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Running Sneaker Preferences Report

Uncover detailed insights into runners' sneaker preferences—from sole height and color trends to ideal price points—to inform next season's designs and optimize your running assortment.

Overview

Dive into Part 3 of our Running Report to discover runners' product and design preferences for running sneakers. We engaged with 1,602 consumers in the US and UK to uncover what features are most important to them—including sole type, color, key features, and the prices they're willing to pay.

Key Takeaways

  • Breakout brands like Hoka and On have sparked demand for unique features like maximalist soles, now favored by nearly a quarter of the market. However, the majority of runners still prefer the timeless appeal of classic, more traditional designs.
  • As runners get more experienced, they begin to prefer some of the more dramatic mid-sole types, but a lot of novice runners may see these styles of midsoles as a barrier to entry. 
  • As experience grows with runners, so does the number of products they buy per year (despite there being less options from brands).

Methodology