Quote pasted from above:-
we never use to have any choice, there was really only
1 brand.
1 fit
1 stud type
We use to get blisters, slip on wet rock, blacken toe nails and moan a lot.
But we got on with it because we didnt really have any choices.
I dont entirely agree. It obviously depends how far back you go but a long time ago we used to have PB Trainers, racers and boots (boots in leather or fabric and with a different sole to the PBs) plus Ron Hill Rivington Pikes, Reebok Contours and then ETAs so there was some degree of choice. Development and progress in shoes is obviously a good thing but perhaps only up to a point. A bit like bikes and getting diminishing returns as you spend more and more money - eg Shimano 105 versus Ultegra, you probably wont really notice a difference in performance or longevity or weight but it will cost you more and look a bit more polished. Sticky rubber is grippy I agree but I usually fall over more often on wet grass and mud so I'd rather have studs that last longer. Its nice to have that choice (dont think I do anymore with Inov8?) but we are paying for the privilege and there must be a point where the cost of developing and producing vast ranges outweighs the benefits and makes shoes realistically unaffordable or at least leads to them no longer being perceived as being reasonable value for money.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Antisocial
