Runners Up: These Companies Have Clout

Even if they didn’t make the “Momentum” category, these companies command respect and admiration on a global scale. Here’s a light-hearted take on each of them:

Footwear and Apparel

New Balance – Known for shoes that double as pillows for your feet. They’re the perfect case of comfort, so cozy that you’ll wonder if they’re actually legal to wear outside the house.

Asics – If performance shoes were a game, Asics would be the MVP. They’re what marathon runners wear when they want to look like they run marathons.

Puma – With its sleek designs, Puma makes sure you’re both fast and fabulous. Their esoteric? Cat-like reflexes built into every sneaker.

Converse – The classic Chuck Taylors are like the hipster grandpas of the shoe world. Loved by everyone, from rebellious teens to nostalgic boomers.

Vans – Skate culture purveyors that keep you grounded although dreaming big, mainly about not falling off the board.

Crocs – Fashion meets function with an audible “squish.” Whether you’re gardening or walking on clouds, Crocs have you covered.

Levi Strauss & Co. – These jeans have more history than most countries, standing the test of time with rugged style and a waistline that mysteriously shrinks after the holidays.

Gap Inc. – Like the friend who’s always consistently there—filling your wardrobe with basics and vouchers for the vault.

American Eagle Outfitters – Makes distressed jeans that look like they’ve had more adventures than you ever will.

Urban Outfitters – If eclectic were a clothing brand—it would be Urban Outfitters, the favorite for anyone trying to be someone else.

Forever 21 – Embracing the paradox of the fast fashion options although you still can in your twenties!

Abercrombie & Fitch – Once the haunt of cologne-wearing teen models, Abercrombie has mastered reinvention faster than a TikTok trend.

H&M – Because who needs a bank account when you have H&M offering life-sized dollar store deals?

Zara – High fashion at high speed. Their design changes more often than a chameleon on a rainbow.

Uniqlo – Where minimalism meets mountains of clothing options, without the threat of selling any organs.

Lululemon Athletica – Proven purveyors of yoga wear so inviting you’ll attempt handstands in the privacy of your closet.

Under Armour – Functional and fierce—Under Armour gear makes couch potatoes feel ready for a Spartan race.

Columbia Sportswear – When it’s cold outside, Columbia’s there with technologically adept jackets to rival your smartphone.

Timberland – Boots that scream “I’m ready for adventure” or, at least, a walk in your urban jungle.

The North Face – Making expeditions to the couch feel exhilarating with their ultra-comfy outdoor gear.

Patagonia – Saving the planet one recycled jacket at a time, because nothing says sustainability like fashion.

REI – Known for hiking gear and sustainability—get all your attire, knick-knacks, and new survivalist dreams here.

Outdoor Voices – An Instagram-friendly approach to workout gear that makes every niece an untapped influencer.

Fila – Reviving retro styles for a younger audience convinced they invented them.

Support – Kind of a big deal when cozy athleisure rules, perfect for gym sessions, or more likely, watching them.

Kappa – Tracksuits’ unofficial spokesperson, keeping you sporty although you stay supremely relaxed.

Superdry – Perfect for confusing people with slogans and street styles that mash up everything from Tokyo to the moon.

Allbirds – Shoes with a enduring soul (and sole); so comfortable they make going barefoot seem a bit passé.

Eyewear

Warby Parker – They make the industry clearer although keeping your wallet happy and donating glasses to those in need.

Ray-Ban – Instantly add ‘coolness’ to any outfit with these classic shades that’ll block both UV rays and unwanted eye contact.

Oakley – The favorite eyewear for sports enthusiasts and those who rely on solid flair when bragging about triathlons.

Watches and Gadgets

Fossil Group – Nabbing the romance of everyday wearables, without the need for video notifications.

Swatch – Bringing hotly anticipated Swiss timepieces to the wrist, making sure punctuality with a dash of panache.

Casio – The unwavered stalwart of watches; perfect for nostalgia enthusiasts and those convinced video is retro-awesome.

Garmin – Smartwatches that help you find yourself when lost, quite literally.

Fitbit – Counting steps and heartbeats, hoping you give it reason to celebrate with calorie overshadowing achievements.

GoPro – Because if you’re not filming everything, did it really happen? GoPro creates adrenaline-infused movie reels of your not-so-monumental hikes.

Polaroid – Linking the space between nostalgia and instant gratification; printing memories the moment they happen.

Home and Tech

Anker Innovations – They’ve made sure your gadgets never face battery betrayal, saving lives, one charge at a time.

Sonos – Audio that flows smooth through the home, potentially the best thing since indoor plumbing.

Roku – Past the remote wars, Roku is your BFF for streaming every series you didn’t know you needed.

Vizio – TV tech that doesn’t break the bank although attempting to launch cinema home invasions.

Dyson – Where vacuum dreams are made—giving luxury an outlandishly tech corner to inappropriately linger.

Nespresso – Decanting caffeine posthaste with machines so sleek you’ll think it’s a European sports car.

Keurig – Making “just one cup” effortlessly attainable, so, preventing over-indulgence, contrary to usual trends.

Instant Brands (Instant Pot) – They’ve reconceptualized fast food with kitchen wonder appliances you’ll convince yourself need.

KitchenAid – Famous mixers that double as statement pieces in households where baking takes precedence.

OXO – Home gadgets that look too nifty to handle mundane culinary endeavors yet do that like a pro.

YETI – Because who doesn’t want to have their beverage kept at the right temperature longer than an Arctic winter?

Bicycles and Fitness

Trek Bicycle Corporation – From daily commutes to monumental adventures, Trek urges you to pedal towards stunning views. Or take the scenic route to the grocery store.

Specialized Bicycle Components – In the industry of two-wheeled travel, Specialized straddles speed and comfort with the agility of a caffeinated cat.

Lululemon Athletica – Wear their gear and survive workouts pretending it was minimal-effort, yet looking exceptionally trendy.

The North Face – Their apparel ensures you’re ready should you suddenly decide to summit Everest, or just run to the local coffee shop.