How Running Took Over Fashion and Street Style in 2025

Fashion has always borrowed from subcultures and its latest source of inspiration draws from the current sport du jour: running. The blueprint couldn’t be clearer: reposition functional product as style. You only need to look to your own wardrobe to see the signs. Gorpcore: gear born for the trails, worn on the streets. Blokecore: jerseys and sneakers made for the pitch, worn out on the town. Filming a post-run fit check—to flex both pace and gear—has become a part of the running ritual, and performance sneakers slot in perfectly with everyday rotations. It’s not unusual for a sneaker boutique to raffle off the latest running shoe, or for brands to use them as canvases for collaboration, a la Wales Bonner and Y-3. The evidence is clear: fashion and running have formed a feedback loop where motion and modernity feed each other, where feeling good and moving freely speaks one visual language.

It goes hand in hand. On one side, people want to look fashionable when they run, and the right gear isn’t just about performance anymore; it’s about identity, confidence and belonging—to your run crew of choice. On the other, performance design itself has crossed into everyday fashion. Technical fabrics, ergonomic design and ultralight silhouettes—born on the track—have infiltrated casual dressing. The result? Spontaneous combustion, an explosion that has allowed running to become its most accessible self ever. At the same time, running has become so in vogue that it’s now setting the pace in the fashion world. Upon closer inspection, you can see how today’s running resurgence carries a similar pulse of liberation that was found in the original running movement of the ’70s. Once again, people are lacing up not to compete but to feel—to connect with their bodies, their cities and each other. This time, there’s a more noticeable emphasis on the sartorial drip. Anyone would agree we’ve come a long way since the heyday of the original running boom of the 1970s, when Adidas first revolutionised what it meant and how it looked to pound the pavement. Today, the Three Stripes absolutely own modern running, with their shoes dominating the podium at the world’s major marathons. The adizero Pro Evo 2, the brand’s pro-approved, carbon-plated super shoe is at the forefront of running technology. It’s worn by Sabastian Sawe, who won the men’s 2025 Berlin Marathon, and by Workenesh Edesa, who laid claim to third place at the 2025 Sydney Marathon. Most recently, Benson Kipruto won the NYC Marathon in the same shoe, while Alexander Mutiso and Albert Korir filled out the men’s podium spots wearing the Adizero Adios Pro 4.

The EVO SL is the brand’s latest manifestation, making elite innovation accessible for all. Comfortable, responsive and high-performing, its Lightstrike Pro midsole—the same as that used in the $750 adizero Pro Evo 2—keeps feet cushioned to deliver a smooth and efficient run across an incredible range of distances and paces.

But it’s the model’s sleek silhouette that has made it this season’s must-have shoe and explains why it’s now being seen on foot as everyday wear. It’s quickly becoming an all-time classic that looks (and feels) good whether you’re putting away five or 20 kilometres, or journalling at your favourite cafe.

With running and fashion getting along so nicely, it’s unsurprising to see how marathons would become the new fashion week. Shakeout runs have taken over form catwalks, and off-course parties and in-store events keep the scene moving. The road to a marathon no longer just involves training, sobriety and carbohydrate loading but also weeks packed with activations at galleries, magazine launches and after parties. How to dress for such a balance? With running apparel that’s not just comfortable but fashion adjacent too.

Guiding running’s latest cultural shift are the individuals who bring their own unique contributions and styles to the scene. To delve into this topic, Complex Australia tapped four active, community-driven runners who authentically celebrate the intersection of running and culture. Through their various creative pursuits, career paths and lifestyles, run crew founders Kevin Cruz and Connor Adams, content creator Ri Raphael and For the Kudos podcast co-presenter Tess Marks share their stories and personal takes on the intersection of fashion, running and the Adidas Evo SL.

KEVIN

How did running first become part of your life? And beyond performance, what does running give you creatively or personally?

Running came into my life at a young age. I grew up with a Central American (El Salvadorean) background, and my old man was a soccer coach, so for 18 years, the foundation was football. I was always told I had a strong engine and natural stamina, which transitioned perfectly into long-distance running and eventually trail ultras.

