Nobull Expands Into Performance Running

Fitness apparel company Nobull is entering the performance running market with the launch of its new shoe, the Runner+.

The company, which already offers cycling, casual running, and trail running shoes, developed the shoe’s performance technology — which includes cutting excess weight — with help from a Vermont research and development lab.

The shoes, launching Feb. 11, follow Nobull’s continued expansion and a funding round in April 2021 that gave the company a valuation of more than $500 million. As of April, the company raised $32 million, according to Pitchbook.

• Last year, Nobull replaced Reebok as title sponsor of the CrossFit Games and official supplier of CrossFit apparel. The total individual prize purse for the season was more than $2.3 million.
• Nobull will host the games again this year, which will run for an additional day.
• In August, New England Patriots’ quarterback Mac Jones signed a deal with the company, joining its roster of athletes including seven-time Olympic Gold Medal swimmer Caeleb Dressel and five-time CrossFit Games Champion Tia-Clair Toomey.

Forming Nobull’s Future

Co-founder Marcus Wilson said in August that the company feels “strongly that before long, we will have great athletes in all major sports.” 

Nobull expects to remain a direct-to-consumer brand for the time being with stores in Boston, Miami, and New York City. Vice president of footwear design Mike Kirtley said the company is excited to “explore the boundaries of the product.”