When I think about pioneers and running, there are a few that immediately come to mind.
There’s Jesse Owens, running fearlessly on the track at the 1936 Olympics in Germany. Here in Oregon, you have Steve Prefontaine, who reshaped what competitive running looked and felt like in this state. More recently, athletes like Usain Bolt showed the world what speed looks like — and how to do it with joy. And Eliud Kipchoge pushed the marathon to heights that once felt unreachable.
But have you ever heard of the New York Pioneer Club?
One of the country’s first integrated running clubs, the New York Pioneers represented something bigger than splits and finish times. They represented access. Community. Visibility.
That same spirit is what inspires PYNRS (pronounced “pioneers”), a Black-owned performance running apparel brand rooted in streetwear, culture, and community — but built to perform when the pace drops.
We were sent the Humboldt Singlet and the Columbia Half Tight to test. After logging workouts and everyday miles in both, here’s where they stand.
Humboldt Singlet
The Humboldt Singlet immediately feels premium in hand. The fabric is lightweight without feeling paper-thin, and it breathes well even during harder efforts. On colder mornings it layers easily, and on warmer days (well at least the handful of semi-warm days in my garage this spring – the review period) it doesn’t cling or sag once sweat sets in.
The cut strikes a nice balance: performance-oriented without going full Euro race-cut. Arm openings allow for natural movement without excess fabric flapping around. It feels dialed for running and while it’s a little tighter in the torso, it’s not super snug. I would recommend perhaps a size up if you demand that room, but you are probably fine with normal sizing in most cases.
What stands out most, though, is the aesthetic. The design language leans confidently into culture — bold but clean, expressive but accessible. It looks intentional.
Columbia Half Tight
The Columbia Half Tight might be the sleeper hit here.
The compression is supportive without being restrictive. During tempo efforts and longer runs, they stayed put — no constant adjusting, no waistband fold-over. The material has enough structure to feel secure but still moves naturally through turnover.
It actually fits a little shorter on the legs than most running tights do – so it was a little fun and comfortable. It fit even perhaps a little bit looser than I was expecting. I liked the (very slightly) more relaxed fit, but if you are in need of compression you may want to explore a size down.
Storage is practical without being bulky. Everything sits flat and stable, which matters when you’re actually moving fast. The half tight feels purpose-built for workouts, road racing, and even longer efforts where support and efficiency matter.
Again, the visual identity is subtle – but “Run The” on the back of one leg and “Culture” on the other is a fun addition. Its subtle but confident.
I’m not a Black runner. I also recognize the privilege I have within this sport and this industry. So, when a company like PYNRS is producing legitimately strong technical gear — not just culturally important gear, but actually good gear — that deserves attention.
The Humboldt Singlet and Columbia Half Tight aren’t novelty pieces. They’re competitive, capable, and thoughtfully designed. The fact that they also carry cultural weight and historical connection makes them even stronger.
Running has always needed pioneers. PYNRS is building for the next generation of them.