Jerry Turner is launching Turner Footwear, a collection of performance running and workout footwear. Turner, who came out of retirement for the new endeavor, served as president of Brooks in the 1960s and 1970s. While at Brooks, he introduced innovations such as nylon outsoles for cleated products and EVA midsoles for running shoes. Most recently, he was the chief executive of American Sporting Goods, which owned Ryka, Avia, and AND1. The business was sold to Brown Shoe Co. in February 2001 for $145 million, and Turner stayed on as a consultant for one year. Turner Footwear is set for launch in May. Turner himself will be leading the design and engineering. For sales and marketing, he has veteran teams including Ryan Osterman and David Edge.

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