Run Through History: How Bad Were Retro Running Shoes!?

How far have running shoes come? We’re going to jump in our time machine and head back to when tracks were cinder and shoes hadn't been in the lab! James is here to bring a timeline of shoe history to understand how running shoes got to where they are now!
Useful Links
Submit your Photo and Video to us 👉 gtn.io/UPLOAD
Check out the GTN Shop 👉 gtn.io/TeamKit
GTN Training Plans 👉 gcn.eu/gtntp
Watch more on GTN...
📹 Carbon Running Shoes: Are They Worth It? 👉 • Carbon Running Shoes: ...
📹 Watch our Editor’s Choice Playlist 👉 gtn.io/editorschoice
📹 Watch our weekly show, The GTN Show 👉 gtn.io/GTNshowPlaylist
Photos: © Triathlon / Getty Images
🎵 Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound / Artlist 🎵
Abyss (Instrumental Version) - Luwaks
Pulling the Strings
A Walk in Marais
Run Philip Run - J.F. Gloss
Les Figures (Instrumental Version) - The Devil's Sway
Lampshade Mustache - OTE
Kids On The Run (Instrumental Version)
Elevators - One Two Feet
Strong Enough to Shine
Fix My Head (Instrumental Version)
The Future Will Tell
The Hero's Theme - Hampus Naeselius
Leftfield Riddim - Jake and Jake
Ofelia - West & Zander
#gtn #triathlon #swimbikerun #swim #bike #run
The Global Triathlon Network (GTN) is the world's biggest triathlon KZbin channel, with new videos every day! GTN is for anyone who loves triathlon: from seasoned triathletes to first-timers - and everyone in between!
With the help of our former pro and Olympic medal-winning team, we’re here to inform, entertain and inspire you to become a better triathlete; including videos on:
- How to swim, bike, and run faster with expert knowledge
- Try our session ideas
- Investigations into wide-ranging topics
- The best triathlon bike tech and gear with pro-know-how
- In-depth, entertaining features from the heart of the sport
- Chat, opinion and interact with us across the channel and on social media!
Join us on KZbin’s best triathlon channel to get closer to the sport and to become a better, faster and fitter triathlete!
Welcome to the Global Triathlon Network.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Canyon bikes: gtn.io/canyon-bikes
Ergon: gtn.io/Ergon
THEMAGIC5: gtn.io/TheMagic5
ON Running: gtn.io/On-Running
Orca: gtn.io/Orca
Park Tool: gtn.io/parktool
Precision Fuel & Hydration: gtn.io/PrecisionHydration
Surpas: gtn.io/Surpas
Truekinetix: gtn.io/Truekinetix
Zwift: gtn.io/zwift
Watch our sister channels:
Global Cycling Network - / @gcn
GCN Tech - / @gcntech
GCN Racing - / @gcnracing
GCN Italia - / @gcnitalia
GCN en Espanol - / @gcnenespanol
GCN auf Deutsch - / @gcnaufdeutsch
GCN en Francais - / @gcnenfrancais
GCN Japan - / @gcnjapan
GCN Training - / @gcntraining
Global Mountain Bike Network - / @gmbn
GMBN Racing - / @gmbnracing
GMBN Tech - / @gmbntech
Electric Mountain Bike Network - / @embn

[@gtn]

Do you have any memories of retro shoes or equipment? Share them in the comments 👇

[@compo592]

In the 80s my dad was a good half marathon runner , i was a child. I remember dad running a 3 hour marathon in silver shadows and many 1:20 half marathons in them. He got me a pair as I joined the school cross country team and also did fun runs at races he was doing. I own a new pair of hi tec silver shadow now. I wear them with jeans not to run in. Wore them to my dad's a week ago and it brought a lot of memories back for dad

[@caseysmith544]

