Outdoor Retailer 2026 Curates New Minneapolis Show Around Changing Outdoor Industry, Ushering in Next Generation of Brands

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (August 12, 2026)Outdoor Retailer is changing the way it brings the industry together, responding to shifts in how brands build businesses, how retailers discover products and how consumers engage with the outdoors. The August 19–21 show at the Minneapolis Convention Center ushers in the next generation of outdoor brands, featuring more than 275 exhibitors, surpassing its original goal of 200, along with more than 550 retail buyers and access to 15 million followers through the inaugural Wild Reach Program. Education Day on August 19 gives specialty retailers hands-on workshops through the Retailer Playbook Lab, in addition to Industry Day, an afternoon with programs presenting key business data and trends on topics including AI, new buying behaviors, and wearable tech.

“We’ve added a number of initiatives giving exhibitors and attendees increased ROI,” said Matthew Mathiasen, group show director for Outdoor Retailer. “Wild Reach brings creators directly onto the show floor to connect with brands, a program ​​that would otherwise require significant investment. Through our partnership with Explore Minnesota and Meet Minneapolis, we’re providing attendees opportunities to experience our new backyard every morning in close proximity to the convention center. We’re proud to connect our community through intentional moments, because that moves the industry forward.”

A Marketplace Built Around Discovery

The 2026 show floor brings established brands including Backcountry, Body Glove, Red Wing Shoe Co., and Wenonah Canoe together with emerging companies such as ALPAKA, Bowl & Kettle, NAVEE and Wolfpack.

More than 70 young brands will participate through the Ascent Program, connecting new brands with retailers and media, while Garage Grown Gear and Founded Outdoors bring additional independent, retail-ready brands to the show floor. REI’s Path Ahead Ventures (PAV) is collaborating with Outdoor Retailer to showcase products from more than 25 founder-led brands near the registration area. Attendees can vote for one brand to receive a complimentary booth at OR 2027 to share their founder story and products.

“Having a prominent presence on the show floor signals the key role these young brands are playing in the outdoor community,” said Lloyd Vogel, founder of Garage Grown Gear. “Small and independent brands built this industry. Centering them in the middle of the show, instead of a back corner, is exactly where they belong. We’ve seen firsthand how a single conversation on the floor can change the trajectory of a brand’s entire year.”

“REI Co-op Path Ahead Ventures exists to accelerate the success of founders of color in the outdoor industry,” said Keenan Corrigan, managing director, Path Ahead Ventures. “By showcasing products from founder-led brands in our community, we’re helping increase visibility for emerging businesses, creating opportunities for retail buyers to discover innovative products, and highlighting the entrepreneurs helping strengthen and expand our industry.”

Wild Reach Brings Creators Directly into the Show

Wild Reach, Outdoor Retailer’s creator program powered by Popfly, embeds more than 150 curated photographers, filmmakers, athletes and digital storytellers directly into the show floor, surpassing 15 million in combined audience reach, well above its original goal of 10 million. The program is a fundamental shift in how consumers discover and trust new products: they don’t respond to banner ads or brand-written copy the way they respond to creators that share their interests, buy gear like they do and provide honest, unfiltered reactions.

Outdoor Retailer built Wild Reach as launch infrastructure, giving exhibiting brands a structured, show-floor system demonstrating real consumer demand to the retailers writing orders and to tell their story in an amplified, authentic voice. Rather than leaving brands to navigate the creator economy alone, Wild Reach connects them with credentialed outdoor creators, generates documented engagement through Popfly’s tracking tools and delivers a content library brands can deploy long after the show closes.

