Money for nothing (Webb)

MP-Portland wrote:

In my opinion, I believe Reebok has a huge amount of ground to make up in their running shoe development let alone their spokesperson quest.

Amen to that, MP. Reebok's shoes have sucked ever since they introduced that DMX crap. They came up with 3D soon after DMX was introduced, and some of those 3D shoes were just great. And yet they pretty much shelved the 3D and went with the DMX instead. Even the gallowalkers and weekend warriors out there who, because of their greater numbers, buy way more running shoes than us hard-core types, know to stay away from those crappy shoes.

As for Webb, unless Reebok or Adidas were offering him significantly more $ and/or long-term security, why would he go any other way but Nike? If the rumored terms of those contract are true, he better sign quick before someone in Beaverton wises up.

Isn't Sully sponsored by Reebok? I know he was for a while, though I haven't seen him race lately. Perhaps Webb heard good things about them from Sully.

Although, I agree their shoes are questionable and they don't seem to have a lot of running-specific gear(that I've seen anyway).

I agree Paul,

What does Reebok really have to offer Webb other than some $$ and a pair of cross trainers or basket ball shoes?

I have to admit, with their latest Boston Road or even the Allure they seem to "want to change for the better"! Give them another two to five years of research and development. By then, maybe they'll create a combination running/racing shoe that people can wear without changing their socks for fear of blister burn.

I've tried running in those shoes and find them far behind in comfort, form, and stability standards. The shoes just plain don't fit well!

Webb needs the Nike contract...I agree. Adidas is a good company, but they're,in my humble opinion, also riding on the coat-tails of the #1 running shoe maker in the world...

Hey MP,

I'm afraid I know more about Reebok shoes than I'd care to admit. Did you ever try the Electrolyte? Good grief, that was a nice shoe. I went through 8 pairs. Reebok stops making it, and within a year, Nike is making a shoe, the Air Skylon, that is at least inspired by, if not a copy of, the Electrolyte. Nike continues to market the Skyon, changing the color scheme every 6 months or so. Typical example of how these two companies work: Reebok has a good idea and foolishly drops it, Nike then takes the idea to the bank.

Also, ever hear of the 3D flier? The shape of the outsole is odd, but it fits the bill as a trainer/racer type shoe. Light and flexible. Have you ever seen it on the shelf in a store? I haven't. Regardless, I don't think they make them anymore. Another decent shoe design flushed down the toilet, while they push blocky, clunky shoes that hurt my eyes just to look at, never mind my feet to wear.

Man, I would take Adidas over Nike any day...the lucky bastard actually has the choice, unlike a lot of people. I get sick of seeing all the major athletes with Nike stuff on. I do NOT think they are the #1 running shoe manufacturer, in fact a lot of their success can be attributed to the appearance of their products...and that doesn't do anything for me when I'm runner 80 a week. I worked at a running store for several years, and people would bring in their Nike shoes with popped air pockets all the time. They charge way to much for that poor of quality.

Paul,

Yea, the Skylon. I like the shoe actually! I acually ran in the Sydnee Maree running shoe back in the 80's. Do you remember that shoe? I can't recall if I actually liked it or not. I must have liked it if I can remember I bought the shoe...

I never wore the 3D flyer nor have I ever seen it. Sounds like Reebok, as you say needs to sleek up on their shoe. Less bulk and air pad crap....more pressure release points and stiffer lasts.

Interesting...you talk about how one shoe company comes up with a great idea and drops it...

Then another shoe company takes that idea and tweaks it a little creating a better shoe.

Other companies do this all the time...it's called competing for the business of the consumer. Pretty cost effective is you ask me.

I wish reebok would get something going...yet they have a ways to go before I'll put my money into their shoes.

I think that Reebok is at least showing signs of getting back into the market with it's running shoes and program...if nothing else the hiring of Mark Bosserdedt is a sign of that...Mark has worked with several shoe companies and always brings in top performers into his fold...Reebok can and I hope they do at least make things interesting on the running scene and I also hope some company will put some more $$ into the grass routes programs in the US...

250K!!! that is ridiculous. Anyone else think Nike is a little crazy to be putting that much cash up, especially through 2008? I guess the luster from Webb's 3:53 has not worn off one bit in the eyes of Nike. On the flip side, maybe Webb should be hesitant to sign such a long term deal. If Webb blows up and starts winning golden league meets in a year or two and medals in 2004, I bet he could squeeze even more out of Nike. But if he bombs out the next 2 years he will be glad he took the money while he could! what do you think?