I still use Nike Miler Cross Country for rare chance I need spikes and recently got in 2023 Via e-bay cheap Nike Cross Country Waffle 6 barely used (similar last to Nike Miler Cross Country) only as a version for spike-less racing where I need a more mud/hard trail shoe for short races where spikes are not a good Idea putting spike-less spikes on shoes. I also remember when ASICS 2000/2100 series was not crap and I could run in regular shoes for even hard trail running I did in Catskills in early 2010's before ASICS model became crap. Now I use Brooks Cascadia models since 2010 and had to load up on ASICS Gel DS racers 7 (1 spare) or 9 (4--5 pairs) when model was being stopped as well as one pair of ASICS Gel Trainers 25 las whole line was being removed for now from ASCIS this fall. I am using Cascadia 11 since model was crap on upper in a single spot I had to use Gorilla Glue in a specific area on 2 pairs in rotation. I had a previous 2 pairs of same model and did same after I noticed upper in one spot having some micro wear issue on first run and my dad wearing out same spot early on model he jumped to 12 before going to mainly Hoka models for his rotation due to age before having to stop running due to massive knee issues he gets all the time now if walking faster then a 14:30 min mile or going longer then 2 miles/3.25 kilometers in actual running motion. I also remember having in early 2001 a pair of Nike Air Zoom Waffle in gray Leather when I did sprint track one season and yes model was all leather as more performance version upper did not come in my size at store, I needed a size USA 7 at time with performance version being size 8 on up in store as only model, I could have got women's performance model in my size but it only came pre slightly used looking in a Neon green color Nike is known for in upper. I also remember having in early 2001 a pair of Nike Air Zoom Waffle in gray Leather when I did sprinI also remember having in early 2001 a pair of Nike Air Zoom Waffle in gray Leather when I did sprint track one season and yes model was all leather as more performance version upper did not come in my size at store, I needed a size USA 7 at time with performance version being size 8 on up in store as only model, I could have got women's performance model in my size but it only came pre slightly used looking in a Neon green color Nike is known for in upper. track one season and yes model was all leather as more performance version upper did not come in my size at store, I needed a size USA 7 at time with performance version being size 8 on up in store as only model, I could have got women's performance model in my size but it only came pre slightly used looking in a Neon green color Nike is known for in upper. I do remember my dad having Rebok Nylon Runners in the 1990's Gray (was a cheaper more casual model by 1990) and was model he wore cycling a long style recumbent from Madison Wisconsin to Winnona MN for a big family reunion, training for event in summer of 1994. Reason he wore Rebok Nylon Runners was price being just under $50 and fact he did not want to try a new model.

[@francoisdupreez8131]

😊😊😊l​@@compo592

[@Triple-N]

Vibram Five Finger runner here. Yes, it kills calves when you start running when them, hence you take it slowly at start. My legs were in pain for about a month but adapted after, that now is probably the most comfortable running, waking, hiking shoes I've worn. Converted to minimal footwear ever since.

[@alex96super]

How fast can you run a mile or 5k and how much do you weigh/height?

[@DanyloBobyk]

the point of five fingers is not speed@@alex96super. it's the absolute pleasure to the feet. each tool for it's intent. I got a pair and running is amazing as a training shoe. I wouldn't wear it for the run on a marathon. People won marathons barefoot by the way. Is it the best or for everyone, not at all. it takes a few months to learn and strengthen foot muscles.

[@not_and]

@@alex96super I ran a 1:26 half in five fingers, 68kg / 178cm

[@durianriders]

I ran 1:17 70kg in proper racing shoes.@@not_and

[@Sidcito]

​@@durianriders nice 🫡

[@anajovanovic265]

Retro James is my new favourite presenter 😂

[@TheFrontyer]

Its rather our feet and the ground that has become worse.

[@timobrien256]

We used to take those tigers and cut them down to reduce weight, we also used shoe goo to make them last several marathons and months of training in them

[@larrylem3582]

For the US, after the Tiger Corsair came the Brooks Villanova, New Balance 320, then the Nike Waffle Trainer, LD1000, and LDV (before the Pegasus). Runner's World magazine did shoe ratings every year.

