Earlier this year I had the chance to sit down with with Gabe Maricich, Apparel Expert for Brooks, to learn about each shoe in their current line. Today he’s answering all my questions to give you the inside scoop on product design and much more.
I hope you enjoy this Q & A as much as I did!
Where does Brooks get the majority of their design ideas?
Honestly, ideas, concepts and inspiration come from everywhere! Most of the ideas are rooted in runner’s actions. We always looking to solve problems for runners and make their life (and run) better, simpler, more comfortable, faster, safer, more enjoyable, more stylish, warmer, drier, happier. We get these ideas from spending a healthy chunk of our lives, observing runners, analyzing patterns and behavior, listening to runners and running with them.
Who tests the gear?
We have several layers of testing:
1st materials testing that is done before products and samples are created and ensures that the materials we’re using meet our standards and needs.
2nd we have concept testing where we try out new ideas in a rough and rapid format – these concepts are often tested by the product teams or sent to our community of wear testers who might happen to be in the desired climate.
3rd we wear test preproduction samples to validate the production ready pieces and make sure everything surpasses our expectations.
How long from start to finish does it take to create a new, high-functioning piece such as a jacket from the Nightlife collection?
About 18 months.
How do you choose what colors to make available from season to season?
Each product and product category has individual color strategies (for example, the number of colors of jackets compared to the color range of shorts) and these strategies differ from Spring to Fall. We also have core colors (called “carry-over” colors) that are usually available every season – black shorts and tights for example. Once these strategies are created, our Brand Color team shares their suggested color palettes and we discuss and play (and argue) with tones, shades and hue of each color until we settle upon a exciting collection of colors for the new season.
Where do you go for inspiration to get the latest and greatest on colors, styles and trends?
Everywhere! Our Color team and often the product team as well, travel throughout the country and world to make sure we have the pulse on trend, style and color. Specific places we visit each season usually include: NYC, LA, London, Amsterdam and Berlin to name a few. We also attend seminars and work with trend and color experts.
What’s the most important thing when it comes to designing running apparel?
Staying true and authentic to runners (as a running brand and as a part of the running community).
Fit, function or style… which comes first?
Our goal is always to do all three! As a performance brand that provides a product promise with each piece we create, we try very hard not to make any compromises that could negatively affect you and your run. You know you have an exciting product on your hands when you nail all three and they enhance each other! That of course, is always the goal.
What do predict will be the biggest trend in running apparel in 2013 and beyond?
One of the most exciting trends is the cross-pollination of ideas. There are so many new and exciting things that are currently influencing runners and running. This blend and inadvertent collaboration has brought some great new concepts to the table. The level of expectations that people place on their running products continue to skyrocket. Whether they’re alternating their workouts between cross-fit, interval training, group runs, long runs, marathon’s, 5k’s, Spartan/Mudder races, Zombie-Color-Trail-runs, their desire to feel great, look great and perform beyond expectation is something that inspires us every day.
A big “thank you” to Gabe for the great interview!
Disclaimer: I am a Brooks Run Happy Blog Ambassador for which compensation is received.
Melanie @ www.ISuckAtRunning.com says
I LOVE Brooks! They are really the only shoes I can wear! They really mold to my feet, like an extension of myself.
My only real complaint- I have to wear motion control shoes, and Brooks seems to put all the design efforts into the minimalist and neutral shoes. I toggle between the Ariel and the Adrenaline. They seem to toggle between the boring gray/blue color on white and the seafoam green on white. I was really excited when the last iterations of the Adrenalines were pink. Then they went right back to the dull gray/blue.
We over-pronators would LOVE to be able to wear some of those funky colors, or at least have the option. Please, design for us, too!
That would be my only complaint.
Jen says
I’m a newly converted Brooks-wearing runner–I love my Adrenalines, BUT they are like the only Brooks shoe I can wear that come in Wide–and the wides are so ugly, in my opinion–only white and blue! I would LOVE to have some bright happy colors on my feet that need a wide support shoe. I hope Brooks keeps this in mind when designing shoes in the future. 🙂
Jess says
I agree!
Melanie @ www.isuckatrunning.com says
Exactly! I would even be happy with a bright blue! Just something exciting!
NYC Fit GIrl says
I think running apparel has really evolved. Looking bag to when I ran track in high school it’s gotten so much more durable and fashionable.
Abby @ Change of Pace says
Awesome interview and insight!
I love running gear and also love the evolution of all the beautiful colours and designs. and of course the functionality continues to improve, too.
Run happy!
Susan - Nurse on the Run says
I love love LOVE Brooks, although I wish their shirts were all just a little bit longer! Just made a big order, so excited for it to show up!
Meri @ Run, MeriG. Run says
The shoes you have in the picture (Brooks Ghost 5) are my absolutely favorite shoes ever in the history of sneakers. And that’s the color I have too (obsessed with purple!)
Great post — I heart Brooks so very interesting for me!
Jess says
I love the Ghost also! I wish I had them in that color!