Despite an overall retail picture that has been erratic over the past year, the aggressive real estate plans of a few large chains are driving an expected increase in retail floor space this year of 6.7% to 168.3 million sq. ft. from 157.8 million sq. ft. last year at the 42 top U.S. sporting goods chains.

Natalie Morales, a TODAY Show co-host, will run Monday’s Boston Marathon in a custom pair of adidas Energy Boost 2 shoes due to a donation from adidas Running to One Fund Boston, which supports the victims of the bombings last April.

Nike’s unique footwear products were highlighted in two separate events this week.

Rocky Brands is recalling approximately 6,800 pairs of steel-toed Georgia Boot work shoes that were manufactured by Genfort Shoes Ltd., of Guangdong, China.