JANUARY, a new global running shoe brand rooted in innovation, inclusivity and considered design, officially launches with the debut of its first performance shoe, Scignal. Founded by male and female BIPOC runners, JANUARY reflects the evolving culture of the sport, with a goal of making running more accessible without compromising performance and comfort. As the global running community becomes more diverse, growing to include runners of all ages and genders, JANUARY’s mission is clear: high-performance running, reimagined for everyone.
JANUARY was founded by Wei-En Chang, who serves as Chief Executive Officer and lead footwear designer, bringing more than 30 years of product development expertise to the brand. The name itself carries personal significance, as Chang and his father were both born in January, a month he describes as “the time of renewal and new beginnings, when life is at its fullest potential.” That spirit of new beginnings defines the company’s ethos and vision for next generation running. “Unlocking every runner’s maximum potential is my goal, by designing and delivering products with high performance and style,” shares Chang.
Scignal by JANUARY: Everyday Performance, Engineered Differently.
As its debut model, Scignal challenges a core assumption in modern running footwear: that superior cushioning requires excessive stack height and bulk. It’s the first shoe in the industry to feature a single-piece dual-density midsole, plush at the heel and firmer towards the forefoot for responsive cushioning, stability, and a smooth transition without added volume.
At the core of Scignal is KineXion™ technology, JANUARY’s proprietary single-piece dual-density midsole made from next-generation supercritical aerospace-grade TPEE (thermoplastic elastomer) foam. Unlike conventional foams that require maximum thickness to achieve softness, KineXion™ compresses softer, rebounds faster, and lasts longer, all at an optimal, lower stack height that keeps runners closer to the ground for a more natural, responsive ride. “Scignal proves you do not need height to have great cushioning, and you do not need compromise to deliver performance,” Chang adds. “It represents the next generation of running footwear thinking – lighter, smarter, more human.”
Scignal was intentionally designed without a carbon plate. While plated shoes can offer measurable benefits for elite-pace runners, they can increase injury risk for a broader range of runners. Instead, the shoe is designed with a nylon shank that provides torsional stability through corners and structural support that complements the foam’s softness, delivering a safer and more versatile ride.
Inspired by the natural tones and shifting light of the brand’s Bay Area home, Scignal debuts in three colorways that pair technical precision with refined design, equally suited for long miles and everyday wear.
Additional Scignal specifications (size 10.5W / 9.0M):
- Weight: 210g / 7.4oz
- Stack Height: 36mm
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
- Forefoot Width: 97mm
- Construction: Supercritical foam midsole and insole, honeycomb foam tongue, nylon torsional shank for stability and gentle forward momentum.
- Fit: Engineered for unisex comfort with a women’s-first fit framework.
Scignal is now available for pre-order at www.januarylife.co for $195 USD, with availability at select specialty running retailers beginning August 2026. US Launch retail partners include Running Wylder (San Francisco, CA), Wild Runners (Auburn & Fair Oaks, CA), and Milestone Running (San Diego & Pacific Beach, CA) with additional retail partners to be announced.
About JANUARY
JANUARY™ is Next Generation Running. Every runner. Every stride. No compromise. High-performance running shoes, reimagined for everyone. We combine cutting-edge technology, ultralight design, and premium materials to deliver a perfectly calibrated, plush, and responsive ride—without compromise. Our shoes reflect a world as diverse, powerful, and driven as the runners who wear them. For more information visit www.januarylife.co.
