A while ago, I covered here and here the story about the innovative footwear that is based on the principle that running barefoot is a natural way to prevent injury. It is not surprising that a number of corporations with an interest one way or another are contesting the fact. This story in the NYT covers the small trend for certain runners to either go unshod or take up the new foot covering that mimics the bare foot.
It is fascinating that in spite of the claim that trainers today have integrated better technology and new products, the author avers that the proportion of injuries to athletes has not reduced at all. What is not in doubt is that the claim about these innovations is leading to an upward creep in the prices of trainers and an expansion in the total expenditure on trainers. In order to hedge their bets however, they have responded to the trend and are producing rival coverings that emulate the Five Fingers running shoes.
An interesting read in itself, I will watch this industry closely not only because I have run a couple of marathons casually but also because this is an education in how markets for new products form and how established products are replaced or not.
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