[@peachxblue]

James’ and GTN and running’s version of the Parent Trap, one actor, 2 roles 🎉🎉 great video!!

[@waszkewicz]

Thank you! We really appreciate your work 👍

[@abdelazizboudiaf3061]

Excellent video, super entertaining and informative, keep doing the great work

[@btmzi55]

Fun video! Loved the concept and the execution. Well done.

[@ali_endurance_athlete]

Fab video, nice one James. Don't recall the model, but I found an old foto with me wearing some blue Adidas run shoes back in 1981 :)

[@YuennyLam]

Thanks for the fun and entertaining video showing us how far running shoes have come 😁

[@geoffclarke3796]

Really enjoyed the video. I started running back in 2005 in my mid 30's as a way of staying in shape having given up playing football due to injuries though didn't really get into it until 6 or 7 years later. There was a strong fitness culture at the place I worked at back then with a swimming pool, tennis court, football & cricket pitches and a lot of beautiful trails and quiet roads to run on. Between April & September we had these lunchtime handicap races of between 2 miles up to about 5K and when I started I just wore any old pair of cheap trainers you could pick up not being aware that what you wear on your feet impacts your performance significantly. The real eye opener for me was when I tried a pair of Nike Mayfly's, an early generation racing flat which I loved and which made run so much quicker. There's been several different racing flats since I've enjoyed running in and also love the Vapourfly for 10K and upwards though have not got on well with other carbon plated shoes.

[@MrAsthenia]

Thanks for another cracking video!

[@ViolinFinal]

Every shoes can be a good shoe if you adapt to it long enough. Studies shoes that minimalist shoes induce better running mechanic and a better run economy. People running with minimalist shoes showed around 11% more muscle mass in their feet which contributes to reduce injuries. When reading about shoes go for studies not made by shoe company.

[@bennipollner5240]

Then why are Pros running in super shoes? Only coz they get paid?

[@jamisons2504]

Such cool content. Enjoyed this trek down memory lane.

[@marinai1306]

Great video👍 I actually used to run in adidas SL72 for about a year, in the 2010s, don't ask...😅 And then someone gave me a pair of modern day asics gel shoes (don't remember the exact model) as a gift. So did I experience the advancement of running shoes over the decades within a year! They've done a good job!!

[@afiqjohari404]

Just did a 60km in Vibram Five Fingers. I started using in Nov 2021. Mostly in V-Run model because I mostly run on roads these days but I really wish they come up with a better trail version to tackle muddy terrain.

[@caseysmith544]

Yeah, Lawsuit came from trail runners doing an ultra-marathon in minimal shoes being ready for training but not building up to said shoes, why some models like a beefier design of five fingers with forefoot protection and deeper lugs got dropped as did another good trail model had lugs made shorter so people were less likely to go run rocky terrain running or very slick muddy runs where people were in second case of mud injuring in ways shoes were not at fault, more sideways slipping in mud was the issue.

[@stevestarr9769]

The 1983 Pegasus had air in it in the heel, it's always had air, though the very first running shoe with air was the Tailwind, released in January 1979. There WERE shoes made for runners before the 60's: "In the 1940s, the famous marathon runners, Johnny Kelly and Jock Semple, were having serious problems with the crude manufacturing of their running shoes, so Richings , a retired English shoemaker, created a pair with a seamless toe box, laces on the side of the shoe, a separate heel, a low-cut rear part without a counter, and a repairable outsole." Abebe Bikila went shoeless in 1960, but he wore shoes in 1964 (WAY BEFORE there were shoe contracts.) In 1961, New Balance started development of the Trackster specifically for runners. There are several running shoes from the mid 1980's onward that I'd gladly run in again.

[@wking8]

I switched to altra 4 years ago. Changed my life. Zero drop fixed my shin splints and knee pain. Zero drop took a few months for the calves to get conditioned but they feel stronger than ever now.

[@MarvinNeumannOfficial]

So cool to see all tue shoes from the past!