More Value for Independent Specialty Retailers

More than 550 retail buyers and retail organizations are expected, representing specialty retailers, regional chains, international retailers and ecommerce businesses. Retailers include: Academy Sports, Alpenglow, Appalachian Outfitters, Camping World, Cape Union Mart, Gearhead Outfitters, MEC, REI, River Sports Outfitters, Runnings, Sunlight Sports, The Sportsman’s Guide, The Trail Head, and Westerlind Outdoors, among others. Outdoor Retailer’s Outdoor Specialty Scholarship and Hosted Buyer Program are providing travel support for qualifying

Keynote sessions will address retail strategy, technology and the future of outdoor participation, featuring speakers including Eoin Comerford, former CEO of Moosejaw and host of the Outdoor Unfiltered podcast, and endurance athlete, author and advocate Mirna Valerio.

Taking the Show Outside

Outdoor Retailer is expanding the experience beyond the convention center, giving attendees opportunities to discover Minneapolis’ vibrant outdoor culture through hiking, trail running and paddling. On Friday, August 21 a special orienteering adventure race is being hosted by 57hours, with $10,000 in prizes with the grand prize being a trip to Greenland. Activities are all hosted at Theodore Wirth Park, minutes from the Minneapolis Convention Center.

“Outdoor Retailer 2026 is about meaningful change,” says Lindsay Hubley, senior vice president, Sports and Outdoor Division. “We’re meeting the industry where it is today, investing in real launch infrastructure for new and discovery brands, strengthening the independent specialty community that has always been the backbone of this industry, and doing it in a timeframe where buyers arrive with clarity and a real need to find the outdoor industry’s next top seller. We are fueling the future.”

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About Outdoor Retailer

Outdoor Retailer is where the outdoor industry comes together to move the business of the outdoors forward. Designed in collaboration with brands, retailers, and industry leaders, the event creates space for connection, practical education, and the discovery of innovative products shaping the future of outdoor recreation. Outdoor Retailer is where the outdoor industry gathers to connect, collaborate, and take ownership of what comes next – #MakeItYours. Learn more about and #MakeItYours at outdoorretailer.com

Media Contact

Chris Goddard, CGPR, chris@cgprpublicrelations.com (781) 640-8387 or genny@cgprpublicrelations.com

Outdoor Industry Association Releases New Multilingual Guidance to Help Tier 1 Suppliers Achieve Textile Exchange Certification

BOULDER, Colo. — [Aug. 6, 2026] — The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today announced the launch of the CCS Guidance for Tier 1 Vendors, a new multilingual resource designed to help finished goods manufacturers navigate the path to Textile Exchange certification. The guide is available in English, Vietnamese, and Bengali to reach suppliers across a significant portion of the global manufacturing base of the outdoor industry.

Certification has become an increasingly important way for brands to verify and communicate product sustainability claims, giving consumers, brands, and retailers the transparency and accountability they demand. Yet while Tier 2 suppliers — the mills and material manufacturers further up the supply chain — often hold certifications, Tier 1 factories, which produce finished goods, are certified far less frequently. That gap limits the ability of brands to substantiate sustainability claims on the products consumers actually buy.

“When Tier 1 factories achieve certification, they unlock significant value for themselves and their brand partners,” said Julie Brown, Sr. Director Industry Engagement and Impact at OIA. “A full chain of custody allows brands to make credible product sustainability claims, and in some cases helps suppliers earn favorable product placement from retailers seeking to market sustainability attributes. This guidance was built to make that outcome attainable for more suppliers.”

Addressing a Key Barrier in the Supply Chain

Despite the benefits, the certification process has historically been unclear and, at times, daunting for suppliers new to the standard. Documentation requirements, unfamiliar material handling procedures, and complex audit processes have made certification difficult to navigate — particularly for factories without dedicated traceability resources.

