Spira (footwear company)
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Apparel |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Founder | Andy Krafsur |
| Fate | Acquired by Private Entity in 2016 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, CA, United States |
Area served | Global |
| Products | Athletic footwear |
| Website | spira.com |
Spira Footwear Inc., commonly referred to as Spira, is a U.S.-based shoe manufacturer originally established in El Paso, Texas and currently operating out of Los Angeles, California. Founded in 2001 by entrepreneur Andy Krafsur, the company focuses on producing running, walking, and casual footwear distinguished by patented coil springs embedded beneath the heel and toe areas, setting their products apart in the market.
In early 2016, an undisclosed private firm acquired Spira Footwear, securing its patents, trademarks, and existing stock. Following this acquisition, Spira has sustained its business activities, promoting and distributing its footwear through its online platform and a network of retail partners, thereby maintaining its role within the athletic shoe sector.
During spring 2013, Spira was spotlighted on A&E Networks' Project Startup—a collaboration with crowdfunding platform RocketHub aimed at financing a new lightweight running shoe. This initiative formed part of A&E’s "Real Life, Real Change" campaign that highlights innovative enterprises via television segments and digital outreach.
Through pre-selling over 800 pairs of the Stinger 2 model on RocketHub, Spira successfully raised upwards of $42,000 to support initial production of this new shoe.
In August 2013, Spira introduced a licensed limited edition camouflage running shoe inspired by the signature pattern used by the Robertson family from the reality TV show Duck Dynasty.
The collaboration with A&E and RocketHub began in 2012 when Spira utilized crowdfunding to launch its Stinger2 series. This strategy enabled pre-orders that helped forecast demand precisely and streamline inventory management—critical benefits for a smaller-scale manufacturer.
HealthWagers contest
In May 2013, Spira teamed up with HealthWagers to initiate a promotional contest: customers who wore Spira shoes in an official chip-timed race exceeding distance but did not surpass their personal best would be eligible for a refund on their purchase. This campaign was designed to increase customer interaction and enhance brand loyalty.
Research
In 2014, researchers at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology examined how Spira shoes affect running efficiency. The study involved 17 participants comparing two Spira models—training and racing—against their own footwear while measuring oxygen uptake and heart rate at speeds of per hour on treadmills. Findings suggested that an average marathon runner could potentially improve finishing times by approximately four minutes over the marathon distance.
Controversy
Spira asserted that its shoes were prohibited from competition due to non-compliance with International Association of Athletics Federations and USA Track and Field regulations. The company offered a $1 million reward to two Kenyan athletes if they won the 2006 Boston Marathon wearing Spira footwear. Nevertheless, USATF clarified in 2007 that the shoes were not officially banned, referencing ongoing legal disputes and absence of formal evaluation.
At the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, several competitors—including triathlete Axel Zeebroek, Ecuador’s Franklin Tenorio, and Angolan runner Joao N'Tyamba—wore Spira shoes, highlighting the brand’s visibility among elite international athletes.
See also
External links
- Sportswear brands
- Athletic shoe brands
- Manufacturing companies based in Texas
- Companies based in El Paso, Texas
- Shoe companies of the United States
- Sporting goods manufacturers of the United States
- Clothing companies established in 2002
- 2002 establishments in Texas
- American companies established in 2002
- 5
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment