Tyler Strothman '25 has created Veloci, a new running shoe brand

Unsatisfied with wearing running shoes that caused leg pain, Tyler Strothman '25 has taken on the ambitious task of launching his own brand of running shoes called Veloci Running.

Strothman, who is majoring in Sport Management and minoring in Entrepreneurship, has applied both of these interests into starting his own sports brand. Strothman is also part of the Rice's men’s cross country and track & field teams.

“My journey to start Veloci started with a love for running which developed into a sport that I’ve grown through for the past 12 years,” Strothman said. “Through dealing with stress fractures in high school, I came to understand the importance that running shoes have on staying healthy and doing what I care about.”

Veloci began with Strothman’s personal need for something better. On one hand, traditional running shoes often have narrow toe boxes, leaving runners with foot pain and cramped toes. On the other hand, shoes that fit the anatomical shape of the foot tend to be more barefoot and minimalist, with a lowered heel. This can increase pressure on the calf and Achilles, leading to new pain in the lower leg.

“So, for runners to do what they love becomes a choose-your-own-pain adventure, because there isn’t one that offers the best of both.” Storthman said. “Veloci shoes have an elevated heel that’s designed to reduce tension in the lower leg and have a naturally shaped toe box for a higher level of foot comfort.”

When he started at Rice, Storthman was unsure of what he wanted to pursue after graduation, but he slowly began to realize that he wanted to continue being a part of the running community. The idea of working in the running industry and around products he considered very unique and important in his life became captivating.