To address this, a committed group of OIA members — including Columbia Sportswear Company, The North Face, Patagonia, Keen, Burton, L.L. Bean, Stanley, and FENIX Outdoor — formed the CCS Guidance Task Force in January 2025. Over the following year, the task force:

  • Interviewed 13 certified and non-certified suppliers around the globe
  • Interviewed seven certification bodies
  • Held an in-person feedback session at the 2025 Textile Exchange Conference
  • Ran a consultation feedback period with brands outside the outdoor industry
  • Incorporated a full review of the guide by Textile Exchange

The result is a step-by-step resource covering everything from determining certification scope and building internal management systems, to preparing for audits and applying for transaction certificates — along with product-specific guidance for the technical materials common in outdoor gear, such as laminated and coated fabrics.

“Communicating our sustainability efforts to our customers is important,” said Carol Shu, Co-Chair, Sr. Manager of Global Sustainability at The North Face. “To do that, it’s critical that that communication is accurate, clear, and can be supported with data. Certification to Textile Exchange’s standards provides confidence that our products meet our sustainable materials requirements.”

“Certification can be an intimidating process,” said Ellen Johnson, Co-Chair, Sustainability and Innovation Manager at Columbia Sportswear. “We created this guidance to make the path clearer and more accessible for Tier 1 manufacturers. It’s designed so suppliers can put it into practice immediately.”

Built for a Global Supply Chain

Recognizing that Tier 1 manufacturing is concentrated in regions where English may not be the primary working language, OIA is releasing the guidance in English, Vietnamese, and Bengali — removing a practical language barrier.

The guidance covers standards owned and administered by Textile Exchange, including the  Organic Content Standard (OCS), Global Recycled Standard (GRS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS), Responsible Down Standard (RDS), Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS), and Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS). As suppliers transition to Materials Matter Standard (Textile Exchange’s new standard) the guidance will still be relevant since it focuses on the chain of custody requirements in the CCS.

Call to Action

OIA encourages brands to share the guidance with their Tier 1 partners and support them in beginning the certification process. Suppliers are invited to download and use the resource. Content Claim Standard Guidance for Tier 1 Vendors is available now at https://outdoorindustry.org/article/ccs-guidance-for-tier-1-vendors/

About Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

UDisc Taps List of 25 Best Disc Golf Courses at Breweries

MINNEAPOLIS — August 6, 2026 — UDisc, the leading disc golf course directory and smartphone app, is raising a glass to the 25 Best Disc Golf Courses at Breweries for 2026. Spanning 13 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces, this year’s list highlights destination-worthy venues where you can also participate in one of the world’s fastest-growing forms of outdoor recreation – a combination nearly as special as water, hops, malt, and yeast.

“Whether you have acres of farmland or an urban space needing activation, disc golf is a great addition to any brewery,” UDisc Co-Founder and CEO Josh Lichti said. “The mix of properties on this list is a testament to disc golf’s versatility, a perfect match for the wide variety of styles and flavors these businesses offer to travelers and local patrons alike.”

Indeed, tourism is one of many upshots for breweries that add disc golf: The #1 course on the list, Norbrook Farm in Colebrook, Connecticut, sees more than half of its players travel from more than 20 miles away.

Disc golf as a whole, meanwhile, continues to grow, with more than three courses built per day in 2025, according to UDisc’s Disc Golf Growth Report. That brings the global tally to more than 17,000 disc golf courses in over 100 countries.

Download the UDisc app to record your rounds, discover more brewery courses, and experience disc golf near you.

About UDisc

UDisc is the world’s #1 disc golf app, trusted by millions of players to record rounds, discover courses, and measure their progress. UDisc’s mission is to empower the world to play more disc golf by supporting players and organizers around the globe. Now the industry standard for measuring disc golf participation, infrastructure, and reach, the company’s Disc Golf Health Index focuses on the places where new courses can be most impactful. Learn more at UDisc.com.

Red Wing / Malbon Brings Heritage Craftsmanship Back to the Fairway

Red Wing, MN —  Red Wing Heritage, the American footwear brand defined by 120 years of uncompromising craftsmanship, is partnering with Los Angeles-based Malbon  on a highly limited-edition collaboration that marks Red Wing Heritage’s return to the fairway, its first golf shoe in more than 70 years. Priced at $400, the collaboration debuts August 11th on  malbon.com.

