The world is full of challenges: Climate crisis, social tensions, geopolitical uncertainties. Right now, we need personalities who are encouraging, take responsibility and show what is possible - on and off the sporting stage. One of these personalities is Laura Philipp. With her outstanding successes and her social commitment, she embodies the spirit of the ISPO Cup in an impressive way.
The world is full of challenges: Climate crisis, social tensions, geopolitical uncertainties. Right now, we need personalities who are encouraging, take responsibility and show what is possible - on and off the sporting stage. One of these personalities is Laura Philipp. With her outstanding successes and social commitment, she embodies the spirit of the ISPO Cup in an impressive way.
Laura Philipp is one of the most influential figures in international triathlon. Yet her career began comparatively late: it was not until 2011, at the age of 24, that she took the plunge from running and fitness into the triathlon world - without ever having learned to crawl properly beforehand. What followed is a success story rarely seen in endurance sports.
With uncompromising discipline, an astonishing eagerness to learn and a keen eye for detail, she worked her way to the top of the world rankings in record time. The support of her husband and coach Philipp Seipp and their training life together in Neckargemünd near Heidelberg formed the stable foundation for this path.
But Laura Philipp is far more than just an athlete with an impressive record. She stands for sustainability, a conscious lifestyle and a commitment to women in competitive sport. Her attitude shows that top performance and social responsibility are not mutually exclusive - on the contrary, they complement each other.
Laura Philipp has firmly established herself among the global triathlon elite - and made history:
Her athletic record is not just about performance - it is an expression of continuity, resilience and a deep understanding of her sport.
Her social commitment is at least as impressive as her sporting success. One outstanding example: in 2020, Laura Philipp auctioned off all of her Hawaii equipment for the benefit of the Haus Emmaus hospice in Wetzlar. The proceeds were used to finance an extension that houses the "Charly and Lotte" project - an initiative to provide bereavement support for children and young people.
This campaign shows what Laura Philipp stands for: Athletes* not only have the opportunity, but also the responsibility to use their reach in a meaningful way. She proves that sport can give hope and have a social impact.
At the same time, she is committed to female empowerment and a healthy, self-determined training culture through her KickAss Sports project. Her training plans take cycle health into account; her workshops combine neuroscientific findings with sporting practice. She creates access, breaks down barriers and inspires women worldwide to go their own way in endurance sports.
On Sunday, November 30, 2025, Laura Philipp was ceremoniously presented with the ISPO Cup at ISPO 2025. Stefan Rummel honored her as part of the "ISPO Executive Night 2025: Celebrating Excellence in Sports and Business", where the extraordinary importance of her sporting and social commitment was highlighted.
Laura Philipp shows that sport is more than just competition. It is a force that can inspire, connect and change. With her attitude, her commitment and her vision, she is a role model - and a reminder of what is possible if you have the courage to get the world moving.
A lightweight, responsive shoe for ultra trails that has been continuously developed with the help of ongoing athlete feedback: The North Face Summit VECTIV™ Pro 3 combines the most advanced technologies in a trail running shoe and delivers maximum competitive performance even on the longest adventures.
The Summit VECTIV™ Pro 3 was developed by The North Face as the ultimate trail running shoe for ultra distances, i.e. specifically for all those routes that go beyond marathon distance and mean long days on the trails. While the first two versions have already won numerous podium places in recent years, the latest edition of the ultra shoe features improved technology and adjustments based on athlete feedback from the brand's international team, based on extensive competition and training experience.
The improved third version of the shoe has newly integrated VECTIV™ 3.0 technology with a double-layer VECTIV™ carbon plate system and a lightweight super foam specially designed for high rebound and cushioning over long distances.
The Summit VECTIV™ Pro 3 is primarily aimed at longer activities and ultra-distances, both in terms of fit and cushioning. The wider toe box provides enough space to prevent pressure points, while the shoe fits like a glove thanks to a stabilizing support frame and integrated tongue wings. The jury was also impressed by the excellent heel support: despite its comfortable feel, the shoe stays where it should, preventing chafing and blisters. The seamless, breathable upper material also hugs the foot and is supportive, water-repellent, and quick-drying.
A grippy outsole with 3.5 mm lugs ensures the best grip even in difficult conditions, ideal for technical trails, but also performs well on a variety of terrain types.
