The Running Event Recap: Who Brought It and Who Phoned It In

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In this episode, Colin, Shawnté, Eoin, and Producer Dave deliver their on-the-ground, end-of-show breakdown of The Running Event and Switchback 2025 — recorded moments after the TRE Retailer Awards wrapped in San Antonio.

The crew dig into what worked, what surprised them, and what the outdoor industry should take away from a trade show that knows exactly what it is.

On The Docket!

• The TRE Retailer Awards: Emotion, community & why it works

• TRE vs. Outdoor Industry Trade Shows

• Booth Breakdown: The Best & Worst

• Trends & Rumors From the Floor

• Predictions: Who got it right and who missed? The crew evaluates their earlier predictions now that the show is done.

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Episode Transcript:

Colin True

00:00:01.120 - 00:00:12.640

You're listening to Rock Fight Radio.

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Colin True

00:01:13.000 - 00:02:17.340

That was Darby Communications coming in with 21st century search. Darby's your real person PR partner for today's digital world. Entrusted by brands like Hydra Pack, Lem's Old Town, Jetboil, and Qu.

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This is an outdoor podcast that aims for the head. I'm Colin True and today we are recapping the running event and Switchback 2025. I'm here with Shante Salibair, Owen Coverford, and producer Dave.

We are still in San Antonio, Texas. We're at the running event at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention center where we've been all week.

Guys were recording this literally after the end of the running event Retailer Awards, which was pretty awesome. I mean, just to start there, pretty amazing event.

Eoin Comerford

00:02:17.420 - 00:02:29.880

It really was. I mean.

It'S funny because we usually, as you know, leave before the end of pretty much every trade show, but they said, no, you gotta stay and check this thing out. And I'm so glad that we did.

Producer Dave

00:02:30.200 - 00:02:31.400

Stay for the cupcakes.

Shawnté Salabert

00:02:31.560 - 00:02:42.040

Oh, yeah, I had two. No, it was really. There was something I did. I'm not gonna lie.

I teared up at one or two points this evening and I would never have in a million years have expected that at a trade show. Award show.

Rock Fight Radio!

00:02:42.360 - 00:02:42.760

Yeah.

Eoin Comerford

00:02:42.760 - 00:02:43.000

Yeah.

Colin True

00:02:43.000 - 00:03:10.680

I had middling expectations. Not good or bad. I'm like, they were very. The folks at the running event who wanted us to come. Come to the show and cover the show.

We did our live event yesterday and it was like, okay, well, this will be cool.

I'm sure it'll be cool, but I'M like, you know, mostly I was thinking, I think we said in our preview pod, like, is this more of a mechanism to get people to stick around? And this was so much more than that. You could see why they really wanted us to stay and see this.

Producer Dave

00:03:10.760 - 00:03:11.160

Yeah.

Eoin Comerford

00:03:11.160 - 00:03:16.360

But also, by the way, as a mechanism to get people to stick around, it was fucking genius.

Colin True

00:03:16.360 - 00:03:17.000

Effective.

Eoin Comerford

00:03:17.000 - 00:03:59.460

Right. Because so first of all, they have, I think it was like 60 plus stores that get sort of like these top, top running store plaques or awards. Right.

So basically what you're saying is, hey, and they have to be here on the last night to pick it up. So they're going to stick around regardless.

So you're going to get the best retailers to your show for both days to stick around to get their plaque and to be honored that way. And then there's the top five that they know that they're in the running for the top retailer.

And the other great thing is that then the brands actually are giving awards to, to retailers as well. So it's all about the retailer, all about them and the best of the best. And just recognizing that.

Shawnté Salabert

00:03:59.540 - 00:04:11.620

Well, I think even Owen, when you and I walked, we were going up the escalator. We're like, oh, this is like running prom. You know, running a retail prom. It was such that energy was so high. People came in coordinating outfits.

Like, it was really special.

Colin True

00:04:12.420 - 00:04:27.950

I honestly, like, I have like a shacket and a T shirt on right now and I was getting warm in the shacket and then all of a sudden I got really self conscious looking at the room like, is anyone else just wearing a T shirt at basically an outdoor running event? Like, no, I was like the only one in the room, like as a slob wearing my T shirt and a hat.

Producer Dave

00:04:27.950 - 00:04:54.510

So yeah, yeah, I think the level, genuine level of emotion was just palpable. It was really, I was not expecting that. And there were some heartfelt speeches and the support in the room for people was just incredible.

I mean it really just, you know, it's a big country, there's a lot of stores and there's a long running relationships here that you could tell there was real support for people when they would win an award.

Colin True

00:04:55.130 - 00:05:00.170

The emotions felt authentic and real. The emotion from the brands presenting the awards definitely did as well.

Eoin Comerford

00:05:00.650 - 00:05:14.770

And these stores showed up. One of the stores recognized by one of the brands on in this case was actually Charm City Run.

When they went up on stage, they had 17 people here from a single run store.

Colin True

00:05:14.770 - 00:05:17.210

Meanwhile, the store's being looted and like.

Producer Dave

00:05:17.210 - 00:05:19.850

You know, that's what I thought. Yeah.

Colin True

00:05:20.250 - 00:05:21.530

Who's running the shop?

Eoin Comerford

00:05:22.250 - 00:05:24.170

Hey, it's only the first week of December.

Colin True

00:05:24.490 - 00:06:03.650

They have plenty of time to make up the holiday business. Business. Well, listen, we'll get back to the awards in a second like Owen said, but let's talk about the event.

And this is, and it's a good segue into it from the awards because the awards I think kind of clarified a lot of things for all of us. Right. So first of all, really positive week.

I'll just kick things off and want to say my, my initial impression here and I think what this event did for me this week and I've been to the running event before, but it really was seeing the awards, I think that helped sort of clarify this. It's the issue that we run into in the outdoor industry when it comes to trade shows.

And we talk about, I mean, what on a six week cadence here on the rock, right? It's a regular topic. We're always talking about it. We're talking to retailers about it. We talk to brands about it.

Producer Dave

00:06:03.650 - 00:06:04.650

That and trail running.

Colin True

00:06:04.650 - 00:06:07.970

That and trail running. Wait, we've said trail running. We've, we're good now, right?

Eoin Comerford

00:06:08.210 - 00:06:08.610

Check.

Colin True

00:06:08.610 - 00:06:56.820

Yeah, good box checked.

But what we saw here at the running event and exemplified primarily in the, at the end of the night, here at this, at the, at the awards is a group of people in an industry that truly understands its purpose and understands its why. These folks are all about the run retailer.

This is a celebration of the running retailer and the foundation and it's the foundation on which the space and then the trade show is built upon. And I think that's something that's seriously lacking in the outdoor industry. I think we're so concerned about what should the national event be.

We need the national event, though we all don't often stop and say, well, why do we need it? What is it that we're doing?

And here like all week long, I said to one of you guys earlier, I never heard one conversation about like, hey, is this a good event? Should we be doing this? Is this good? Everybody was like bought in the entire time.

Eoin Comerford

00:06:56.900 - 00:07:16.020

But there is actually an event in the after industry that does that, that is retailer centric, that is vibrant, that nobody's questioning whether they should be there or not. And that's goa, Right? Right. And now that takes retailer centricity maybe to the nth level with all of the rod is what this is. Right.

And so I'm not suggesting that that.

Colin True

00:07:16.020 - 00:07:20.620

Should be and kudos to that event because we've always said that event is different because of that.

Eoin Comerford

00:07:20.620 - 00:07:36.540

Right.

