In this month's round-up, we talk a bit about the price of shoes before diving into the busy month that was September.
A Look at the Costs of Shoes Today
It's crazy to think that shoes used to cost under $100. Today the average price of the daily trainers has jumped into new territory has shoes become more complex and materials become more expensive. Perhaps most surprising here is how Nike manages to use its market strength to competitively price the Pegasus. A large part of that is likely in how many they sell annually. Other companies likely have higher costs of materials, meaning they have to price slightly higher to match profits.
The Nike Vaporfly changed the game completely, offering runners a whole new way of breaking personal goals. It was only just a few years ago you could get the top end of marathon running for far less than half of the price of super shoes right now.
Sneaker culture in general has been a part of our society since the 1970s. When underground hip-hop culture started to develop, sneakers were the shoe of choice. This reached its first heights when Run-DMC connected with Adidas and launched their famous "My Adidas" track. In 1984, sneaker culture exploded with the release of Air Jordans, which became the very first "It" sneakers that helped transcend the footwear from merely "cool" to status symbols. Anyone who was anyone had to have a pair, something that Jordans still have the power to do today with each year's release. Since then, it's become a part of the NBA culture to reach a level that earns you your own shoe line.
The thing is, while basketball shoes have evolved greatly past Chuck Taylors that used to dominate the game and have an important function, for many fans they were purely status symbols. It was footwear everyone had to have to celebrate their favorite players, or standout in the community. Sneaker culture itself evolved as designers became involved and started creating limited edition designs and customizations.
This tangent takes us back to running and why today's new super shoe price tag is surprising. Unlike sneaker culture, there is a big difference between the two in that running shoe culture has absolutely nothing to do with style. The super shoe movement in running today was sparked by performance, with Kipchoge running a sub-2 hour marathon to help fuel the carbon plated shoe revolution. Performance-driven construction is not the typical way prices have gone up in shoe design previously. It has typically been a combination of using rare materials and unique design that's helped fuel the cost of sneaker culture. For running shoes though, it's been something entirely different with the focus on crafting the fastest shoe possible that's the perfect combination of speed, comfort, and fluidity.
Perhaps most interesting in this chart is the amount of shoes that have reached the $250 ceiling. An important thing to note is that there is a higher amount of carbon fiber in the most top end of the shoes. Many of the shoes under the $250 range have unique modifications which cut down how much plate is needed in the design. That doesn't change how complex it is to make, but in terms of raw materials may help with competitive pricing.
Stability has always come at a premium, particularly the higher end models. The interesting thing to note here is the difference between the cost of posting vs. implementing guidance. The complicated costs of molding midsoles to have dual densities on top of the premium materials likely play a large role here.
Sneaker culture in general has been a part of our society since the 1970s. When underground hip-hop culture started to develop, sneakers were the shoe of choice. This reached its first heights when Run-DMC connected with Adidas and launched their famous "My Adidas" track. In 1984, sneaker culture exploded with the release of Air Jordans, which became the very first "It" sneakers that helped transcend the footwear from merely "cool" to status symbols. Anyone who was anyone had to have a pair, something that Jordans still have the power to do today with each year's release. Since then, it's become a part of the NBA culture to reach a level that earns you your own shoe line.
The thing is, while basketball shoes have evolved greatly past Chuck Taylors that used to dominate the game and have an important function, for many fans they were purely status symbols. It was footwear everyone had to have to celebrate their favorite players, or standout in the community. Sneaker culture itself evolved as designers became involved and started creating limited edition designs and customizations.
This tangent takes us back to running and why today's new super shoe price tag is surprising. Unlike sneaker culture, there is a big difference between the two in that running shoe culture has absolutely nothing to do with style. The super shoe movement in running today was sparked by performance, with Kipchoge running a sub-2 hour marathon to help fuel the carbon plated shoe revolution. Performance-driven construction is not the typical way prices have gone up in shoe design previously. It has typically been a combination of using rare materials and unique design that's helped fuel the cost of sneaker culture. For running shoes though, it's been something entirely different with the focus on crafting the fastest shoe possible that's the perfect combination of speed, comfort, and fluidity.