Fast forward to today, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities running has given me. I wouldn’t say running is my entire personality, but the lifestyle around it matters deeply. For me, the conversations, the people you meet on the road or trail, and the energy shared in those moments spark creative ideas. Running gives me space to think, reflect, and bring those ideas back into the community in a meaningful way.

What role does community play in your relationship with running?

Community is massive for me. Having my own run club, Terror Trail Club, has been one of my proudest projects. I love showing the community what I genuinely care about and creating spaces for people to express themselves through movement. Giving back has always been the priority – not clout.

Running is currently at an all-time high, and I truly love seeing more people get involved. The energy is exciting. But to be honest, the culture has changed. From my experience working with brands, running events, and building community, I’ve noticed a wave of people entering the space for attention rather than genuine passion.

It’s quite easy to tell who’s in it for the right reasons. For me personally, that’s why I often run solo or choose more intimate events. The hype can be overwhelming. But credit where it’s due: there are crews and humans doing it for the people, not the spotlight. A great example is Furies—shoutout to Jesse, a real one. Everyone will experience it differently, but that’s just my perspective. Take the wisdom or leave it—it doesn’t affect me.

Do you think performance influences fashion, or does fashion influence performance?

I’d say it’s definitely both. Fashion has always borrowed from sport, and performance gear has been inspiring style for decades. Think of JFK Jr. rocking vintage runners with tailoring, or the Wales Bonner collaborations blurring elegant menswear with activewear. There’s a huge influence from the ’60s to the ’90s threading through the culture right now, where style and utility merge naturally.

Styling my Adidas Evo SLs, I leaned into a full JFK Jr. vibe – classic menswear with a modern twist. Funny thing is, it’s what I actually wear to work and how I dress outside of running too. I’ve always gravitated toward vintage menswear, timeless shapes, and pieces with character. The Evo SL keeps it fresh and functional without losing that heritage feel.

CONNOR

What role does community play in your relationship with running?

Running is a team sport. We get to do it together. While we ultimately run for ourselves, being part of a community adds a deeper layer of meaning. Watching others strive for, achieve, and surpass their goals is incredibly rewarding. In a way, we use each other’s progress as motivation to push harder and become better versions of ourselves. Over time, seeing others reach their potential becomes even more fulfilling than achieving our own goals.

When we started our run crew, Grave Runners, inclusivity was always a priority. Looking ahead, I hope to see more crossover blurring the lines between running and fashion, pushing the boundaries of what you can and can’t wear. Imagine commuting to work in your pin-striped three-piece running suit and shoes. There’s already printed denim shorts on the market, so we probably aren’t far off this. Or perhaps more realistically, having better access to showers in the office!

How have you chosen to style the Evo SL? Take us through the fit.

Starting from the top: my well-worn Nigel Cabourn denim cap, which I found on the backstreets of Harajuku, Japan, paired with my Moscot Lemtosh sunglasses—a bit of a uniform for me. Next, a vintage 1970s American sportswear t-shirt I recently found from Long Gone Vintage in Melbourne. My army-green military trousers are by Buzz Rickson’s, picked up earlier this year at Blue in Green in SoHo, New York—one of my favourite stores abroad. I’ve styled this with a Trophy Clothing gasworker jacket I got a few years ago from Urahara in Melbourne. Finally, my Tanner Goods belt, from Pickings and Parry—another Melbourne favourite of mine.

How do you feel a brand like Adidas has influenced streetwear and culture through their performance lens?

I feel like it’s one of those brands that’s been around forever—it’s ingrained in us. I remember watching old films about the future with flying cars and neon billboards, and these are the kinds of brands you imagine will stand the test of time. Today, they remain influential through the people and brands they collaborate with, always pushing the envelope in design and innovation. A standout example for me was seeing NZ/UK skateboard brand Always Do What You Should Do feature a map of New Zealand on the sole of their shoe. I’m biased, of course, but it was exciting to see a small New Zealand brand challenging conventions in such a creative way.

RI

Do you think the perception of runners has shifted in culture? If so, what change have you noticed?