[@kxs7267]

Such fun and so interesting, thank you. My parents bought me some leather spikes (Puma) in the late '70s. They were the lightest shoes I'd ever worn, felt great on the track. In those days I mostly ran barefoot or in whatever the shoe shops had; I do remember some light but flimsy Adidas shoes. I don't run enough now to worry over much about having the "best" shoe. But minimalist fell shoes were a revelation for getting out on the hills...

[@caseysmith544]

Inno-8 I think is main brand making since 2000's a minimal studded running shoe, before this brand was making more a lighter trail running shoe and even beefy training shoes for UK Military and civilians before the UK military switched brands.

[@kxs7267]

@@caseysmith544 yes, Innov-8s are a familiar name though I didn't know details. The ones I have are Walshes, which were made by a small English company (PB?). Not sure if they're still around, or have changed name, but the shoes are good.

[@caseysmith544]

@@kxs7267 Innov-8 is a UK based Company from England or Scotland. Maybe PB became Innov-8? I only knew some info though Runners World about a training shoe for UK military. Also brand has branched out a bit and is now making some thicker midsole moe Ultra-Marathon shoes that have more studs to the few models made for running single track/flat dirt track Ultra races especially when muddy or similar environment.

[@terramclaren2597]

I enjoyed the minimalist shoes of the 2000s! loved my Nike Free's and also owned some vibram five fingers. The other day I was thinking about them and how those were my fastest days of running. But youth and being lighter was on my side back then. I'm also not that old (33) to compare my age now to my youth.

[@AranenDen]

The Nike Free's where designed because a coach of a Nike sponsored team let his runners run barefoot because this reduced injuries. The shoe was Nikes reaction to that feedback. *note it was also told in the video 😅*

[@terramclaren2597]

not sure why you commented on my comment. I didnt ask a question or for feedback and I said I enjoyed running in minimalist shoes. thats it, thats all@@AranenDen So your passive agressive comment was not needed at all. I know why the shoe was developed and yes I watched the video. Keep your negative comments to yourself. You're looking like a fool

[@terramclaren2597]

Not sure why you commented on my comment@@AranenDen. I just mentioned the minimalist shoes I enjoyed running in. I didn't ask a question/ or for feedback. You're passive aggressive comment is uncalled for. I know why the shoe was created and I also watched the video in entirety. You're just looking like a fool.

[@suttonfarms2343]

I just love this channel. :)😍

[@mad8298]

Fun retro look. My first running shoes were the Tiger Cosairs (not the Nike). I can't imagine wearing those today. I also had the original Nike Pegasus, but I developed shin splints with them and never wore that line again.

[@aidanoc19]

I had a pair of hi tec silver shadow back in the day and they're also name dropped in a Goldie Looking Chain lyric, song escapes me though! I like boost so much I've picked a pair of Boston 8s on vinted and used them for tempo runs. Still compares very well to the Adios 6/7 litestrike combinations.

[@jamestremblett1875]

Nice shot of the Bannister/Landy Miracle Mile statue in Vancouver! It commemorates The first time 2 people broke the 4 minute barrier in the same one mile race, at the Commonwealth Games in Vancouver. That statue overlooks Empire Field, which is surrounded by a 600m rubber track. In the background you can also see The Coaster, one of the world's oldest wooden roller coasters, inside the amusement park grounds (Playland) nextdoor to Empire Field. I do track sessions there often! So cool to see my neighbourhood in your video.

[@TadeuszCantwell]

As a point of clarity it wasn't McDougall who lived with the Tarahumara, it was Micah True.

[@phillyphan595]

they said the book was about his time living with them, not that he lived with them indefinitely. I think it was just the easiest way to explain what the book was about!

[@TadeuszCantwell]

@@phillyphan595 He was there twice in the book, once for a couple of days, the second time around a week. To me that is visiting them, not living with them. He learned a lot from Micah who lived there for years. If they had said it's about his experience running with the Tarahumara that would be more accurate.

[@justagerman140]

​@@TadeuszCantwell mimimi

[@andrewmcalister3462]

1960's James is awesome. 😂

[@DPS-Runner_Cyclist]

Great run down memory lane!

