Friday, September 26, 2008

My Functional Relationship With Shoes

I walked in, said, "I need a new pair of shoes exactly like the ones I have on right now," flashed my Brooks Adrenalines, and five minutes later walked out with a box (and a new shirt and a box of Gu since the shirt was 25% off and my current box of Gu only has 4 packets left in it; you didn't expect me to visit my favorite running store and not find something else to buy, did you?).

I've bought more running shoes this year (2 pairs) and last year (2 pairs) combined than I have "regular" shoes in the last five years or so. I'm not terribly big on shoes. I don't like shoe shopping. I only buy shoes when I absolutely have to, and then I'll wear them until they literally fall apart. I'll spend good money on good shoes that will last for years, like my Dansko clogs (5 years and going strong).

Hey, who else wishes running shoes would last that long? Oh, oh, oh, I just formed a theory. What if...shoe companies have the technology to make a long-lasting shoe but purposely don't so we Obsessed Runners (or at least runners who care about the lifetime of their shoes and how it affects their feet) will have to buy new shoes every 500 miles, thereby making more money for the companies? It's diabolical, my friends, and yet so simple!

8 comments:

Zoomy said...

Dansko clogs...is there anything better on this Earth? I'd run in them if it were an option. My favorite pair are fuchsia latigo Professionals.

:)

Hmmm...I wonder about your theory. It wouldn't surprise me one bit. It's a conspiracy, man! *dons foil hat*

:D

Spike said...

And you know what else those diabolical shoe companies do, they make the new shoe in awesome colors and patters, that are to coolest you have ever seen, so cool they guarantee you will run fast...warranty good until release of newest variation.

tfh said...

I'm the same way about shoes. In fact I can't even find that much to say about this post, because I just read it, nodded, and said, "Eh. Shoes."

I like you theory, though. Personally, as much as I like them, I think the RW shoe reviews are in cahoots with the diabolical shoe companies-- need they REALLY come out with new models all the time and discontinue some of my beloved old ones?

chia said...

I just wish "improvements" were actually "improvements" lol. HATE shoes... really. I wish I was coordinated enough to do it barefoot.

Anonymous said...

Dansko clogs are the best and lasat forever. I have so many pairs of running shoes it is sick.

Fritz said...

Oh, actually I'm sure they do. The problem is, the shoes would weigh twice as much. Or be as hard as rocks. Or both.

Or possibly cost five times as much. That's kind of the problem with running shoes- they have to be supportive, cushioned, light, durable enough to take a hell of a pounding, and all the while being affordable...

BeachRunner said...

Good luck with the new kicks. Hope they provide many happy miles.

The Laminator said...

Buying more running shoes than regular shoes...well that just makes you a true and dedicated runner.

I like your diabolical theory. It's sad but I wouldn't be at all surprised if it was at least partly true.