Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1516006
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 Editorial Director Cara Griffin Art Director Francis Klaess Contributors Suzanne Blecher Michael Jacobsen Judy Leand Mike May Bob McGee Emily Walzer Publisher Jeff Nott jnott@formula4media.com 516-305-4711 Advertising Sam Selvaggio sselvaggio@formula4media.com 212-398-5021 Digital Erica DeSimone edesimone@formula4media.com Subscriptions www.store.formula4media.com Footwear Insight runstyle sportstyle Team Insight Team Insight Extra Textile Insight PO Box 23-1318 Great Neck , NY 11023 www.formula4media.com sportstyle® is published 6 times each year: Jan/Feb; Mar/Apr; May/Jun; Jul/Aug; Sep/Oct; Nov/Dec sportstyle® is a registered trademark of Formula4 Media, LLC. ©2024 All rights reserved. The opinions expressed by authors and contributors are not necessarily those of the editors or publishers. sportstyle is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork. Articles appearing may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the publisher. www.sportstylemag.com SUBSCRIBE HERE! BUSINESS OUTLOOK 2024 .................................................................................................................................................. 4 A look at some of the key issues that will impact consumers, retailers and brands in the year ahead. LESSONS FROM ED STACK ............................................................................................................................... 6 Dick's Sporting Goods executive chairman Ed Stack shares lessons on overcoming challenges. DESIGN DESIGNING FOR WOMEN ............................................................................................................................. 10 Brands share insight on making and marketing apparel, footwear and gear for women runners. MODERN LAYERING ....................................................................................................................................... 16 Lighter, faster, better: Fabric innovation in performance apparel continues to level up. FOOTWEAR SHOES SHINE .................................................................................................................................................... 24 Material development is stepping up. A look at the innovation happening in the footwear market. TAKING IT TO THE TRAIL ................................................................................................................................ 26 Cushion, comfort and crossover use are key in new trail running shoes for 2024. THE NEXT STEP ................................................................................................................................................. 32 Fresh looks and innovations in comfort are taking center stage in the boot category. TEAM PARTICIPATION NEWS.................................................................................................................................... 38 There's good and bad news in the latest team sports participation report from SFIA. HOOP DREAMING ........................................................................................................................................... 42 Basketball may be at an all-time high in 2024 as participation is strong at every level of play. CONTENTS On the Cover: Under Armour 2.0 Infinity High Sports Bra. Above: Behind the scenes of the design process at Oiselle.