Running is really special to me. I’ve ran since I can remember and not just ‘running in the playground’ type running. At the age of 7 or 8, I’d take myself out on 5k runs at least 3 times a week. I’d run down to this little river not too far from my house, touch the wooden railings and head back.

I’m not trying to make myself out to be some kind of running enigma but back then it definitely wasn’t in the mainstream quite as much as it is now. In the 60’s, 70’s & even the early 80’s, I think running was mainly for athletes or the socially awkward & outcast.

The rise of brands like Nike & Adidas in the 70’s then transformed the sport into an acceptable recreational pastime with their celebrity endorsements & cutting edge designs.

A lot has changed since then and over the last 20 years, there’s been some incredible running brands coming out of the UK, Europe & Canada. Today, I want to share my insights on four running brand’s who’s websites I think really stand out.

The four I have chosen are: Satisfy, Soar, Ciele Athletics, and On.

We’ll briefly dive into the design, brand narratives and what sets them apart in the crowded athletic apparel market.

1. Satisfy

Satisfy Running, based in Paris, positions itself at the crossroads of high fashion and high performance. I see them as the Balenciaga of the running world.

Their website uses a minimalist aesthetic, with a monochromatic color scheme that reflects the brand’s avant-garde approach to running apparel.

Navigation is straightforward, allowing users to seamlessly explore categories like shorts, tops, and accessories. The one element of the site where Satisfy are truly exceptional is their product descriptions. They list everything from usage, technology, temperature range, weather conditions & sustainability. A big thumbs up.

The product photography is very cool, often showcasing apparel in dynamic, real-world running scenarios. This not only highlights the functionality of the items but also aligns with Satisfy’s ethos of merging fashion with sport.

Satisfy’s brand story is compelling; founded by Brice Partouche in 2015, the company aims to eliminate distractions for runners through meticulously designed apparel. Their marketing leans heavily on this narrative, emphasising the ‘runner’s high’ and the meditative aspects of running.

Collaborations with brands like Crocs, Oakley & Hoka further cement their status in both fashion and athletic circles.

Although most of the items are eye-wateringly expensive - I’m fully on board with Satisfy & have a (very) select few items in my wardrobe.

9/10 from me.

2. Soar Running

Hackney-based Soar Running was founded by Designer & Runner, Tim Soar. I have a real soft spot for these guys, having family ties with Hackney & just knowing how obsessed Soar are with creating truly functional running apparel.

“You must understand the real intention of the garment and focus on that and nothing else, then it will sing” - Tim Soar

Their website is clean and user-friendly, with intuitive navigation that guide users through both men’s and women’s collections, as well as specialised gear for different weather conditions & running terrains.

Product images are crisp and detailed, often accompanied by videos that demonstrate the apparel in action. This dynamic presentation allows potential customers to appreciate the fit and functionality of their products.

Soar did a recent collab on a trail collection (which I absolutely love) with Canadian brand Norda, who use bio based materials to create their products. This showcases their dedication to innovation, collaboration and community engagement.

8/10 from me.

3. Ciele Athletics

Ciele Athletics, the B Corp hailing from Montreal, Canada, is well renowned for its performance-driven headwear; but they also do other apparel too (who knew!).

I personally own 2 Ciele hats & very much approve of their work.

Ciele’s brand story is rooted in the founders (Jeremy Bresnen & Mike Giles) simple desire to create a hat they love to run in that had the perfect mix of functionality & style.

Their website is clean, concise & has some really eye-catching photography throughout which reflects the brand’s emphasis on community and the joy of running. On the community side they also host podcasts, film festivals & running events for the LGBTQ2+community.

If I were to be critical of the Ciele site and compare their product descriptions, they are nowhere near as in depth as Satisfy’s. The filtering system is also quite basic but hey, I forgive them.

Their running stories blog has some brilliant articles if you like a mix of interviews, personal tales & community projects.

6.5/10 from me.

4. On Running

On Running, a Swiss brand established in 2010, has rapidly gained popularity for its innovative footwear and apparel.

As websites go, On’s really is excellent. It’s lightning quick on desktop (a little slower on mobile) & has a sleek design which reflects the Swiss precision. The lifestyle imagery used around the site is some of the best too, they just really nail it.

Product imagery is top top top tier *chef’s kiss.

Super crisp & eye-catching, which allows the users to explore the intricate details of their patented CloudTec® technology.

On’s brand narrative focuses on revolutionising the sensation of running and igniting the human spirit through movement.

All very poetic & I’m here for that.

There’s some cracking running stories on their blog too, I really enjoyed a recent one called ‘Kendall Baisden Slows Down’ which is about how the US 400m track star has altered her training to include more Yoga, Barre & Pilates.

They work with high-profile athletes like retired tennis star, Roger Federer who interestingly was voted THE most trusted sport star in the world. Easy to see why, I'd follow that guy into war if he asked nicely.

8.5/10 from me.

Conclusion

Impressive, right?

The special thing about all four of these brands is that they make me fall in love with the sport all over again.

They motivate me to train, improve & most of all, buy new stuff when I visit their sites - which from a brand's perspective, is the absolute pinnacle…along with great margins.

Right, having spent three hours looking at those four sites, I'm feeling pumped and heading out for a run, see ya x