Brooks Running, a Seattle-based company, recently announced a new partnership with the Seattle Kraken as the official supplier of off-ice footwear and apparel for the NHL franchise. The multi-year deal will see Brooks replacing Adidas in outfitting Kraken players, coaches, and staff for their training needs. Additionally, Brooks will support the team through their Run Research Lab, where biomechanics and athlete insights are used to inform the development of products, improve training efficiency, and reduce injuries. Kraken goalie Joey Daccord, an avid runner and Brooks customer, served as a player ambassador in the partnership.
The Run Research Lab at Brooks Headquarters is equipped with infrared motion-capture cameras and sensors that assess athlete movement. Athletes, including high-level professionals like Daccord, are tested on treadmills to gather data that informs the development of products. The lab runs about 300 days out of the year, with each product going through multiple iterations based on the data collected. This approach ensures that shoes are built from the athlete up, considering factors like cushioning, support, and energy return to optimize performance and comfort for runners.
Following a demonstration with Daccord in the lab, a post-game press conference was held with Brooks CEO Dan Sheridan and Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke. The two leaders expressed their excitement about the partnership and their shared appreciation for each other’s brands. Sheridan highlighted Brooks’ commitment to innovation and athlete well-being, while Leiweke, a lifelong runner, expressed his eagerness to wear Brooks gear at Kraken games. Brooks, founded in 1914, is the oldest American sporting goods company and has been located in Seattle for nearly 30 years. With record revenue and market share in the performance running footwear sector, the company continues to grow and expand globally.
Brooks and the Kraken plan to offer branded gear for fans in team shops and feature Brooks branding in Climate Pledge Arena and televised games. The partnership between the running brand and the professional hockey team reflects the essential role of running in every athlete’s training regimen, regardless of their sport. Brooks’ focus on biomechanics and injury prevention aligns with athletes’ needs, making them a valuable partner for the Kraken. The company’s commitment to science-based innovation and athlete performance will contribute to the success of the partnership and the continued growth of both Brooks and the Seattle Kraken.
With a team of about 25 employees in the lab, Brooks has established itself as a leader in developing cutting-edge sports footwear and apparel. Jennifer Sumner, director of run research at Brooks, emphasized the importance of understanding athlete movement and internal metrics to create products that enhance performance. Data collected and analyzed from the lab help engineer shoe midsoles and other features to best suit an athlete’s needs, improving overall comfort and efficiency. The partnership between Brooks and the Seattle Kraken signifies a shared commitment to excellence and innovation in sports and showcases the power of collaboration between two industry leaders.
The partnership between Brooks Running and the Seattle Kraken marks a significant collaboration between two prominent brands in the sports industry. By leveraging Brooks’ expertise in biomechanics and athlete insights, the Kraken players, coaches, and staff can benefit from cutting-edge training tools and innovative products. The shared values of performance, innovation, and athlete well-being make this partnership a natural fit, and fans can look forward to Brooks-branded gear in team shops and appearances in Climate Pledge Arena. As the relationship between Brooks and the Kraken continues to grow, the impact of this collaboration on the sports industry and the community will be a testament to the power of strategic partnerships in driving success and innovation.
