ASICS Runkeeper: 10 Years Later
ASICS bought Runkeeper in 2016. A decade on, what is different, what is the same, and whether the app is still worth putting on your phone.
Why ASICS Bought Runkeeper
In 2016, shoe companies were racing to own the digital side of running. Nike had Run Club. Adidas had Runtastic. Under Armour had MapMyRun and MyFitnessPal. ASICS responded by acquiring Runkeeper for $85 million, one of the biggest running-app deals of the decade.
The goal was not just a tracking app. ASICS wanted direct relationships with runners: shoe mileage data, running habits, goals, and future gear purchases, all tied to a single account. Runkeeper was the piece that made that possible.
Runkeeper + ASICS Timeline
What Changed, What Stayed
Changed
UI redesign aligned with ASICS brand colors and typography
ASICS shoe mileage tracking built in
Training plans expanded to include ASICS-branded 5K, 10K, half, full marathon
Deeper Apple Watch integration added in 2021
Gear recommendations and shoe reviews surfaced in-app
Stayed
Core GPS tracking experience unchanged
Your historical run data is preserved from pre-2016
Free tier still includes the basics at no cost
Audio cues, splits, and map views look familiar
Social friends, feed, and club features remain
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Download MoteraFrequently Asked Questions
Does ASICS own Runkeeper?
Yes. ASICS acquired Runkeeper in 2016. The app continues to be developed under the ASICS Digital division alongside Race Roster and other fitness platforms.
Did Runkeeper change after the ASICS acquisition?
The UI was refreshed, branding became "Runkeeper by ASICS", and ASICS-branded training plans and gear integrations were added. Core tracking and features stayed familiar.
Is Runkeeper still worth using in 2026?
Yes, especially if you want a clean, reliable tracking app without the social pressure of Strava. Runkeeper Go (premium) adds training plans and ad-free tracking for $9.99/month.
Is Runkeeper free?
Yes. The free tier tracks runs, shows maps and splits, and offers basic audio cues. Go subscription adds training plans, live tracking, custom goals, and advanced stats.
Does Runkeeper work with ASICS shoes?
ASICS has integrated shoe tracking into Runkeeper. You can log which ASICS shoes you own, track mileage per pair, and get reminders when a shoe is approaching its 400-500 mile retirement.
What is ASICS Runkeeper Go?
The premium subscription tier. Includes personalized training plans, live tracking, advanced pace coaching, custom goals, and ad removal. $9.99/month or $39.99/year.
Does Runkeeper work on Apple Watch?
Yes. The Apple Watch app starts and stops runs, tracks pace, heart rate, distance, and syncs to the phone for full post-run analysis. It is one of the cleaner third-party Apple Watch running apps.
Can Runkeeper sync with Strava?
Not natively. Use RunGap, SyncMyTracks, or Apple Health as a bridge to move Runkeeper activities into Strava. Many runners have used this method for years.
Is Runkeeper good for beginners?
Yes. The UI is simple, the audio cues are clear, and the Go tier training plans include 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon options. No steep learning curve.
Will Runkeeper be merged into another ASICS app?
No announcement as of early 2026. ASICS operates multiple fitness brands (Runkeeper, Race Roster, Tanda) but runs them independently. Runkeeper has continued stable updates.
