Brooks was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1914 under the name Brooks Shoe Manufacturing Company. During its early decades, the company produced a diverse range of footwear, including ballet slippers, baseball cleats, roller skates, and American football shoes.

As recreational running gained popularity in the 1970s, Brooks shifted its focus towards performance running footwear. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the company developed technologies aimed at improving comfort, cushioning, and injury prevention for runners.

In 2001, Brooks made the strategic decision to become a running-only brand, discontinuing most non-running product categories. This specialisation helped establish Brooks as one of the most respected names in the running industry.

In 2006, Berkshire Hathaway acquired Brooks, providing financial stability and enabling global expansion whilst maintaining the company’s independent brand identity.2

• Founded: 1914
• Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, United States
• Industry: Sporting goods / Athletic footwear and apparel
• Parent company: Berkshire Hathaway
• CEO: Dan Sheridan
• Area served: Worldwide
• Products: Running shoes, running apparel, sports bras, socks, accessories

Brooks employs more than a thousand people worldwide and operates offices across North America, Europe, and Asia. The company is noted for investing heavily in biomechanics research to enhance the running experience for athletes of all skill levels.3

The mission of Brooks centres on a single concept:

“We exist to inspire everyone to run and be active.”

Unlike many competitors that manufacture footwear for multiple sports, Brooks focuses almost exclusively on running. This specialisation allows the company to dedicate its research, engineering, and product development entirely to runners.

Its product philosophy emphasises:

• Comfort over fashion
• Scientific research
• Injury reduction
• Long-distance performance
• Sustainable product innovation

The company’s slogan, “Run Happy,” has become one of the most recognisable marketing campaigns in the running industry.4

Brooks manufactures a comprehensive range of running equipment.

Running shoes

The footwear lineup is organised according to running style and cushioning preferences. Popular models include:

• Ghost
• Glycerin
• Adrenaline GTS
• Launch
• Hyperion
• Cascadia
• Caldera
• Levitate
• Addiction Walker

These shoes serve various purposes, including daily training, racing, trail running, walking, and stability support.

Running apparel

Brooks also produces:

• Running shirts
• Shorts
• Jackets
• Tights
• Sports bras
• Running socks
• Hats
• Gloves

The apparel range utilises lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics suitable for diverse weather conditions.

Brooks has introduced several proprietary technologies, including:

• DNA LOFT – Soft cushioning designed for comfort.
• DNA AMP – Responsive cushioning that returns energy with each stride.
• GuideRails® Support System – A stability system that helps reduce excess movement in the knees and joints.
• DNA FLASH – Nitrogen-infused foam offering lightweight responsiveness.
• TrailTack Rubber – High-grip outsole technology for trail running.
• Rapid Roll Technology – Designed to promote smoother forward motion during running.5

Brooks has expanded its sustainability initiatives by focusing on:

• Reducing carbon emissions
• Using recycled materials in footwear and apparel
• Improving manufacturing efficiency
• Designing products with lower environmental impact
• Promoting responsible sourcing throughout its supply chain

The company publishes sustainability reports outlining its environmental and social commitments.6

Brooks is considered one of the leading performance running brands globally. Rather than competing across every athletic category, it concentrates on serving dedicated runners.

Primary competitors include:

• Nike
• ASICS
• Hoka
• New Balance
• Saucony
• Adidas

Brooks has consistently ranked among the top-selling running shoe brands in specialty running stores, particularly in North America. In 2024, the company reported revenue exceeding US$1.3 billion and projected continued growth.7

Brooks emphasises a workplace culture built around health, movement, and employee well-being. Its Seattle headquarters is situated near popular running trails and incorporates environmentally conscious design. Employees are encouraged to maintain active lifestyles, reflecting the company’s focus on running as both a sport and a community.8

Over more than a century, Brooks has transformed from a general shoe manufacturer into one of the world’s most recognised performance running brands. Its dedication to running-specific innovation, biomechanics research, and athlete-focused design has earned it a strong reputation among recreational runners, marathon participants, and elite athletes alike. By concentrating exclusively on running, Brooks has carved out a distinct identity in the competitive sportswear market and continues to expand its global presence through continual advances in footwear technology and runner-centred product development.

1. Meet Brooks – Our Company | Brooks Running
2. Berkshire’s Brooks running unit settles trademark case against Brooks Brothers – Reuters
3. Berkshire’s Brooks Running committed to southeast Asia as tariffs take hold
4. About Brooks | Brooks Automation
5. Automation Solutions Provider | Brooks Automation
6. About Brooks – Brooks
7. Who We Are | Brooks International
8. Our History