I personally feel that "sources close to Webb" or whatever that quote was, are full of $#it. "Sources" always say crazy stuff. Let's have John Capriati come right out and say "we're offering this kid a quarter mil' " and then I'll put some stock into it. Until then....I don't think so.

Actually E_Smith, I thought $250,000 was a lot when I first read it as well. Then I began to think and look around. Go to Dyestat, here, or any other running message board. Check out the threads and probably 60% are about or mention Webb. High school kids still worship the guy regardless of what he did this year. One thread on Dyestat was just about who saw him at what meet and how close they got to him. I would think Nike has people who look at these pages and know that even though that 3:53 was a year ago, kids in teh USA are still obsessed with Webb. Sounds like a good move to me. They make some Webb shoes, posters, etc. and the stuff will sell like crazy. I don't know how many people I saw this year with the "Webb" version of Kennedy's on. I think 250k is a good investment even if he doesn't run much faster. Nike will advertise like crazy and market him to be a big seller regardless. To be truthful, until somebody runs faster than 3:53 Webb will always have that one point that people will never forget and will always talk about. He is a God to most high schoolers right now.

I am not so sure that it is a mistake at all offering that kind of money...a gamble yes...but who else, at this point in time, has the best chance to become an American running hero...no one but webb...he has all the high school kids in his corner (and that is where the shoe sales are)and he has the older generation looking at what he might do as he has already taken one mile record can he get the other...if someone is going to make an impact the money has got to be with Alan...

$250,000 may be a lot for a runner... but, that's pennies for Nike.

Good for Allen, its about time. With 3rd string NBA ers getting that for meal money Im glad to see a 3:53 HS miler getting his due. Hope it happens more. Maybe people will take notice of a runner making that kind of $. Make them celebrities than watch the celebs clash on the track, its the only way it will become attractive to the average Fat Joe.

The word on the street at the Maine meet was that Webb was trying to get upper $100,000s ($170,000+) for 8 years and Nike and other shoe companies thought that was ridiculous. Basically, the word was that Webb was getting somewhat of a cold shoulder from the companies.

Now 8 years *$170,000=$1,360,000 and that was seen as being way to high.

Now we read he's getting $250,000 for 6 years = $1,500,000.

No way do I believe the figures. Webb could be getting a big amount for a couple of years, but I don't believe for a second he's getting $250,000 guaranteed for 6 years. He'll probably get a good guarantee through 2004 and then it will be all incentive based.

Sounds like Ray Flynn and his boys floated this story to the WashingtonTimes to try and up the bidding since the bidding was a bit soft. Aka Alex Rodriguez who the Rangers paid $25 million a year for 10 years when the next highest offer was really $10 million a year less. Either that or Nearman called Webb trying to see what was going on and the $250,000 figure was mentioned. I doubt Nearman knows much at all about how shoe contracts are done so the $250,000 is mentioned as fact even though it isn't base salary.

Webb will get a nice contract, but I think the article is way off. If it's not more power to Alan. We almost reported on the site that Webb was getting somewhat of a cold shoulder but didn't.

I could even get a $250,000 contract tomorrow. All incentive based.

After going back and re-reading the article I have to agree wiath wejo...I thought he was getting 250,000 paid out over 6 years and that I could see as possible...

For Webb running 3:53 in Eugene was an extremely fortuitous occasion for him. With both of their home offices in the Portland area, how many Nike and Adidas execs do you think were in the stands that day, and still hold that image of hi race even when considering his worth after a compromised season? To them he still has a great upside.

Godfrey wrote:

For Webb running 3:53 in Eugene was an extremely fortuitous occasion for him. With both of their home offices in the Portland area, how many Nike and Adidas execs do you think were in the stands that day, and still hold that image of hi race even when considering his worth after a compromised season? To them he still has a great upside.

actually most of the shoe execs view webb as a great high schooler who popped one great race. his upside is undetermined

I'm afraid Weldon is closer to the mark than any of us. Webb could conceivably make 250K over 8years, +good incentives but no way is anyone giving him that much PER YEAR. on a side note, I like the quote in the article about "the exciting alan Webb." Now no disrespect to webb, after all, the only time I raced him last year, he kicked my butt. However, the only "excitement" is the letdown everyone has after building up all these expectations for the poor kid. I say, leave him be, whatever he makes will eventually leak out anyway, then you'll all know and be happy. Once again, until I hear it from the horse's mouth, webbster ain't gittin' 250G's a year, sorry kid.