Interest in Trail Running on Forest and Mountain Paths Grows
Kolon Sports and Black Yak See Trail Running Shoe Sales Rise by 60% and 53% Respectively
The outdoor and sports fashion industry is paying close attention to the growth of trail running. Trail running refers to running quickly on surfaces such as forests, trails, forest roads, and sandy paths, rather than on regular asphalt roads. If last year saw a 'running' craze following the popularity of golf and tennis, this year, trail running?which goes a step beyond regular running?is drawing significant interest.
Cha Eunwoo Participates in International Trail Running Competition ‘TNF 100 Gangwon’, The North Face SNS
According to fashion platform Musinsa on June 26, searches for trail running shoes (from April to June 2025) surged by 121% compared to the same period last year. Musinsa currently sells trail running shoes from major brands such as Hoka, Nike, Salomon, New Balance, and Asics.
The growing interest in trail running is attributed to the increasing popularity of running in general, which has led more people to seek out unique forms of exercise. Since trail running involves running on mountains, it is more challenging and physically demanding. In addition, unlike regular running, trail running allows individuals to express their fashion preferences through items such as vests and small bags. This has made trail running particularly appealing to the MZ generation (Millennials and Generation Z). Furthermore, the fact that celebrities such as singer and actor Cha Eunwoo and broadcaster Dex have been seen enjoying trail running?images of which have been shared through media and social networking services (SNS)?has also contributed to its popularity.
Outdoor companies have been quick to respond. According to Kolon Sports, sales of trail running shoes since the beginning of the year have increased by 60% compared to the first half of last year. Recognizing the growing interest in the trail running market since last year, the company expanded its product range from hiking and trekking shoes to trail running shoes. Kolon Sports increased its trail running shoe lineup from 9 models last year to 29 models this year. The lineup includes the 'TL-1' for beginners, the 'TL-X' for experts, and the multipurpose 'TL-P', allowing customers to choose shoes that match their skill level. The company has also introduced vests and backpacks essential for trail running.
The outdoor brand Black Yak has also expanded its trail running shoe lineup. While it has primarily focused on hiking boots suitable for mountainous terrain and lightweight hiking shoes, the company plans to leverage this technical expertise to attract consumers. Currently, Black Yak's flagship product is the 'Flow Run D', which is designed to firmly wrap the foot while providing rebound for fast running. As of last month, sales of Black Yak's trail running shoes increased by 53% compared to the same month last year.
An industry insider commented, "Last year's running craze significantly boosted shoe sales for sports brands, but outdoor companies did not see the same effect. However, since trail running shares similarities with hiking and trekking shoes, outdoor brands see this as an opportunity to enter the running market."
Additionally, LF introduced trail running apparel for the first time last month through the Japanese outdoor brand Teton Bros., which it distributes in Korea. Although the brand has traditionally focused on hiking products, it launched the 'Strider' collection specialized for trail running, in response to the growing number of people enjoying running in the mountains.
Sports brands are also launching trail running shoes one after another. Last year, global sports brands such as Nike, Adidas, Asics, New Balance, Hoka, On, and Salomon gained attention thanks to the running boom. Sports brands that had previously been less involved in this segment are now re-entering the running market with trail running shoes and gear. Dynafit, for example, significantly increased its import volume of trail running products this year. The company expanded its trail running shoe lineup by approximately 820% compared to last year, while trail running gear and apparel increased by 360% and 140%, respectively.
Brands are seeking to attract trail running enthusiasts by sponsoring or directly hosting competitions. Black Yak operates the 'Black Yak Trail Run Jeju', and Dynafit plans to hold the 'Taebaek Trail' in September. For the Taebaek Trail, all early bird tickets sold out within two minutes of opening last month, and all regular tickets were sold out within one day. Furthermore, local governments such as Hongcheon County, Taebaek City, Incheon City, Chuncheon City, Geoje City, and Asan City are also leveraging their geographical locations?such as Jirisan, Taebaeksan, and Gyeyangsan?to host trail running competitions.
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