[@blubbblubb6239]

Maybe shoes haven't become better, but simply more adapted to modern running style...

[@GGori_99]

Pebax Foam is the one which actually being the biggest leap in shoes history.. it feels like 3 years ago but really more than a decade ago we were all thrilled with "racing flats".. but after the carbon fiber came in.. they basically ended up.. we would still love to run in racing flats shoes with Pebax in it.. 20-30 mm stack is still reasonably great..

[@TadeuszCantwell]

Take a look at Topo shoes, they start from 20mm foam

[@marcuswills6569]

I had a pair of Hi-Tec Silver shadows in the late 80's, they weren't just running shoes, they were THE shoe to wear out on the town to look mega cool 🤣

[@shariqnaqvi86]

Awesome video!!!

[@halley4032]

Read an article in a Running Mag, some 20 years ago, regarding Roger Bannister's sub 4 min mile. As he ran in older leather spikes AND on a cinder track, this equated to something like 1.5 seconds per lap 'drag', when compared to a modern 'Tartan' track/training shoe. So in modern day 'currency' his time was likely nearer 3:50s for the mile.

[@gethind-j2390]

Yeah, but nobody would’ve remembered him for running the “10 seconds under four-minute mile”.

[@idotheyeet9498]

@gethind-j2390 that isnt the point. The point is that he would have ran significantly faster if he had more modern shoes.

[@Gh_cle]

Amazing video!

[@shanedean4075]

Love the athletic history so entertaining

[@chasingtheclouds]

This was such an enjoyable and educational video, well done! Past James's reaction to new gear was my favorite part

[@daveslaughter8290]

The outsoles in the shoes in the early years suffered from lack of durability and wore out much faster than the midsole. Shoe Goop was used frequently. Now the outsoles outlast the mid soles. The original air and gel midsoles were marketed as having more durability for the midsole cushioning and not so much for superior cushioning if I remember correctly. One thing I remember is getting the soles replaced (foam midsole and outsole) on a pair rather than buying a new pair due to the cost. The word back then that the cushioning would deteriorate after about 500 miles. I think today’s shoes are better than 30 years ago, but not that much better.

[@stevedendinger5734]

I remember buying my first pair of running shoes from some guy out of the trunk (boot) of his car in 1968. He work for Blue Ribbon Sports, the shoes were the TG-22 “Road Runner”. The old days before there were running stores.

[@kraftysk1]

Highly recommend the book "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight. It's an autobiographical account of how Nike was founded and how the running shoe industry was revolutionized. About how Blue Ribbon Sports came to be and how it fell apart, etc. I couldn't put it down, it was so good.

[@stevedendinger5734]

@@kraftysk1 I agree with you. The book "Shoe Dog" was a great read.

[@L00PYDRAG0N]

I used to run in the 80's with the Hi-tech's. I was too young to understand how good they were back then. I was then given another pair for my PT sessions in the Army in 1991. That was the last time I ran until I started again in 2023.

[@jacqueschouette7474]

I think that the first pair of actual running shoes that I owned were Nike Pegasus running shoes but somewhere along the way, I remember running in something like the Nike Cortez. I don't remember if it was before or after the Nike Pegasus. As for today, I've been running on ASICS Gel-Venture 7s for a number of years. I've owned 5 pairs and keep buying the same shoe because I like how they feel on my feet.

[@faridmukhtarfatah4018]

Interesting to see that popular or best running shoes from older decade tend to be more like casual item in recent time, such as onitsuka tiger or nike cortez. I wonder if nike vaporfly or adidas boston would be casual items in the future as well

[@sigmatau8231]

...time travel is always tricky; nice 1

[@kraftysk1]

Highly recommend the book "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight. It's an autobiographical account of how Nike was founded and how the running shoe industry was revolutionized. About how Blue Ribbon Sports came to be and how it fell apart, etc. I couldn't put it down, it was so good.

