Anyone who pays $100 + for a pair of running shoes is just stupid.
Anyone who pays $100 + for a pair of running shoes is just stupid.
1.50 to make
logically can't be true wrote:
That can't be true. It seems like an urban legend thing. Otherwise, someone would put out a quality shoe that only cost $20.00. Haven't seen it yet.
I bought 6 more pair of Fila running shoes from Costco this week, for $20 a pair.
The size 9.5 are 10.15 ounces each.
mark up is 98%. that's why after a few months you see the same $200 shoes for $75 on eBay sold by Chinese workers who graze the merchandise from the factory.
J.R. wrote:
I bought 6 more pair of Fila running shoes from Costco this week, for $20 a pair.
I saw those last week. Are they any good?
fisky wrote:
I saw those last week. Are they any good?
Yes, they are fine.
I like them, and they have women's running shoes too.
One of the most successful running stores around here doesn't just sell running merchandise. They sell stuff for other sports as well. They aren't a full scale sporting goods store but they probably do as well as they do because they don't just sell to runners.
In the old days, before running specialty shops, you either got your gear via mail order or you found a sporting goods store that did sell running merchandise. Because runners were few and far between so were shops that sold running merchandise as there probably wasn't much market for it but that's not the case anymore. Obviously the big box stores, Dick's, Olympia, etc., are selling running merchandise but not really specialty stuff.
The future might be big box stores that sell running stuff as part of their inventory, the really "polished" running shops that are part of a chain, e.g. the "Running Companies," Boston, Boulder, etc. the internet and a handful of mom and pop ones that have a lot of local support.
"MSRP creeps up another $5 every year, but what are we paying for?"
You are paying for the fact that the value of your money is being stolen from you by the private central bank called the Federal Reserve.
Shoes are not going up in price. The value of your money is going down.
Blame the source of the problem .... Though I doubt 1 in 100 can understand what I just told you.
Even if you want to stay with Nike, they have models they sell at big box store like Big-5 and Fred Meyer for under $70, $55, when marked down, models like the Downshifter, the Revolution, etc. that are vastly superior to what we used to log 80-100 mpw in during the 70s and 80s. Mostly neutral , and mostly 9-10 oz. If you know what you're looking for, bargains are out there. One of my current favorites is the Saucony ExcursionTR, which Ican find at Cabela's or Zappos for about $70.
Stanford MBAs operate Nike wrote:
I found out that Nike shoes are $1.50 to make, $0.45 to ship to Frisco, $0.05 to ship to the store. Not a bad business model.
As someone who has been sourcing shoes out of Asia since the 1980's I can assure you that they certainly aren't $1.50 to make!
My current pair of Asics cost me $30 new off Ebay. I don't think I've ever paid more than $60 for a pair of running shoes
Stanford MBAs operate Nike wrote:
I found out that Nike shoes are $1.50 to make, $0.45 to ship to Frisco, $0.05 to ship to the store. Not a bad business model.
It's the same for prescription glasses made in China. Optometrists have prescription glasses made for $1.00-$1.50 in China then charge you $100-$150.
The whole thing is marketing propaganda. Research came out 2 years ago that pronation is not associated with injury risk:
http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2013/06/12/bjsports-2013-092202.abstract
But shoe companies and "running specialty stores" go though a giant propaganda scheme "to find the right shoe for you," when all most people need is an ordinary neutral trainer that should cost much less than "stability" and such with engineered "solutions" people don't need like dual density midsoles.
There are probably a few racing shoes like the Vicrtory Elites that some here probably wear and the Adidas Prime SP that I wear that are made for absolute performance and are probably built in very low volume because most would not know what to do with them even if they could wear them. These shoes are probably worth the ~$200 they charge.
But the ordinary runner only needs an ordinary neutral shoe, just like every other shoe they buy.
J.R. wrote:
fisky wrote:I saw those last week. Are they any good?
Yes, they are fine.
I like them, and they have women's running shoes too.
LOL....one of the factories I work with makes those. Brought a couple pair back for my daughters at Christmas. They are OK as neutral joggers but I sure wouldn't wear them for serious training. More usable if you swap out the footbed for something decent.
Costco/Walmart joggers are cheap and the materials used are as cheap as you can get. But Walmart takes very thin margins on their product and they do try to get more value into their shoes at their price points. But they are in no way trying to target anyone who would consider themselves more than a very casual athlete. However their workboot product (for WMT) are pretty good values.
shamateur athletics...... wrote:
If you are buying Nike, you are probably paying for this
http://www.wsj.com/articles/nike-reaches-252-million-deal-to-extend-sponsorship-at-ohio-state-1452811305
Thought you were going to say paying for this:
http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323550604578412913149043072How much does a drink from Starbucks cost them to produce? 10c maybe?...yet they sell it for $2-5. Why not make your coffee at home and carry it around with you in a thermos?
If you can't afford $140 from a local running store, go online, to outlets, to marshalls, etc. There are plenty of places where you can find discounted running shoes if you're on a tight budget.
That said, if you have a good job, are financially stable and have expendable cash, you should absolutely pay full price at your local running store. They're offering you the service of having every shoe right there in front of you to try on, jog around in, give you advice what's best for your running form, etc.
Aside from that, it's in every runner's best interest to keep the local running stores around if they appreciate the communal aspect of the sport. Local running stores are often staffed by local high school, college, and post-collegiate competitive runners who count on that paycheck and they usually know what they're talking about, unlike most retail establishments. They also often are involved in the organization of local running events and frequently donate the prizes for local races. Even if you don't visit yours much, your local running store is good to have around if you need any gear or nutrition last-minute before a race.
Considering most letsrun posters make $250,000+, you guys are surprisingly cheap.
I have rarely paid more than $60 in 40 yrs and never go to off-brands (ASICS suits me best). Just get last years model (and not at a specialist store) or something. I don't understand why people pay more - are they really such suckers?
Nike has NEVER improved upon the Terra TC's and the Columbias.
Honorable Mention to the Skylon...original Skylon.
careershoeguy wrote:
LOL....one of the factories I work with makes those. Brought a couple pair back for my daughters at Christmas. They are OK as neutral joggers but I sure wouldn't wear them for serious training.
Well I bought some Nikes HAHAHAAAA..... that were made in a factory in China ..... for my dog, and it promptly took a crap on them. If that's the kind of shoe you like then you're welcome to have them.