Webinars

Sole Searching: Keeping Pace with Footwear Trends in Run Specialty

Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 2:00 PM ET (45 minutes)

We’re in the golden age of running footwear, as innovation is accelerating rapidly from both established brands and up-and-coming players. From midsole foams and plates to uppers and geometries, brands are bringing energizing products built upon their own unique perspectives into the marketplace.

In this webinar, industry leaders and self-proclaimed shoe geeks discuss the biggest trends in the run category right now – and, more importantly, where things are headed and how run specialty retailers might prepare for this future.

Join us for an interactive discussion focused on trends in running footwear and what continued innovation means for the business of run specialty retail.

Attendees will:

Hear perspectives that are both wide-ranging and grounded in run specialty retail, alongside an overview of how the category appears positioned to evolve in the near future.
Get an honest look at how footwear trends are influencing store purchasing, marketing, and the sit-and-fit experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned buyer looking to stay ahead of the curve or a shop owner rethinking how you tell the product story on your floor, this webinar will leave you better equipped to navigate the fast-moving world of run specialty footwear.

Speaker

Dylan Dombi
Director of Operations / General Manager / Footwear Buyer, Second Sole

Dylan Dombi is the director of operations, general manager and footwear buyer at Second Sole, a locally owned company of eight stores in Ohio under the same original ownership since 1981. An admitted shoe nerd who earnestly tracks footwear trends and technologies, he has been in the run specialty industry since 2014.

Caroline Bermel
Product Marketing & GTM Manager, Fleet Feet

Caroline Bermel oversees product marketing at Fleet Feet and has over a decade of competitive running experience. Having tested hundreds of running shoes, she brings hands-on insight into performance and innovation across the footwear industry. With extensive knowledge of shoe design and functionality, Caroline bridges the gap between athletes and manufacturers, helping runners find the perfect shoe for their goals. Her expertise has made her a trusted voice in the running community.

Steve Moore
Owner, Run Moore

Steve Moore is the owner of Run Moore, an independent run specialty store in Westminster, Maryland. Since opening the store in 2014, he has spent over a decade helping runners in-store while also building a growing media platform through Run Moore’s YouTube and social media channels. His perspective is shaped by day-to-day retail experience, a lifelong passion for running, and a belief that run specialty stores need to evolve beyond their four walls.

Moderator

Danny Smith
Editor, Running Insight

Running Insight Senior Writer, Danny Smith, has been penning stories for the run specialty industry’s premier trade magazine since 2012 and writing about the retail landscape since 2004. The Chicago-based journalist has been a frequent presenter at The Running Event and also spent nine years working in a run specialty store.

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