Why would anyone wear anything other than running shoes?
14.2.2022
Translation: Veronica Bielawski
Running shoes are comfortable and orthopaedic, which makes them good for your feet. So why don’t we all wear them all the time? I don’t get it.
«Running shoes just don’t look good,» my boss recently said, looking at my kicks. On his feet were classic brown winter boots à la Caterpillar. To each his own, I suppose. I find it refreshing, especially in winter, to see a splash of colour among all the grey, brown, dark blue and black clothing and shoes.
My career as a sneaker wearer started over 30 years ago with the Adidas «Superstar». By now, dozens of models and various brands inhabit my shoe cabinets. My wife could certainly tell you a thing or two about that. To be straight with you, I wear running shoes (almost) exclusively. I’ve become so accustomed to them that I find it difficult to slide anything else on my feet.
At the moment, I’m stuck on this trail running shoe from New Balance:
But I couldn’t care less about the brand or model. Manufacturers like New Balance, Brooks and Saucony were all founded on the American East Coast in the early 20th century. These companies have been producing (running) shoes for over 100 years. Their products combine the knowledge of shoemakers with the experience of countless runners.
Running shoes – basta!
The real question is why anyone would ever opt for anything other than the silent soles of a running shoe. After all, performance kicks are one of the five sneaker trends of the year, according to my colleague Vanessa Kim.
Sneakers are comfortable, functional and adapt to the wearer’s feet. In summer, I wear running shoes made for the road; in winter, those made for the trail. The latter have a Vibram sole, for example, which offers better grip on slippery surfaces. They may also come with a Gore-Tex membrane, which prevents moisture from entering through the top. There are running shoes for people with normal (1), high (2) and flat arches (3).
What do shoes have to do with credibility?
I wouldn’t mind if the bank teller or insurance agent wore sneakers on the job. I’ve never understood the connection between clothes and shoes and credibility in certain professions, anyway. There’s no direct link between the quality of home insurance and the shoes of the insurance broker sitting at my kitchen table making a pitch.
And, as we’ve learned from Steve Jobs or, at the latest, the Super Bowl MMXX: running shoes are always an option and look fly even on the big stage. Even if they were developed in Switzerland and not on the East Coast:
How do you get around?
Poll
What type of shoes do you wear?
- My feet only enjoy the finest leather shoes20%
- I'm a barefoot shoe kinda person23%
- I wear running shoes only for sports57%
The competition has ended.
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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