Founded in 2016, Myrqvist is a Swedish footwear brand dedicated to timeless design and craftsmanship, creating premium-quality shoes at a fair price. Their Scandinavian-inspired pieces are crafted by artisans in Portugal using Goodyear welted construction, which enhances durability and long-term wear. Myrqvist’s collection has expanded from classic Oxfords to include boots, sneakers, and accessories, combining minimalist aesthetics with high-quality leathers from the best global tanneries.
Soludos offers stylish and comfortable footwear inspired by the classic espadrille. Their collection includes a variety of shoes and sandals made from high-quality materials, perfect for effortless summer style.
Peluva is a minimalist footwear brand co-founded by Mark Sisson, a pioneer in health and wellness, and his son, Kyle Sisson. Designed for true barefoot functionality, Peluva shoes feature five articulated toes and cushioning that mimics the sensation of walking on grass, aiming to support foot strength, alignment, and comfort for all-day wear. With its blend of performance and style, Peluva offers options for gym-goers and everyday activities, bringing innovative design to the minimalist shoe space.
Founded in Boston in 2014, Tracksmith is an independent running brand built on a deep love for the sport. They craft products, tell stories and create experiences that enrich the running experience.
Hylo makes athletic sneakers for superior performance. As a company, they believe it’s their responsibility to protect the future of sport .
Award-winning running apparel and gear designed for you and the planet, with 2% of every sale going towards their water charity partners.
Built on the foundation of inspiring change, Torsa creates running products to enhance performance, using design-led thinking and functionality at their core. Their mission is to inspire people to harness training in the pursuit of greatness.
Soar is a running performance brand based out of London. Founder Tim Soar created the company out of a desire to bring the best fabrics to runners, without sacrificing fashion. Overall, it is some excellent running gear.
Kizik burst onto the seen just a few years ago with their world-famous, hands-free slip-on shoes. They're stylish, convenient and even fun. Since they've launched, they have expanded into a bunch of different categories within shoes: casual, stylish, everyday and athletic...all with their awesome hands-free design.
Direct-to-consumer running shoe brands are companies that bypass traditional retail models to sell their footwear directly to customers, primarily through online platforms. This innovative approach allows these brands to focus on producing high-quality, technically advanced running shoes without the retail markup, offering better value and personalized customer service.
Pioneers like On Running, Altra, and Hoka One One have made significant strides in this space, gaining popularity for their unique design philosophies, commitment to innovation, and direct engagement with the running community. By selling directly, these brands foster a closer relationship with their customers, enabling them to tailor products and services to runners' evolving needs while also building a loyal brand following.
Identifying the best D2C running shoe brands involves looking at innovation, customer feedback, and the overall value they provide to the running community. On Running stands out for its cloud-like cushioning technology that promises both comfort and performance. Altra is renowned for its Balanced Cushioning and FootShape toe box, offering a natural running experience.
Hoka One One's signature thick, cushioned soles and lightweight design have also made it a favorite among both casual joggers and endurance runners. These brands excel not just because of their product quality but also due to their dedication to enhancing runners' experiences through technological advancements and responsive customer service, solidifying their status at the forefront of the D2C running shoe market.
The D2C running shoe category is experiencing several key trends that reflect broader shifts in consumer preferences and technological advancements. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important, with brands innovating to create eco-friendly shoes using recycled materials without compromising on performance.
Personalization and customization are also gaining traction, as companies use data analytics to tailor shoes to individual running styles and preferences. Additionally, there's a growing emphasis on community-building, with brands engaging runners through apps, virtual races, and interactive platforms. These trends highlight a dynamic shift towards more responsible production, personalized running experiences, and a stronger sense of community among runners, shaping the future of the D2C running shoe industry.
Everything you need to build a better D2C brand, business and tech stack.
