Beyond the Politics wrote:
I haven't purchased Nike gear for myself since 1996. But it's not because of any political, ethical or moral feelings I may or may not have against the company. It is because Nike products are overpriced TOTAL CRAP.
Having worked in a running store for about five years, I came to realize that Nike shoes are all about fashion and ZERO about function. Not a shoe in the line is/was better than anything made by Saucony, Asics or Adidas, and the Nike shoes lacked durability. And unless a runner had absolutely flawless biomechanics, running in Nike shoes was simply a way of guaranteeing injury.
And Nike apparel? What a joke. For every piece of "performance" apparel in the Nike line, I can buy an off-brand equivalent from Road Runner Sports or the like and save 75 percent.
If you're buying Nike, you're just a sucker.
Haven't purchased the gear for yourself? Does that imply you have bought it for others or let others buy it for you or supply it to you free of charge?
I don't have perfect biomechanics and I have run in Mizuno, Asics, Saucony, Puma, and Adidas, as well as Nike. I've been injured in almost every brand shoe, but Nike is actually on the low end for me.
I certainly don't love their evil empire mentality, and with their production volume it doesn't make sense for their cost to be so high (aside from protecting their brand), but their stuff is good.
I agree though, I look to get their products, and others, on sale. I would love to take an ethical stand, but unless I am making the shoes in my own workshop, I really can't vouch for the morals or ethics of any brand, Toms included.