Perhaps most interesting in this chart is the amount of shoes that have reached the $250 ceiling. An important thing to note is that there is a higher amount of carbon fiber in the most top end of the shoes. Many of the shoes under the $250 range have unique modifications which cut down how much plate is needed in the design. That doesn't change how complex it is to make, but in terms of raw materials may help with competitive pricing.
LATEST REVIEWS AT DOCTORS OF RUNNING
Daily Trainer
Puma Deviate Nitro - We check out the training companion to the Elite!
Saucony Endorphin Shift 2 - Our newest contributors tackle the latest Shift and it's improvements (along with some major concerns on fit)
Reebok Floatride 3 Adventure - While a trail model, we feel the Adventure is best labeled as a road to light trail with a protective, supportive upper ontop the Floatride Energy 3 midsole
Hoka Rincon 3 - The Rincon gets more durability in the outsole with added rubber to help protect the midsole for longer mileage
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v12 - A totally refined upper helps bring new life to the 860 stability model
Trail
Asics Fuji Lite 2 - A light, nimble, eco-friendly trail shoe that's fast and fun
Racing
Saucony Endorphin Pro+ - A new lightweight upper gives this limited release a fast, track-shoe like fit for raceday
Newton Running Gravity+ - Newton's foray into the plated racing world offers an exciting toe off between their action/reaction lugs and plate
adidas Adizero Avanti TYO - Adidas super spike with Lightstrike Pro and energy rods for middle distance running
XTEP 160x 2.0 - XTEP's "Vaporfly" was one of the first carbon plated shoes in the market. This update brings refinements all-around
LATEST VIDEOS AT DOCTORS OF RUNNING
Orthothics for Runners | When to Replace, Usage
What is the Impact of High vs Low Drop Footwear?
What Running Shoes Should Kids and Elders Wears
Maximalist vs. Minimalist Footwear
Learning about Andrea Myers, Running and Cyclist PT
Best Marathon Shoe for Someone with Stability
Do Shoe Wear Patterns Mean Anything?
Why Being a Larger Runner Should NOT Limit Your Running Options
Types of Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
SHOE REVIEWS
Saucony Endorphin Pro+
Hoka Bondi X Review
Asics Fuji Lite 2 Review
PODCAST EPISODES
Do Shoe Wear Patterns Mean Anything, and First Marathon Shoes -
Maximal vs. Minimalist Discussion
Saucony Endrophin Pro+ Discussion
IN FOR TESTING
Note: Links provided are Affiliate links to Running Warehouse.
These links help support Doctors of Running if you are interested in making a purchase! Thanks so much.
Note: Links provided are Affiliate links to Running Warehouse.
These links help support Doctors of Running if you are interested in making a purchase! Thanks so much.
Adidas SL20.2
Release: Available now at Running Warehouse
Release: Available now at Running Warehouse
The SL20.2 comes after the popular 2020 release of the "Super Light" workout trainer. Version two, however, offers a major overhaul with a thicker lightstrike midsole and more relaxed upper, transitioning the shoe away from workout trainer to lightweight daily.
New Balance Fuelcell Prism 2
Release: Available now at Running Warehouse
Release: Available now at Running Warehouse
The Prism is a very mild stability shoe for those who want a stable, lightweight platform. We enjoyed last year's version due to New Balance offering something that's soft and bouncy, yet still stable - a rarity in the stability market. This is importantly not a shoe for those who have high stability needs, as the medial post is very minor.
The Cascadia is a trail staple in the Brooks line. True to Brooks, it's a beautiful combination of high quality design, durability, and fit. This year's model features an updated midsole with added cushion. Some flexibility has also been added to the rock plate to loosen up rigidity a touch.
