Running Supply #89: Alex Zono Dances Like A Runner, New Unna, SATISFY x Levi's, and A Store for Amateurs
A new full collection of running gear from newsletter fave Alex Zono, SATISFY gorps ur Levis, a new running store in New Canaan, plus some run industry trends.
This has been a productive week on the newsletter and I have written way too many words. Nevertheless, I still feel behind! Got any feedback for stuff you’d like to see covered or liked in the past? Reply to this email or drop me a message.
Quick Hits
Audrey Werro (Puma) is knocking on the door of the 800m world record. She has run under 1:54 twice. 1:53.28 is the mark to beat.
Tomorrow is the 2026 Commonwealth Games, taking place on Josh Kerr’s home turf of Scotland. He’ll be the one to beat in the 1500m, hopefully challenged by phenom Cam Myers and Jacob Wightman
I absolutely loved this video from the Brooklyn Mile about Shawn, who has run it every year for the past 10 years.
ICYMI
I had a double header this week with a rundown of what I saw at USATF as well as a mid summer guide on the best running sunglasses. Last week, I covered Josh Kerr’s mile world record and what might be the best super trainer of the summer.
Ditch the Eye Jackets: The Best Running Sunglasses
I am an always-sunglasses-on person in the summer. I’ve had the same pair of white Oakley Radars (like a cop) since junior year of high school. I begged my parents to let me get this pair on eBay. Somehow they’ve made it through 18 years of training, vacations, car rides, and moves.
Running Supply #88: Brooks Beast Mode, An unSATISFYing Interview, and SF Marathon Drama
Josh Kerr Haters Go Home DEVASTATED, new supershoes from On and Merrell, an unsanctioned race gets a verified shout out, and is there still editorial oversight?
New Amateur On The Block
Amateur just opened in New Canaan, Connecticut. It’s a boutique endurance store started by luxury fashion retail veteran Alex Holmes. The shop curates footwear, apparel and accessories across running and cycling — Norda, Satisfy, District Vision, Bandit, Tracksmith, MAAP, and Universal Colours. So far they’re just getting settled in. Worth a stop by if you’re in the area! It’s one of the first in the US — there’s Luft in LA, but beyond that most of these types of stores are outside the US. Canada is lucky enough to have both Enroute and Le Club.
Alex Zono: Your Favorite Whimsical Brand Drops A Full Collection
I’m a big fan of Alex’s work and have interviewed him before on the newsletter about his design background. I love how he uses wild colors, patterns, and a just-rightly-wrong feel to everything he puts out. This capsule is named after some of the Spotify albums he’s released with his brother.
His capsule previewed at PFW in January made its way internationally, available for the first time in the US at Windthrow Store and Renegade. The full capsule is also online at his store, including this super cute linen “Kite” shirt.
Zappos Rundown Report
Zappos recently put out a report based on their own sales data and interviews with 100 runners. Here’s what stood out to me:
53% try a new shoe based on recommendations from friends and run clubs. Peers are the strongest recommendation engine in the sport.
45% say a run club is their primary way of meeting new people; 25% met 4+ of their inner circle there. With fewer third spaces and fewer people working in the office, this is where people meet.
Recent and Upcoming News
Unna “Time to Jog” Mini Capsule
Unna is one of my favorite running brands blending lifestyle with performance. Live now on their site. I’m particular to the striped long sleeves and got a blue one last year.
Inspired by the idea that jogging is less about performance and more about the joy of simply getting out the door, the collection celebrates movement on your own terms.
SATISFY x Levi’s STONER Capsule
SATISFY and Levi’s came together for their second collaboration after 2 years. This collab might seem puzzling — why Levi’s, why denim? Quick explanation: Founder Brice Partouche also had his own denim brand, April77 about 20 years ago. His running brand borrows aesthetically from the American Wes and 70s/80s counter culture. Dig back to the 70s and you’d fine the Stonemasters, a counter-culture climbing group that frequently wore denim while climbing (and also dropped a lot of LSD).
Functionally it’s probably fine for very casual climbing — more importantly it looks the part and if you’re looking for climbing-themed clothing using reworked vintage denim, this will do. Not sure the actual Stonemasters would be able to afford the $390 jeans. Wish there were a pair of jorts in the mix here! This sold out in all of 10 minutes and was a super limited collab. Better luck next time.
Kaleg F26
Korean running brand Kaleg just released their fall capsule. Love a shacket, don’t love the aurora stylized logo across the shoulder. They have a full breakdown of the capsule here which seems trail oriented: shirts, pocketed shorts, trail vests, running belts. I honestly wasn’t too wowed here, but wanted to share because we’re seeing some Eastern brands put out full running lines and make their way west1.
Mount to Coast M1 Ruggedizes the H1
The M1 is a more rugged take on the brand’s popular H1, featuring JETCELL supercritical foam. This shoe should be a bit more stable with a wider base and handle real trail given the Vibram Megagrip outsole. Trail racers seem to be trending towards more responsive foams, following the lead of road shoes. Wider based, higher stacks, super critical foam, plates, and knit bootie upper. I expect a elite racer to come from MTC in the next year or so. Coming August 10th for $195.
The North Face Off Trail Ultra
Speaking of trail shoes with SCF, and bootie uppers, the new North Face Off Trail Ultra comes August 4th. This shoe isn’t for racing though, it’s designed for more adventurous trail running and scrambling “expeditions.” As more brands lean into trail, there will have to be a balance in their marketing between adventure and performance. TNF generally sits on the adventure side, and their product lineup reflects that. Also, while I don’t love the color, it’s a cool reference to their 1990 expedition jacket.
All Brands Start at Socks?
Bandit kicked off their now-super-popular brand with a pair of socks and a vision. But they never really leaned into sock technology or bet the biz on it. SUMS in the UK did, and have done well for themselves on socks and socks alone. They’re known for their poppy color blocked styles and compression. I was surprised to see they now also have apparel. While they’ve built brand trust with their socks, I’m interested to see if that trust is strong enough to carry a running line. They’re so many options out there these days and this doesn’t stand out compared to their sock line.
For Later
Check out my bit on 3rd and 4th wave running stores, which features a list of the best running stores in the world. Indie Running Stores
If you’re looking to shop for any of this cool gear, check out my running store finder which let’s you filter by brand to see the nearest store.
Supply Run is a series of casual interviews with industry professionals. Anyone from runners to store owners to founders.
Running Supply’s archive of the some of best designed running gear
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I have yet to dive into Kailas, which is a big trail brand out of China.
Do you reckon the rise of fun & whimsical is an unconscious counterbalance to the gym bro/stay hard culture that’s taken to running?
Jogging is not a crime!