Brooks x Academy First Responder Collection Now Available

May 4, 2021

Academy Sports + Outdoors and Brooks have teamed up to support people who keep the world running with the launch of a special, limited-edition Brooks x Academy First Responder shoe collection. For every purchase, a donation of $10 is made to the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and American Nurses Foundation, up to $25,000 each, to support the frontline responders who serve our communities.

Brooks’ purpose is to inspire everyone to run their path to a better self by creating the best running gear, tools, and experience. As one of the nation’s largest sporting goods and outdoor retailers, Academy Sports + Outdoors believes in bringing their communities the gear they need to have more fun out there. Together, they created the First Responder Collection inspired by the enduring resilience and strength of firefighters and frontline medical workers.

“We are grateful to Academy Sports + Outdoors and Brooks for launching this special First Responder Collection to recognize and give back to the first responder community,” said NVFC chair Steve Hirsch. “Our nation’s volunteer firefighters and EMS providers do so much for their neighbors every day, and shining this spotlight on their work both honors these courageous men and women and raises awareness of all they do.”

“From Academy and Brooks, we are grateful for all that our first responders do each and every day,” said Anna Morrison, running footwear buyer for Academy Sports + Outdoors. “Thank you for your diligence, your sacrifice, your compassion, and most importantly, thank you for showing up and risking your lives when we need you most. This collection is our thank you for all that you have sacrificed.”

The collection includes four unique designs using bold and empowering graphics that capture the true essence of frontline heroes. The two firefighter designs embody the daring and courageous character, kinship, and strength of the men and women who serve their communities in this incredible way.

To mark the launch of the collection on April 20, the NVFC raffled off three pairs of the new Brooks x Academy First Responder shoes at the spring board meeting that week. The winners of the raffle are Eric Quinney, director from Wyoming, Joe Maruca, director from Massachusetts, and Ron Roy, director from Washington. Academy and Brooks also donated pairs of the shoes to NVFC staff to provide more comfort and support as they represent the volunteer fire service at events, trainings, and other activities.

The Brooks x Academy First Responder Collection is on sale now through June 30. Shop the collection at your local Academy Sports + Outdoor store or online at https://www.academy.com/brooks-running.

Watch this video to learn more about the First Responder Collection and the partnership with the NVFC.