Brooks' Record Q1: Innovation and Global Strategy Fuel Market Dominance

SEATTLE, WA – May 01, 2026 – Brooks Running has sprinted into 2026, announcing the strongest financial quarter in its history and signaling a powerful continuation of the momentum that defined its record-breaking 2025. The Seattle-based running specialist reported double-digit growth driven by robust demand for its performance footwear and apparel across all regions and sales channels.

The company posted a formidable 20% growth in North America, a 30% currency-neutral increase in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), and a staggering 136% year-over-year sales surge in China. This performance underscores the effectiveness of a long-term strategy focused on product innovation, global expansion, and authentic community engagement.

"Across product, experiences, and how we show up for the sport globally, our teams are executing at the highest level and earning runners’ trust every day," said Dan Sheridan, CEO of Brooks Running, in a statement. "Our record quarter is proof our long-term strategy is resonating.”

Solidifying Leadership Amid Fierce Competition

In a competitive and often volatile retail environment, Brooks has not only held its ground but extended its lead. The brand maintained its No. 1 market share position in performance running footwear at U.S. specialty running stores through Q1. Perhaps more impressively, it has held approximately 20% of the market share at national retail for 11 consecutive quarters, a testament to its broad and sustained appeal.

This stability is particularly noteworthy when viewed against the mixed fortunes of its rivals. While Adidas reported strong Q1 growth, noting a "very volatile and heavily discounted" retail climate, Nike posted more modest results and a 10% sales decline in Greater China during its most recent fiscal quarter. Brooks' explosive growth in the same Chinese market suggests its strategy is resonating uniquely well with consumers there.

The brand's core running shoe franchises—including the Ghost, Adrenaline, and Glycerin—were standouts, with three of its styles ranking in the top five at national retail. According to company data, these core models collectively accounted for over 12% of all performance running footwear sales in the first quarter, demonstrating the enduring loyalty runners have for its flagship products.

Innovation from Core to Cutting-Edge

A key driver of Brooks' success is its dual-pronged approach to innovation: refining its beloved core franchises while simultaneously pushing the boundaries with new technology. This strategy was on full display in Q1.

The brand debuted the all-new Glycerin Flex, featuring an industry-first articulated midsole designed for enhanced flexibility. The launch was supported by a massive 3D out-of-home advertising campaign in New York's Times Square and quickly paid dividends, with the new model representing 4% of Brooks' global footwear revenue in its first quarter alone. Reviews highlight its deep cushioning and smooth ride, positioning it as a unique option in the max-cushion category.

On the trails, the launch of the Cascadia Elite marked Brooks' formidable entry into the "super shoe" racing segment. This podium-tested model, featuring a carbon-infused plate and high-performance PEBA foam, has been praised by reviewers for its blend of speed, stability, and protection on technical terrain. The shoe's introduction helped fuel a remarkable 59% year-over-year growth for the brand's overall trail category.

Meanwhile, the workhorses of the Brooks lineup proved their continued dominance. The Glycerin franchise, a leader in cushioned comfort, grew 34% globally year-over-year. The iconic Adrenaline GTS, now in its 25th year, continued to be a trusted stability option for legions of runners, posting a strong 31% growth. The performance racing-focused Hyperion Elite franchise saw its sales soar by 114%, reflecting the brand's growing credibility on the starting lines of major marathons.

Expanding Horizons: Global Growth and Lifestyle Appeal

While performance running remains its core, Brooks is successfully expanding its footprint both geographically and culturally. The brand's triple-digit growth in China and robust performance in EMEA, where it outpaced the market in Germany and France, highlight a sophisticated global strategy.

This expansion extends beyond running lanes and into everyday life. Apparel sales jumped 33% year-over-year, driven by popular items in its Dash collection and a growing dominance in the sports bra category, where it captured five of the top ten styles sold at specialty retailer Fleet Feet.

Significantly, Brooks is making a deliberate push into the lucrative lifestyle and athleisure market. The brand's lifestyle offerings more than doubled in sales compared to the previous year, fueled by culturally savvy collaborations. A partnership with streetwear icon STAPLE saw two exclusive shoe models debut at Paris Fashion Week, placing the running brand firmly in the high-fashion conversation. This, combined with the re-release of a heritage Adrenaline GTS 10 silhouette, signals a clear intent to blend performance technology with everyday style. These moves, along with ongoing partnerships with runDisney and the Seattle Mariners, are broadening the brand's reach to new audiences.

The Power of Authentic Connection

Underpinning the financial success and product innovation is a deep-seated commitment to the running community. The brand's global platform, "Let's Run There," came to life through various initiatives in Q1. The "Connection Moves Us All" campaign spotlighted nine local run crews from around the world, while another project, "Shine Under Pressure," chronicled actor Cynthia Erivo's journey to a personal best at the London Marathon, coached by a Brooks-sponsored athlete.

This authenticity is reinforced by the elite performances of its professional athletes. In Q1, Brooks Beast Josh Kerr won the World Indoor Championships 3000m, while American marathoner Casey Clinger ran the third-fastest half marathon in U.S. history before finishing as the top American at the Tokyo Marathon. The brand also invested in the future of the sport by signing Olympian Clayton Young, European trail runner Théo Detienne, and high school phenom Natasha Dudek. These partnerships, spanning from local clubs to world champions, reinforce the message that Brooks is a brand built by and for runners, a strategy that is clearly paying off one record-breaking quarter at a time.