Question:
According to my favorite annual
publication, the Statistical Abstract
of the United States, nationwide
revenues in the running shoe sales
declined about 12% from 1985 to
2004. My ballpark estimate is that
the average running shoe costs about
40% more (inflation adjusted) now,
than in 1985. Putting the 2 together,
we get a huge 50% fall off in unit
sales of running shoes. How come
the shoe companies are doing so
well? Is running falling in popularity?
Answer:
a lot of people have always purchased
running shoes who don't run. Since
1985, the shoe companies have come
out with all kinds of cross-trainers,
not to mention the popularity of
b-ball shoes and even walking shoes
(whatever that means). So, I think
you have people who used to buy
a pair of running shoes for working
out with weights, or other sports,
now purchasing the new sport specific
shoes.
10-15 years
ago, everyone bought running shoes
for walking around, even those who'd
never run a step in their life.
Now people tend to buy cross trainers,
basketball shoes, or urban hiking
shoes for the same purpose. Same
shoe companies sell the shoes- so
they do fine. Has running fallen
in popularity? Yes. Everyone isn't
talking about jogging anymore. But,
I think there are as many committed
runners as ever.