The sole construction is the innovative heart of the shoe, combining patented VECTIV™ propulsion technology with optimized high-performance midsoles and newly designed outsoles to provide runners with the best possible support on any terrain. The shoe's resilient nitrogen DREAM foam has been reinforced, meaning that compared to its predecessor, the midsole cushioning made from a high-performance PEBA/EVA blend has been increased by 4 mm. This brings the total stack height of the Summit VECTIV™ Pro to 37 mm. The rockered sole ensures a smooth roll, good propulsion, and an agile running feel, as does the 3D plate construction. “The stack plate system uses a full length carbon fiber propulsion plate embedded into the middle of the DREAM-foam midsole,” explains Brett Rivers, Senior Product Manager Footwear at The North Face, describing the sole's construction.
“Then, directly under the foot is a 10 mm DREAM-foam drop-in for added long distance comfort and the recycled carbonfibre stability top plate to give you added support.” All improvements to the shoe were developed based on direct feedback from The North Face's international team of athletes and have already been race approved.
The ISPO Award jury was also impressed by the overall package of The North Face Summit VECTIV™ Pro 3: a shoe that stands for innovative development with state-of-the-art technologies, ensuring real performance in training and competition
“Propulsion, energy return, stability, and comfort: this shoe is a perfect example of innovative development in the trail running sector and, at the same time, a reliable companion when all the pieces of the puzzle have to fit perfectly for a successful run on ultra distances.” ISPO Award Jury
Design has long been more than just style - it has a lasting influence on the future of the sports industry. The ISPO Award 2024 winners show how sustainable materials and innovative designs are setting new standards. But what exactly is important when it comes to combining innovation and responsibility?
The ISPO Award has established itself as an international trend-setting seal of quality for outstanding products. It shows the latest trends and sets important impulses for the industry. In addition, the winning products will be showcased at ISPO 2025 in Munich from 30. NOV. - 02. DEC. in Munich.
Do you have a product that will have a lasting impact on the future of the sports industry? Then apply now for the ISPO Award – the application deadline is September 6.
This year’s award winners make one thing clear: design is no longer just about aesthetics—it has become a core strategic competency. And for good reason: the award-winning products show that modern sports equipment must not only perform but also be sustainable, adaptable, and durable. These new products reflect a mindset and a sharpened awareness of environmental responsibility. Whether in textiles or hardware, numerous innovations prove how intelligently function, form, and responsibility can be combined.
In the textile category, Patagonia impressed the award jury with the Nano-Air Ultralight Freeride Jacket - a midlayer designed for freeriders and ski tourers that sets new standards through material choices and design. Dominik Martin, Head of Business Unit at Patagonia, explains:
'What really makes this product special is the hybrid construction using two outstanding materials
The combination of 20-gram Full Range Insulation and the abrasion-resistant Trail Craft material optimizes both breathability and freedom of movement. The result is a jacket precisely tailored to the needs of active winter sports enthusiasts.
Durability and protection are also taking center stage when it comes to children's gear. . The Ballistic FlexFit Junior vest from Komperdell offers 360-degree protection - front and back - and grows with the child thanks to a flexible sizing system. Product developer Maximilian Bolzer explains:
'You can wear it over or under the ski jacket.
The vest is lightweight, washable, and durable—a textbook example of child-friendly, long-lasting design.
A standout in sustainable innovation is the Future Now: Designing to Disappear Jacket, a collaboration between luxury outdoor brand Templa, Active Apparel Group and ALLIED Feather + Down. Éimear McDermott from the Active Apparel Group shows:
The goal was to preserve design and function while achieving full biodegradability.
The result: 99.9% of the jacket decomposes within five years—only a small metal zipper component remains. Remarkable.
These examples make one thing clear: design in the sports textile industry is moving away from linear thinking. Today, modular construction, ease of repair, and materials designed for circularity dominate. In doing so, many manufacturers are voluntarily aligning with an EU initiative: the “Right to Repair” aims to extend product life through thoughtful, repair-friendly design.
One striking trend: a growing number of award-winning products weren’t developed in isolation, but through collaboration with specialized partners. The previously mentioned jacket from Templa is a prime example—developed jointly by a high-end fashion brand, an outdoor gear manufacturer, and a down insulation specialist. The Amak shoes from ULU, another ISPO Award winner, also followed a highly collaborative development process. Here, design agency Kiska partnered with ULU.
