Footwear sales within the run specialty channel declined 2% in dollars, with a 1% increase in the average selling price. The NPD Group, estimated that the smaller categories were among the best performing ones, including cold weather boots (+43%), cross training shoes (+15%) and hiking shoes (+15%). Running shoes sold in run specialty declined 4%, while the mass market - which includes athletic specialty and sporting goods, chain store, and department store channels - saw gains in the category and appears to be benefiting from casual running.

According to the same source Brooks reached a 27% share in the run specialty footwear results for quarter 1. Asics followed with a 16% share, and in the third place is Saucony with a 13% market share.

 “I expect the run specialty business to remain challenged for the balance of 2015,” said Matt Powell, sports industry analyst from the NPD Group, adding: “Given the ongoing athleisure trend, apparel poses the biggest opportunity for the run specialty business.”