Study Shows No Link <br>Between Price and Quality <br>in Running Shoes at He's Fit

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Study Shows No Link Between Price and Quality in Running Shoes

Posted October 25, 2007 at 09:00 AM by Lisa Cieplechowicz

Section: In The News, His Fitness, Cardio Training, His Gear & Apparel, Apparel

Price has long been associated with quality when it comes to consumer goods. However, for all those athletes out there pinching pennies to save up for a decent pair of running shoes, good news is afoot. According to an article published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, cheap and moderately priced shoes are just as good - and sometimes better than - pricey ones when comparing cushioning impact and general comfort.

The study compared shoes in three different price ranges (low, moderate, medium) and had volunteers rate them on their comfort without knowing their price. The researchers also tested the shoes on their plantar pressure, which refers to the force produced by the impact of the sole when it hits the ground.

Surprisingly, the results indicated that, in general, there were no significant differences among the shoes, regardless of price. In other words, both plantar pressure and comfort showed no noticeable connection to price.

Dr. Rami J. Abboud , one researcher for the study, commented: “What we found is really astonishing. We are going deeper and deeper to find why we are paying more for some shoes. At the moment, we cannot find a reason except for better material on the outside. Nothing on the inside of the expensive shoe is better.”

So the next time you’re in the market for a solid pair of running shoes, make sure to ignore those pesky advertisers claiming that higher prices mean better quality. Instead, go with your gut when making a shoe selection and remember that expensive doesn’t always mean superior.

Research sources and for more information: [WebMd], [Medical News Today]; [picture]

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7 Responses to “Study Shows No Link Between Price and Quality in Running Shoes” (Leave a reply)

Craig Payne from Australia said:

There has been some discussion on this topic here:http://www.podiatry-arena.com/podiatry-forum/showthread.php?t=4633 especially the media’s spin on this research.
October 25, 2007 at 06:41 PM
Alex Price from California said:

I wouldn’t describe prices within $81 to $152 as low, moderate, and medium. How about high, higher, and highest?
October 26, 2007 at 12:10 PM
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April 10, 2008 at 05:38 AM
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June 12, 2008 at 02:13 AM
Delicious Brand Shoes from Romania said:

That is what I have always said… Why spend a fortune for a pair of shoes when you can get another one, same quality at a much lower price.
June 16, 2008 at 08:48 AM
link building company said:

Running shoes should be comfortable and not expensive. I prefer to know my feet won’t kill me after running. I don’t care if I pay 100 or 500$ for a pair.
June 30, 2008 at 08:51 AM