Designer Corentin Bricout explains:
It was a true collaboration - we iterated, tested, and optimized together.
These partnerships provide access to specialized material expertise, shorten development cycles, and align high design standards with functional performance. In this way, design becomes the interface between brand strategy, material science, and user experience.
New design paradigms are also emerging in the hardware sector.Komperdell Big Art Series introduces a line of freeride poles that puts personalization front and center. Instead of fixed grips, they use interchangeable tapes—for better grip, individuality, and flexibility. Maximilian Bolzer, Managing Director at Komperdell, explains:
'We use tapes that let you wrap the grip however you like..
The strap system has also been redesigned: it’s fully removable, which is practical for changing terrain. The series is rounded out with models in different materials (carbon, aluminum) and a specially developed junior version. The Big Art Series proves that smart design can combine customization, safety, and sustainability in a playful way.
Oakley takes a different approach with the Flow Scape goggle. Trevor McGowen, Product Director for Sport Performance, explains:
'“Instead of cylindrical or toric, we’re using a conical lens for the first time—the result is a field of view that’s 60% larger than its predecessor.
The new lens technology enables a clear, wide-angle view and is paired with Vision Wrapped Foam, which ergonomically conforms to the face. Thanks to Switchlock technology, lenses can be changed quickly—two variants with Prizm technology are included.
Modularity is also a key theme for Oakley: interchangeable lenses, sustainable materials, and adjustable fits not only enhance functionality but also support the “design to repair” approach.
The design trends highlighted at the ISPO Award 2024 make one thing clear: design is no longer just about aesthetics. It’s strategy, a driver of sustainability, and a key differentiator. Whether it’s a midlayer, ski goggle, or protective vest—the best products combine technological innovation with clear, user-centered design principles. What unites them is a focus on modularity, material ethics, repairability—and often, collaboration.
Brands that embrace a holistic approach to design are not only setting trends—they're future-ready. The demands are rising: legally, environmentally, and from the market itself. Those who respond with creativity come out ahead—as the ISPO Award-winning brands convincingly demonstrate.
Find out which products will define the next trends at ISPO 2025. From 30 NOV. - 02. DEC, Munich will once again honor the most innovative and high-quality products in the sports industry with the ISPO Award 2025. The expert jury evaluates products from areas like Health, Lifestyle, and Running based on innovation, functionality, sustainability, and design. The award highlights the latest trends and provides valuable insights for the industry. Winners gain increased visibility at ISPO, strengthening their market position. The ISPO Award is a hallmark of quality and innovation, enhancing the credibility of any brand.
Do you have an innovative product and want valuable feedback from industry experts? Then sign up for the ISPO Award 2025 and actively shape the future of sports!
Click here to register for the ISPO Award 2025
Classic mountain weather – rain, light snowfall, and dense fog that only hints at the alpine landscape surrounding Schröcken, Vorarlberg. Tough conditions for anyone looking to hike, trail run, or explore the rugged terrain by mountain bike. But for the ISPO Award jury, it was the perfect setting to dive deep into the latest innovations from the sports and outdoor industry – inside the seminar rooms of the partner hotel, Berghaus Schröcken.
At ISPO 2025 from 30 NOV. - 02. DEC. the winners will be honored with the ISPO Award for outstanding innovation and quality. Be there when the trends, innovations and pioneering solutions that will shape the sports market of tomorrow are revealed.
It’s late May when the first ISPO Award jury meeting of 2025 takes place. Brands from around the globe have submitted their new products for the first half of the year. A total of 32 items – spanning apparel, footwear, gear, and camping equipment – are lined up for critical review. The jury was deliberately composed with diversity in mind: three permanent members, three engaged consumers from the ISPO Collaborators Club, and the organizing team from ISPO all contribute to a wide-ranging view of what innovation in sports means today.
The panel brings together expertise in journalism, textile and hardware development, design, and real-world outdoor experience – a cross-section of the industry where product knowledge, hands-on use, and consumer insight carry equal weight. The process is dynamic: products are discussed, compared, and challenged in an open, constructive environment that does justice to every submission.
