It has always been this way. I've run 50+ years; the people running in the most expensive stuff, are most always the slowest. Unless, of course, they are sponsored/supported.
You know those hobbyjoggers for whom LR has so much contempt? Turns out they are happy healthy campers with a lot of disposable income to splurge.
It has always been this way. I've run 50+ years; the people running in the most expensive stuff, are most always the slowest. Unless, of course, they are sponsored/supported.
Most people who buy Ferraris aren't professional race drivers.
Bought an ON racing singlet and shorts for half off on both ($35 each), definitely a clean fit with light and comfortable material but would never get them at full price. Most of my teammates and I agree that you can find plenty of good stuff in the $30-50 range as long as you've got an eye at finding nice deals. Same with getting shoes for $70-100 as opposed to $150-250.
I love nike's aeroswift line of split shorts and half tights (have yet to get ahold of a singlet tho) but I would NOT pay retail price for them. Which is why I always check nike outlet stores for discounts on things. Hell I found my first pair of black aeroswift 2inch splits at a ross for 13 bucks. Just a week ago I even found a pair of aeroswift half tights there for just 10 bucks. Funny thing about those tho is that they're the version that pros get which is super funny cuz they ended up at a ross for 010 bucks lmao. Size xl but somehow since they're half tights they fit me so long as I tighten the drawstring enough.
I like to have cheaper shirts because I will often toss them aside a few miles down the trail and often I forget to loop back to pick it up. If it's a $10 cheapie that Ive had for a few years... so what, If I had spent real money I'd be pissed.
If you factor in the "per use" cost even the expensive running shorts are worth it. Running shorts last A LONG TIME. Unless you are someone that is really prone to big swings in weight gain (a most distance runners are not) then you can wear a pair of shorts for years and years.
The problem with running shorts is that you're trying to get the best fit in the liner, but you also have to get everything you want in the outer layer, too. The liner needs to provide just the right amount of support and not cause chafing at the seams while the outer material needs to fit in the waist, have the right length, the right placement of pockets, and be made of a comfortable material.
Getting shorts that does it all, at least for me, was really difficult.
Nearly 20 years ago, I gave up trying to find the perfect shorts and I started cutting the liners out of shorts and replacing the liner with performance briefs.
I could get the perfect fit in the briefs and still have everything I wanted in the outer layer.
Another advantage is that the liner always wears out first so doing this extended the lifespan of my favorite running shorts.