But it does show you though that when you understand, you know, the retailer, one step away from the consumer is kind of the front line that we need to recognize here, that creates the energy that brings the retailers together and then the brands together. And that is the underpinning.

Shawnté Salabert

00:07:37.180 - 00:08:19.640

I also feel like there's something special in run and I said this to you guys earlier, that there is. There is such a direct tie to community when it comes to run. And we talked about. Yeah, of course you have, you have group runs.

That's just a common thing. You have other kinds of events. And I've.

Like back when we had specialty retail in L. A, we had adventure 16, I'd say they did a lot of events, but they were in store events. And I think there is a difference.

When you get out in the community and you're doing things, you're doing the thing that you're selling the things for and you see the direct, the direct connections here.

And I think there is, there's that you see the through line from the brand to the retailer to the consumer all in one line and it feels really genuine. And there's something about the retailers here too, feeling seen. Like, I got that sense, especially tonight.

Producer Dave

00:08:19.800 - 00:08:52.910

I think that's a great point and I think it's where this show differs from the GOA in a sense, both being retailer centric, you know, here to do business and see lines. But it does achieve something that creates this extra energy. Right. And it just.

I think that's what we're all looking for and it's really that spark is here. And you know, again, I think attaching switchback to it is the right idea, whether that's going to stay rather those audiences converge or not.

But we're certainly learning in a sense how we can behave again, you know.

Colin True

00:08:53.310 - 00:09:16.190

No, and we were saying just as like on the Elvis escalator ride down here like you made. Yeah, it was a long ride. All right. But you made the point about the community and you're right. And that's the one thing I thought of too.

And we mentioned we should go check out Sea Otter. I want to see kind of the cycling vibe and it is simpler when there's. We're talking about one activity or, you know, trail running and running. Right.

Trail running is its own thing. Second mention.

Producer Dave

00:09:16.910 - 00:09:24.130

That's though how they're trying to create complexity. See how complex we are. A trail and pavement, no gravel.

Colin True

00:09:24.130 - 00:09:25.130

I didn't see any gravel.

Producer Dave

00:09:26.010 - 00:09:40.330

I don't see any Gravel.

But no, but you know, when you're talking about the complexity of an outdoor shop, I mean, the climbing community, the paddling community, the backpacker community, all so distinct and so deep. How do you create threads of connection between those?

Colin True

00:09:40.330 - 00:09:54.510

But we know that the good outdoor specialty dealers, they still are involved in their communities.

We had a comment from a retailer at Goa who's like, if you're not doing events in your community, get ready to file for bankruptcy because you're going to lo lose. Right? So we know the good ones are doing it.

Eoin Comerford

00:09:54.510 - 00:10:04.950

Absolutely. I mean, if you look at it, pretty much every run store has some kind of community run. I mean, you, you're, you'd be crazy if you don't.

I don't think that's necessarily the case with every especially outdoor store.

Rock Fight Radio!

00:10:04.950 - 00:10:05.190

Sure.

Colin True

00:10:05.270 - 00:10:39.730

The good ones, you would think. And we, well, we've talked about it.

How many times we talked about, like you're mentioning in Detroit, like, we set up like a, the frozen waterfall that people are ice climbing on and all these things. And like the ones who get it and they do it. So it exists. But isn't that.

But then when we talk about the national event and the trade show scene, it comes back to like, well, we get the brand retailers together so they can do business. And it's like, well, hold on.

Actually, why don't we celebrate the community of the outdoors and how we actually, how these folks actually support and lift each other up. And that was everything tonight was centered around improving people's lives through going running.

Eoin Comerford

00:10:40.049 - 00:11:12.900

Right? But I mean, what I hear though, from some outdoor stores is, well, that's easy, right? Anybody can run.

You put on a pair of shoes, you start outside the store. You know, the trail head is, you know, 10 miles away from my store. Yada, yada, yada, yada. Excuses.

If you're in a snowy climate, take people snowshoeing in the park. Just the experience of snowshoeing for the first time is amazing. And it doesn't have to be out in the wilds hiking, you can do urban hiking.

It doesn't have to be at a trailhead. It's about the community aspect of just people getting out there and doing this thing together.

Shawnté Salabert

00:11:12.980 - 00:11:54.640

Right? And it's like, link up with community organizations.

We saw that a lot tonight in the awards where they're like, oh, this run shop is linked up to this community organization. And then this brand is supporting all of it. And I think for outdoor, it shouldn't be that hard.

There's so many, like, I live in la and we have so many amazing outdoor related organizations. And I'm just thinking now, like, why.

Yeah, why aren't, I mean, we don't have specialty retail anymore, but if we did that, the smart thing would be like, all right, let's link all of these things together and let's use the resources we have here. What is special about la? We've got Griffith park, we've got the Arroyo, we've got all these different things. Yeah.

It just makes complete sense to me and I don't think this is so far beyond the pale that that more outdoor specialty could be doing this.

Colin True

00:11:55.200 - 00:12:28.900

Well, no, and that's kind of what I mean, Right? I mean, and not just to pick on them, but they're, they're, they're looking to rebuild. Right.

What Outdoor Retailer is doing and the messaging so far has been like, hey, we're going to bring these brands in, we're going to bring the, trying to get these retailers in.

And I wonder if like, hey, the message should be like, what's the, what's, what is the community aspect that we're bringing together that just feels like what is actually missing? And that's why even we go to these shows and we're like, oh, is this a good show? Is it a good show for you? Why are we here?

And I just, the thing that's impressed me not to be a broken record was like, that was just answered here, like why this show exists. No one's questioning it, right?

Eoin Comerford

00:12:28.900 - 00:12:31.660

Nobody. And it's the first week of December. Right.

Colin True

00:12:31.660 - 00:12:58.720

And they're still showing up that to me, right. The, all the talk about June. Right. And not that any of the retailers who have concerns about going to a show in June.

I understand the concerns you have, but if the show has value, you will go in June. If that's when the show is. Because it is December and that room was packed full of retailers.

Black Friday was less than a week ago and here they are and some of them with a lot of people from their store.

Eoin Comerford

00:12:59.280 - 00:13:03.720

I'm worried about some of these stores. Who is, who is, who is opening these stores.

Shawnté Salabert

00:13:03.720 - 00:13:32.540

It's all E commerce right now. It's teenagers.

You know, I also think something, you know, Colin and Dave, you guys have been to the running event before and you said, and other people have talked about it since I've been here, the energy for this show has never waned and it's just been consistent year after year after year. And I understand why now. Whereas I think that's one of the big things we've Talked about outdoor is like, oh, why isn't anybody going to the show?

And we're, oh, this felt really flat and the floor was dead. And you don't. This has not happened with Tre.

Producer Dave

00:13:33.660 - 00:13:49.290

Well, I think there's still kind of a show aspect here too. The energy comes from the booths and the brands itself. How many booths did we see in the switchback section that were essentially a.

A drape and a rolling rack?

Colin True

00:13:49.290 - 00:13:50.650

Oh, we have some that's coming up.

Producer Dave

00:13:50.650 - 00:14:04.170

Later in the park, but just one after the other.

And look, you can still make that presentable and nice and there still can be a brand story, but if you see too many in a row, it's going to start to feel the same way and kind of dampen the enthusiasm.

Eoin Comerford

00:14:04.650 - 00:14:35.700

Well, so I think part of the issue is that trade shows are paid for by the brands, right? So as a trade show organizer, you're like, well, we've got to make the brands happy.

They're the ones paying the bills, they're the ones who are doing the sponsorships, they're the ones who are shelling out the cash, doing all the fancy booths, etc. So they're the customer. Right. But ultimately if the customer of the customer is your customer. Right, and that is the retailer.

