Made in England - Gear - Runner's World

Slowboy

26/07/2005 at 22:08

Does anyone know of anyone who makes performance running apparel (wicking/lycra/climate control etc etc) manufactured in the UK?

I know of outdoor gear and bike kit made here, but can't find any running kit - and the various 'ethical shopping' type websites all direct me to companies who think cotton is still a good material for sportwear. However fairtrade and organic it may be, it still won't wick sweat worth a damn....

Cheers folks.

paul l.

26/07/2005 at 22:13

New Balance shoes are made in the UK. Not sure about their kit though.

Slowboy

26/07/2005 at 22:16

Actually, I'm an ex NB employee.... all the apparel is still sourced from the far east or various bits of europe.

Thanks for the reply though!!

Slowboy

27/07/2005 at 22:08

C'mon, someone must know something....??

Gumps

28/07/2005 at 08:18

Ron Hill, Viga, Wasp?

Don't know just thought some of the smaller companies my be UK based

Slowboy

28/07/2005 at 09:01

Ahh, good point Gumps, I'll check....

Calf

pirate

28/07/2005 at 14:31

I know the forum running tops we have are made in England. Not sure where and by who thou?

Calf

pirate

28/07/2005 at 14:31

Oh and Walsh fell running shoes, if falling down hills is something your interested in!

Slowboy

28/07/2005 at 23:02

Hiya Calf's, I do do falling down hills bigtime, living in the lakes it's not really optional, but go for the New Balance option on footwear - I have got a forum running vest, should have thought of that first - Wasp sports are the supplier, they seem to be what I've been looking for, ta.

alehouse

28/07/2005 at 23:23

Wonder where the Running Bear gear is made. Especially good for the lakes. Also, up your way, is Pete Bland Sports. Both have web sites: runningbear.co.uk and peteblandsports.co.uk

Extreme Muzzy

29/07/2005 at 07:26

Ron Hill is made in Sutton in Ashfield by Ridgeway Textiles.

Ed McK

29/07/2005 at 07:47

Paramo based in Wadhurst, East Sussex make excellent gear, mainly for mountaineering / hill walking but with wicking T-Shirts etc. Although not manufactured in the UK they are made in Colombia as part of a social program providing valuable skills to 'at risk' women seeking an improvement in their life.

OK - it doesn't answer your question but if you're concerned about being an ethical consumer then they're worth a look.

www.paramo.co.uk

Piers

29/07/2005 at 09:14

Slowboy,

The Observer in last sunday's magazine said that New Balance did make their stuff in the UK. The magazine was doing an environment/ethical Q&A and the question was basically where can I buy ethical UK running gear.

Is this not the case?

hammerite

29/07/2005 at 09:35

As Alehouse said the running bear shop have make a lot of their own stuff (running bear and mountain bear), I think at the shop which is in Alderley Edge, Cheshire.

Slowboy

29/07/2005 at 09:45

Ed Mck, I already wear Paramo!!

Piers, NB do make their shoes in the UK, but when I was there (up until 18 months ago) all the clothing was sourced from abroad.

Thanks for all the replies folks, looks like I've got a few options now....

Slowboy

01/08/2005 at 20:59

Boing for Robin Hanson

We'd love you to add a comment! Please login or take half a minute to register as a free member