For the past 40 years of my life, I’ve been involved with basketball in one way or another. First as a mighty mite player, as a 10-year-old. And progressing through the ranks, as a player, coach, referee and spectator.

As a youngster, there were only two manufacturers of sneakers that could be worn for basketball. The two manufacturers were PF Flyers and Chuck Taylor Converse. If you were really a player, you bought the Chuck Taylor Converse. Or Chucks as we used to call them. And there were only two colors. Black or white. And two styles. High tops or low cut.

If you really wanted to get fancy,you took the white laces out of your shoes and replaced them with different colored laces to match your school colors. So your parents ended up paying $9.99 for sneakers(plus $1 for the laces). In the late 1970’s, there weren’t any retail stores specializing in sneakers and footwear. We bought our sneakers at the local Army Navy Store.

I’m not suggesting that we go back to those days. But I think it is absolutely outrageous that parents are paying $100 - $200 for the latest sneaker. Sneakers endorsed by the great NBA players like Kobe Bryant, Alan Iverson, Tracy McGrady, etc.

With foreign suppliers headquarted in Asian countries, the raw cost(labor & material) for making those sneakers is probably not much different today than when they manufactured Converse back in the seventies. So how do sneakers sell for $100 and up? The answer - it’s all in the marketing and endorsement fees. Just pure greed.

Now with Stephon Marbury coming out with his new sneakers that has all changed. The star guard for the New York Knicks has designed and is marketing the Starbury One. Guess what the price for the sneakers are?

$14.98. That’s right… 2 cents less than $15.00. And Stephon will be wearing his own sneakers while
playing this coming season. I think that is awesome. I know many are applauding Stephon for his efforts. Already the sneaker has been flying off the shelves. The Starbury One is an instant success. And hopefully some of the other players will follow suit. Way to go Stephon. Your sneakers are a slam dunk success.

Carl Kruse is a speaker and sales executive in the manufacturing industry. He can be reached by e-mail at carl@krusetechnologies.com or his blog is http://www.manufacturingtips.com

Share This

Once known to be worn only with sporting apparel, sneakers are now worn with just about anything. These running shoes are now considered to be a natural part of ones casual wardrobe. They are in great demand. You’ll see people buying a variety of these shoes from Micheal Jordan sneakers, to Vans, and of course, to many peoples favorite running shoe and very popular brand name New Balance.

It is surprising to see just how popular the sneaker has become. Just the mention the word Vans and people can literally get a picture of the shoes in their minds’. Who thought we’d be looking for Michael Jordan sneakers? Also, one that surprised me was New Balance joining the competition. With their great reputation in running, walking and cross trainers, who can blame them? We’re all buying the shoes.

The shoe was once only popular among young people but kids of all ages are coming around to the new wave of sneaker buying. Many people are simply looking for a nice looking casual shoe with no bells and whistles. The sneaker meets a lot those needs in all sorts of styles, colours and fashions. You can even go as far as finding a custom made or designer pair. How about a sneaker by Louis Vuitton? Who knows, leave a few days for delivery and you just may end up with a pair at your door soon enough. Enjoy your sneaker shopping. They’re almost too hard to pass up these days.

Niki Aubertin is a successful business woman and is the creative writer of http://www.buytherightrunningshoes.com/38672-in-great-demand.html for http://www.buytherightrunningshoes.com/

Share This

Shop Online For Terrific Deals On Popular Footwear!

Smart consumers have discovered that purchasing discount shoes online has several major advantages. With more and more so-called “brick and mortar” stores competing online these days for business, the consumer comes out the clear winner!

It is now possible to view a major shoe manufacturer’s entire product line right from the comfort of your own home. Many of these online shoe stores offer special unadvertised shoe sales and discount shoe coupons. You can even read helpful reviews on brands you are considering for purchase.

Some Major Advantages To Buying Shoes Online:

Tags: athletic shoes, boots, childrens shoes, Discount shoes, mens shoes, shoes, sneakers, womens shoesathletic shoes, boots, childrens shoes, Discount shoes, mens shoes, shoes, sneakers, womens shoes

Share This