And so I think that is the missing piece.

Colin True

00:14:36.260 - 00:15:32.760

Yeah, Dave, you make a good point on the switchback side and not to get into kind of step on what we're going to talk about in the booths in a second, but like just Berghaus we saw today and we chatted with Shane over there and they had a very simple setup that was colorful. It drew people in. It was in the switchback side and they came with one of my predictions.

They might be one of the ones who tried too hard via Try hard on the run. They didn't. They had their very much outdoor centric thing and I'm like, how's it going? He's like, it's going great.

Talk to a lot of run buyers who are interested in our stuff. And honestly, I'm mostly here because I want people to see Berghaus and this is a floor where there's a lot of influential people.

Whether it's run, whether it's outdoor, we need to show up because we're trying to win in the long haul and we know that eventually we're going to be butting up against the Patagonias and the north faces and the outdoor researchers, all the entrenched, you know, outdoor brands. And so he had a very clear idea of, like, why they were here.

Versus to your point, Dave, some other folks who just like, well, I guess we'll go to this. Role in. And we're an outdoor brand.

Producer Dave

00:15:32.840 - 00:15:41.290

And to that point, it was very simple about red wall, red floor at Berghaus with. Yeah. With product presented across. It stood out.

Colin True

00:15:41.290 - 00:15:41.610

Yeah.

Producer Dave

00:15:41.610 - 00:15:44.210

It was so simple, but it still had energy to it.

Shawnté Salabert

00:15:44.210 - 00:15:51.730

Are you telling me that the Cliff booth, which was just a guy and a computer and a couple shot blocks packets, was not engaging for you, Dave? It was simple.

Producer Dave

00:15:51.730 - 00:15:57.050

Well, like I said before, it looks like a soggy Cliff bar. And that's not. Guys, no one wants that.

Colin True

00:15:57.050 - 00:16:00.410

They care very much about sustainability to the point where they didn't even build.

Eoin Comerford

00:16:00.410 - 00:16:04.590

A booth because you got to ship a booth. I mean, there's a lot of saved.

Colin True

00:16:04.590 - 00:16:07.510

So many emissions. Think about it.

Eoin Comerford

00:16:07.750 - 00:16:09.830

And that was why Patagonia was the same way.

Colin True

00:16:11.670 - 00:16:15.750

Dude, you just got back on their good side after your awesome LinkedIn post.

Eoin Comerford

00:16:15.750 - 00:16:16.150

Right.

Colin True

00:16:16.310 - 00:16:20.190

Owen's had a little wine. I was just gonna say, you know.

Producer Dave

00:16:20.190 - 00:16:24.310

You could really use some of that stale inventory at Cliff and build a pretty cool booth.

Colin True

00:16:25.030 - 00:16:27.510

I've had some stale Clif bars. I know what that's like, right.

Shawnté Salabert

00:16:27.910 - 00:16:28.790

Actually intact.

Producer Dave

00:16:28.790 - 00:16:31.190

Right. Little gingerbread thing going on. It's December.

Colin True

00:16:31.850 - 00:16:38.490

Well, wait, are we done lavishing praise on the running event and saying what we could learn from it? Is it time to move into booths?

Eoin Comerford

00:16:39.850 - 00:17:03.660

I think the overall event, though, I thought was. Looking at old or it was that energy. Maybe not. I mean, the aisles weren't quite as packed. You could actually walk in the aisles, but it was.

There were big booths. There were little booths. It had that feel of. Of commonality. And then the other thing, actually, I liked San Antonio as a spot. I didn't.

Colin True

00:17:03.660 - 00:17:04.540

Thank you for bringing it up.

Eoin Comerford

00:17:04.540 - 00:17:06.620

I didn't think I would love it, but I did.

Shawnté Salabert

00:17:06.860 - 00:17:11.060

Was it the Riverwalk? Was it like the Gaylord but outside, as we all know?

Eoin Comerford

00:17:11.060 - 00:17:33.340

Well, I think actually the Gaylord with fresh air. Christina has a bit of a something about lazy rivers. I don't know what it is, but. Yeah, but what it was, though, was it felt.

You know, cohesive together. Like it was a. It's a small enough town where you can kind of take over a little bit and feel like everyone is kind of in the same bubble.

Shawnté Salabert

00:17:33.580 - 00:17:35.700

Yeah, like everyone's walking outside the Salt Palace.

Producer Dave

00:17:35.700 - 00:17:47.740

I was gonna say somebody.

I heard overheard somebody compare it to Salt Lake City in terms of the walkability between the restaurants and the hotels and the convention center itself. It just made it easy to get around.

Colin True

00:17:47.980 - 00:17:53.460

Listen, Austin's a great town. Everyone's. You love Austin. For whatever reason, for all sorts of reasons.

Eoin Comerford

00:17:53.460 - 00:17:53.860

Excuse me.

Colin True

00:17:53.860 - 00:17:56.230

For whatever reason you Austin.

Rock Fight Radio!

00:17:56.230 - 00:17:56.510

No.

Colin True

00:17:56.510 - 00:18:00.910

So for lots of reasons. I'm tired, man. It's been a long week.

Producer Dave

00:18:01.070 - 00:18:01.590

It's.

Colin True

00:18:01.590 - 00:18:10.190

It's nine o'. Clock. We're flying home tomorrow. But it's. I, I honestly leave it here. This was great. The convention center was great.

Eoin Comerford

00:18:10.430 - 00:18:10.830

The.

Colin True

00:18:10.990 - 00:18:19.950

I think also to your point on the traffic, it, it didn't feel like that the aisles choked like old or. But it was consistently busy for course the course.

Eoin Comerford

00:18:19.950 - 00:18:20.150

The.

Colin True

00:18:20.150 - 00:18:40.030

Over the course of the two days we spoke to someone. The show closed at 4 and at 3:50 there were still retail buyers in booths talking with folks about product.

It just had a, it just checked a lot of boxes across the board and the town, the convention center and just the organization of the event. I mean I don't know. Now we're just like, well look, we.

Producer Dave

00:18:40.030 - 00:19:06.720

Talked to brands big and small and I'm, you know, going to go back to the switchback side of things here that you know, did, did get a steady. That did get a steady stream of retailers in. You know, again it's not, it's about. Not about numbers. It's about showing up, being here. Right.

Someone commented that they had particularly. Canadian retailers here, which I thought was fantastic. Did not expect to hear that Canadian got a.

Colin True

00:19:06.720 - 00:19:07.720

Got an award tonight from.

Producer Dave

00:19:07.800 - 00:19:09.800

That's right. So thank you for coming.

Eoin Comerford

00:19:10.920 - 00:19:12.440

But thank you.

Colin True

00:19:12.600 - 00:19:14.360

We're being really sincere with that.

Rock Fight Radio!

00:19:14.360 - 00:19:14.760

Right.

Colin True

00:19:14.760 - 00:19:17.400

We understand we're not maybe your favorite country right now.

Rock Fight Radio!

00:19:17.880 - 00:19:18.280

Right.

Producer Dave

00:19:18.860 - 00:19:31.820

And you made the trip. But no, I think that that's what we have to do here.

We have to build for the long haul and so we have to think beyond just what is that booking right now and what are we contributing to the whole.

Colin True

00:19:31.900 - 00:19:50.690

Well, I guess put everybody on the spot. Do we have any recommendations of what are our takeaways as we look ahead towards future outdoor trade shows?

What would we say, anybody listening to this who maybe is in that decision making capacity, what should they take away from what we observed at, at the running event?

