We are WISE. Based in Annecy in the French Alps and deeply inspired by the extreme conditions and the “wise runner” philosophy of high-altitude runners in the Himalayas, we develop highly technical systems for ultra running. With our innovative clothing designs and ergonomic carrying systems, we pursue a clear goal: less friction, greater safety, and more freedom of movement for runners on trails around the world.

For us, ultra running begins where the horizon shifts further with every step. We don’t see ultra and trail running as a competition against others, but as a way to move forward with greater freedom and awareness. Our gear is designed to stay out of your way for hours on end: no chafing, no unnecessary weight, no clutter standing between you and the finish line.

Discover ergonomic running backpacks in our ultra-running shop that offer direct access to your gear, along with matching running shirts and functional running shorts that hug your body like a second skin and smoothly accompany you through every phase of your run.

Not every journey begins on a 100-kilometer high-alpine trail, but every training session lays the foundation for success on the mountain. And our functional running gear supports this very transition: light enough for your daily run even off the trails, yet uncompromisingly durable for ambitious distances. Thanks to the use of highly elastic, abrasion-resistant materials, you’ll benefit from the same technologies during every interval workout or recovery run that our professional athletes use when running marathons. This way, you’ll conquer every run, no matter how challenging the terrain or the weather may be.

Trail Running in Extreme Alpine Conditions: What Kind of Weather Protection Really Matters?

In trail running, nature sets the rules. Sudden weather changes in the mountains, icy winds, and sudden downpours demand maximum protection. That’s why a highly functional @Melanie: which version should you choose?
rain jacket is a central component of your modular running gear for trail running and ultra-marathons. While many manufacturers use Gore-Tex in trail running, we rely on our own highly innovative and extremely lightweight membranes, which were developed specifically for ultra-runs. The result is a weatherproof trail running rain jacket that impresses with its minimal pack size and maximum protection. And with precisely this commitment to quality, we consistently design every detail of our products with the trail in mind: from the first ascent in the fog to the technical descent over weather-worn rocks, with your gaze fixed firmly on the next step.

What matters most in professional trail running gear?

Professional trail running gear must withstand extreme conditions and be intuitive to use, even when you’re completely exhausted. Our running accessories—such as ultralight headbands, gloves, and pack pouches—are precisely tailored to our backpack and jacket systems. This well-thought-out system guarantees quick access to your essential gear without having to interrupt your stride even once. This minimizes delays caused by excess weight during the race to an absolute minimum, ensuring you don’t lose a single precious second on your way to the finish line.

Go for a run with functional WISE gear & discover new horizons

Anyone who goes for a run with our gear should feel the difference from the very first kilometer. After all, good running gear should, ideally, be unnoticeable: You’ll be focused on your breathing, the trail, and the horizon—not on chafing seams or a wobbly backpack. That’s exactly why we develop our running gear. Our running shirts stay comfortable even after hours of wear, our trail running shorts provide freedom of movement without causing pressure points, and a windbreaker featuring our proprietary membrane keeps the weather out without adding weight. This way, individual components come together to form a system that sets you free over long distances. Whether you’re preparing for trail and ultra-running routes or tackling your first long run, our gear for runners grows along with your ambitions.

The fascination of trail and ultra running lies in overcoming what seems impossible. When the body tires, clothing becomes a critical factor in protection. WISE offers custom-made gear for runners who accept no excuses and take on the most extreme challenges. Ultra-trail running is about far more than just running extreme distances—it’s a journey of discovery into your own mental and physical limits. On singletrack trails, technical downhills, and steep mountain passes, our highly functional mountain and marathon gear protects you from unpredictable weather changes. Every detail—from the breathable fabric to the packable running jacket—is designed for maximum efficiency to give you that decisive edge.

How does the right gear complement your trail running training plan?

A professional trail running training plan includes targeted training stimuli in all weather conditions, which is why WISE’s system clothing acts as a true performance booster. To ensure every session goes smoothly, you need gear that adapts to these demands rather than holding you back. The key is coordinating base layers, outer layers, and storage space with the specific workout: lightweight trail running shorts for fast summer sessions, warming layers when you run in winter—so your gear is perfectly suited for cold and wet conditions—to keep your body warm and dry. This is the only way to keep your focus 100 percent on the trail, rather than on chafing seams or damp layers. That’s exactly our goal: to ensure that, with our running gear, men and women at every performance level can smoothly navigate every phase of their training plan with maximum freedom of movement.

Is marathon gear different from ultra gear?

Traditional marathon gear is primarily designed for flat routes and minimal weight without weather protection, whereas ultra gear must also withstand extreme weather conditions. WISE bridges this gap by combining the uncompromising lightness of road running apparel with the robust protective features of alpine textiles to create a completely new running experience that consistently eliminates any distractions during marathon running.

Optimized for every distance: Trail, Ultra, & Half-Marathon gear by WISE

Whether you’re preparing for your first alpine race or are already an experienced ultra-athlete, only truly high-quality and well-designed trail and half-marathon gear lays the foundation for a seamless performance. Here in our ultra-running shop, you’ll find exactly these high-end systems. Tested by pros as the gold standard for ultra running, our highly innovative running gear proves its worth over extreme distances as well as for marathons and half-marathons—from the first kilometer to the last. WISE Trail Running: Because for us, “BORN FREE” isn’t just a slogan—it’s our firm promise.