Inspired by Red Wing’s archival golf design and built with the same commitment to quality and authenticity that has defined the brand for generations, the collaboration brings a forgotten chapter of Red Wing history back into play blending heritage construction with Malbon’s modern approach to golf culture. The result is a style that performs on the course and resonates well beyond it.

“This collaboration allowed us to share a little-known part of Red Wing’s history while introducing our craftsmanship to a new generation of consumers,” said Jamie Kvamme, Director of Brand Marketing at Red Wing Shoe Company. “Together with Malbon, we’ve created a product that honors our heritage while reflecting the evolving culture surrounding the game of golf.”

Crafted from premium leather with heritage-inspired detailing, the style reflects a shared appreciation for timeless design, elevated materials, and products built to endure.

“This collaboration brings together two American originals — one with more than a century of craftsmanship and the other helping redefine golf as a lifestyle and cultural movement,” said Stephen Malbon, Co-Founder of Malbon Golf. “We’ve always believed golf extends far beyond the course. Partnering with Red Wing felt like a natural evolution of that vision, combining timeless craftsmanship with a modern perspective on the game and the community surrounding it.”

Produced in limited quantities, the Red Wing Heritage / Malbon collaboration is available August 11th exclusively at malbon.com.

Product Details:

Style Name: Malbon Shop Moc Oxford

Colorway: Oro Legacy

Construction: Goodyear Leather Welt

Press Images: HERE Photo credit: Dallas Currie

About Red Wing Heritage Established in 1905, Red Wing is a renowned American footwear brand celebrated for its iconic footwear and leather goods. The brand’s legacy is rooted in a dedication to quality American craftsmanship, traditional construction, and timeless design. Through a unique combination of advanced technology and handmade craftsmanship, all Red Wing Heritage boots feature premium materials and over a century of archival inspiration stitched into each pair. redwingheritage.com | @redwingheritage

About Malbon

The mission of Malbon Golf is simple: inspire today’s youth to participate in the greatest game on Earth. Founded in 2017 by culture and golf enthusiasts Stephen and Erica Malbon, the brand launched with a limited collection for men looking to find multi-functional golf apparel that’s made to be worn both on and off the green. Since then, the husband and wife duo have been pioneering the movement toward golf as a lifestyle by collaborating with some of the most well-known brands in the world and creating a community of like-minded thinkers who share the same collective vision for the future of the sport. Today, Malbon Golf has expanded to offer a complete line of men and women apparel, footwear and accessories that are designed to reimagine the status quo and aspire across all ages with the ultimate goal of bringing a fresh perspective and an accessible, personal approach to the game. The brand is available across the U.S., Korea, and the Philippines through e-commerce and select top retailers. To learn more, please visit malbongolf.com or follow on Instagram at @malbongolf. To explore the digital collectibles, Buckets Club, visit bucketsclub.com or @buckets.club

MATADOR RETIRES AND REINVENTS ENTIRE LINEUP WITH ALL-NEW COLLECTION OF TRAVEL BACKPACKS AND BAGS

BOULDER, Colo. (August 4, 2026) – Matador Travel Equipment, the award-winning producer of high-performance travel gear, today announces the launch of its new travel collection: a complete reinvention of its pack lineup that replaces every bag previously offered. The new collection spans eleven pieces ranging from 2 to 45 liters, unified by a shared feature set, elevated materials, and a simplified naming convention that makes it easy to find the right pack for the trip ahead.

The overhaul’s focus on simplicity, standardization and shared components allowed Matador to cut prices by 18% on average compared to the outgoing lineup, delivering its most capable collection at its most accessible price point yet. Matador’s design team approached the collection as a complete system, applying more than a decade of product development and real-world travel experience across every component. Designing the full line together allowed Matador to standardize materials, hardware, and layout across the collection, and to invest in custom components that would not have been feasible at the scale of a single product.