Shawnté Salabert

00:19:51.010 - 00:20:11.410

I mean I think we kind of talked about it earlier when we started talking about the awards. It's this idea of celebrating the retailer. I mean it's, you know, there's so much obvious emphasis on the commerce of it all.

But I think that celebration aspect turned out to be really important and really crucial. It also kept people here to the end. So it felt like a complete show that way too.

Colin True

00:20:12.530 - 00:20:36.400

The one thing I will say is because Owen did Ask Kent and Christina this during our live event. Are we gonna. Before we even saw how great the award ceremony was, we were, like, said we were on it.

Like, hey, this is a good idea to get people to stick around. Like you just said, Shantae. And I thought Christina's answer was pretty humble.

She's like, hey, we haven't really earned that yet with Switchback Spring specifically. Right. But I gotta think it's in the cards, right? I mean, maybe not this year, upcoming year, but in the future.

Producer Dave

00:20:37.120 - 00:20:40.080

Well, it did take him a few years to get to this level.

Shawnté Salabert

00:20:40.720 - 00:20:43.760

That's why we just got to do the Rock Fight Awards, right? That's right.

Colin True

00:20:46.430 - 00:22:28.970

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It's an ongoing journey to create equipment and memories that last for generations to come.

Our mission is to inspire more people to move with nature, and we do this by developing durable and functional equipment that never goes out of fashion. What we really want is to make it easier for people. People to enjoy spending time in nature on nature's terms. This is our passion.

So let's use our vast experience and competence to help more people feel at home in nature, because when they do, they will take greater care of it. Get started on your Fjallraven journey by heading to fjallraven.com today. Hey, Rock fighters.

The air is cooling down and the trail is beckoning, and Lemz is ready to move with you. Lemz has new shoes like the Trailblazer Mid, the mighty Trail Thrasher and the insulated Breck boot.

Get your Lem's boots to get ready for the season ahead. And hey, retailers, did you know Lemz recently expanded their wholesale sales team? So do you want to meet with your new local rep?

Well, if you do, send an email to Colo. That's C O L O M S shoes dot com. Just make sure you tell them that the Rock Fight sent you lems, where less equals more. We talked. We. We. We ran the live show. You're gonna.

You can go back and listen to it on the feed that came out probably over by the time I got to edit it and put it up there. This is coming out on Monday. We talked about some booth stuff, but we have some other booth thoughts. Yeah. So let's just. Let's start positively Right.

Let's go around the horn like we Had. There was a lot of compliments, and we've already given a few out on this episode. What's everybody's favorite booth?

Who did a good job here at the running event? Booth wise.

Eoin Comerford

00:22:29.210 - 00:22:38.660

So before we get into that, the first one of the things, obviously, that I noticed here was just the number of running footwear brands that were here.

Colin True

00:22:38.660 - 00:22:39.780

What is the running event?

Eoin Comerford

00:22:40.340 - 00:22:46.260

Okay, I understand that. Yes. I haven't had that many glasses of wine. I do realize that.

Colin True

00:22:46.420 - 00:22:46.820

What?

Eoin Comerford

00:22:49.380 - 00:23:05.510

So many maximalist shoes. It's unbelievable.

Like, we were talking at dinner about, like, if you took somebody from 2012 when Hoka sort of first arrived at OR, and then brought them into the future of this show, their mind would be blown. It's like, what the fuck happened?

Shawnté Salabert

00:23:05.590 - 00:23:06.550

Cumulative one.

Producer Dave

00:23:06.710 - 00:23:07.670

So much EVA.

Eoin Comerford

00:23:08.310 - 00:23:09.430

So much EVA.

Shawnté Salabert

00:23:10.070 - 00:23:14.310

I was going to say like a cumulative 1 million millimeters of stack height. It was insane.

Eoin Comerford

00:23:14.390 - 00:23:33.820

Insane. Okay, so now here's Eva Mine. And like a quick game here. I've got 10 brands that I wasn't. I wasn't as. As aware of as running footwear brands. Okay.

And I'm going to throw them out here, and I just want to. Before this event, did you know that they existed as running footwear brands?

Colin True

00:23:34.300 - 00:23:35.100

Just like a. Yes.

Eoin Comerford

00:23:35.180 - 00:23:40.380

No. An honor system. I'm looking at you. True honor system. Okay.

Colin True

00:23:40.380 - 00:23:41.220

Yes, I know that one.

Eoin Comerford

00:23:41.220 - 00:23:41.740

Okay.

Colin True

00:23:42.140 - 00:23:43.180

No, Yes, I know that one.

Eoin Comerford

00:23:43.180 - 00:23:44.860

Okay. 9, 10, 19.

Colin True

00:23:45.900 - 00:23:47.100

No, not a chance.

Eoin Comerford

00:23:47.660 - 00:23:51.620

No. Okay, that's zeros. Okay. Kipron.

Colin True

00:23:51.620 - 00:23:54.420

I feel like I've heard the name. I wouldn't have known they were footwear brand, though.

Eoin Comerford

00:23:54.420 - 00:23:55.100

Okay, all right.

Producer Dave

00:23:56.160 - 00:23:57.600

That's just Kip. You know Kip.

Eoin Comerford

00:23:57.680 - 00:23:59.280

Oh, no, no, no.

Colin True

00:23:59.280 - 00:23:59.840

Good guy.

Eoin Comerford

00:24:00.000 - 00:24:09.440

Okay. Made plus. As a footwear brand. No, no. Okay, all right. Hollo. H O L O. As a footwear brand.

Shawnté Salabert

00:24:09.840 - 00:24:11.000

Wait, not the socks.

Eoin Comerford

00:24:11.000 - 00:24:13.600

Not this. Not hollow. H O L O.

Colin True

00:24:14.240 - 00:24:15.000

Nothing here.

Producer Dave

00:24:15.000 - 00:24:19.200

No, wait a minute. How do you pronounce that differently than the socks?

Eoin Comerford

00:24:19.360 - 00:24:23.120

No, the socks have two L's and a W. Yeah, it's like.

Producer Dave

00:24:23.120 - 00:24:26.040

That's like a colon or a colon.

Eoin Comerford

00:24:26.120 - 00:24:26.600

Yes.

Colin True

00:24:26.600 - 00:24:28.360

Only two L. Collins are posers.

Eoin Comerford

00:24:28.360 - 00:24:28.760

Okay.

Shawnté Salabert

00:24:28.760 - 00:24:30.240

There are a lot of unpronounceable brands here.

Eoin Comerford

00:24:30.240 - 00:24:32.840

I just want to say. 361.

Producer Dave

00:24:33.320 - 00:24:33.880

Nope.

Shawnté Salabert

00:24:34.520 - 00:24:35.960

365 maybe.

Eoin Comerford

00:24:35.960 - 00:24:37.880

Okay. No. Okay. Atom.

Shawnté Salabert

00:24:38.360 - 00:24:38.840

Yes.

Eoin Comerford

00:24:39.160 - 00:24:46.000

Okay, we have one. Okay, good one. Okay. Karhu. K A K A R H U.

Colin True

00:24:46.000 - 00:24:46.840

Yeah, I know Karhu.

Eoin Comerford

00:24:46.840 - 00:24:51.880

Karhu. Yeah, you got that one. Okay. Rad or rad?

Colin True

00:24:52.200 - 00:24:55.950

Yes, I was familiar with them, but it was cool to see them. But we'll talk About. I'm sure we're going to talk about.

Eoin Comerford

00:24:56.500 - 00:25:01.780

Okay. I think it's otim. O tivm.

Shawnté Salabert

00:25:02.020 - 00:25:03.140

Is that a medicine?