One brand that sparked a lot of conversation was Decathlon. The global sporting goods giant entered three products into the race, including a running shoe made without adhesives and a tent featuring a smart solution for condensation. Far from generic mass-market gear, these entries showcased technical finesse and a clear commitment to sustainable innovation – all at a consumer-friendly price point. It was a surprising performance, showing that even high-volume brands are ready to break new ground. “I find Decathlon quite remarkable – especially in terms of sustainability, they’re now among the frontrunners in the industry,” said jury member Dr. Regina Henkel. “It’s even more encouraging to see one of the world’s largest sporting goods retailers investing so actively in this space.” Fellow juror Prof. Dr. Martina Wengenmeir shares that view: “They’re not just copying – they’re putting serious work into real product development.”
A recurring theme across many entries: versatility. Whether for travel, everyday use, or outdoor adventure, products today are expected to meet a wide range of demands. The Tropicfeel shoe, for example, performs on the road, on a hike, and even in water – all while keeping a clean, stylish look. Multifunctionality and good design are no longer at odds. The jury also gave generally positive feedback on how brands approached sustainability. Journalist Martina explained:
Sustainability is now a baseline. PFAS-free treatments, new membranes, alternative fibers – that’s no longer a differentiator, it’s expected.
Another strong signal: collaborations and ingredient brands are playing a more central role than ever. Outdoor expert Martina said:
A lot of real innovation starts through close partnerships with suppliers. Ingredient brands often lead the way in development. There’s a huge amount of expertise there – and these are real partnerships that result in truly strong products.
Kids ’gear is also gaining traction. In the past, children’s versions were often just scaled-down adult products. Today, they’re showing up as thoughtfully developed items with tailored cuts, weight, and functionality. The 3-in-1 layering jacket from Bosideng and the Quik-Go shoes by Viking are prime examples – functional, durable, age-appropriate. And this trend is clearly growing.
Women-specific design also remains in focus. The shift away from unisex solutions toward more tailored, functional, and aesthetic choices continues – and is clearly being welcomed by consumers.
The ISPO Award’s evaluation model underwent a major redesign for 2025, aiming to bring more structure, fairness, and comparability to the recognition process. Instead of a large, loosely defined group of winners, products will now be assigned to clearly defined, homogeneous categories. These roughly ten categories will be created after the Q4 jury meeting and are based on the actual product landscape submitted throughout the year.
Within each category, the five highest-scoring entries will be named the Top 5. These products will receive special visibility at the ISPO Munich trade show and serve as benchmarks within their respective categories. From these Top 5, one category winner will be selected – the Gold Winner.
For long-standing jury members Martina and Regina, this is a welcome and meaningful change:
The quality of the award is elevated when standout projects are given targeted recognition.
The new concept is designed to make the ISPO Awards clearer and more transparent while still honoring a broad range of innovative products. It places them in a fair and comprehensible context that helps both the industry and end consumers better understand which products truly matter – not only technically, but also strategically, going forward.
International participation was clearly visible again this year – many of the submitted products came from Asian brands, particularly from China. Pelliot entered four different products, while Bosideng impressed with a circular-designed commuting jacket. Quality and innovation were high across the board. “China has clearly recognized that circular economy is the way forward – and they’re acting accordingly,” explains journalist Regina.
What we in Europe are mainly pushing through regulation and legislation is increasingly driven by independent initiatives in Asia.
In contrast, development in the United States is far less consistent. “There’s often a lack of political support. While some brands remain committed to their sustainability goals, others are clearly pulling back.”
Despite growing international involvement, the ISPO Award still reflects only part of the industry's full momentum. “For this jury meeting, entries in swimwear or surf gear would have been very appropriate. The industry is much broader than what was submitted,” notes textile expert Regina, encouraging brands from all segments to consider entering their products in the future.
The award continues to evolve – both in content and structure. With a more diverse jury, a sharpened evaluation process, and clearly defined categories, the ISPO Award is set to remain a powerful signal for innovation and relevance in the years ahead.
