Runners Need specialized run gear

Runners Need is a leading specialist running retailer that provides high-quality gear, footwear, and apparel for runners of all levels. Founded in 1982 by Judy and Chris Bould in London, the brand was born out of a passion for running and the desire to provide technical advice and products that were difficult to find at the time. Over the decades, it has established itself as a premier destination for gait analysis and expert sporting equipment.

Today, Runners Need operates as part of a larger retail group, having been acquired to strengthen a portfolio of outdoor and adventure brands. While the brand originated as a boutique British shop, its supply chain for technical gear spans the globe, with products manufactured in various countries depending on the third-party brands they stock, such as Nike, Adidas, and Brooks, as well as their own white-label accessories.

The brand is currently owned by Outdoor and Cycle Concepts Ltd, which is the UK's largest outdoor retailer. This parent company is itself part of the AS Adventure Group, a significant player in the European outdoor market. The ultimate ownership lies with the French global investment firm PAI Partners, which oversees the strategic growth and international distribution of the group's retail brands.