Producer Dave

00:25:03.140 - 00:25:04.260

You just made that up.

Colin True

00:25:04.820 - 00:25:06.460

What are the side effects of Autofin?

Producer Dave

00:25:06.460 - 00:25:08.260

Make that up real fast.

Eoin Comerford

00:25:08.260 - 00:25:12.420

Running real fast. Okay. And finally, High racer.

Colin True

00:25:12.900 - 00:25:13.300

No.

Shawnté Salabert

00:25:13.780 - 00:25:15.060

Is that a CBD brand?

Eoin Comerford

00:25:16.980 - 00:25:21.300

Okay. And finally, as a running brand. Lemz.

Colin True

00:25:22.350 - 00:25:24.190

As a running brand. No.

Rock Fight Radio!

00:25:26.830 - 00:25:27.230

No.

Colin True

00:25:27.470 - 00:25:29.430

We knew they were coming out with a running shoe. Yes, of course.

Rock Fight Radio!

00:25:29.430 - 00:25:29.790

Come on.

Colin True

00:25:29.790 - 00:25:32.430

We love Lamb. Sponsor the podcast Lems. Come on.

Shawnté Salabert

00:25:32.750 - 00:25:36.190

I was wearing their primal Zen yesterday. They didn't pay me to say that either.

Colin True

00:25:36.590 - 00:26:08.696

All right, let's talk about booze. We're just going to go around the horn. Do you want me to go? Shantay, you want to go first? All right, a bit. Dave's going to call me Basic, but he's.

And he's probably not wrong. But the Nordaboo booth, because. And there's a reason why you would call me Basic for that, because so many reasons. Yeah, but it was. Nord is really.

We love Nord. We've talked about Nord on the podcast. I'm a fan of their shoes. They have basically five styles. Right. They have very few shoes in the range.

They came with a. Was it 10 by 20? 10 by 30.

Eoin Comerford

00:26:08.744 - 00:26:09.300

10 by 30.

Colin True

00:26:09.340 - 00:26:14.520

10 by 30. Very. Again, basic in black booth with the shoes sort of hanging merchandise.

Eoin Comerford

00:26:14.840 - 00:26:16.120

I would call it minimalist.

Colin True

00:26:16.120 - 00:26:24.510

There you go. Right. I think. I think Dave was. Dave's more intimating that I was sucked in by the sort of the iPhone, Steve Jobs sort of vibe of it all. And I was.

Producer Dave

00:26:24.510 - 00:26:24.910

I just.

Colin True

00:26:24.910 - 00:26:25.830

I'm here for it.

Shawnté Salabert

00:26:26.070 - 00:26:27.590

I thought that was the UFOS booth.

Colin True

00:26:28.390 - 00:26:29.990

No, that was the PowerPoint booth.

Producer Dave

00:26:30.550 - 00:26:31.830

It was more Microsoft.

Colin True

00:26:34.630 - 00:26:36.310

But the. I just.

Rock Fight Radio!

00:26:36.310 - 00:26:36.549

It.

Colin True

00:26:36.549 - 00:26:42.310

It worked. And actually they even said, like, the idea that when it gets Busy as a 10 by 30, they can kind of spill out into the aisle. It gives you.

Producer Dave

00:26:42.470 - 00:26:42.990

It just.

Colin True

00:26:42.990 - 00:26:58.680

I don't know. There was a. There was a great vibe. I like the way it looked. It matched the brand, which is very clean, and I thought they did a great job.

Also, I got to meet Lance Armstrong right in front of their booth, which was pretty cool. So, you know, say what you want about Lance Armstrong. I thought it was cool to meet Lance Armstrong, but what do you got, Shantay?

Shawnté Salabert

00:26:59.400 - 00:28:07.600

My favorite runner, Lance Armstrong. I. I'm gonna say. So I will admit here on the podcast that I was a satisfy hater. I didn't really get it. I was unsatisfied. But maybe I was just pre.

Pre satisfied. Okay. Maybe it was that because I got there before these guys who all apparently forgot about our app.

I'm furiously texting them, but I started getting the rundown and it's one of those enclosed booths where, you know, it's like Secret Service guarding the doorway. But I sat there and I got the rundown on why it was that way. And they were just like, listen, we want people to understand it.

People implied people like me who don't. And we want them to understand the full story and see it. We want to be able to guide them through this experience.

And I will say after, after walking through all of it, I was like, okay, I'm not going to buy any of this because it's all really expensive and I just run in cotton T shirts. But, but I. To wear all of it. The arm chaps, the, the lightweight jorts, the, you know, band T shirt with the moth. Moth holes in it.

That's not what the tech. The strategically placed moth holes. I honestly, I came away being into it.

Producer Dave

00:28:07.920 - 00:28:18.560

Yeah. I think you know what you're getting at. Even to paint the picture, we're talking about a. What was it, a 20 by 20 or 30 by 30 metal cube, 20ft high.

Colin True

00:28:19.040 - 00:28:19.360

Right.

Producer Dave

00:28:19.360 - 00:28:56.760

I mean, it was a Borg. And you entered into it through that door, which gave that exclusive. And it really. The way they presented products. Right, right, right. I love that.

It really did give you a sense that you were stepping into like a Soho boutique and the way they presented their, their product. And so it was really more of fashion, performance fashion as a true blend. It was not activewear. Okay. That tries to be fashionable.

It was an absolute blend. And that's their brand for sure. But the presentation of it really upped, I would say, the impact of their position.

Shawnté Salabert

00:28:57.080 - 00:29:18.020

Yeah. And I thought it was interesting too. Cause I kind of joked, I'm like, man, this booth is like the Rick Owens of the running world. And he got really.

The guy from Satisfy was like, well, no, we don't want people to see us that way. He's like, we actually know a lot of people who are into the aesthetic, but they don't buy the clothes.

But they are inspired to go out there and wear what they want instead of what they think they're supposed to be wearing. And I actually really like that that the one thing.

Colin True

00:29:18.020 - 00:29:55.750

And it was, it wasn't a. Clearly, a lot of these brands were still very feature and benefit heavy and tech stuff.

But it did seem, I. I noticed think after we, as we left Satisfy that there were, there were plenty of booze where A brand story and product story were the primary thing. And you know, then, great, we have technical specs and things afterwards versus the run.

And outdoor industries are usually been very like, oh, well, this moves moisture and protects you from moisture, and here's how it benefits you. And that's. We lead with the features and benefits and the tech stuff.

And this I found a lot of great brand and product stories leading the charge, which I found. Something that we talk about a lot is like, that's what really people care about the most. They expect this stuff to work.

Eoin Comerford

00:29:57.030 - 00:30:17.770

Absolutely. So for me, my favorite was actually the Keen booth. That was a good one. Another booth that really talked to the brand that was on brand.

If you would remove the logos, you'd say, oh, that's the Keen booth. And I think we mentioned on the pod that it had a van growing in it, which I think is great.

If you can have a booth that grows a van every time, you're probably making money.

Colin True

00:30:18.170 - 00:30:22.170

It's been a healthy harvest season for booth fans, Dave. I'm sure we'll talk about it.

Eoin Comerford

00:30:22.970 - 00:30:39.290

But actually, my favorite part was because this was mainly to introduce their new trail running line. My favorite part was they showed all eight prototypes worn in by all of the running that was done in them.

And just the progression of how they came to the shoe that they had today, which I thought was really a nice way to do it.

Colin True

00:30:40.090 - 00:31:26.330

Look, keen won me over, right? I think we made it. I think they're part of our lightning round.

