MARKET HISTORY

Brooks will 1914 Founded in Philadelphia, the company started as a manufacturer of ballet and bathing shoes and thus laid the foundation for a more than 100-year history in the field of specialized footwear. Over the following decades, Brooks continuously expanded its portfolio to include various sports and developed, among other things, baseball, football, and softball cleats, as well as roller skates and children’s shoes. Early on, functional innovation was a key focus, for example through patents such as the „Natural Bend Arch Support“ technology in the 1930years ago.

1974 Brooks develops the Villanova model, which is created in close collaboration with Olympic runner Marty Liquori. For the first time, feedback from runners is systematically integrated into product development – an approach that remains part of the brand’s DNA to this day.

1977 With the Vantage model, Brooks achieves a major breakthrough in the running market. Runner’s World ranks the shoe as number 1, and with the use of EVA foam in the midsole, it sets new standards in cushioning and performance.

With the introduction of the Adrenaline GTS 1999 One of Brooks’s most important and successful styles to date is born. The shoe marks the entry into the stability category and is specifically developed based on feedback from running retailers. The goal was to create a supportive „go-to“ shoe that is more flexible and faster to react than existing models. The Adrenaline GTS has become a central part of Brooks’s DNA and has been continuously developed over many generations.

2001
Brooks makes a strategic decision: full focus on running. The company henceforth focuses exclusively on running – running shoes, running apparel, and accessories. This clear focus significantly strengthens the brand’s profile and underscores the commitment to developing products with maximum relevance for runners. The inclusion of products from other sports categories is consciously acknowledged, while at the same time Brooks defines its own, distinctive path as a running sports specialist.

2006
Brooks will be a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

2024
Let’s Run There: New CEO, new Europe head and a new global brand platform. 100 years after its founding, Brooks is reinventing itself in many ways. „Let’s Run There“ embodies Brooks„ mission to inspire all runners to follow their own path. With “Let’s Run There,„ Brooks aims to build on the energy found in the well-known “Run Happy” mantra. More evolution than revolution.

Today
Brooks is a globally operating running sports specialist with a presence in over 50 countries. The brand stands for performance running, innovative technologies, high comfort, and a close connection to the running community. Brooks’ goal is to inspire as many people as possible to run and to accompany them on their individual journey – regardless of performance level, terrain, or motivation.

GAME-CHANGING INNOVATIONS

1977 Vantage
The Vantage is the first shoe to use EVA (as a replacement for the sluggish rubber material in the insole).

1980 Hugger GT
The innovative shoe is the first model with a breathable GORE-TEX upper; it is also equipped with a side strap for good heel support that makes the foot more „biomechanically efficient“.

1982 Diagonal Rollbar
Instead of the Varus Wedge, the Chariot uses two differently dense foams – one denser on the inside of the shoe to prevent the runners from twisting inward, and a softer EVA foam on the outside so that the shoe does not tilt unnaturally when walking. Brooks has called this innovation the Diagonal Rollbar.

1987 Kinetic Wedge
Brooks is introducing a new cushioning technology that stabilizes the forefoot area. It is a piece of soft, flexible material under the foot. The Kinetic Wedge allows the foot to bend naturally.

1989 HydroFlow
HydroFlow reacts in a unique way to the individual weight and stride pattern of the runner, like a hydraulic shock absorber.

1992 Beast
Brooks' next major shoe sets new standards in motion control with improvements to the diagonal roll bar.

1995 Podular Technology
A new concept from Brooks ensures that the outsole is as flexible as never before. Instead of straight grooves, the outsole is designed with Podular Technology featuring pods that allow the shoe to bend in all directions.

1999 Adrenaline GTS 1
The Adrenaline provides more flexibility at the front of the foot, for smoother rolling from the heel to lifting the toes, and it is equipped with flexible grooves that, along with other innovations, provide just the right amount of support and traction.

1999 Substance 257
Brooks is introducing another innovative cushioning system. Substance 257 is made up of 25 percent rubber and 75 percent ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA). This composite material ensures that the midsole is more durable and at the same time more cushioning.

2002 Adrenaline GTS 4
The Progressive Diagonal Rollbar is introduced. It uses triple-density foam that is designed to prevent pronation from the outside in and gradually move the foot forward from the heel to lifting the toes.

2006 MoGo
The industry-wide standard midsole made of EVA foam is significantly improved by a brand-new polymer-based substance. MoGo offers runners more cushioning, more power return, more resistance, and more energy return. Through a more efficient and environmentally friendly compression-molded preform, waste is reduced by half.

2007 BioMogo
Brooks improves the revolutionary MoGo midsole and develops the world's first fully biodegradable material for midsole cushioning.

2010 Green Silence
With this remarkable, sustainable flat shoe, Brooks completely redefines the running shoe. The model is made % from 75% recycled materials, thus consuming significantly less energy during production. The insole is completely biodegradable, and each component contains a sustainable element.

2013 Transcend
The Transcend is the first shoe with the GuideRails technology. Brooks does not attempt to correct the gait of runners; rather, it uses the findings of emerging biomechanics research, which shows that „proper running“ is as individual as the runners themselves.

2017 DNA AMP
Brooks introduces its most dynamic midsole ever, with technology that provides runners with higher energy return than any other shoes from leading competitors. DNA AMP absorbs the impact as the feet come into contact with the ground and directs it back up, allowing runners’ energy to be used for longer, faster runs.

2018 DNA LOFT
The softest Brooks midsole ever is introduced to the market. With a balanced ratio of foam, air and rubber, impact forces can be distributed away from the body. Runners enjoy a softer, more comfortable running experience without having to compromise on dynamics and durability.

2018 GuideRails 2.0
Brooks presents a completely new approach to support technology that takes into account the individuality of runners' steps. GuideRails are special plates that allow the hips, knees, and joints of runners to remain in their own natural movement patterns, and only intervene when the runner exceeds that area.

2020 The Run Bra
Brooks is bringing a long-overdue innovation to market: a bra specifically tailored to the needs of runners who experience heavy wear and tear during exercise. Two types of Run Bras are being developed: the Drive collection with flexible, compression-like support and the Dare collection with integrated, pre-shaped cups for excellent support.