[@barryheeb9238]

Still got very fond memories of the Nike Air Mariah & Air Flow. Even the first generation of Adidas Torsion

[@glyndonwakeman7420]

So jealous of those who could run in the Air Mariah. Too unstable for me. I went with the ASICS Gel-Lyte series for a while...because Dave Scott wore them

[@stevestarr9769]

The Mariah was AWESOME, both the original in 1980 and the 1988 version.

[@albertteng1191]

1980s,we got the Nike Internationalist, one of the most iconic nike running shoes then. Then there was the cheaper nike pegasus 83. I had one of them nike internationalist in royal blue with yellow swoosh. I even won the 100m and 200m with those at our school meet.

[@M.Montgomeryz]

I'm Ethiopian and Abebe Bikila is a hero to all of us. Every Ethiopian kid was told about him and how he ran barefoot at the marathon. Fast forward to now and I'm starting to take on the barefoot lifestyle. He really inspired our country and I'm happy he's still getting praise and admiration to this day.

[@shahilj]

This video should have been like triple the length. Loved it. So the Onitsuka Tiger obviously has the modern retro versions. I did a 5km in one of the 60s styled shoes and it was fast. It was really fast! Especially if just doing a short distance like 5km, the modern shoes don’t have that monumental benefit. That being said, the carbon shoes have been that quantum leap and it is a pity you didn’t get into the times with those.

[@benjamin.kelley]

Truth is most shoe manufacturers make shoes that are foot shaped. So many people get blisters Aunt dead toenails because they run shoes that aren't foot shaped and that rub too much. I wear Newton running shoes because they have a wide toe box and they have a good energy return system. I also wear Altras on the trails because of the super roomy toe box.

[@andrewtse7273]

Very funny and amusing indeed. And it's not easy to find those old shoes.

[@Atom15]

Awesome video hahha :)

[@notmyrealname6272]

Loved my Adidas Takumi Sen 3.

[@miketomkins5171]

The early adidas adios dinero boosts were may favourite running shoes ever

[@steffenstengardvilladsen3740]

I was really missing a bit of tech info in the mid section 70-00. The main info was a bit of new foam in that time range.

[@kiwiruna9077]

and no mention of perhaps the best shoe of the 80s the Asics Gel lyte😥

[@mad8298]

I also wore Brooks (can't remember the model) in the '80s as well. But having worn the Tiger Cosair I naturally leaned toward the Asics back then.

[@atlantaswelder]

I did the vibram 5 fingers but anything more than 5k a week made the bones i my feet hurt. Altra was is my go to trainer and race shoe.

[@galaxyii]

Nike Spiridon Gold, 1986, racing flats.

[@thestreakpodcast]

Very cool.

[@marklewis7484]

Great vid, shame not longer or any history of Hi-Tec?

[@stevestarr9769]

Nor Karhu, who started making running shoes in Europe around the same time or slightly before Tiger made their first running shoe.

[@yeetiesandwheaties]

Legs Will Move did a video on this same topic.

[@retardno002]

1. Onitsukas are some of the comfiest shoes I've ever tried on, yes, especially the Mexico 66. Pro tip: get the white, blue, and red ones, the leather is the softest for some reason, I'm speaking from experience; 2. The barefoot movement is still going strong with brands like Vivobarefoot, Xero, BeLenka, and many others taking things to the next level; 3. I assume that when you say 'the best running shoes' you mean long distance running, or is that supposed to be implied by the channel alone? I'm new here

[@WorldT]

should have did a test with the old Reebok pump shoes

[@danieldesmond3422]

Love to see my South African brothers succeeding!

[@mrcrackerist]

Barefoot shoes actually removed my knee pain, so you would probably need 4 to 6 months to be able to compare these shoe them anyway really fascinating.

[@Wings_nut]

I recall fondly my Onitsuka Tiger kangaroo skin spikes, Nike leather Cortez, & Nike Waffle Trainer. Sadly, the Swoosh single-handedly destroyed running by adding way too much midsole in the heel, forcing runners to heal strike, subsequently, running injuries increased.

