5 Canadian Activewear Brands You Should Know in 2024
As springtime settles in, it finally feels safe to pack away the endless layers of down jackets and technical fleeces that carried us through our winter runs. Conversely, it also means rediscovering the underwhelming collection of cotton tees and worn-down trainers that have too long been the basis for summer workouts. After braving the elements through the first quarter of the year, a springtime apparel upgrade feels more than warranted. But reviving warm-weather activewear essentials can be a daunting task, especially when trying to balance style, performance, and quality. We curated a selection of Canadian brands you might not have discovered that balance all three. From premium cycling essentials to reimagined running shoes, below are five Canadian activewear brands to refresh your warm-weather athletic wardrobe.
Describing itself as “inspired by Canada’s toughest conditions,” Norda has exploded in popularity in the running world by providing a trail shoe that balances durability and responsiveness. Traditionally, trail shoes have sacrificed any semblance of speed in lieu of prioritizing stability and toughness. For years, runners accepted this trade-off. Trail shoes were clunky, inflexible, and unavoidably ugly. Then, in 2020, Norda came on the scene and raised the bar. Using a Vibram midsole and an exceptionally light upper, Norda has released a small batch of models with subtle variations between them, such as the shoes’ stack heights. But what Norda lacks in quantity (both in model variations and, at times, availability), it makes up for in engineering and design.
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For too long, cycling apparel has prioritized men’s silhouettes while producing limited selections for women cyclists. In response, cycling brand Peppermint Cycling Co. launched in 2015 in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, to fill a gap in the cycling market and offer technical products designed by women for women. From its vibrant Signature Long Sleeve Jerseys to its versatile Gravel Shirts, Peppermint Cycling Co. gives women the stylish performance gear they’ve been waiting for.
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Hooké is a Quebec outerwear brand whose mission is to promote outdoor living, sustainable fishing, and conscious hunting while providing high-quality essentials. Whether you’re looking for ultradurable shorts for your off-trail treks or a reliable dry bag to keep gear safe for decades to come, Hooké’s wares are made to last a lifetime. From the company’s inception on the banks of the Restigouche River in 2012, its products have been manufactured in an ecological and responsible way to help protect the environment they were made to explore.
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Located in Montreal, Vallier seeks to fuse outdoor technical clothing innovations with everyday essentials. The result is a wide array of items that could compose the bulk of your spring activewear, including weekender bags, waterproof jackets, and five-panel caps. Made to translate seamlessly from urban to rugged environments, Vallier’s clothing is meant to last through a lifetime of wear.
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Perhaps the most naturally integrated cycling brand in the market, 7Mesh features a team that both lives and works on the traditional and unceded territories of the Squamish Nation, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, the Lil’wat Nation, Lil̓wat7úl, and the Ktunaxa Nation. Whether for marathon expeditions to quick commutes, 7Mesh’s gear represent a passion for adventure. The exceptionally durable gear, suited for roads, gravel, and mountains, is an investment for those who demand the most out of their equipment.
