REI Enters Running Shoe Business with Multi-Terrain Footwear Using Recycled Materials

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON (June 1, 2023) – REI Co-op introduced its first foray into running shoes since the 1970s, with the introduction of the REI Co-op Swiftland Multi-terrain (Swiftland MT), which the company said is based on years of gear designing, experience, customer feedback and industry leading sustainability insights. This versatile trail runner maximizes recycled and bio-based materials without compromising technical expectations, while giving runners freedom to take their adventures over multiple surfaces beyond the pavement.

The Swiftland MT is a foundational running shoe that joins a wide variety of running apparel, equipment and gear for REI customers to choose from, and continues the co-op’s commitment to broaden its running assortment and more deeply invest in this activity category.

“More than half of our customers who are hikers or campers are also runners, so we developed the premium Swiftland collection, and are expanding the run assortment we carry to give runners more options at the co-op,” said Fan Zhou, REI general manager for run and footwear. “The running community continues to grow every year, and it’s been great to see REI Co-op support that growth with its own business expansion, product innovation and partnerships.”

All major components of the Swiftland MT are designed with carbon-reduced technology and use recycled or bio-based materials. Highlights include:

• 90% recycled PET FirmaKnit™ RUN upper
• 10% Bloom Algae TerraLoft™ RUN compound in midsole
• 20% recycled rubber TerraGrip™ RUN outsole
• 100% recycled PET laces and webbing
• 100% recycled nylon rockplate
• 75% recycled PET collar lining
• 70% recycled PET collar foam
• 70% recycled PET reinforcements
• 30% Bloom Algae sock in TrailBed™ liner
• 30% recycled TPU haptic overlaps

Bennet Grimes, REI senior product manager for footwear adds, “We want runners to experience the sense of spontaneity and excitement an unpaved path can bring. With the Swiftland MT, customers can confidently explore new adventures and feel good about their lighter impact on the planet.”

The Swiftland MT trail running shoe is available at REI and on REI.com for $130. Customers can complete their running kit with the co-op’s full Swiftland collection, including the Swiftland shorts named the “best running shorts for men of 2023” by GearJunkie, joggers, tops, vests, socks, pants and hydration vests for both men and women.

Beyond product, REI is proud to support running communities across the country through efforts such as weekly group runs from the Seattle Flagship store, race sponsorships like the Boston Women’s 10K, the Denver Marathon, and the HOKA x REI Mt. Baldy 5K in the Los Angeles area. REI and Strava have also teamed-up to offer a virtual run challenge. During June 7-29 REI members can join the REI + Strava challenge to receive a discount on the REI Co-op Swiftland running collection and 60-day free Strava Pro subscription trial. To find more information about local events, please visit www.rei.com/events.

REI is a long-time member of the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) and the National Ski & Snowboard Retailers Association (NSSRA).