Brooks Running is lacing up for its Boston debut.
According to an Instagram update from Bret Clancy, the popular athletic brand known for its high-performance running shoes, apparel, and gear will open at 408 Newbury Street in the Back Bay, beneath citizenM in the open-air Lyrik development. Both Brooks Running and Lyrik have confirmed the upcoming store on their respective websites, with the location slated to open in the fall of 2026.
While Brooks products are already widely available throughout Boston and beyond through more than 900 retail partners—including Marathon Sports, DICK’S Sporting Goods, and Foot Locker—the new store will give the brand a dedicated presence in the Back Bay. The news follows a series of successful pop-up experiences in Boston during Marathon weekend, when Brooks brought its products and brand experience directly to local runners.
According to Brooks’ website, the company currently operates just one standalone Brooks Running store, located at its Seattle headquarters. A second Seattle location at University Village is also slated to open this fall.
Founded in 1914, Brooks has come a long way from its beginnings in a small Philadelphia factory, where the company originally produced ballet slippers and bathing shoes. Over the years, Brooks gradually expanded into athletic footwear and equipment, but running became the heart of the business in the early 1970s. The shift was inspired in part by Frank Shorter, a Yale graduate who won the marathon at the 1972 Olympic Games, helping fuel a nationwide running boom.
Today, Brooks is best known for its extensive lineup of running shoes designed for everything from everyday road miles to trail adventures, along with running apparel, accessories, walking shoes, and lifestyle footwear. Although official details about the Boston store have not yet been announced, shoppers can likely expect a similar experience to the brand’s Seattle flagship, which offers Brooks’ latest footwear and apparel.
The store will likely also offer Brooks’ personalized shoe-fitting experience, with knowledgeable staff on hand to help shoppers find the right pair based on how they plan to use their shoes, whether that’s road running, trail running, walking, or everyday wear. The Seattle location also features treadmills for wear testing, giving customers a chance to try out their shoes before making a purchase. For those who prefer to shop from the comfort of home, Brooks also offers an online Shoe Finder quiz to help customers narrow down their options.
The brand recently posted a job listing for the new Back Bay location on LinkedIn, indicating that a grand opening is coming up soon. What Now Boston has reached out to Brooks Running for additional details about the new shop and will share more information as it becomes available.
