Why does Brooks Running have a different philosophy from the rest? We interviewed Carson Caprara, product manager of the Happy Run brand.

Lionel Nattes
Ultradistance runner
Posted on 17-03-2023

During the presentation event of the new Ghost 15 and Hyperion Max 6running shoes of the Brooks brand, there was no lack of fun and good atmosphere that characterize this company. It would not be a big mistake to define Brooks as the running shoes brand with the most fun image on the market, its famous slogan is in itself a statement of intent: "Run Happy".

However, happiness is not incompatible with seriousness and commitment, as we found out during our interview with Brooks' footwear product manager, Carson Caprara.

Why does Brooks Running have a different philosophy than other brands in the running universe?

Caprara told us about the philosophy of the American brand, which focuses on the constant evolution of its running shoes models to adapt to the needs of each runner. But not only that, he also revealed some of Brooks ' plans for the future, including the development of models that dynamically adapt to the runner's physical condition.

While it may sound like science fiction, Caprara reminded us that just three decades ago, the idea of wireless phone calls seemed equally impossible. In addition, he explained that research and development of new shoes models takes an average of two years from the first sketch until the shoes are available in stores. In this regard, Brooks has already launched the third version of its cushioning compound, DNA Loft 3, and has the fifteenth version of its popular Ghost model.

Brooks Running, a pioneer in more sustainable running shoes

But Brooks Running is not only concerned with innovation and performance, it also has sustainability in mind. During our interview, Caprara acknowledged that achieving zero CO2 emissions is a complicated goal due to the involvement of multiple suppliers in the production chain. However, the brand is working on an internal revolution to minimize emissions at every stage of the process and offset the emissions generated.

What we liked most about Caprara's response is that its vision is not limited to making sustainable products with less performance, but to creating better and more sustainable compounds.

Restrictions can be a stimulus for creativity and allow to make a difference with other players in the market.

From RUNNEA we remind you that a shoe like the Brooks Ghost 15 is made with 9.27 kg CO2 carbon emissions, a 6% reduction compared to its previous version of the Brooks Ghost 14

The uniqueness of the runner as the cornerstone for creating running shoes.

On the technology side, Caprara is an advocate of the uniqueness of each runner and believes that current technology only categorizes runners, rather than giving them a unique answer. That's why Brooks is working on running shoes that dynamically adapt to each runner, based on their individual needs.

Finally, we asked Caprara about the possibility of running shoes becoming a data sensor to prevent injuries and detect technical faults.

His answer is unequivocal: "The evolution of shoes will be incredible in the coming years, and at Brooks Running we are ready to lead this change".

In conclusion, Brooks is a brand that combines fun and good vibes with seriousness and commitment, both in innovation and performance as well as in sustainability and the uniqueness of each runner.

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