“Our goal was to build the best possible products for today’s traveler,” said Chris Clearman, Founder and CEO of Matador. “Retiring proven products and launching an entirely new collection in a single day carries real risk, but the greater risk was standing still. We designed this collection as one complete system rather than a series of individual bags, so every shared improvement, from materials to hardware, makes the whole lineup stronger. This is years of what we’ve learned, brought together and delivered all at once, rather than introduced piecemeal over time.”

THE NEW FEATURES & UPDATES

The collection features a plethora of new updates across the board, including an RFID-blocking Smuggler’s Pocket™, a dedicated location-tracker pocket built for AirTag and similar devices, Dual Access Architecture™ for fast top-loading access in transit and full clamshell access on arrival, and internal baffles that keep fully packed compartments closing cleanly. Each pack is constructed from 420D recycled materials that meet Bluesign® criteria, pairing sustainability with durability and performance. Interchangeable drip kits – swappable zipper pulls and cords – let travelers personalize the look and feel of any bag. Matador also worked directly with Zoom® to develop DuraGlide™ zippers with lower pull force and stronger construction than any zipper the brand had used before — ultra-strong, low-friction, and fully water-resistant.

45L GLOBAL TRAVEL PACK & 35L GLOBAL TRAVEL PACK[$299 & $279 MSRP] The do-it-all carry-on for travelers crossing continents with everything on their back. Carry-on friendly for most standard airlines at 45 and 35 liters, with a large external-access laptop sleeve, padded 13″ tablet sleeve, dual water bottle pockets, Dual Access Architecture, and a removable hip belt and sternum strap for long-haul comfort.

  • Replaces GlobeRider 35 & 45

45L SEG HYBRID TRAVEL PACK[$199 MSRP] The only pack carried forward from Matador’s previous lineup, now fully reimagined with the collection’s standardized features. Designed for travelers who think in systems, featuring a patented segmented interior that works like built-in packing cubes with quick external access, plus a backpack-or-duffle carry mode and an undercarriage compartment for large or dirty items.

  • Replaces SEG45 Travel Pack

30L CARRY-ON TRAVEL PACK[$199 MSRP] A new addition to the lineup, built for travelers who want full features in a strictly carry-on-compliant footprint. Pairs seamlessly with rolling luggage or stands on its own for shorter trips.

  • Not a replacement for pre-existing item; all-new pack/size option!

18L PERSONAL ITEM TRAVEL PACK[$149 MSRP] Big-bag features in a personal-item footprint, purpose-built to fly for free. Full Dual Access Architecture, and the same RFID and tracker protection as the rest of the line, in Matador’s smallest travel pack yet.

  • Not a replacement for pre-existing item; all-new pack/size option!

24L ADVENTURE PACK[$199 MSRP] A true everyday pack for whatever the day brings, from the office to the backcountry. EDC-ready and carry-on compliant at 24 liters, with hydration compatibility, a quick-access 16″ laptop sleeve, and a removable stabilizing hip belt for heavier loads.

  • Not a replacement for pre-existing item; all-new pack/size option!

24L TOTE PACK[$129 MSRP] Three ways to carry in one flexible everyday bag. Convertible backpack straps and extendable handles make it just as easy to sling over a shoulder as to wear hands-free, with fast access and secure organization built in.

  • Not a replacement for pre-existing item; all-new pack/size option!

2L LITE SLING[$23 MSRP] Purposefully simple, built for the essentials. Worn as a sling or hip pack, it keeps a phone, wallet, and keys within reach without adding bulk.

  • Replaces ReFRACTION Sling and Freerain Hip Pack

18L PACKABLE BACKPACK & 18L WATERPROOF PACKABLE BACKPACK[$75 & $95 MSRP] Lightweight and available in weather-resistant or full waterproof, this pack is built to disappear until it’s needed. Packs into its own pocket for transport, then unpacks into a full-featured 18-liter backpack for markets, trails, and last-minute detours. Enhanced with LiteCush™ straps for all-day comfort.