When they introduced their shoe and we were kind of like, oh, of course now they have a trail running shoe too. Which, I mean, honestly, I don't feel that bad about saying, because, like, of course they would. Why wouldn't they? They're keen.

They're a big footwear brand. They're known for their sandals and boots. Why would they not also offer a trail running shoe? But we got to meet with their team.

They also, they just brought on Jeff Browning and Chrissy Mail. Like legendary ultra runners, they have a dedicated group of product folks working on the trail running line.

And they're like, no, we're going for it. We're making really good trail running shoes. We're bringing in well known ultra athletes to run in our shoes.

And I, you know, I'm like, wow, okay, good for you guys, man. You're not messing around. You're not just like checking the box and saying, look, look at our maximalist running shoe. Trail running shoe.

We have one too. So I thought it was an interesting story.

Producer Dave

00:31:26.410 - 00:31:56.030

Look, there were a Lot of interesting things. I think we're at a cool time in terms of where technology's taking us and what we're able to build into these structures.

We don't require the huge, massive builds maybe for the impact that we used to. So you're getting more bang for your buck from the space. Like the tickers that we saw in terms of the space. So I think that's like the on they went.

You know, their booth was basic from a build perspective. Another closed Borg, but it was their software, it was their screens. Right.

Colin True

00:31:56.030 - 00:31:58.110

I almost thought there's nothing special here.

Producer Dave

00:31:58.110 - 00:32:47.850

Full minority port, right? Yeah, right. Like, please set the shoe up on the screen. And it unlocks a whole, you know, the folders and discussion about it. It's fantastic.

I just, I think that kind of stuff is, is really what brings us into the consumer world here from a trade perspective. The product element table, I think is another thing that you saw over and over where they take the product, take the shoe, explode it out.

So you can see the build of the product. And you know, the prototype wall Keen wasn't the only one that did that.

Other brands, let me see the iterations and the markings on the shoe and the kind of the breakdown as they're building to it, really playing the technology story. So I think you saw that all over the place. So I thought that was great.

And then you know, Birkenstock, which typically has a nice feeling booth there, that's the other end of that. We go from an explosion.

Colin True

00:32:47.850 - 00:32:50.410

It's okay when you say a brand and all of your co hosts start laughing.

Producer Dave

00:32:50.810 - 00:33:12.810

Well, we go from kind of product component explosion to just an explosion inside that booth. It really gave you the vibes of your local shoe repair shop that's been there for 50 years. It was, I don't know, it was odd.

And you know, Colin, you pointed this out too. The sign, the ceiling sign, which we all use to direct us to the booth, was bigger than the booth itself.

Colin True

00:33:12.810 - 00:33:14.410

I think I can see it from where we're sitting.

Producer Dave

00:33:14.570 - 00:33:34.130

That's right, that's right. So those are just some little things like that.

But I think for the booth that stood out to me the most amongst all these great builds and great brands, was the smallest one that we did to come across. Right. And it's a 10 by 10 from a brand called Tantrum. And they make. What is it? Running vests?

Colin True

00:33:34.130 - 00:33:35.010

Yeah, like hydration vests.

Producer Dave

00:33:35.010 - 00:33:56.230

That's running, but that's not the story so much. And even from the founders kind of description of this they know that they need to tell a greater story. This 10 by 10 was dressed up like a bodega.

And when I say like a bodega, you had to double take it first to see what the hell is that doing here. And they took.

Colin True

00:33:56.230 - 00:33:58.070

It looked like a bodega.

Producer Dave

00:33:58.070 - 00:34:45.139

That's right. They had the product in a cooler display that you'd think you'd buy in beer all the way with the flickering broken light in it.

Every piece in there was rebranded and relabeled. Windex for sale. Nope. Tantrum brand. What is that? Black beans? That's right. Matchbooks and stickers.

If you looked at the posters on the wall, the lottery. That's right side was altered a bit. And so it was just such a great job and attention to detail. The 10 by 10. That's right.

And there was so much to look. You could stand there for 15 minutes just taking in all of that. And it really did set up the kind of. So why of all this?

And then they would engage you, you know, the. The floor staff would engage you about the product and what they're doing.

Shawnté Salabert

00:34:45.139 - 00:35:02.820

And that's the thing. When you have. They had one vest to show. And when you have one product, it's either going to sit there and look sad.

Clif bar, or you're going to be able to tell a story that got all of us to stop. Like how, you know, you stop because you're like, what is going on here? And then that drew me in a tiny booth.

Eoin Comerford

00:35:03.140 - 00:35:20.420

But it also just shows you that a great booth doesn't take $100,000. That booth probably costs, I don't know, $5,000.

But it just takes creativity and just thinking outside the box and having a vision for something that isn't just, oh, here's the product.

Producer Dave

00:35:20.820 - 00:35:36.920

It's the vision and the willingness to take a concept all the way through. So often we stop with the front or maybe a good headline, right? Or just the color. No, no.

There's so much more that you can add to that that creates a depth of story.

Colin True

00:35:37.240 - 00:36:07.120

The. The two. And we can talk if we want to talk about who they were.

But our two least favorite booths, the one of the issues with them were they were 10 by 20s and they were jammed full of rolling rack apparel. And it was just. You couldn't. It was. It was. You couldn't see past it. It looked like you were like at a discount store.

And so I would say to them, hey, pick your hero product. You don't need to bring your whole range. Right? What's your hero product that is going to speak to the audience at the event where it's.

We know it's runners like. And so even if Tantrum had a larger range of like, well, only have a 10 by 10. Great, let's sell the best.

Producer Dave

00:36:07.440 - 00:36:20.000

I find it amazing in 2025, we're still having that discussion of don't jam everything in. Show your hero product. Get people engaged and intrigued. They will find you. They will call you back.

Colin True

00:36:20.000 - 00:36:20.440

Yes.

Producer Dave

00:36:20.440 - 00:36:22.440

Like, they will want to see the rest of your line.

Colin True

00:36:22.440 - 00:36:32.060

Right. Are you really in your five minute meeting? Like, wait, hold on. I have 60 more products we have to get through. All right, this is the one you want.

We have other stuff too, if you want to see.

Producer Dave

00:36:32.060 - 00:36:35.020

I have six styles of taupe that you haven't seen yet.

Colin True

00:36:35.020 - 00:36:49.900

And it just, I just, you know, not that it was hands down the best booth we saw at the Tantrum booth for all the reasons we said. I think the four of us agree in that. And honestly, the only bummer is we didn't see it before our live event.

So we could have shouted them out at the live event.

Producer Dave

00:36:50.700 - 00:37:11.850

Yeah, I agree. I agree though. And I still do want to like, just even though we mentioned it in the show, I. Brooks has the biggest booth on the floor.

They're kind of showing their weight, which again is fun for that from especially this show. But their fun house concept to support their flex your freedom idea. Excellent. Just well executed well.

Colin True

00:37:11.850 - 00:37:23.890

And what we did find out after the fact was actually they're pivoting. They're tired of being a billion dollar footwear brand and they're going to go into business with Pierre at Halloween.

And this was just their first step into that new direction. Oh, yes.

Producer Dave

00:37:24.050 - 00:37:28.290

So I'm seeing then the, the licensing co op with Halloween town.

Colin True

00:37:28.450 - 00:37:32.210

Well, they want to make costumes with good traction. That'll be nice and good tread. So.

Shawnté Salabert

00:37:34.130 - 00:37:35.730

I grew up in Milwaukee, you know.

Colin True

00:37:37.090 - 00:37:46.130

All right, so last thing we're going to do is go through our predictions and be accountable to it before we do that. Our consigliere, right. He was roaming the halls of the show.