[@jimmybondy9450]

they were so bad abebe bikila decided to run (and win!) the olympic marathon 1960 bare feet.

[@basiltiffani8850]

I wonder how running for has changed over the decades and how that might impact how these shoes performed.

[@parkergrimes3374]

Shoes have improved over the decades. The fun is having the experience of the wearing the shoes on different running surfaces feeling how they perform….

[@ImTheDudeMan471]

*How could you miss this??? You completely missed/forgot the most important running shoe EVER. The original NIKE "Waffle Trainer". I was on my Junior High 1977-78 & High School track team 1979-1982 and remember the invention. I had many pairs of the blue & yellow with nylon fabric. It revolutionized running. They were not leather.

[@joeg4487]

Same thought, same experience.

[@rastnc]

If the retro shoes were made mostly of leather, then they might need a break-in period to fit your feet better. I don't think The modern "retro" version of these shoes would contain the same amount or quality of leather as the originals did back in the day since that would make them very expensive and hence the performance might not be the same.

[@HenryNelson-vt7fv]

Should have got the Alfafly 1 or 3

[@danabc322]

Wonder what 50s Bannister’s mile time would be if we strapped a pair of super shoes on him?

[@JakovPapadopoulos-jb2gi]

To quote a yoga master I heard once when asked about running and he replied that running and sweating is for horses. Ha! Ha!

[@JakovPapadopoulos-jb2gi]

This yoga guy was in his mid to late 80’s and looked like he had the body of a teenager.

[@jonathanzappala]

Cmon James I thought you South Africans were famous for going without shoes? 😂

[@standingmaximumverticaljump]

2:29 Bruce Lee wore this shoe in the Game of Death

[@oneschance]

As an American, I say, thank you thank you thank you thank you for pronouncing “Nike” the correct way. 😂

[@DavidMaxer]

I kinda like old James😂

[@jamescunnamaGTN]

Which one? 🤔😉

[@DavidMaxer]

I will tell you only if you give me something😂 preferring something made from carbon😂

[@arturogranados1133]

Return to wide toe boxes and 0 drop. Modern running shoes ruin feet and weaken your body. You are better off wearing nothing at all--but even I think you should wear something to protect your soles.

[@Tang-qi6zw]

There’s a difference between running, training, racing, and general wear. The rocker and carbon plate do measurably increase efficiency and speed when approaching athletic times for the marathon, and those shoes need to be snug so your foot does not slip AT ALL. Then for track races, track spikes are about the least comfortable things ever, but they allow the most power delivery. The zero drop wide food box is best for slow jogging and for general day to day wear. Tools for applications.

[@duncanmacphee200]

Do you think that modern running shoes, with their insane levels of cushioning, encourage poor running form?

[@bigyin2794]

Hell yeah, that's the point ! flabby foam floppers beget bad form bad form needs flabby foam floppers!! MONEY MONEY MONEY BABY!

[@klipklapklop3359]

Roller blades are the final form of running shoes

[@nicomaloky8856]

i want the naki

[@ericxue3244]

Forrest gump wore cortes

[@gpersonaltrainer]

In the '80 the Adidas Boston were the 1st "proper" cushioned and light running shoes (as far as I can remember). In the '90, aside of the Pegasus (I've obviously owned), there were the Reebok Instapump Fury (supercool but they were giving me painful blisters). In the very late '90s another pair of "proper" running shoes came out, which was the Mizuno Wave Rider 1. They were heavier than a pair of current trail shoes (362g). 🤣 #IVEBEENRUNNINGFORAWHILE

[@Cokecanninja]

Retro shoes were awesome, modern shoes have been ruined by foam and heel lifts making it next to impossible to run properly

[@peachxblue]

TIL the air Nikes isn’t just a name, it actually contains compressed air. So do the On Clouds actually contain cloud droplets??? Hahaha

[@ironmantooltime]

Saucony Kinvara and Hoka Clifton: am I dead to you??

