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If it seems like everyone you know is joining run clubs and signing up for marathons, you’re right. Running is booming right now, especially among young people in major cities. One great result of this boom is a ton of new and very cool running brands.
Sportswear giants like Nike and Adidas have always produced some stylish pieces, but, like any big corporation, their size can sometimes hold back fresh and unexpected releases. These new independent running brands, on the other hand (er, foot), have been able to marry timely, fashion-inspired aesthetics with high-performance capabilities in a way that the big names can’t always pull off.
The Coolest Running Brands of 2025
If you’re looking to freshen up your running wardrobe, we highly suggest getting acquainted with the brands below. They hail from cities all over the globe, offering styles that range from retro to modern to street-inspired, but they’re all similar in one way: They’re really fucking cool.
Satisfy
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One of the coolest running brands out right now is Satisfy. The Parisian brand made its name with “Mothtech” pieces that stylishly disguise ventilation as distressing. Their shorts, tees, and hats look like pieces you’d see in a trendy bar, but they’re just as capable as any big-name pieces when it’s time to hit the road, trail, or track.
Bandit
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Founded during the pandemic by NYC run club-goers, Bandit is one of the hottest running labels right now. The brand’s ultra-comfy, fashion-inspired pieces are produced in limited runs that often sell out, but they’re worth jumping on. Fresh silhouettes, unique closures, and slick, modern colorways make them stand out in any running-obsessed locale.
Tracksmith
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Tracksmith helped kickstart the current trend of fashionable independent running brands after it launched in 2014. Their style is inspired by preppy New England running gear of the Seventies and Eighties, with standout pieces like colorful short shorts and retro striped singlets. All of their pieces are also extremely high-quality, ensuring hundreds of miles of hard use. Oh, and Harry Styles is a fan.
Janji
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Another early brand to disrupt the running gear scene was Janji, which came out of Boston in 2012. Janji’s looks are a little closer to the running gear we see from big-name brands, only tweaked to be a little more unique. Their stuff is also very well-made, and they offer some great cold-weather pieces for chilly mornings or winter jogs.
Soar
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One of the most high-fashion-esque independent running brands is Soar. It’s not surprising, considering it was founded by U.K. fashion designer and DJ Tim Soar. But don’t let the colorful, eye-catching looks fool you: Soar’s pieces are made of high-tech fabric and rigorously tested for performance capabilities.
Ciele
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Montreal’s Ciele is known for making the running community’s favorite hats. Their original five-panel caps are designed to keep your head cool, dry, and protected while staying comfortable over hours of use. They also make some great clothing now, too, including shorts, tees, and singlets in muted, interesting colorways.
Path Projects
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Going for a minimal look? Check out Path Projects. Their jumping-off point was making the best possible running shorts made using spiral yarn. Path is also expert at pocket design and placement, which sometimes feels like an afterthought on other shorts but makes running with your phone, gels, and keys much more comfortable.
