This year’s Berlin Half Marathon blurred the lines between performance and personal expression. Among the 42,000 runners moving through the capital was Christian Bracht (Publisher & CEO of SLEEK), running in a full Zalando look that proved athletic gear today is as much about aesthetics as it is about function. A passionate runner and regular member of a Berlin running club, he completed the half marathon not only this year but also in 2024, showing that style and endurance can go hand in hand.
Zalando, steadily expanding its sports offering, used the half marathon as a stage to highlight how much the culture of running has evolved. It’s no longer just about distance, it’s about presence, individuality, and showing up in style.
To get deeper into the intersection of product, performance, and motivation, we sat down with Matthew Glynn, Head of Strategy Sports & GTM at Zalando, for a quick Q&A.
Image Courtesy of Berliner Halbmarathon.
SLEEK: What are your personal essentials when it comes to running gear?
Matthew Glynn: It all starts and ends with a good pair of running shoes. For longer runs, I prefer something with more stability and cushioning. When I’m working on speed, I go for a lighter shoe. I also like super-lightweight shorts with a zip pocket for my essentials and always wear a fitness watch to keep an eye on performance.
S: How do you choose the right running shoe?
MG: It really depends on what you’re using them for. Are you planning long-distance runs or short intervals? Are you running on pavement or in nature? A good tip is to go half a size up, feet tend to swell during longer runs.
S: How can the right gear help improve performance?
MG: Lightweight shoes help you focus on forward momentum, while models with rocker-style cushioning give you that energy return to keep going. It’s about finding what works with your rhythm.
S: Which brands are runners currently loving on Zalando?
MG: HOKA, On, and ASICS are really popular. They all bring decades of research into their footwear. We’ve made a conscious effort to build an assortment that blends innovation with design. Sport is such a personal expression for people, and we want our offering to reflect that.
S: What’s the difference between trail running and track running in terms of gear?
MG: Trail running is about experience and terrain, you need grip, stability, sometimes waterproof materials. It’s unpredictable and raw. Track running is about control and pace. On a flat, consistent surface, the lightest shoes you own will make all the difference.
S: How do you stay motivated to run? And do you prefer running solo or in groups?
MG: Goals help. Whether it’s a marathon or a 5k PB, it gives your training structure. I like to alternate, solo runs for speed and focus, group runs for the longer, slower ones. Talking through kilometers makes them fly by.
S: If you had to recommend one shoe for daily running, what would it be?
MG: The HOKA Clifton. It’s super cushioned, muscle-friendly, and has a wider fit that just works for everyday use — plus, it looks great.
S: What do you love most about running? And what do you dread?
MG: The mental clarity. No matter how stressful a day has been, a short run changes everything. What I dread? Running in over 25°C. Especially when training for a marathon. It’s brutal.
S: One tip for new runners?
MG: Run slower than you think you should.
S: Your go-to summer running outfit?
MG: I’m not a tank top person, but in summer, airflow wins. Lightweight shoes, low-cut socks, a cap and sunglasses — protection is everything.
S: How does gear impact motivation?
MG: Buying a new kit is one of the most common triggers to start running again. My advice? Get a few runs in first, then buy the outfit. That way, you get a second wave of motivation.
S: Why do you think run clubs are having such a moment right now?
MG: Running has become more than just exercise. It’s a social space, a community. With health and wellness culture growing, people want to connect and look good doing it. The post-run brunch, the curated race-day outfit… it’s a lifestyle now. Think of the marathon as the new runway.