RUN LIKE THE WORLD DEPENDS ON IT

Hylo's mission is clear and an inspirational one, even more so when you spend time with the team. We had the opportunity to ask Michael, Hylo Athletics co-founder, about Hylo's mission and find out more about his own relationship with running.

Check out what we found out.

Can you introduce yourself, Hylo Athletics and what motivated you to start Hylo?

I’m Michael. I’m a former professional football player, dad and co-founder of hylo athletics.

I am motivated by 3 things: 

1. My family

2. To encourage people to move and feel awesome

3. To protect the future of our environment by solving complex problems

Is there a meaning behind the name?

Hylo comes from the plant hylotelephium which is a perennial succulent plant meaning live forever. It also means matter in greek. There is another famous sports brand which means the goddess of victory in greek. 

Can you give us a short summary of the Hylo IMPACT. What should I be using this shoe for, how long does it last?

The hylo IMPACT is a cushioned and comfortable daily mileage shoe which is perfect for easy miles or even slightly higher cadence tempo runs. Our supercritical foam blended with sugar cane, called Hyperbolt is very responsive but soft and plush and our Pureglide geometry creates a smooth transition through your gait. The expected mileage is 300-500 miles 

What is the Local Champions Fund? Can you tell us a bit more about who you’re supporting right now.

The LCF is our commitment to community active(ism) where we donate 1% of our revenues to causes that promote access to movement, create human connections and protect our planet. 

I wanted to ensure that alongside our growth, we made tangible  localised impact in the community, acknowledging the many groups that drive social and environmental change but sometimes don’t always get fair access to funding.

Where do you see the brand going? Do you have any big goals?

I am less goal oriented and more focused on sustainable inputs that create an enjoyable and successful journey. As an athlete, I spent too much time worrying about the end result and less time invested in the process. As I’ve got older, I am relaxed about the outcome, trusting that with effort and integrity, we will do some pretty cool things in the world.

What motivates you personally every day?

I am motivated by the history of my family and ensuring I respect the opportunities I have been afforded and I am also motivated by humanity. 

Without sounding too self indulgent, I think we have a responsibility to use the resources we have to optimise for the longevity and health of future generations. I am a parent and feel obligated to create a better future for the next generation.

What’s your favourite place you’ve been to through Hylo?

My favourite place I’ve been to with hylo is Scotland. We took a group of our running community for a trip to the highlands and had the most special time. It truly is a beautiful place to run, made even better by time, running with friends

What do you do to switch off from being a founder?

Generally speaking, I have a pretty regimented routine. I find discipline an easier life setting to enable happiness and internal peace, so I run, breathe and meditate daily. I also like to read and sleep. Although it’s not a hobby haha, sleep is pretty transformative to overall well being so I never compromise the zzzzzzzs

Where’s your favourite place to run and why?

My favourite place to run is the mountains. There is something transcendent about spending time up high and disconnected from the constant noises and visual interruptions of cities. Don’t get me wrong, i love the buzz of the city but I love the quiet and stillness of nature too

Do you have any personal running goals?

I want to be able to run consistently throughout my life. That is my goal.