Discovery mode: spotlighting ‘indie’ running gear
Alternative running apparel and accessories brands are actively gaining ‘cool’ ground on more established competitors, according to a recent Hypebeast article.
Independent labels such as Satisfy (pictured), District Vision, Soar Running and Tracksmith have all been receiving increased attention as of late and are currently “leading the way” in terms of innovation and design, so the online publication described.
While Paris-based Satisfy does not focus on performance, the brand places considerable emphasis on helping the wearer reach what founder, Brice Partouche, described in an interview as the “elusive runner’s high”, through providing items of comfort and quality. “If you want to reach the high, you want to feel like you aren’t wearing any products,” Mr Partouche said.
“You need the best fabrics. Running has to be a tactile experience and not only visual, but the fabrics also need to be the best,” he continued.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles brand District Vision takes a function-first approach, though comfort is also built into its DNA. Co-founded by Tim Daly (formerly of Acne Studios) and Max Vallot (ex-Saint Laurent), the intention behind District Vision was to “bridge the worlds of movement and mindfulness”, Mr Vallot told Hypebeast.
In this way, the brand strives to offer the “perfect outdoor wellness toolkit”, comprising technical apparel, eyewear and meditation courses. District also released a footwear collaboration with Salomon in 2019.
London-based Soar Running, on the other hand, is focused on the use of “advanced technical materials”, such as its own Rainout and “highly sweat-wicking” mesh fabric. The company was launched with the aim to create “elite-level”, modern apparel that “does justice” to the passion and performance goals of amateur runners.
Soar’s forthcoming UTR top, as one example, has been engineered with “flyweight” craft in mind, designed specifically for running with a trail pack. The garment is made from a “highly technical, French woven fabric”, with fitted sleeves to enhance protection from harsh weather.
Boston label Tracksmith further “honours” running’s “amateur spirit”, by creating products made for training, racing and recovery, with an aesthetic nod to the “traditional” design and colourways of “running culture”.
Merino wool (“modern”) and “innovative” nylon materials give a nod to the brand’s forward-thinking future, Hypebeast said, while its line of running essentials visually pay “homage” to the sport’s history.
Image: Satisfy. Credit: Johannes Rummelhoff
