September 19, 2025

From Streetwear to Running Gear – The Origins of rappid.

Kim first explored fashion through a small streetwear label before focusing fully on running and starting rappid.

For many people who follow Kim Gottwald on social media, rappid. is the first company they associate with him. In reality, it is his second business. Before that, Kim co-ran a streetwear label called AJ with a partner, which played an important role in the later development of rappid.

After finishing school in 2021 and taking a gap semester, Kim decided to turn his interest in fashion into a business. He taught himself everything. From product design and creating marketing campaigns to forming a social media strategy. As well as running production in his own textile studio, which included getting familiar with custom printing and embroidery techniques. Alongside his law studies, he devoted almost all of his free time to the label.

Some collections and individual pieces gained considerable attention online and sold well, but a major breakthrough never materialised. Over time, Kim’s focus shifted increasingly toward sports, with ultrarunning becoming a particular passion. Eventually, he realised that he wanted to pursue this path professionally as well.

He decided to close the streetwear label AJ and start rappid. – a running brand shaped by his interest in endurance, pushing physical limits, and connecting with a community of runners. With rappid., Kim aims to encourage others to explore their own limits and challenge themselves.