Nike is gearing up to launch new running shoes in 2025 after lagging behind competitors last year
Last year was a big one for other footwear brands, with many launching six or more new models. Asics, Adidas, Brooks Running, and Hoka were the top players, while Nike managed to release fewer than six. To boost sales, Nike is going back to its roots and wants to be seen as a true “running brand.” They really need to show that in 2025.
Asics was busy last year, launching or updating 11 models, while Adidas and Brooks followed with 10 and nine, respectively. Nike, on the other hand, only updated its existing shoes and didn’t introduce anything new. But they’ve got plans to launch the Pegasus Premium in late January and the Vomero 18 on February 25, with more models coming later in the year.
Retail analysts are optimistic about Nike’s 2025 lineup, saying it looks promising. The new products got a warm reception at The Running Event trade show last November. BMO analysts believe it’s just a matter of time before Nike starts rolling out compelling products.
Brands like On Running and Hoka have been gaining traction lately. Brooks even saw a 19% jump in North American sales in Q2 2024, a record for them. Nike has brought back veteran Elliott Hill as CEO to help turn things around. Last year, their revenue only grew by 1%, with North America dragging down the numbers.
Still, the company knows it’ll take time to see the results they want. Matthew Friend, the CFO, mentioned that a comeback of this scale requires patience, but they’re already seeing some early wins in key sports and ramping up their innovation efforts.
