Trail running apparel brands range from mass-market performers (Nike, Adidas) to specialist labels (Salomon, Hoka) to premium technical brands (Patagonia, Arc'teryx). Each serves different needs and price points. For trail running clubs and teams, the calculus shifts: branded retail gear creates no community identity. A custom club shirt does. Here is how the major brands compare and where custom branded apparel fits into the trail running apparel picture.
Nike: the most searched trail running apparel brand by volume. Nike trail running shorts and shirts offer reliable performance at accessible price points and wide retail availability. The ACG line handles more technical trail and mountain applications. Nike's trail running apparel sits in the $40 to $100 range for most items.
Salomon: one of the most respected specialist trail brands globally. Salomon trail running apparel is designed for technical mountain running: flatlock seams, compatible with hydration vests, and built for multi-hour efforts. Price range: $60 to $150 per item. Salomon trail running shorts are a consistent top pick in ultra running communities.
Patagonia: performance plus sustainability. Patagonia trail running shirts and shorts use recycled materials and fair-trade certified manufacturing. Popular among trail runners who prioritize environmental credentials alongside performance. Price range: $60 to $120 per item.
Hoka: primarily a shoe brand that expanded into apparel. Hoka trail running apparel is relatively new but growing in popularity as the brand's footwear reputation extends to clothing. Performance focus, cleaner aesthetics than some specialist brands.
Adidas: Adidas trail running apparel (Terrex line) covers technical mountain and trail applications. Quality comparable to Salomon at a similar price point. Terrex shorts and shirts are popular in European trail running communities and growing in the US market.
Lululemon: not a dedicated trail brand but increasingly present in trail running. Lululemon trail running shorts (ABC pants and shorts) are popular for their fit and fabric quality. Price range $60 to $128 per item. The brand's yoga and fitness heritage translates to excellent mobility for trail use.
Under Armour: performs well at a mid-range price point for trail runners who do not need specialist gear. UA trail running shorts are durable and widely available.
For trail running clubs and organized groups, none of these retail brands offer the custom identity that branded club apparel creates. A group of runners in Nike shirts is a group of individuals; a group in matching club shirts is a team.
Bear Grips Pro Shops: Custom Apparel for Your Team. No Minimums. Free Shipping.Trail running club apparel from Bear Grips Pro Shops is built on the same performance fabrics as major brands (Sport-Tek moisture-wicking tees, Bella+Canvas tanks, performance athletic shorts) with your club's logo applied by US print facilities. The difference: it carries your club's identity instead of a retail brand's.
The practical comparison:
| Option | Cost Range | Custom Logo | Minimum Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nike trail shirt (retail) | $35 to $75 | No | N/A |
| Salomon trail shirt (retail) | $60 to $120 | No | N/A |
| Custom club shirt (Bear Grips) | $20 to $35 base | Yes | None |
Custom branded performance tees cost less than equivalent retail brand items and carry your club logo. The trade-off: you do not get the brand name recognition of a Nike or Salomon label. For club members who already own performance gear and want club identity on top, this is a straightforward value decision.
Setting up a custom branded apparel store for a trail running club takes about 30 minutes. The process:
Members order directly from the store. Every item is US-printed and ships free to their homes in about a week. The club earns a margin on every purchase with no inventory commitment. See the full custom trail running club apparel guide for the revenue math and setup details.
Performance tees, shorts, and hats with your club logo. No minimums, free shipping, US printed.
Start FreeFor technical trail running gear, Salomon, Patagonia, and Nike are consistently top-rated. Salomon and Patagonia lead for performance and specialist trail design; Nike offers accessible price points and wide availability. Adidas Terrex and Hoka are strong options for mountain trail running.
Hoka trail running apparel is relatively new but benefits from the brand's deep running expertise. Performance quality is solid; the range is narrower than Salomon or Nike but growing. It suits runners who already own Hoka shoes and want coordinated kit.
Yes. Custom performance tees, tanks, shorts, and hats with your club logo are available through Bear Grips Pro Shops at a lower cost than equivalent retail brand items. No minimum order required; members order individually with free shipping.
Most trail running brands use moisture-wicking polyester or nylon-polyester blends with varying weights depending on the activity level and climate. Patagonia uses recycled polyester in most of its trail apparel. The underlying fabric performance is comparable across major brands; design features, fit, and ethical sourcing are the main differentiators.
Bear Grips Pro Shops