The ISPO Award - one of the most prestigious awards for innovation and quality in the sports industry - will once again be presented at ISPO 2025 in Munich. Outstanding products from areas such as health, lifestyle and running will be honored. The expert jury evaluates according to innovation, functionality, sustainability and design. The ISPO Award showcases the latest trends and provides important impetus for the industry. Winners receive special visibility at ISPO and strengthen their market position. Don't miss the chance to network with industry professionals and actively shape the future of sport. Be there from 30. NOV. - 02. DEZ. in Munich!
One thing is clear: innovation needs a stage. The ISPO Award creates precisely this platform for the best products, brands and ideas in the industry and will continue to develop consistently in 2025. With a revised structure and a realigned appearance at ISPO 2025 from 30 NOV. - 2 DEC., the award will not only be more efficient and transparent, but above all more visible, exclusive and emotional. What's changing and why it's now particularly worthwhile for brands to take part.
The ISPO Award is being launched with a significant innovation: winner categories are now being introduced. The innovation will not change the established structure of the jury meeting. The jury will continue to evaluate the submissions in four meetings, each in detail and individually, and determine the winning products on the basis of defined criteria. Only after the final jury meeting in the fourth quarter, when all the award-winning products have been determined, will the categories be formed. The categorization is flexible, based on the results of the evaluations and the submissions that actually emerge as winners. This adjustment ensures an even distribution of awards and reflects the diversity of innovative products in the various sports and outdoor sectors.
Possible categories that could emerge from the submissions and awarded products include:
This categorization allows brands to position their winning products more precisely and makes the award even more meaningful for consumers, retailers, and the media. ISPO also reserves the flexibility to adjust the categories depending on the number and quality of submissions – ensuring a fair and balanced distribution of the winning products.
The five products with the highest scores in each category form the Top 5 – they represent the best innovations and solutions within their respective segments. But that's not all: within these five, the product with the highest score receives an additional distinction – the Gold Winner, the highest individual honor within the ISPO Award.
New this year: Only the Top 5 winners will receive exclusive visibility at ISPO 2025 and only the Gold Winners of each category will be announced live and exclusively during the ISPO Award Gathering. A clear focus on true excellence. This ensures maximum visibility, emotional impact, and a memorable presence. More spotlight, more exclusivity, more impact — for brands that truly stand out.
The new concept is complemented by three Special Recognitions, awarded across all categories:
The Public Choice Award is determined by a public vote among all Top 5 winners, the ISPO Collaborators Club community chooses the product that impresses them most.
The Retail Choice Award honors the product with the greatest potential from a retail perspective, selected by experts from the sports retail industry.
The Jury Choice Award is selected by the ISPO Award jury and recognizes the product that stands out most in terms of innovation, functionality, and overall concept, and that received the highest score among all submissions during the jury meetings.
The ISPO Award 2025 is more than just a seal – it's a powerful tool for brand communication. Honored brands not only receive one of the most prestigious awards in the industry, but also benefit from extensive visibility, strong media presence, and a high-profile stage at ISPO Munich.
The packages? Clearly structured, transparent, and tailored to what brands need today to stand out – and make a lasting impression.
Products that are honored with the ISPO Award as winners receive a comprehensive basic package for €5,500 per submission. This includes the use of the Winner label, an editorial article on ISPO.com, integration into the ISPO Award exhibition, and initial visibility through ISPO channels. An ideal starting point for brands that prioritize quality and innovation.
Top 5 products can choose between two packages.
Both variants include extensive communication and PR services: including social media features, editorial coverage on ISPO.com, participation in the ISPO Award Gathering and interviews in the Content Lounge.
Gold Winners benefit from all the services of the Top 5 and also receive exclusive advantages - at no extra cost: their own Gold Winner label, a high-quality additional trophy, special product labeling in the exhibition and an extended social media presence. They will also be the only winners to be honored live on stage at ISPO Munich, ensuring maximum visibility and exclusivity.
Another central component of the new award concept is the ISPO Award Gathering, which will continue to take place as part of ISPO Munich starting in 2025. While several smaller ISPO Award Gatherings were held last year, the new format brings all winners and industry representatives together in one place — on the main stage at ISPO Munich.
Not only will the Gold Winners be honored here, but the three Special Recognition Awards will also be presented: the Public Choice Award, the Retail Choice Award, and the Jury Choice Award.
The new Gathering brings together consumers, retailers, and the jury in a meaningful setting — creating a true highlight on the trade fair calendar.