Oh, without a doubt! The intersection of running with every other facet in life has formed a landscape that intertwines so seamlessly with each other that you question why it wasn’t created sooner. To start, it’s the most inclusive form of exercise that pretty much anyone can be involved in. The running community has positively impacted the mindset space to build humans who choose health and wellness over overconsumption of alcohol on the weekends—or not doing anything at all. And how much it can change your life. I’ve seen people who two years ago weren’t athletes, joining ultra marathons and absolutely crushing it! Running culture screams: Your speed doesn’t matter. Forward is forward.

Obviously, I have to include my community: Functn Run Club. I found Tony and Nick on TikTok and Instagram. Crazily enough, I would comment on their posts, and both reached out to me to run on a random Wednesday a year ago. Fast forward to our first-ever community run—the Goodbye Sunset Run in summer (which we now do every end of season)—and it’s safe to say we built a brand that explores friendship that was quite literally built from planting a seed.

Do you think performance influences fashion, or does fashion influence performance?

In my personal opinion, the space between fashion and performance is still in its early stages. There’s so much room for brands to experiment and for runners to create their own personal voice through their running outfits. And truly, I’m so excited to see this grow and be a part of within the next couple of years.

Styling my own pair of Evo SLs, of course I had to stay true to myself, not steer too far away from my personal style, and kept it minimal with hues of grey and a little tinge of neon yellow to match the stripes on the teal. I layered a neon-yellow crop underneath a grey unitard and topped it off with a grey windbreaker with zips that open up on the shoulders (y’know, for ventilation, haha!)—and of course, the iconic Oakley Eye Jacket and jewellery (because yes, wearing jewellery is a thing now).

What do you hope the future of running culture looks like—whether in fashion, creativity, or community?

I’ve said this time and time again in conversations with founders, friends, and random talks: health and wellness are just going to keep growing in the next few years. There’s no doubt. Have you seen what Kith has just recently built in New York? The amount of wellness hubs, hotels, and resorts that are popping up around the globe? It’s insane. Running culture and lifestyle brands that grasp the opportunity to build upon what’s happening in this field right now are only just at the forefront of what’s to come.

TESS

Has running influenced the way you think about fashion, or even what you wear outside of performance? Are there particular details in performance gear (fit, fabric, silhouette) that you find translate seamlessly into fashion?

Running has definitely influenced how I think about fashion and what I wear day-to-day. I love the intersection of performance and casual wear—being able to take a pair of running shoes and style them for coffee or wine with the girls makes me feel confident and authentic to who I am. The practicality of running gear has carried over into how I dress outside of training too. I tend to gravitate towards breathable fabrics, relaxed fits, and pieces with a sporty or utilitarian edge. There’s something about feeling comfortable and ready to move that translates perfectly into everyday life—it’s effortless but still put-together.

How have you chosen to style the Evo SL? Take us through the fit.

I’ve styled the Evo SLs in a way that reflects how I like to bridge performance and everyday wear—it’s an outfit I’d feel just as comfortable wearing on the track as I would meeting friends for coffee. I’ve gone with simple black because it’s the colour that makes me feel the most confident and effortless.

The t-shirt adds a casual, relaxed vibe to the outfit, but the fabric is still sweat-wicking and breathable, so it performs just as well during a tough track session as it does while I’m out and about. The fit of the shorts and tee is designed to move with me, allowing full range of motion without feeling restrictive, while still looking sleek and streamlined. I love that I can combine technical performance with style—it’s practical, functional, and something I feel completely confident wearing outside of training.

What do you hope the future of running culture looks like—whether in fashion, creativity, or community?

I think there are really exciting things ahead for the running community. Over the past few years, I’ve noticed a big shift in how people show up to events—it’s not just about the training you’ve done, but also about how you express yourself through style. I love the little details that make race day feel special, like race-day nails, a clean outfit, or the perfect pair of runners that not only perform well but make me feel confident.

Looking to the future, I hope running culture continues to embrace this intersection of performance, fashion, and creativity. I’d love to see more people feeling empowered to express themselves through what they wear, while still celebrating the effort, discipline, and community that running brings. Ultimately, I hope running becomes even more inclusive and playful—a space where people feel inspired to show up as their authentic selves.