I enjoyed this article on the front page.
https://www.slowtwitch.com/Products/Run_Shoe_Tech/Dude_Where_s_My_Shoe__7883.html
I had been thinking back to my early running days in the 80's, and I didn't recall shoe models with V1's, V2's, etc, and this article confirmed that this wasn't standard practice back then. I can see how the need to launch new versions of a given model every 12-18 months can add some cost and complexity.
I don't think I fall into the classification of shoe customer mostly outlined in the article. My buying pattern has never been to purchase the same model (or even the same "feeling" shoe) year after year. I buy from the brands available at my local running specialty store (Brooks, Saucony, Altra, Hoka, Skechers, Asics, NB) and within the same "light stability" category. Other than that, it's a real roulette. Though, I am more inclined to get shoes with more cushioning these days. I used to lean towards what was on sale, but lately I've bought the newer models.
Whenever I've read through ST threads where people list their running shoes of choice, it has felt like most people favor a single brand or model (much like Hoka fan boy slowman). I have had many outstanding pairs of running shoes in the past, but there hasn't been one that ever made me want to stick with it almost exclusively. This need for variety doesn't extend throughout my life. I've been married (for 25 years this summer), and I definitely don't want to mess around with that winning formula.
https://www.slowtwitch.com/Products/Run_Shoe_Tech/Dude_Where_s_My_Shoe__7883.html
I had been thinking back to my early running days in the 80's, and I didn't recall shoe models with V1's, V2's, etc, and this article confirmed that this wasn't standard practice back then. I can see how the need to launch new versions of a given model every 12-18 months can add some cost and complexity.
I don't think I fall into the classification of shoe customer mostly outlined in the article. My buying pattern has never been to purchase the same model (or even the same "feeling" shoe) year after year. I buy from the brands available at my local running specialty store (Brooks, Saucony, Altra, Hoka, Skechers, Asics, NB) and within the same "light stability" category. Other than that, it's a real roulette. Though, I am more inclined to get shoes with more cushioning these days. I used to lean towards what was on sale, but lately I've bought the newer models.
Whenever I've read through ST threads where people list their running shoes of choice, it has felt like most people favor a single brand or model (much like Hoka fan boy slowman). I have had many outstanding pairs of running shoes in the past, but there hasn't been one that ever made me want to stick with it almost exclusively. This need for variety doesn't extend throughout my life. I've been married (for 25 years this summer), and I definitely don't want to mess around with that winning formula.