So a celeb runner uses Nikes through its sponsorship? That's not proof the shoe company is doing anything for the average runner, which most of us are.

I imagine for the celebs, they don't get the off the shelf shoe either but get the special shoe nobody else can buy.

I stand by my claim that Nike has abandoned the average runner. They do not have an adequate mid sole support and lack sufficient heel support.

I like the Sauconys, the Brooks and Asics, but have never liked the Addidas or Nikes.

One should go to the shoe store, but needs to examine what shoes are sold there. If a brand is unavailable there, that will show a bias against a certain maker.

There are only a few off road shoes to wear whatsover, those with kevlar middles.

So what proof do you have that Asics, Saucony or Brooks are doing anything for the average runner that Nike isn't doing?

In fact, a woman who posts on a marathon message board I read was asked by Nike to go to Portland last fall. While there, her and about 20 other people were treated like rock stars by Nike, met with Alberto Salazar, were shown the new gear that Nike is working on, and asked to give their opinions on the best ways that Nike can improve their products. All of this was at Nike's expense. She runs a 4:45 marathon, so I think she more than qualifies as an "average" runner.

And as far as the elites using shoes that none of us can get, I'm sure their racing flats are custom, but I saw a pic of Dathan Ritzenheim in RW last year doing a training run. He was wearing Air Structure Triax 9's, the EXACT same shoe that my average ass had been wearing for a year. (And yes, I really am that big of a dork that I can tell you a shoe model just by looking at it.)

My only proof is my own circle of friends and my experience. When I was using Nikes I blistered like a fat man in the Sahara desert.

Once I switched to Asics Gel Kayanos all that disappeared. Plus the good age groupers I knew felt as if Nike took off a decade or two. Nike has a huge ad budget, but I just don't think they consider the average runner. Most of the distance places I post at, it is a general belief that Nike sucks raw eggs.

Boy, what is this? Hypersensitive week on CG?

Since you seem to be humor-impaired, I should point out that I made my anti-Nike comment purely in response to your warning about anti-Nike posters.

I agree. Any time somebody states, "don't go negative on Nike," it sends off the child in me.

And although people can use whatever they please I do have a few reasons to dislike them.

Again, down with Phil Knight and UO.

So, does your boycott of nike only extend to running shoes? :p
http://cougarguard.com/forum/showthr...ike#post167944

Got me.

I guess I'll be a loyal underarmor admirer for now on.

Yeah, I knew what you were doing.

You're probably right, I overreact when it comes to discussing this stuff, which is a pretty stupid thing to overreact to. But honestly, I take it seriously when people are asking for help in regards to running. Most of the time, they're asking for advice because they are unhealthy, and are trying to do something about it. To automatically dismiss an entire brand of running gear, Nike or otherwise, when it could actually be the one that would serve them best, is irritating to me. It's irresponsible. Just guide them to a knowledgeable and thorough running store, and let them decide for themselves.

I too despise Nike, although not for the reasons mentioned before. I just don't like that they thought we lived on the moon with every shoe they put out. Some hideous stuff for 10-12 years. Also I am partial to Mizuno as they seem to be the best shoe for my foot.

I'm glad I'm not the only one irritated by minutiae.

If we couldn't generalize about groups, what's the fun in that?

Down with Nike shoes!