Nike has some catching up to do in 2025

Industry Overview - Most footwear brands launched six or more shoes in 2024, with Asics, Adidas, Brooks Running, and Hoka leading in running shoe launches [1] - Nike had fewer than six running shoe launches in 2024, trailing competitors like Asics and Adidas [1][7] - Brands like On Running and Hoka have been growing in popularity, with Brooks' Q2 2024 North American sales growing 19%, a quarterly record [2] Nike's Strategy and Performance - Nike is redefining itself as a "running brand" to improve sales and keep up with competition [1] - Nike's revenue for the brand grew only 1% last year, with the North America region being a drag [6] - The company acknowledges that a comeback at this scale takes time but sees early wins in key sports and innovation [3] Product Launches and Future Outlook - Asics launched or updated 11 performance running models in 2024, while Adidas and Brooks launched or updated 10 and nine models, respectively [5] - Nike only updated its current running shoe lineup and released no new models in 2024 [5] - Nike plans to launch the Pegasus Premium in late January and the Vomero 18 on February 25, with more models like the Vomero Plus, Premium, and new Structure model coming later in 2025 [5] - BMO analysts remain optimistic about Nike's 2025 lineup, citing a more promising launch schedule and positive consumer response [5][7] Leadership Changes - Nike brought veteran employee Elliott Hill out of retirement to take over as CEO in October 2024 [6]