It is hard to imagine that there was not someone inside of Nike that lost their faith in humanity when the pitch for these things was originally taking off.

  • eyeon@lemmy.world
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    4 months ago

    If anything the gap is bigger than ever as the top end shoes are basically performance enhancers like the nike airflys used to set most records…and their new vaporflys being banned in the Olympics.

    I guess it’s better than hyper expensive shoes just being a paying for a brand thing?

    • xthexder@l.sw0.com
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      4 months ago

      I thought the shoe market had nothing to do with actual usefulness, just how rare they are. It’s not like most of the people buying these expensive shoes actually wear them.

        • xthexder@l.sw0.com
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          4 months ago

          I wasn’t aware there was a difference. What classifies a shoe as a runner vs a sneaker? It seems like there’s a ton of overlap to me

          • Cheesus@lemmy.world
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            4 months ago

            Running shoes will focus on function with support, breathability, moisture wicking, and breathability. They aren’t necessarily the most comfy shoes to walk in because your gait is different walking vs running. The front of the shoe will have more cushion to help support you pushing off in your running stride.

            Sneakers are meant to be more stylish everyday shoe. They focus more on form over function.

            You’re right there can be overlap. Adidas ultra boosts are stylish enough to be worn every day and are technically a running shoe. Not a lot of runners use them but they do offer the function of a running shoe.

            • xthexder@l.sw0.com
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              4 months ago

              Interesting to know. I’ve been buying running shoes and wearing them everyday. I don’t even run or jog really. I guess I could be buying sneakers and they might end up more comfortable? At the rate I wear through shoes though, my current ones will probably last another 5 years.

              • Ledivin@lemmy.world
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                4 months ago

                A good sneaker will virtually always be way more comfortable than a good running shoe. To risk going with an extreme analogy, it’s like trying to hammer a nail with a sledgehammer - it will get the job done, sure, but it’s absolutely not made for that.

    • ✺roguetrick✺@lemmy.world
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      4 months ago

      In the end you can start making a shoe that almost functions like a prosthetic. We are not animals designed to always be running, but with a few tweaks you can make that closer to be true.