Expensive sneakers are no better than cheap ones

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

More than 130,000 reviews of 391 pairs of sneakers from 24 brands have shown that expensive sports shoes are no better than cheap ones. And even more, owners of less expensive models were happier with their sneakers.

About research

The author of the study is Jens Jakob Andersen. In the past, he competed in cross-country competitions and also taught statistics at the Copenhagen Business School. Today he is the founder and director of a non-profit sports shoe rating aggregator. It's a database of reviews, ratings, and unique approaches to running shoe comparisons. 100% independent, this resource makes it possible to judge which sneakers are really good and which ones should be bypassed.

According to Andersen, the aim of the study is to show that "in the case of running shoes, more expensive does not mean better."

Manufacturers are actively promoting high-end sneakers. However, this study showed very clearly that runners who choose more expensive shoes are less satisfied with their shoes than those who prefer running shoes in the mid- to low-end segment.

Jens Jacob Andersen

Methodology

• 134,867 ratings of 391 sneaker models were collected.
• Price lists were compiled for 24 brands of footwear.
• Dependencies were found for two variables.
• The results are presented in two categories: sneaker models and brands.

Comparison of 391 sneaker models

Below is a graph of the average rating of RunRepeat.com users versus the average price of each of the 391 sneaker models.

It can be seen that the data is distributed randomly, which leads to the main conclusion of the study.

There is no direct relationship between the price of a shoe and the runners' ratings. Moreover, cheap sneakers are rated higher than expensive ones.

Comparison of the 10 most expensive and 10 cheapest sneaker models

Digging deeper, the researchers compared the most expensive and cheapest sneakers.

It turned out that the average rating of the 10 cheapest sneakers is 86 out of 100. Moreover, only 18.9% of all models reviewed have a higher rating.

Runners are about as satisfied with the most expensive models as with the cheapest ones. At three times the minimum price, premium running shoes satisfy runners 8.1% less than cheap ones and 6% less than mid-priced running shoes.

Expanding the range to the 30 most expensive and cheapest running shoes, the researchers found similar results: premium running shoes are less satisfied with runners than with affordable ones.

Comparison of 24 brands of sneakers

Below is a graph of the average user rating versus the average price of each of the 24 sports shoe brands.

As with specific sneaker models, the ratings of the more expensive brands were lower here. Moreover, the comparison showed that an increase in the price of $ 50 leads to a decrease in the average estimate by 1, 4 times.

Some firms are strong in marketing, others in design, and still others in both. This bar chart shows the average rating for each of the 24 brands.

As expected, professional athletic shoes are vastly superior to conventional athletic brands. But research has shown that the differences are small. Professional sneaker ratings were only 2.8% higher on average.

The second bar chart shows the average price of each of the 24 brands.

No, premium sneakers aren't bad. But it's sad that huge sums of money are being spent promoting models that runners don't like.

Jens Jacob Andersen

Key research findings

• The higher the price of a sneaker, the worse the ratings they get.
• The 10 most expensive sneakers are 8.1% worse than the 10 cheapest.
• Professional running shoes are only 2.8% better than regular shoes.
• Top 3 brands: Skechers, Saucony and Vibram FiveFingers.
• Top 3 worst brands: Reebok, Adidas and New Balance.
• Top 3 affordable brands: Skechers, Vivobarefoot and Puma.
• Top 3 most expensive brands: On, Newton and Hoka One One.

Possible reasons for the biased results

No research is perfect. Some of the pitfalls of this study:

• Runners purchasing more expensive running shoes may have higher expectations. This is logical, because the more you spend, the better quality shoes you expect, and therefore, it is easier for you to remain disappointed. Nevertheless, the price should be in line with expectations.
• Results compiled by RunRepeat.com, a site popular with some runners. Therefore, the results can be biased (in both directions).