Eoin Comerford

00:37:46.690 - 00:37:47.050

Right.

Colin True

00:37:47.050 - 00:37:48.210

He had his ears open.

Producer Dave

00:37:48.770 - 00:37:51.330

You know, he talks to a lot of people.

Colin True

00:37:51.330 - 00:37:58.550

He talks to of a lot. They don't even know who they're talking to sometimes. And then he reports back. All right, so what, Owen, what did you hear at the show?

Eoin Comerford

00:37:59.190 - 00:38:27.240

So, a couple of things. So first of all, we heard that Scott. Scott sports. Really? No, more as a mountain biker. Hangs out with Adam and Kip apparently so.

But they had nine People at the show, they weren't exhibiting many designers, et cetera.

So the inference, and again, this is all rumors, rumor, this is all rumor, is that they are, and they do have some RUN product today, but that they're going to get big into run in the US Market.

Colin True

00:38:27.560 - 00:38:39.480

I don't mean they've been in run. They definitely have had shoes, they've had some part of the range.

I mean, I think they're primarily known for their mountain biking or cycling, at least apparel and bikes, whatever. So I'm curious what that will mean.

Eoin Comerford

00:38:40.120 - 00:38:42.360

But clearly it's an interest, though. Yeah.

Colin True

00:38:42.520 - 00:38:43.080

Okay.

Eoin Comerford

00:38:43.080 - 00:38:49.570

Now on the topic of people showing up and interest in running, nobody from rei. Nope.

Colin True

00:38:49.570 - 00:38:50.210

No buyers.

Eoin Comerford

00:38:50.210 - 00:38:51.490

No buyers confirm.

Colin True

00:38:51.490 - 00:38:52.090

Do we know that?

Eoin Comerford

00:38:53.050 - 00:38:58.210

Well, this is talking to people in the switchback section who you think they would at least, you know, stop by.

Colin True

00:38:58.210 - 00:39:00.330

And say, hi, Christina Henderson, please confirm.

Eoin Comerford

00:39:00.650 - 00:39:08.010

Exactly. And so, and we've heard that Run is one of the four pillars. And for I was in an REI.

Colin True

00:39:08.010 - 00:39:11.530

Last week and the footwear wall, half of it was run.

Eoin Comerford

00:39:11.850 - 00:39:28.460

So you would think that Run would be here. And from what we're hearing, it's a budget issue. But it's interesting nonetheless. Another interesting fact was Patagonia.

So I've been a little bit, I would say maybe critical of Patagonia in the last.

Colin True

00:39:28.460 - 00:39:30.100

Maybe even on this podcast, maybe even.

Eoin Comerford

00:39:30.100 - 00:39:49.720

On this podcast, but for lack of newness. And apparently I'm not the first person to mention that because in talking to some folks there, they've actually been heads down on that.

That issue and they have just a shit ton of stuff coming next year, like really new stuff, not just new colors of better sweaters.

Colin True

00:39:49.800 - 00:39:50.840

Would love to see it.

Eoin Comerford

00:39:51.000 - 00:39:51.640

100%.

Colin True

00:39:51.640 - 00:39:52.440

It's been a minute.

Eoin Comerford

00:39:53.160 - 00:39:59.240

And finally, and last but not least, Prana, who we called out on the prior show.

Colin True

00:39:59.800 - 00:40:01.880

Let's talk about why we called them out.

Eoin Comerford

00:40:01.880 - 00:40:02.720

Okay, let's.

Colin True

00:40:02.720 - 00:40:06.120

So that's who I was referring to earlier in the booth that maybe was struggling.

Producer Dave

00:40:06.120 - 00:40:10.070

Welcome to a very special edition of. Of let's Talk about Prana.

Colin True

00:40:10.070 - 00:40:11.390

Let's talk about Prana.

Shawnté Salabert

00:40:12.030 - 00:40:15.390

Colin, I think, I think you have something to say about. Was it a tablecloth?

Colin True

00:40:16.190 - 00:40:27.510

So Prada was one of my three brands that I said might show up trying a little too hard to be a run brand, which actually, of the three brands I named, they are the winner. They did. They had a running mannequin in their booth.

Eoin Comerford

00:40:27.510 - 00:40:31.070

They did. In fairness, yes. The only Rankin in their booth.

Colin True

00:40:31.070 - 00:40:33.070

The problem is a 10 by 20, I believe.

Eoin Comerford

00:40:33.230 - 00:40:36.460

Yes, 10 by 10. I think it was 10 by 10, 10 again.

Colin True

00:40:36.540 - 00:41:00.060

Two rolling racks packed to the gills with product. A table with a tablecloth. And this is what Shantae's referring to. As a former tech rep, I was quite hurt to see the logo all askew.

The logo, like Attic, you know, catty wampus to like, what's supposed to be. It's just. It was. It was all of us. We literally were like, hey, Prana, blink twice if you need help. It was like we. At that point, it was just.

It was bad.

Eoin Comerford

00:41:00.380 - 00:41:15.520

It was. But.

But what we heard was that actually what we're seeing is the last vestige of the old Prana before the new Prana, like a butterfly coming out of the chrysalis, will emerge.

Colin True

00:41:15.680 - 00:41:20.160

I think producer Dave's question during the live event was, you know you're owned by Columbia, right?

Eoin Comerford

00:41:22.320 - 00:41:28.280

And apparently they do because new and exciting things are coming down the path now.

Colin True

00:41:28.280 - 00:41:35.400

That being said, even if you know that's coming, there is no reason to show what two full rolling racks in a shitty tablecloth.

Eoin Comerford

00:41:35.400 - 00:41:35.880

Couldn't agree with you.

Colin True

00:41:35.880 - 00:41:48.060

Come up with three products in your little booth. Put it up. Were Prana. They even sponsored a yoga session or something like that. They were involved in the show. So anyway, yeah, do better Prana. But.

But we're also excited to see what you got.

Eoin Comerford

00:41:48.060 - 00:41:48.700

Absolutely.

Colin True

00:41:48.940 - 00:41:50.380

Is that the end of rumor corner?

Producer Dave

00:41:51.500 - 00:41:59.420

Well, I. I did hear one kind of rumor that there's a fault developing between sea to summit and mount to coast.

Colin True

00:42:01.340 - 00:42:05.580

So a tectonic shift that's possibly.

Eoin Comerford

00:42:05.660 - 00:42:05.940

Right.

Producer Dave

00:42:05.940 - 00:42:06.370

A rumble.

Colin True

00:42:07.720 - 00:42:14.840

All right, last thing. We all made predictions. We now need to be accountable to our predictions. Who's going first?

Producer Dave

00:42:14.840 - 00:42:15.600

I'll go first.

Colin True

00:42:15.600 - 00:42:16.120

Okay.

Producer Dave

00:42:17.160 - 00:42:18.400

What was my prediction?

Colin True

00:42:18.400 - 00:42:19.240

I don't remember.

Producer Dave

00:42:20.200 - 00:42:20.920

Your host, man.

Rock Fight Radio!

00:42:20.920 - 00:42:21.560

You're the host.

Colin True

00:42:21.560 - 00:42:23.320

You didn't even write it in the last doc.

Producer Dave

00:42:25.080 - 00:42:39.320

My prediction was that in this joined iteration of Switchback and Tre and after Switchback is hacked, its solo appearance, that an outdoor brand would step up and bring it.

Colin True

00:42:39.320 - 00:42:40.080

Bring it. That's right.

Producer Dave

00:42:40.400 - 00:42:49.440

Like the running brands do at their side. And. And I do want to include Merrill or exclude Merrill in that. They. They do bring it. They brought it before.

