Look no further than these local shops for fitness apparel and gear this summer.
AETHER
Cashmere hoodie
AETHER is a haven for outdoor looks. Dedicated to functionality, modernity and resistance, many of AETHER’s clothes are weather-resistant and waterproof. The brand’s mantra, “You only get one spin,” embodies being active and saying yes to adventure, which is what the clothing aspires to showcase. As the original stand-alone store, the Hayes Street location is presented through three large containers stacked on top of each other with a glass-encased lounge and a belt-driven “dry-cleaner” conveyor system. The shop offers a curated, trend-driven selection of men’s and women’s threads. 489 Hayes St., 415.437.2345
A RUNNER’S MIND
A Runner’s Mind made its debut in 2010, offering a professional gait analysis, performed by team members to measure customers’ feet combined with a recording of them walking on the sidewalk for a brief amount of time. Team members analyze a client’s foot, hip and other mobility functions to find the right fit. The brand offers several group events, where people with a range of running or walking experiences can participate in weekly Thursday-evening walks. “Our team members are runners of all levels who are more than happy to share their tips and expertise on injury prevention and treatment, recommend local physical therapists and fitness classes, and make training suggestions,” says Chance Kinney, store manager and digital media director. 3575 Sacramento St., 415.800.7575
ALLBIRDS
Allbirds’ Tree Dasher 2 shoes.
Increasingly popular brand Allbirds is known for creating comfortable shoes sustainably. Its shoes are made with merino wool and eucalyptus tree fiber; the brand also uses recycled plastic for shoe laces, castor oil in the insoles and recycled cardboard for packaging materials. Other efforts include shifting farming practices for healthy soil (reducing CO2) and using cleaner fuel and energy—and less of it. San Francisco is home to the first-ever Allbirds store, which opened in 2014, and its second location was designed to keep natural materials in mind by using reclaimed wood within key parts of the store. 425 Hayes St., 415.469.1455; 57 Hotaling Place, 415.802.2800
SAN FRANCISCO RUNNING COMPANY
San Francisco Running Company.
Known as one of the finest trail-running stores in the Bay Area since 2013, the San Francisco Running Company offers more than just shoes. This community-centric establishment hosts monthly Saturday-morning group runs on trails like the Tennessee Valley and Coastal Trail, with the length of runs varying each week. Plus, the recently launched membership program offers in-store discounts, monthly field trips, events and other perks. Although the company is trail-shoe-centric, other styles are offered for a variety of activities from top brands, including Hoka, Salomon, Altra and Nike. “We welcome trail runners of all abilities, whether they’re starting out or trying to train for a marathon,” says Mecque Tucker, the store’s general manager. 247 Shoreline Highway, B1, 415.450.7031
SPORTS BASEMENT
Since 1998, this one-stop shop for sports fanatics has not only focused on the outdoors but also on community needs. In 2015, the Basementeer program was launched: The profit-sharing initiative rewards members with store perks and also donates 10% of a fiscal year’s worth of profits to nonprofits of the member’s choosing. With 11 locations throughout the Bay Area, the stores offer a space for local gatherings and events, from community meetings to film screenings. Customers can pick up brands like Patagonia, New Balance, The North Face and many others. Plus, every location offers rental equipment for biking, tennis, skiing, snowboarding and more. Multiple locations
Photography by: FROM TOP: PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS; SAN FRANCISCO RUNNING COMPANY PHOTO BY TONY DIPASQUALE; RUNNERS PHOTO BY MARNIE KINNAIRD
