Last weekend was a milestone moment for KitFox — the kind of trip that makes all the months of planning, designing and testing feel wonderfully real. I travelled to ISPO Munich, one of the world’s biggest sports industry fairs, to meet our supplier face-to-face for the first time and explore the very latest innovations in running apparel, technical fabrics, and sustainable sportswear.
If you’re curious about how great running kit is made — or what goes into building a women’s running brand from the ground up — here’s a look behind the scenes.
Meeting Our Supplier for the First Time
Starting a brand remotely is exciting, but nothing compares to the moment you finally shake hands with the people who will help bring your ideas to life.
Meeting our supplier in person allowed us to:
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Review early product samples
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Discuss key design features for our upcoming women’s-specific range
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Explore new fabric options for comfort, performance and durability
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Align on timelines and development plans for our launch collection
Seeing and touching the new samples — and exploring early concepts for outerwear — gave me such a clear vision of where we’re heading and what KitFox can truly offer women who run.
Exploring Waterproof & Windproof Innovations
One of the most exciting parts of ISPO is discovering new fabric technologies before they hit the mainstream market. I spent hours examining the latest innovations in:
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Waterproof membranes with improved breathability
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Windproof fabrics that remain lightweight and soft
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4-way stretch materials designed for movement without restriction
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Moisture-wicking knits tailored for high-output activity
These advances are especially important for women runners who want comfort, protection and practicality without compromise. Every sample I reviewed brought us closer to designing outerwear that genuinely stands up to British weather.
Sustainability, Circular Design & the Future of Sportswear
One theme dominated ISPO 2025: sustainability. And not the surface-level kind — the industry is finally shifting toward real, measurable change.
I was particularly inspired by innovations in:
Recycled Fabrics
Brands are now turning:
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Post-consumer plastic
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Fishing nets
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Textile scraps
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Industrial waste
…into high-performance fibres ready for jackets, leggings, trims, and even zips.
Circular Systems
I saw systems that break down old garments into raw materials that can be used again — creating a closed loop for sportswear. This is exactly the kind of innovation we’re considering as we define KitFox’s long-term sustainability strategy.
ISPO Award Winners
The ISPO Awards showcased brilliant examples of design-led problem solving, and I left buzzing with ideas. High-performing, beautifully made products that also prioritise environmental responsibility? That’s exactly the direction the industry — and KitFox — should be moving in.
And Yes… There Was Also parkrun
I couldn’t go to Munich for a weekend and not fit in a parkrun. A cold but friendly Saturday morning run in a new city reminded me why community is so important — and why KitFox has to be about people, not just products.
Christmas Markets & A Well-Earned Glühwein
After a long day of walking the halls of ISPO, a wander through the Christmas markets (and a cup of glühwein!) was the perfect way to end the trip. A small moment of festivity before heading home with a head full of ideas and inspiration.
What This Means for KitFox
This trip moved us one big step closer to bringing our first collection to life. The combination of technical innovation, sustainability breakthroughs, and hands-on time with our supplier has strengthened our vision for:
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Better fit
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Better function
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Better materials
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Better options for women runners
Our launch collection will land in Spring 2026, but every stage of development is guided by you — your feedback, your kit frustrations, and your wish lists.
💬 Want to Shape the Future of Women’s Running Kit?
We've recently launched the KitFox Suggestion Box where you can share your ideas and kit gripes anytime. We genuinely read every response.