Small running brands to try
I haven’t tried all of them yet, so I can’t fully recommend everything but each of these brands has pieces that caught my eye.
Running right now is not just about performance ( I mean functionality and performance in materials always comes first, almost always) it’s also about identity, aesthetics, and how you experience the sport. For a long time, the space was dominated by big brands, but recently smaller, independent labels have been shaping a different side of running culture. We do not see Nike Lab anymore, or Salomon Lab anymore as the most unique options and the most cool. We do not see Nike lab at all anymore. For those who tired to pay for big brands and to nothing interesting with no performance now Bandit is dominating. Small brand, great team, performance and functionality first and of course they always deliver what runners ask for.
Fo those who doesn’t care as much about performance, other small brands are popping up on the market with very catchy items, when running clearly more expensive and good looking than everyday fashion. I mean if you run a lot, you are already probably stop buying everyday clothes and now running gear is dominating, so why not to get something nice even maybe not as technical as some other gear.
These brands don’t just make gear. They experiment with design, build communities, and often bring a completely different perspective on what running can look and feel like.
I haven’t tried all of them yet, so this is not a full recommendation list. But every brand here has something that caught my attention whether it’s design, storytelling, or just a different approach to running.
Aesene
Minimal, design-forward running apparel with a strong visual identity.
https://aesene.com
S’more
Playful, niche running brand with a distinct aesthetic.
https://smore-running.com
Praise Endurance
Community-driven brand blending culture and performance.
https://praiseendurance.com
Portal
Clean, modern essentials focused on everyday running.
https://portalrunning.com
Unna
Thoughtful design with a minimal, lifestyle-meets-performance feel.
https://unna.com
Philos Running
Small, creative brand with an artistic approach to running gear.
https://philosrunning.com
Pruzan Running
Boutique feel with attention to detail and storytelling.
https://pruzanrunning.com
Saysky
Copenhagen-based brand mixing performance with bold graphics.
https://saysky.com
Dissenter Running
Independent running culture brand with a rebellious tone.
https://dissentrunning.com/en
Notes Running
Editorial-style brand focusing on storytelling and community.
https://notesrunning.com
Tiempos Running
Emerging brand with a unique visual direction.
https://tiemposrunning.com
Participation
Concept-driven brand centered around movement and inclusion.
https://participationco.com
Ante Berlin
Fashion-forward running apparel with a Berlin aesthetic.
https://anteberlin.com/
Raide
Storage systems and technical gear — highly recommend.
https://raideresearch.com
Gnuhr
Clean, functional products with great materials — love them. Always up to something new and interesting.
https://www.gnuhr.com
Tannuki
Japanese-inspired running wear — tested and really liked.
https://tannuki.jp/en/
Klättermusen
Technical, sustainability-focused gear with a premium feel.
https://www.klattermusen.com/en-us/
Chance Running
“Positively impacting the world through running. Building the finest running apparel on the planet and using it to build a community of environmentally and socially conscious runners, empowering them to make a positive impact on the world in which we run.”
NTRL
“NEUTRAL es una marca con simplicidad cromática, geometría rectilinea y lenguaje sencillo, que logra mayor expresividad con el mínimo de elementos.
Es una marca que ha sido creada pensando en las personas conscientes dueñas de su propia realidad, enfocadas en que su exterior es únicamente el reflejo de su interior, ser es que se reducen a lo esencial, logran el equilibrio y se concentran en lo importante.”
Houdini Sportswear
Very interesting brand in terms of shapes and materials, most of the items can be used across different types of activities.
https://houdinisportswear.com/en-us/shop-by-activity/running
More widespread, tested and trusted (but still feel small)
Soar
High-performance apparel with a strong focus on fabric innovation. Some pieces are unique and so cool.
https://www.soarrunning.com
Currently
California based brand with nice aesthetic, where you can easily mistake running clothes for lifestyle. Great materials and visual. https://currentlyrunning.com
Bandit
NYC-based brand combining performance with streetwear energy. Basically everyday uniform.
https://banditrunning.com
District Vision
Performance eyewear and apparel with a mindfulness angle. More fashion oriented.
https://districtvision.com
H. Koumori
Brand from Mexico City blending trail styles, fashion, and technical design.
https://hermanoskoumori.com
Goldwin
Technical apparel with a refined, minimal aesthetic. Japanese but available in the US
https://www.goldwin-global.com
Miler Running
Community-focused brand with a grassroots feel, from NYC
https://milerrunning.com
Ciele Athletics
Known for headwear, now expanded into full running apparel, from Canada
https://cieleathletics.com
Store recommendation
Windthrow
One of the best-curated running stores in the US for niche brands.
https://windthrow.store
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