Altra Paradigm 6
Release: Available now at Running Warehouse
Yes, we have Altra in the house! We are tackling the Paradigm 6, their stability max cushion offering. Altra's unique features include a zero drop midsole - 34 mm in the Paradigm - and a nice, wide fit. The Paradigm features guidance as its method of support to help center runners in tandem with a wide platform. This year's edition comes with a major update with new EgoMAX cushioning.
We also are diving into the Lone Peak 5, their classic trail model. This is their daily trainer model for the trails, offering a moderate cushioned, nimble, and protective trail shoe that can handle a wide variety of tasks.
SCIENCE FRIDAY ROUND-UP
Each Friday on our Instagram and Facebook we
are excited to be sharing different discussions on shoe science between
our team members and down the line with members of the running
community.
Transitioning to a Lower Drop, Lower to the Ground Shoe, By Chief Editor Matt Klein
“Watch” Out: Technology and Running, By Contributor Ryan Flugaur
High vs. Low Drop Shoes, By DOR Editorial Team
Proprioception Basics, By Contributor Andrea Myers
“Watch” Out: Technology and Running, By Contributor Ryan Flugaur
High vs. Low Drop Shoes, By DOR Editorial Team
Proprioception Basics, By Contributor Andrea Myers
COMING SOON
October is going to be a huge month as we get ready to release some new features at Doctors of Running! We also have tons of shoe reviews ahead that we're really excited, including some exciting picks coming in from abroad (!!!). Finally we're continuing to grow our podcast by the week. We've had an amazing time shaping the future of the pod around viewers and hope to keep answering your questions! Connect with us via social media or at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com so we can answer more of your running questions. Like and Follow Doctors of Running
SHOP | SUPPORT DOR
Using the links below or in the Round Up to shop helps support the work at Doctors of Running. We honestly are tremendously thankful for folks like you coming to visit our site and support our work. If you'd like to help us out, treat yourself to some awesome gear we love below, or shoot over to Anchor if you'd like to give a monthly support!
Check Out Gear We Love!
Asics Metaspeed Sky: Chief Editor Matt Klein's go-to racing shoe right now
Hoka Rincon 3: Light and more durable than before with new rubber in the forefoot
New Balance Vongo v5: Not at all expecting to love this stability posted shoe, but it's top of the game
Rabbit Running Clothes: Incredibly soft, high quality clothing for your next run
Feetures Socks: Massively grippy socks that will make you feel more one with the shoe
Spring Energy Gel: Smooth and goes down easy. Great flavors
UltraAspire Fitted Race Belt: Fantastic fitting belt that's durable, quick-drying, and comfortable
Trigger Point Foam Roller: Help get those knots out post-run and feel better for tomorrow
Coros Pace 2 Watch: Excellent watch for various running goals and a massive battery life
Theragun Massager: This small version is great on the go for working tired legs
Using the links below or in the Round Up to shop helps support the work at Doctors of Running. We honestly are tremendously thankful for folks like you coming to visit our site and support our work. If you'd like to help us out, treat yourself to some awesome gear we love below, or shoot over to Anchor if you'd like to give a monthly support!
Check Out Gear We Love!
Asics Metaspeed Sky: Chief Editor Matt Klein's go-to racing shoe right now
Hoka Rincon 3: Light and more durable than before with new rubber in the forefoot
New Balance Vongo v5: Not at all expecting to love this stability posted shoe, but it's top of the game
Rabbit Running Clothes: Incredibly soft, high quality clothing for your next run
Feetures Socks: Massively grippy socks that will make you feel more one with the shoe
Spring Energy Gel: Smooth and goes down easy. Great flavors
UltraAspire Fitted Race Belt: Fantastic fitting belt that's durable, quick-drying, and comfortable
Trigger Point Foam Roller: Help get those knots out post-run and feel better for tomorrow
Coros Pace 2 Watch: Excellent watch for various running goals and a massive battery life
Theragun Massager: This small version is great on the go for working tired legs