for multiple devices for strengthening, stretching and massaging the foot. (orthosleeve.com)

Kinesiology tape works at a micro level to reduce pain, soreness, and swelling, and offers minor support. McDavid’s next-level innovation features pre-cut kits for easy, precise application. The kinesiology tape is also available as pre-cut strips and cut-to-size rolls. (mcdavidusa.com)

Powerstep’s Plantar Fasciitis Support Sleeve provides slight compression throughout to help alleviate arch pain, heel pain and symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis. Ribbed bands at the Achilles tendon and arch offer added support. (powersteps.com)

Strassburg Medical’s Core Foam Roller is not only connectable but has a screw off cap allowing runners to store their gear inside.  It includes a handy carrying strap which doubles as a patented premium race belt. (runmd.com)

Tiger Tail USA Knot Buster Curve Ball offers stable and controlled deep muscle release. Knot Buster Foam Roller is sleek and powerful while the Knot Buster Strap elevates any foam roller into a more powerful and penetrating massage tool. (tigertailusa.com)

TriggerPoint’s GRID® STK is a hand-held foam roller wrapped in a three-dimensional GRID surface to relieve muscular aches and pains while on-the-go. (tptherapy.com)

Socks Go High Tech

Yes, socks. New socks coming to TRE go beyond just right and left sizing.

Like a breath of fresh air, 1000 Mile Sportswear’s 1000 Mile Breeze double layered sock has been carefully crafted to help prevent blisters. It also uses a cooling yarn that keeps wearers cool, refreshed and comfortable when the temperature is rising around them. It comes with a 1,000-mile or one-year guarantee. (lightfootheavy.net)

Wrightsock is offering “wool and blister free” in the same sock. Double layer Merino CoolMesh II offers temperature control, moisture absorption, and odorfree pr
operties – without wool ever having to touch the skin. (wrightsock.com)

I Can See Clearly Now

Reflective apparel and accessories are another bright spot for 2015. 180s NiteBlaze reflective running gear features a patented technology screenprinted onto the fabric for all-over visibility. The garment first appears as a solid color, and as light hits it, a unique reflective pattern emerges. (180s.com)

SUGOI establishes a new era for running apparel visibility with the Zap Run jacket. The cutting-edge Zap LT woven fabric provides explosive, full garment visibility via micro-glass beads applied to the shell. Meanwhile, during the day, the fabric’s reflective properties are hidden, allowing color and style to take center stage. (sugoi.com)

AthLights Lights at Night are tiny yet powerful LED lights that attach to an athlete’s clothing with a super-strong magnet. Simply twist it to activate the red and white flashing lights offering 600 foot visibility. It weighs just one-third of an ounce and is smaller than a dime. (athlights.com)

New reflective oval laces by Hickory Brands use 100% reflective yarn woven into shoelaces to reflect all forms of light and enhance safety for early morning and late night activity. (hickorybrands.com)

You Are What You Eat

EPIC is releasing its brand new Bacon Bar that combines uncured bacon with hickory and sea salt, creating savory energy snacks for athletes. (epicbar.com)

Huma Gel brings caffeine to their energy gels with new flavors: Chocolate, Raspberry, Lemonade, and Café Mocha – all with natural caffeine (humagel.com)

Hammer Nutrition’s Hammer Gel is real endurance fuel, not candy. Made with premium natural ingredients, it delivers rock solid energy without the crash of simple sugars. New is ultra-delicious Nocciola (hazelnut-chocolate). (hammernutrition.com)

Glukos is an oral I.V. that delivers to the body glucose, said to be the fastest and longest energy source that athletes need to compete at the highest levels. It comes in “ready to drink” powder form, gummies, tablets, bars, and other forms, and is absorbed immediately into the bloodstream – working two times faster than sucrose or fructose-based products, according to the company. (GlukosEnergy.com)

Sport Beans Energizing Jelly Beans adds two new flavors: Juicy Pear and Green Apple. Gluten-free Sport Beans are made with real fruit juices and purees with colors derived from natural sources. (jellybelly.com)

Editor’s Note: Working Press wishing to pre-register for the conference and trade show, should contact Jeff Blumenfeld, TRE communications director, 203 655 1600,[email protected].