The Berkshire Hathaway-owned running specialist is accelerating its international expansion, with Europe emerging as its fastest-growing region. EMEA sales surged 39 percent in the first half, while Trail Running and the emerging Lifestyle business added new growth avenues.
Brooks Running is significantly expanding its international momentum. The running specialist owned by Berkshire Hathaway increased its revenue by 14 percent in the first half of 2026 and said it had posted a record quarter. Europe in particular is emerging as a growth engine. In Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), revenue rose by 39 percent in the first six months compared to the previous year. This means business in the region grew more than four times as fast as business in the Americas, which increased by 9 percent. In the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, Brooks posted a 10 percent increase.
The figures show that the brand’s growth is becoming increasingly broad-based. Brooks is benefiting from more than continued high demand for performance running shoes. Trail running, accessories and the still-young lifestyle business are also experiencing dynamic growth. “Around the globe, running continues to play an increasingly important role for people prioritizing health and wellness in their lives,” said Dan Sheridan, CEO of Brooks Running. First-half results reflect the company’s consistent focus on runners and the work of its teams worldwide.
Europe is growing significantly faster
The trend in Europe is particularly striking. With a 39 percent increase in sales, the EMEA region gained considerable momentum in the first half of the year. At the same time, Brooks strengthened its position in key European running markets.
In France, the brand reports that it grew faster in the second quarter than the market for performance running shoes, which grew by 11 percent. In Germany, Brooks remained the number-one brand for adult performance running shoes with a retail price of €90 or more. The brand also accounted for the three best-selling models in this category. This suggests that Brooks is not only benefiting from the growing running market in Europe but is also gaining market share.
Its position remains strong in its home market as well. In US specialty running retailers, Brooks held the top spot for shoes for the sixth consecutive month and expanded its market share on a rolling 12-month basis. US retailer Fleet Feet also named Brooks its most important supplier for the 11th consecutive time.
Trail running: the second growth driver
While established road running models continue to form the foundation of the business, the highest growth rates are now coming from other segments. Sales of trail models rose by 71 percent in the second quarter. This growth was driven in part by the Ghost Trail and the Cascadia family, whose sales alone increased by 58 percent.
At the same time, the established models continue to show strength. The Adrenaline GTS, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, grew by 19 percent in the second quarter. With the Ghost 18, Brooks also launched the latest generation of one of its most important road running models.
The brand is also growing beyond the footwear business. Accessories sales rose by 29 percent in the second quarter. In apparel, Brooks focused on the Movement and PR Elite collections, among others, while established lines such as Luxe and Chaser continued to contribute to the business.
Performance meets lifestyle
At the same time, Brooks is striving to more closely integrate its performance roots with lifestyle. According to the company, its still-young lifestyle business grew by nearly triple digits in the second quarter, though from an undisclosed baseline. At Paris Fashion Week, the brand showcased – through its RE: Innovation Studio – how running technology and its own archives can be leveraged to create silhouettes better suited for everyday wear.
These include the reimagined Glycerin 12 and the Brooks Vanguard, which combines a 1970s-inspired design with modern cushioning. This opens up an additional growth area for Brooks: The brand can leverage its credibility in performance running to appeal to lifestyle customers without straying too far from its core identity as a running specialist.
Note: Brooks Running, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, does not disclose absolute revenue, profit or margin figures in its quarterly updates.