[@Modrunnermusic]

Barefoot running isnt a fad. Lol

[@purelyrecovery]

Great video! Perhaps the barefoot should be left to walking. Interesting to see the progressive designs over the years. 🙂

[@dawoudabdallah5121]

My his ...😂

[@bigyin2794]

Yes people who heel strike run will need fancy foam floppers to protect their flabby Achilles and calf muscles. The point about the 6 million year old fad of barefoot is that that's how evolution made us different as bipods from our chimp forebears. But obviously modern corporate Borg man knows better and, thankfully has been able to make the great leap forward of monetising chimp strike technique and making oodles of cash and support well paying jobs in Asian factories.

[@irritablearchitect]

HiTec. You're kidding, right?

[@travispfeifer1979]

Modern running shoes are so bad now. So much cushion, and the heel is too high. Plantar fasciitis is so bad in America.

[@dilliondantin]

Are you German? I think you're only the second person I've ever heard say "Adidas" correctly

[@gethind-j2390]

Never knew it was pronounced any other way, and I’m Welsh

[@agenthoini]

Think hes south african, certainly not german tho :D

[@Lemmispeak]

you welsh ? whats that accent ? :D

[@JohnBell3]

The Cortez wasn't the best running shoe of the 70s. Not even Nike's best shoe of the 70s. That'd be the Waffle Trainer.

[@larrysupersport]

Sorry, I was a runner in the 90's and Asics were what EVERYONE wore

[@io-rj6sk]

which model

[@larrysupersport]

If you were lucky the Gel Lyte III if not so much the Gel 110@@io-rj6sk

[@PJV1990]

For all the 'advances' in running shoes these days, it's funny how a pair doesn't last two minutes before breaking. All of these mesh/lightweight shoes are terrible for durability which is no accident as it means higher sales for the manufacturers. The only thing that has really advanced is the profits of manufacturers. I'd rather have a heavier, solid shoe that'll last a long time as opposed to buying into the marketing hype and having to spend thousands on shoes that break in no time at all. It is so wasteful too as most people don't recycle the shoes properly either. The difference in weight will not be an issue for 99 percent of runners as these super light mesh shoes are only beneficial for elite runners. If '90s and early '00s elite runners managed to do incredible things in those old heavier shoes then they are just fine for me. The so-called effect/performance of these new mesh shoes is purely mental/a placebo for the vast majority of runners. It has been demonstrated in studies too. 99 percent of runners aren't good enough to get any form of performance benefit from these fragile, super expensive trash shoes.

[@VictorElGreco]

Question from an ignorant cyclist: How do running shoes differ from *walking* shoes?

[@shahilj]

I always pondered this. But maybe a different ponder as I was wondering about race walking shoes.

[@footballshirtlegitcheck]

Walking shoes you mean casual shoes or the shoes that use in race walking competitions?

[@VictorElGreco]

@@footballshirtlegitcheck Regular walking shoes, for walking around town.

[@footballshirtlegitcheck]

As a hobby runner also doing cycling, as far as I experience in running shoes. Running shoes basically have like 2 different categories which is for daily training and for race. Daily trainer shoes tend to bit heavier but more comfy and cushioned that would not damage your foot due to daily running. Race shoes is more lighter and cushioning will be sacrificed to give room for performance(bouncy for better energy returns). I usually don’t always use my race shoes cause it tend to damage my legs/feet. For me casual walking shoes is like daily trainer shoes, comfortable to wear, not damage our legs/feet. And casual walking shoes sometimes have thin sole like onitsuka tiger, they are comfortable enough to walk but not suitable for running. ✌️

[@VictorElGreco]

@@footballshirtlegitcheck Thank you, that's a very thoughtful and helpful answer. No, I do not intend to run. I walk about 10-12 kilometers a day as active recovery for my (much more intense) cycling, I go for a casual stroll in Central Park with my wife etc. So that's the sort of activity that I am looking to accommodate with the right kind of shoes. Thanks again.

[@johnsapplications]

Modern 2020s run shoes look gaudy and gross