Misool: The Story Behind Europe’s Premium Running Apparel

Like you, I love running. For years now. And like you, I've endured the running apparel industry. Opaque products, manufactured on the other side of the world, with no transparency about their ecological impact—these brands sweep the dirt under the rug. For too long, I put up with buying running clothes without knowing where they were made, under what working conditions, or at what ecological cost... It was time for change. I created MISOOL—a European running brand dedicated to premium apparel and authentic Portuguese craftsmanship. An island of sustainability in a devastating industry. Let me tell you its story.

The name MISOOL comes from an Indonesian island. Renowned for its unique biodiversity, it experienced a spectacular regeneration thanks to local stakeholders. A powerful symbol carrying a message of hope: change is within our reach, as long as we take concrete action.

That's exactly what we did.

Most brands play the same game, follow the same rules. But the world is changing. So are expectations. Transparency, the choice of Made in Europe, and sustainability are no longer an afterthought.

We had to innovate.

Change things.

Create a sustainable alternative in an industry that pushes us to consume more and more.

If I can't find what I'm looking for, why not create it?

What do I want? Sustainable running gear, made in Europe, with no compromise on performance. A t-shirt that doesn't get heavy after 10 minutes. Shorts that don't chafe.

So we rolled up our sleeves.

Yes, you read that right. Our first attempt was made from seaweed... It didn't take us long to turn back. The t-shirt weighed more than a Christmas sweater and wasn't breathable at all. A disaster 😅.

We didn't give up and tried another route. After seaweed, end-of-life tires. The result was a bit better, lighter. But they had the durability of a soggy biscuit and looked like a crop top. Not ideal for a marathon.

Through extensive research, we found THE perfect material:

- a French fabric (yay!);

- abrasion-resistant;

- ultra-light, at 54 g/m²;

- and durable, 30,000 cycles vs. 10,000 for other materials.

The ultimate grail!

9. That's the number of prototypes it took us to finally arrive at the perfect garment. Not just according to us, but according to the reviews of the 300 ambassadors who helped us with this project.

Because yes, we didn't move forward alone. We took the time to talk with several hundred runners, listen to their feedback, their frustrations, their desires. Thanks to them, the final version of our MISOOL running apparel is incredible (I weigh my words):

- an ultra-light running t-shirt, weighing only 54 grams, but with exceptional durability;

- shorts designed for performance, lightweight, comfortable and equipped with practical pockets;

- and both equipped with flat seams and printed labels to avoid irritation. On paper, it's a detail. During a 3h30 marathon, it's essential.

Yet, even with a t-shirt and shorts that checked all the technical boxes, something was still missing. An ultimate garment can't be ultimate if it's not impeccable in terms of ecological impact.

We all know it. To reduce your ecological impact as a runner, you need to change your consumption habits. But to do that, you still need to find suppliers who respect the planet.

We wanted to be part of it. We wanted to be among those who offer a responsible alternative to other running brands.

One of our commitments is to produce in Europe, in a short supply chain.

At first, it wasn't a simple choice. We were looking for a rare gem:

- a workshop powered by electricity, not coal (like in China), to minimize CO₂ emissions as much as possible;

- and capable of working with such light and technical materials.

Our quest led us straight to Portugal, a country known for its expertise in fashion and textiles. After several factory visits, and some disappointments, we finally found the ideal workshop. Responsive, demanding and passionate, it brought the final prototypes to life, and proved to us that we could combine technical excellence with respect for the planet—showcasing true Portuguese craftsmanship and European craftsmanship.

Manufacturing ultra-light running clothes is already complicated.

Designing a garment that combines performance and durability is another matter.

In our article on the environmental impact of running on the planet, we compared the carbon footprint of a pair of shoes kept for one year versus kept for two years. Nothing magical: after two years of use, its ecological cost is halved.

This is probably one of the most powerful levers to reduce the ecological footprint of our purchases. Our role, as a producer, is not to sell you equipment that needs quick replacement at all costs. Our role is to provide you with a durable product that you'll use for several years—crafted with European craftsmanship and built through ethical production practices.

No more compromises between performance and environmental conscience. No more clothes that disappoint you after a few runs.

MISOOL is the gear that runs with you:

- technical: designed by and for demanding runners;

- durable: resistant French materials showcasing European craftsmanship;

- responsible: transparent European manufacturing with Portuguese craftsmanship and European craftsmanship;

- comfortable: tested and validated by 300 runners.

Ready to run differently?

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