Can we stop saying running is a cheap sport? Shoes cost $200 each and these elite HSers fly all over the country every week

$150 is pretty normal. The best mid D spikes cost $180. What shoes are you buying for $50? Average shoes of $130 cost $80 for last year's model on clearance.

Most high schoolers aren't running in "the best mid D spikes." And most don't need spikes as frequently as flats. Solid training flats can be had for $100-120 at full MSRP. Atreyu flats are $55 via subscription.

As others have said, it's a cheap sport for 99.5% of high school participants.

If you're in the 0.5% that can't find competition locally, the cost you put in now on travel and better gear should get paid back in the form of college scholarships and/or pro deals.

On topic wrote:

As others have said, it's a cheap sport for 99.5% of high school participants.

If you're in the 0.5% that can't find competition locally, the cost you put in now on travel and better gear should get paid back in the form of college scholarships and/or pro deals.

Even if your kid merely dominates the competition within your state/region, you should find your kid fielding multiple scholarship offers. Sports parents who take their kids all over to compete are usually happy to spend that jack because it's really more about them living through their kids' success than about finding opportunity for their kids.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot wrote:

Most high schoolers aren't running in "the best mid D spikes." And most don't need spikes as frequently as flats. Solid training flats can be had for $100-120 at full MSRP. Atreyu flats are $55 via subscription.

I'm impressed with my Atreyus... 6.5 ounces in size 9.5.

I have used two pairs of $20 shoes for the past 14 months and approximately 6500 miles now.

I have paid no race fees, traveled for no races, and bought no other gear during that time. That seems pretty cheap. But what these elite kids are doing is as expensive as all the other travel sports like hockey, soccer, and basketball.

Even if you're absolutely outstanding and national class, you can get all the competition you can handle in local college or even pro races, so travelling a long way is unnecessary. Even Kessler went to Arkansas to run 3:57 against his training partner, and in the NCAA, low 8 3k (=8:39 2M) or even low 7:50s is available at home in Ann Arbor or within driving distance at a place like the University of Indiana or Notre Dame.

Some road races cost up to $100 entry fees. Still cheaper than golf.

xczvzxcv wrote:

I have used two pairs of $20 shoes for the past 14 months and approximately 6500 miles now.

I have paid no race fees, traveled for no races, and bought no other gear during that time. That seems pretty cheap. But what these elite kids are doing is as expensive as all the other travel sports like hockey, soccer, and basketball.

$20 shoes for 107 mile weeks.

Yeah right, unless you used them on a bicycle.

new dad wrote:

I've heard my whole life how running is a great sport as anyone can do it - all you have to do is put on a pair of shoes.

Except now the shoes cost between $150 and $250 bucks.

Then if you wnat to race, you can no longer drive to the local HS meet. How much money has someone like Hobbs Kessler or Roisin Willis dropped on travel this year?

It seems like they are in a differnt part of the country every week - Austin, Virginia Beach, Florida, Chicago, South Carolina. Let's be honest, when you step on a plane, it's a $1000 trip ( least $300 for air fare (and you need a coach or parent to go with you) plus a hotel and rental car).

I hope my son does something more affordable like travel soccer.

None of these are needed for running. Grab a pair of running shoes at the local sporting goods store, we have some Brooks on sale for $50, go out your door, and run your neighborhood.

fisky wrote:

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot wrote:

Most high schoolers aren't running in "the best mid D spikes." And most don't need spikes as frequently as flats. Solid training flats can be had for $100-120 at full MSRP. Atreyu flats are $55 via subscription.

I'm impressed with my Atreyus... 6.5 ounces in size 9.5.

I'm impressed you are impressed, fisky. How does the midsole hold up? How does the ride of the midsole compare with HyperBurst?

Any info lately on the upcoming "The Artist"? It's going to use a supercritical EVA (aka HyperBurst) foam?

Link to the Brooks shoes for $50 please, ideally size 9 :). Everyone always says how cheap stuff is, but when you ask them, no one ever comes up with the goods. Let's see if this is the same.