Pomona is an active city. Youth soccer leagues fill local parks on weekends, high school teams compete across the San Gabriel Valley, Cal Poly Pomona Broncos athletes train year-round, and residents hike, bike, and run in the nearby foothills. With so many people participating in sports and fitness, choosing quality gear is important for performance and safety.
Pomona residents can shop at sporting goods retailers such as Dick's Sporting Goods, Big 5 Sporting Goods, and REI locations in the surrounding area, along with brand stores and online shops. Here are ten sports gear brands that stand out.
What to Look for in Sports Gear
The best sports equipment combines performance, safety, comfort, and durability. Gear should fit properly and meet the standards required by leagues and schools. In Pomona's warm climate, moisture-wicking fabrics and breathable designs are especially valuable. Athletes should also consider warranties and the availability of replacement parts.
The Top 10 Sports Gear Brands in Pomona
1. Nike
Nike is the world's largest sportswear brand, supplying footwear, apparel, and equipment for nearly every sport. Its innovation in cushioning, lightweight materials, and performance fabrics helps athletes at every level. Nike soccer cleats, basketball shoes, and training gear are common sights across Pomona's fields and courts.
2. Adidas
Adidas has deep roots in soccer, making it especially popular in Pomona, where the sport enjoys a huge following. Its cleats, balls, jerseys, and training apparel are trusted worldwide. Adidas also excels in running footwear with technologies designed for energy return and comfort.
3. Under Armour
Under Armour revolutionized athletic apparel with performance base layers designed to keep athletes cool and dry. Its compression gear, training shoes, and team uniforms are widely used in high school and college athletics. The brand's focus on performance makes it a favorite for serious training.
4. Wilson
Wilson Sporting Goods produces equipment for tennis, basketball, football, baseball, and volleyball. Its official game balls are used in professional leagues, and its tennis rackets are trusted by players of all levels. Wilson's durable, high-quality equipment is a staple in schools and recreation centers.
5. Rawlings
Rawlings is a legendary name in baseball and softball. Its gloves, bats, helmets, and balls are used at every level of play, from Little League to Major League Baseball. Pomona's youth baseball and softball players often rely on Rawlings gloves for their craftsmanship and feel.
6. Easton
Easton is known for high-performance baseball and softball bats, as well as protective gear and bags. Its bats are engineered for power and control, and the brand has long been associated with Southern California's strong baseball culture.
7. Callaway
Headquartered in Carlsbad, Callaway is a leader in golf equipment. Its drivers, irons, putters, and golf balls are used by professionals and amateurs alike. Pomona-area golfers who play at courses throughout the San Gabriel and Pomona valleys value Callaway's cutting-edge club technology.
8. TaylorMade
TaylorMade, also based in Carlsbad, is another giant of the golf industry. Its drivers and fairway woods are renowned for innovation, and many tour professionals play TaylorMade equipment. The brand offers custom fitting to help golfers optimize performance.
9. The North Face
The North Face is a top choice for hiking, climbing, and outdoor adventures. Its jackets, backpacks, and hiking footwear are designed to handle challenging conditions. Pomona residents who hike Mount Baldy or explore the Angeles National Forest rely on The North Face for protection and comfort.
10. Oakley
Oakley, founded in Southern California, is famous for performance sunglasses and eyewear. Its lenses enhance clarity and contrast while protecting eyes from harsh sun, which is essential for cyclists, runners, and outdoor athletes in the region. Oakley also produces goggles, apparel, and protective gear.
Sports and Fitness Trends in Pomona
Youth sports participation remains strong, with soccer, baseball, basketball, and football leading the way. Pickleball has grown rapidly, drawing players of all ages to local courts. Outdoor recreation, including trail running and mountain biking, continues to rise as residents take advantage of nearby natural areas.
Wearable fitness technology and smart equipment are also becoming common, helping athletes track performance and recovery. Sustainability is influencing purchases too, with brands introducing recycled materials and take-back programs.
Tips for Buying Sports Gear
Get professionally fitted for items like running shoes, golf clubs, and baseball gloves. Check league requirements before buying bats, helmets, or protective equipment. Invest in quality safety gear, even if you save on other items. For children, consider buying gently used equipment as they quickly outgrow sizes.
Final Thoughts
Pomona's vibrant sports and fitness culture deserves equipment that performs. From global giants like Nike and Adidas to specialized brands like Rawlings, Callaway, and Oakley, these ten brands offer the quality and innovation athletes need. Whether you are playing on a local field, training for a race, or hiking a mountain trail, the right gear helps you perform your best.