quote:

Originally posted by fpuhan:
As a long-time distance runner and trained running shoe fit expert, I am constantly amazed at how Nike attempts to stack up against running shoes made specifically for the sport.

Several years ago, our company had a Nike rep give a presentation, and she began her spiel with the comment, "There are some people who don't think Nike is a running shoe company." I'm surprised I didn't give away my nodding in assent! Her next comment was, "Nike started as a running shoe company." Again, a true statement.

But somewhere around the time Michael Jordan was becoming a household name, Nike forgot how to make running shoes. I give them some credit for trying, but to my eye, they have long lost the running shoe race to the likes of "old" companies: Brooks (est. 1914), Saucony (est. 1898), New Balance (est. 1906) and even newer companies such as Hoka One One (2009), On/Cloud (2010), Altra (2009). It seems that customers who buy Nike are buying the "Swoosh" and peer acceptance more than a fitted, stable, comfortable running shoe.

On the other hand, I like the running apparel the company makes.

Right now, the only thing Nike is crushing-it business wise, is it's running shoes and its Jordan Brand. Aside from the absurd appeal of fashion athletic wear internationally, Nike's Vaporfly's have been annihilating marathon records and have become the shoe of choice for many serious runners. Obviously, if your foot does fit their last profile, then you won't be using them.

I've got an up-close view of what plate technology is doing in the run world and for a $250 running shoe, its providing a number of run specialty retailers a very nice ring at the register and forced the rest of the running world to react; not to mention professional runners are banging on their door for sponsorship. Their Pegasus and Free series have become legends and those retailers that have those loyal customers, continue to support Nike. When it comes to product category, if Nike puts all their horsepower behind a campaign, they can sweep-in and dominate; the name helps, the logo is recognizable and if you're a retailer, you know there's going to be a lot of support behind it. However, once they step away from a category, be it tennis, golf, running, trail running, outdoor, fitness, etc...they disappear.

All that being said, I think Hoka has the best assortment of styles of any running brand not to mention solid business partners. Right behind them: Altra, New Balance, Saucony and New Balance.

I have worn all the popular running shoe brands - Nike, New Balance, Asics, Brooks, Saucony, etc.

I discovered Mizuno about 2 years ago and have never looked back.

(I am a 5K-10K guy - no marathons)

Not just Nike....

Disney Signing