Brooks Says China Growth Surges as Running Message Lands

Brooks Running says it has found real momentum in China, where a fast-growing base of consumers appears to be embracing both its running identity and its everyday activewear appeal.

Speaking from the floor of the Berkshire Hathaway shareholder conference in Omaha, CEO Dan Sheridan said the brand grew more than 130% in the region. He also made clear that China still accounts for only a small share of Brooks' overall business, a detail that tempers the headline number even as it underscores the scale of the recent jump.

"Everyone's a runner" appears to be doing more than selling shoes — it gives Brooks a broad, accessible message in a market where lifestyle and performance often overlap.

Sheridan pointed to that "everyone's a runner" positioning as a key reason the brand is connecting. He also highlighted demand for multi-use apparel that consumers can wear beyond a run, suggesting Brooks benefits when shoppers want gear that fits exercise, travel, and daily life without switching wardrobes.

The comments matter because they offer a snapshot of how a specialized performance brand can widen its audience without abandoning its core identity. Reports indicate Brooks is not chasing growth in China by diluting its running focus. Instead, it is leaning into a simple idea: running can serve as both sport and lifestyle, and the clothing should move easily between those worlds.

What comes next will test whether this surge marks an early breakthrough or a short-lived spike. If Brooks can keep converting interest into repeat demand, China could become a more meaningful piece of the company's business over time. For the broader sportswear industry, the message looks clear: consumers still want performance credibility, but they also expect gear to work long after the workout ends.