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that the traditional outlets of exercise via gym memberships, sports teams, or sporting events will be slow to recover and the trend of at-home workouts will continue to increase. Running is uniquely positioned for this as it is an individual sport, does not require equipment, and can be done anywhere. The challenges of in-person events and retail shopping remain, while the opportunities for at-home activities and online shopping carry on." Anthony Pong, Caterpy "We foresee the running category becoming even more popular in 2021 than in years past. Many people are working out at home and taking up running for exercise and stress relief. We want to add comfort and style to their shoes to encourage them to stay active." TJ Carr, Lock Laces "My outlook for Run Specialty is overall positive, despite the challenges of the last 8 months. There will be an increased focus on ecommerce sales. Drop shipping will be important. Challenges for Run Specialty will be getting customers in the door, staffing, the weather, the economy, etc. For Cadence I see opportunity in our continued offering of exclusive product as an opportunity to continue to strengthen our relationship with our Run Specialty partners. I also see our ongoing commitment to customer service as an opportunity to reinforce our current partnerships and create new relationships." John Hinds, Cadence Insoles "2020 has been a challenging year, to say the least. Challenging to the active individual and to the independent retailer. But, runners are strong, driven and unique people. They run with determination - for enjoyment, for their physical health as well as their spiritual health. And with a great degree of ingenuity the running community has continued to connect. We just have to look at the virtual races been held around the county as evidence. Running, and the strong community of runners will continue to adapt, grow and flourish. No doubt." David Church, Sorbothane, Inc. "Undiminished during the pandemic and beyond, there's a never-ending need and desire to stay healthy, breathe fresh air outside, and exercise. The running category outlook is strong, running never goes out of styles, and for however long and far people run, it's all good." Bill Sternoff, Body Glide Brand Execs Share Their Outlook Caterpy is launching a few new products through early 2021, including reflective and casual shoelaces and safety/bungee cords. Elastic bump technology on the laces allows for customizable security and comfort. MSRP $9.95. Body Glide's Foot Glide balm has been a mainstay in running for years. Product sizes range to appeal to whatever the runner wants or needs to carry. The product's formula is plant-based, vegan, non-greasy and hypoallergenic. MSRP $4.99-$14.99 (variety of sizes). Wearable tech brand Polar has introduced the all-in-one Polar Vantage V2, a new lightweight premium multi-sport watch. The device picks up signals from the body and provides insight and essential data to plan better, train smarter and recover It equips users 24/7 personal metrics and wrist-based heart rate tracking. It also offers 40 hours of continuous training time and up to 100 hours of power saving options. MSRP $499-$549.95. Odor Drops from Lace Locks are sold in a resealable package that allows them to remain fresh and store easily. The product gives shoes, gym bags, closets or any other place a fresh scent. Available in Crisp Pine, Clean Citrus and Fresh Linen. MSRP $13 (per pack); $25 (three-pack). 20 • November 2020 sportstyle • sportstylemag.com

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