  • Replaces ReFRACTION Backpack, Freefly16 Backpack, and Freerain22 WP Backpack

30L PACKABLE DUFFLE[$75 MSRP] The 18L Packable Backpack’s trusty counterpart, with all the carrying options you could ever need. Packs into its own pocket when not in use and unpacks into a 30-liter duffle with backpack, cross-body, or duffle carry modes for whatever the trip calls for.

  • Replaces ReFRACTION Duffle and Freefly Duffle

Matador built its early reputation on technical, niche travel products: packable, weather-resistant gear designed for a specific type of traveler. That performance heritage remains central to the new collection, but the lineup is designed to serve a broader range of trips, from short-haul essentials to long-haul, cross-continental travel, without requiring travelers to choose between refined design and rugged performance.

The full collection is available now at select retailers and online at https://www.matadorequipment.com.

ABOUT MATADOR TRAVEL EQUIPMENT
Matador, based in Boulder, CO, designs high-performance adventure travel equipment engineered for objective-based travel. The team’s strengths in design, material technology, and construction give them an edge in developing innovative products that bring outdoor expertise to the pursuit of travel. For more information about Matador, visit MatadorEquipment.com.

Around the Crown 10K Partners with Thule to Push the Industry Forward

Charlotte, NC — August 3, 2026 — Around the Crown 10K Together with Truist (ATC10K), North Carolina’s largest 10K running race, announces a multi-year partnership with Thule. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to accessibility and a belief that running is for everyone, including the families who show up to race together.

Founded in 2019 by Brian and Chelsea Mister, Around the Crown 10K Together With Truist has become a fixture in Charlotte’s annual calendar, offering runners the unique experience of racing on the city’s inner beltway, I-277. The event is dedicated to promoting health, happiness, and confidence for all, regardless of age, background, or experience. Through initiatives like “Pay What You Can” and a strong commitment to sustainability, ATC10K strives to make running accessible and impactful for the entire community.

“As a Thule family, we’ve been using their products for years, and it seems like we’re not alone. The stroller division for Around the Crown 10K sells out fast every year,” states Mister. “Partnering with Thule helps us push forward our mission of creating an inclusive environment that welcomes all athletes and empowers them to pursue their own adventures.”

Thule has spent more than 80 years designing products that help people carry their gear wherever their passion takes them. That mission extends naturally to active families. The Thule Urban Glide 3 stroller earned an iF Gold Award in 2024, cementing the brand’s reputation as the go-to choice for parents who don’t slow down when kids enter the picture. With a lineup built for runners, commuters, and everyone in between, Thule strollers are engineered to keep up with the pace of an active family life, making the Charlotte streets of the Around the Crown 10K a natural home for the brand.

“We’ve been fans of Around the Crown 10K for years and have watched the event grow into something really special for the Charlotte community,” said Chris Ritchie, Director of Marketing at Thule. “This partnership is a natural extension of our shared values, highlighting a mutual dedication to fostering vibrant communities and supporting active family lifestyles. We’re excited to step in as a partner and support the runners and families who make this race what it is.”

For race weekend updates, follow ATC10K on social media at @aroundthecrown10k. Media inquiries can contact Angie Robinson at angie@darbycommunications.com and visit aroundthecrown10K.com.

About Crown Collective

Crown Collective is a Charlotte-based running brand built on the mission to move the Queen City forward. True to the Charlotte runner, Crown Collective unites signature races, inclusive community events, and thoughtful marketing initiatives under one cohesive vision. With a focus on sustainability, clean design, and accessibility, the brand serves as a home for events like the NoDa 5K, Charlotte Summer Track Series, Forward Motion Summer Camps, Charlotte Racefest, and Around the Crown 10K Together with Truist. Learn more at www.crowncollective.run.