Colin True

00:42:49.600 - 00:42:51.200

They're really good at making booths.

Eoin Comerford

00:42:51.200 - 00:42:51.440

They.

Producer Dave

00:42:51.440 - 00:43:04.820

They really. They really are. Right. And they're really good at telling you how good they are at making booths.

So my prediction is that someone else was going to bring it and I was wrong. No one. No one brought.

Colin True

00:43:06.180 - 00:43:23.660

Was a bit sad trombone on the. On the. Just the innovative booth. Like there was some. There was fine stuff, but.

And there Was but I mean there was nothing that you're like, whoa, like look at that. Like you know, the whatever. I guess Berg house might have been the closest but even then they went just very kind of simple. What do you got Owen?

What was your prediction?

Eoin Comerford

00:43:24.220 - 00:43:53.010

So my prediction was actually that. Switchback 2026 would indeed try to replicate the amazing awards show that we just saw.

And we asked the question on the last show at the live show and as you mentioned, Christina said know that they probably haven't earned it yet, which I think is a very. Reasonable and honest answer quite frankly. So hopefully maybe 2027 and actually having witnessed it, I can see her point quite frankly.

Colin True

00:43:53.010 - 00:43:57.110

If you're trying to live up to this, like yeah, let it build up, work up to that.

Producer Dave

00:43:57.750 - 00:43:59.430

Officially now we're over two.

Eoin Comerford

00:43:59.750 - 00:44:02.150

Yeah. Right Shantay.

Shawnté Salabert

00:44:03.030 - 00:44:37.650

All right, I'm going to, I'm going to make us one for two. I, My prediction was basically that there are going to be a ton of conversations and a ton of product out there telling the story of trail running.

And I think even though I thought it maybe would be even more than it was, it was pretty substantial. I felt seen okay as a trail runner. But yeah, I think we saw, we saw people bringing trail run shoes for the, the first time.

We saw some, you know, completely trail run brands out there and I feel like there was a lot of love given to trail run. So I feel successful in this unlike some other people.

Eoin Comerford

00:44:37.810 - 00:45:00.050

Yeah. And, and I think you specifically though we saw brands who aren't necessarily fully trail run lean into it. Keen is one example.

Nike had a whole ACG thing. Like it was half their booth was acg, Veja Vesa, whatever they came with with just a trail or anything and they've got a much wider line.

So I think we give Shantae full marks.

Producer Dave

00:45:00.050 - 00:45:00.410

I think.

Shawnté Salabert

00:45:00.410 - 00:45:12.650

Yes. I think you know, I mean LEMS also brought their first.

They debuted a running shoe and I think even though it's not a trail running shoe, they did bring some ivy, some like fake ivy hanging to the booth. So it's kind of like being on the trail.

Producer Dave

00:45:12.890 - 00:45:16.170

Well, it could go with ACG's synthetic rocks.

Rock Fight Radio!

00:45:16.410 - 00:45:16.730

Right?

Producer Dave

00:45:16.730 - 00:45:17.530

You could put those together.

Colin True

00:45:17.690 - 00:45:18.890

No, Adidas had the.

Eoin Comerford

00:45:20.280 - 00:45:26.320

Yeah, yeah, the Adidas synthetic rocks were. I think they took synthetic rocks to a new German level.

Colin True

00:45:26.320 - 00:45:29.920

Obviously were some rejects from Land of the Lost from like the 1970s, you.

Producer Dave

00:45:29.920 - 00:45:33.640

Know, like they were rigid and had no humor.

Colin True

00:45:37.080 - 00:45:51.530

My predictions were one, like I mentioned earlier was the an outdoor brand would try be a little too try hard and and show up and trying to be a running brand and not pull it all off and mentioned Prana wins that one. So I'll get a quarter point, maybe half a point for that one.

Producer Dave

00:45:51.530 - 00:45:54.010

Is a single mannequin really it was a running man.

Colin True

00:45:54.010 - 00:45:58.210

It was trying to be a running. It was literally like here are rolling racks and here's our running man.

Producer Dave

00:45:58.210 - 00:46:06.810

Wait a minute. Are you sure that wasn't the only one left at the rental agency? You line that's all we've got. It's got this one running. It's a good thing.

It's a running track.

Colin True

00:46:07.450 - 00:46:09.130

If you say no then I'll, I'll accept that.

Producer Dave

00:46:09.370 - 00:46:10.250

Right, right.

Colin True

00:46:10.250 - 00:46:44.380

I said that Berghaus also and, and and we, we spoke with Shane who also who heard the box pod and he said actually you made a mistake because across the hall from them was steel who definitely did this and they had some running mannequins while still having just their steel stuff.

So I was close in proximity to that one and then see the summit who also heard the pod and was like they were bummed that they heard it late because they said they would have absolutely built a runner out of like neck pillows which is just. Just to troll me which would have been amazing. No, they showed up with just their range and we're happy to do so.

Eoin Comerford

00:46:44.460 - 00:46:56.660

I think actually you should get the point regardless because I thought you set too high a bar by not only saying the thing but saying which specific to who it would be. So personally I think mission accomplished.

Colin True

00:46:56.660 - 00:46:57.260

It definitely happened.

Eoin Comerford

00:46:57.260 - 00:46:57.740

It happened.

Colin True

00:46:57.740 - 00:47:26.410

Right, right, right. And my other prediction was the broader one of this will be the last switchback at Tre. I feel pretty good about this.

We won't know for a while but I feel that switchback as part of the name of the show is. It's not necessary at this point. I think it will go.

I think switchback should turn into or maybe potentially will go into being kind of like Venture out used to be an outdoor retailer where it's a section of the floor. Here's the outdoor section at the running event but the show is just the running event and I think that's what's going to happen.

Producer Dave

00:47:26.410 - 00:47:39.300

Or does trail running continue to grow unabated where it just takes over every available square inch that isn't just road run and so it will push out all of the other native outdoor brands.

Colin True

00:47:39.300 - 00:47:48.020

What you're saying is we shouldn't be afraid of AI but we should be afraid of trail running. TR I remember the day trail running got into the government systems.

Producer Dave

00:47:48.420 - 00:47:49.379

It's all tr.

Shawnté Salabert

00:47:50.580 - 00:47:55.300

I just hope somebody brings a bidet next year, you know, it will probably be you.

Colin True

00:47:55.620 - 00:48:01.120

All right, guys, that's the show for today. Thanks for going on our running event Journey with us, the Rock Fights of production.

Producer Dave

00:48:01.600 - 00:48:03.360

Don't forget Switchback.

Colin True

00:48:04.640 - 00:48:28.890

I just said Switchbacks over until New Orleans, then it's back. Switchbacks back, baby.

Switchback Spring the Rock Fights a production of Rock Fight LLC For Shantay Salibare, Owen Comerford and our producer, producer Dave. Thanks going out to Sarah Gensert. I am Colin True. Thank you for listening. And here he is.

Like always to take us out with the Rock Fight Fight song, it's Chris da Makes. We'll see you next time, Rock fighters.

Rock Fight Radio!

00:48:28.890 - 00:49:29.960

Rock fight. Rock fight. Rock fight. Rock fight. Rock fight. Rock flight.

Welcome to the rock fight where we speak our truth Slay sacred cows and sometimes agree to disagree.

We talk about human powered outdoor activities and big bites about topics that we find interesting like pop culture music, the latest movie reviews, ideas that aim for the head. This is where we speak our truth. This is where we speak our truth. Rock fight. Rock fight. Rock flight. Welcome to the Rock flight. Rock fight. Rock five.

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