If you have been looking for Canadian companies that produce running shoes, you might have noticed that they are not easy to find. However, there are some Canadian companies designing running shoes in Canada. While production is still mostly overseas because of the high cost and technical demands of running shoes, these Canadian brands are designing running shoes for Canadian terrain and weather.
Below we have listed Canadian companies that …
Running Shoes by Canadian Companies
Vessi 🍁
Manufacturing Location: China, Taiwan, Cambodia, and Vietnam
Where To Buy: Online and retailers
Key Details:
- Canadian brand
- Waterproof shoes
Vessi is a Canadian brand designing fully waterproof shoes in Vancouver, BC, aiming to combine comfort with weather protection. While the primary focus is on casual shoes, some of the designs are suitable for light running or jogging. In Vessi’s shoes, the waterproofing is not applied as a coating but built into the knit, which helps the shoes to remain breathable and flexible. Vessi designs and oversees quality from their Vancouver base, but the shoes are made overseas.
Norda Run 🍁
Manufacturing Location: China
Where To Buy: Online and retailers
Key Details:
- Canadian trail running brand
- Designed in Quebec
Norda Run is a Canadian company focusing on trail running shoes. It was founded to address the demands of Canada’s rugged terrain and variable weather. They design their shoes in Quebec and emphasise light weight, breathability, durability, and sustainable practices. Their designs incorporate advanced materials to improve performance and reduce environmental impact. Norda’s product line includes running shoes for both men and women that are made for racing, ultra runs, and tough trails.
Hettas 🍁
Manufacturing Location: China
Where To Buy: Online
Key Details:
- Woman-owned
- Developed for women
Hettas is a Canadian woman-owned brand focusing on women’s running shoes. They use a data-driven design process, having conducted studies with female runners to ensure cushioning, support, and comfort. The aim is to produce shoes that match the biomechanics of women’s feet and address common issues such as arch support, forefoot comfort, and heel slippage. While the design process takes place in Canada, the shoes are made in China by trusted partners.
Lululemon 🍁
Manufacturing Location: Internationally
Where To Buy: Online and Lululemon stores
Key Details:
- Canadian company
- Running footwear line launched in 2022
Lululemon is best known for its athletic apparel, but they have also been offering running shoes since 2022. The footwear line, which has been developed by a Canadian design team in Vancouver, caters to runners seeking versatility and performance. Lululemon uses biomechanics research and extensive testing to ensure their running shoes meet the demands of runners in Canada and globally. Like the other companies on this list, Lululemon outsources the production to facilities outside Canada.
Arc’teryx 🍁
Manufacturing Location: Various overseas locations
Where To Buy: Online and retailers
Key Details:
- Canadian company
- Headquartered in North Vancouver, British Columbia
Arc’teryx is a Canadian company focusing on outdoor and technical gear. Founded in 1989, the company is known for its exacting design standards and innovation. Even though Arc’teryx manufactures its running shoes overseas, the company researches, designs, and prototypes in Canada, ensuring that their products meet the expectations of Canadian runners. Their running shoes are lightweight and offer excellent traction and stability. Each pair is meticulously made by their trusted partners and includes GORE-TEX to protect your feet in wet weather.
MEC 🍁
Manufacturing Location: Various locations outside Canada
Where To Buy: Online and MEC stores
Key Details:
- Canadian-owned
- Selection includes Canadian brands
MEC is a Canadian outdoor retailer with an extensive selection of outdoor apparel and footwear. It was founded in 1971 and has always been committed to offering gear from top brands and providing expert advice. While MEC does not manufacture any shoes itself, it stocks running shoes from various brands, including the Canadian brands Norda and Arc’teryx. Customers can easily filter to view only Canadian brands on their website.
Factory Shoe 🍁
Manufacturing Location: Sourced from a wide range of brands
Where To Buy: Online and Factory Shoe stores
Key Details:
- Canadian company
- Family-owned
Factory Shoe is a Canadian retailer providing quality footwear for every activity, including a large selection of running shoes. This family-owned company is headquartered in Ontario and has been in operation for over four decades. Factory Shoe has an online store and four physical retail locations in Ontario: Kitchener, London, Hamilton, and Mississauga. Their staff is very knowledgeable and trained to help their customers find the right running shoe for their running style, terrain, and distance.