About Thule Group

Thule is a global sports and outdoor company. We offer high-quality products with smart features and a sustainable design that make it easy for people across the globe to live an active life. Under the motto Bring your Life – and with a focus on consumer-driven innovation and long-term sustainability – we develop, manufacture and market products within the product categories Sport & Cargo Carriers (roof racks, roof boxes and carriers for transporting cycling, water and winter sports equipment, and rooftop tents mounted on a car), Active with Kids & Dogs (car seats, strollers, bike trailers, child bike seats and dog transport), RV Products (awnings, bike carriers and tents for RVs and caravans) and Bags & Mounts (backpacks, luggage and performance mounts).

Thule Group has about 3,000 employees at nine production facilities and 35 sales offices worldwide. The Group’s products are sold in 138 markets and in 2025, sales amounted to SEK 10.4 billion.

www.thulegroup.com

Fleet Feet and Altra Join as Founding Partners of New Podcast for Women Runners

MISSOULA, Mont., CARRBORO, N.C., and DENVER, Colo. (July 31, 2026) — Fleet Feet, the nation’s largest franchisor of locally owned and operated running specialty stores, and Altra, a leading innovator in performance running footwear, have joined as founding partners of “Still Running: 10 Years Apart,” a new podcast helping women navigate the realities of running through every stage of life. Hosted by runners and moms Ashley Arnold and Rebecca “Trax” Trachsel, the show explores what it means to keep pursuing ambitious goals as bodies and lives evolve.

The podcast explores topics ranging from hormones and recovery to pregnancy, postpartum and perimenopause. Through expert interviews and candid conversations, it offers practical, evidence-based guidance while creating a space where women runners can feel understood and supported.

“Running has always been about more than miles; it’s about having people in your corner,” said Tiffany Lee, senior director of performance marketing and partnerships. “This podcast brings important conversations to more women, and our locally owned and operated stores give runners a place to continue them. Whether someone is looking for the right footwear, training for a new goal or simply looking for a community to run with, we’re proud to help women feel supported through every stage of their running journey.”

About the Hosts

Arnold is an ultra-trail runner, podcast host and brand marketing leader who previously led brand marketing at Fleet Feet. She is currently returning to running postpartum while training for mountain races. An empty-nester with ten years on Arnold, Trachsel is a road marathoner and content creator with over 29,000 Instagram followers, navigating a perimenopausal stage of high-performance running. The two met during overlapping work with a running club in 2025 and discovered they share many of the same questions about running.

“‘Still Running’ exists because women runners deserve better conversations about their bodies, their goals and the seasons of life that shape both,” said Arnold and Trachsel. “Women runners are constantly adapting, questioning, pushing and trying to understand what our bodies are telling us. We’re here to make those conversations honest, funny, useful and backed by people who actually know what they’re talking about.”

Episode Content 

New hour-plus long episodes will publish twice monthly and feature host conversations, expert interviews and listener “phone-a-friend” segments covering topics including fueling, injury prevention, training through hormone changes and returning to running after time away. Fleet Feet and Altra’s partnership will support the podcast’s launch, production and community events.

“There is a lot of positive conversation right now about women maintaining strength and vitality as they move through different life stages, and it’s a conversation that Altra fully supports,” said Reyna Alishio, head of global marketing at Altra. “We’re so excited to be playing a role in bringing this podcast and topic to life, and to women runners specifically.”

The first episode is now available wherever podcasts are streamed and at stillrunningpod.com. Follow @stillrunningpod on Instagram for future episodes and community updates.

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About Fleet Feet
Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated specialty run stores. With more than 285 Fleet Feet stores in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, North Carolina, Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards.

Fleet Feet believes that Running Changes Everything® and has been recognized in Fast Company’s Brands That Matter, the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies and Best in Business, Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers and America’s Best Online Shops, and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.

