Brooks Running CEO: Consumers, Gen Z are willing to spend on running despite increasing prices

CNBC TelevisionAbout 2 min readAug 15, 2025Watch original
THE SUMMARYAI-generated

Key Concepts:

  • Carbon plated running shoes
  • Average Selling Price (ASP)
  • Macroeconomic pressures
  • Innovation in running shoe technology
  • Performance-driven purchasing
  • Gen Z engagement in running and walking

Running Shoe Market Trends: Price and Demographics

The video addresses the question of whether macroeconomic pressures are causing a pullback in the purchase of expensive carbon-plated running shoes, which can cost over $200. The speaker asserts that, contrary to expectations, they are witnessing the opposite: an acceleration in the average selling price (ASP) of running shoes globally.

Rising Average Selling Price (ASP)

Over the past three years, the average selling price of a running shoe in the US has increased by 40%. This significant rise is attributed to the innovation being delivered into the market. The speaker emphasizes that "performance matters for everyone and they're willing to pay for it." This suggests that consumers are willing to invest in higher-priced shoes that offer enhanced performance benefits.

Gen Z's Impact on the Running Shoe Market

The video highlights the influence of Gen Z on the running shoe market. Gen Z is identified as the youngest generation to engage in running and walking before the age of 12. This trend is believed to have emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic. During lockdowns, gyms and studios were closed, and families spent more time walking in their neighborhoods. This exposure led to increased engagement in running and walking among Gen Z. Importantly, this generation is not only participating in the sport but also willing to pay for performance-oriented running shoes.

Conclusion:

Despite macroeconomic pressures, the running shoe market is experiencing an increase in average selling price, driven by innovation and a willingness among consumers to pay for performance. The engagement of Gen Z in running and walking, spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, is further contributing to the demand for performance-oriented running shoes. The main takeaway is that the running shoe market is not experiencing a pullback, but rather a surge in demand for higher-priced, performance-enhancing products, particularly among younger generations.

AI summaries can miss context or contain errors. Check important details against the original video.

MAKE IT YOURS

Read. Remember. Reuse.

Free tools

Go a little deeper.

Have a question about this video? Load its transcript to open the video chat.