About Altra

Altra isn’t just a shoe. It’s a promise. It all started when we hacked the typical running shoe,

challenging industry convention by opening the toe box so your feet could splay naturally. Born from a passion for innovation and natural running, Altra designs footwear in Colorado that helps runners move more naturally. The Altra Fit allows toes to spread for enhanced comfort, balance and strength, so you can Stay Out There™ for more miles and more years. #altrarunning #stayoutthere

Onix Pickleball Introduces Theory Paddle, Delivering the Perfect Balance of Power and Control

EVANSVILLE, Ind. [JULY 30, 2026] Onix Pickleball, a leader in the sport for two decades, today introduced the Theory paddle, a performance-driven paddle engineered to deliver the ideal balance of power, control, and spin. Designed for players who demand consistency without sacrificing versatility, the Theory combines premium materials with advanced construction to elevate every shot.

The new Theory paddle is built for players looking to customize their game, offering both 14mm and 16mm core options to match individual playing styles. Featuring an elongated paddle shape, oversized sweet spot, and premium raw carbon fiber surface, the Theory provides a responsive feel with the confidence to attack or defend from anywhere on the court.

“The Theory was designed for players who want a paddle that adapts to their game rather than forcing them to adjust,” said Jake Yardeni, Product Manager at Onix Pickleball.”By pairing a solid foam Cyro Core with a raw carbon fiber surface, we’ve created a paddle that delivers exceptional control, impressive spin, and the consistency players need to perform their best in every match.”

The Theory features:

  • Solid foam Cyro Core enhancing paddle control and feel
  • 16.4″ elongated shape with a 5.4″ handle for comfort, reach, and versatility. ● Available in both 14mm (control) and 16mm (max control) core thicknesses to match player preference.
  • 7.75–8.25 oz midweight design for the ideal blend of stability and maneuverability. ● Available in three modern colorways.

At the heart of the Theory is its solid foam Cyro Core, engineered to provide enhanced paddle control, consistency, and feel throughout every rally. Foam paddles used to be at a price point most players couldn’t afford. The Theory is a foam core paddle under $100, delivering foam for all. Combined with a naturally textured Raw Carbon Fiber Surface, the Theory increases spin potential while giving players the precision needed for confident shot placement. Its oversized sweet spot creates greater forgiveness, while the protective edge guard helps preserve paddle performance match after match.

Whether players prioritize touch at the kitchen line or aggressive drives from the baseline, the Theory offers the versatility to perform across every style of play, delivering a balanced combination of power, control, and spin in one premium paddle.

The Theory is available at select retailers including DICK’s Sporting Goods, SCHEELS, and online at OnixPickleball.com. For more information, visit OnixPickleball.com.

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About Onix Pickleball

Onix is the leading manufacturer of all performance pickleball products, such as paddles, balls, and accessories, and equips players with technologically advanced equipment that is proven to make the sport faster, more precise, and more strategic. Since its founding in 2005, Onix Pickleball has dedicated its mission to growing and supporting the sport at a professional level. For more information on Onix, its products, brands, instruction manuals, retailers, warranty, replacement parts, or customer service, please call 1-800-467-1421 or visit onixpickleball.com.

About Escalade

Founded in 1922, and headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, Escalade designs, manufactures, and sells sporting goods, safety, fitness, and indoor/outdoor recreation equipment. Our mission is to connect family and friends, create lasting memories, and play life to the fullest. Leaders in our respective categories, Escalade’s distinct and acclaimed brands include Goalrilla™ in-ground basketball hoops; STIGA® tennis tables and accessories; Bear® Archery and archery equipment; Brunswick Billiards® tables and accessories; Accudart® darting; Onix® pickleball; Lifeline® fitness products; and RAVE Sports® water recreation products. Escalade’s products are available online and through leading retailers nationwide. For more information about Escalade’s diverse and prominent brand portfolio, history, financials, and governance, please visit www.escaladeinc.com.