As a runner, I'm really dedicated to certain brands for certain things that are a part of my training.
For example, I swear by Mizuno shoes. Clif Bars and PowerBars rock my socks. Don't give me Powerade or Accelerade, only Gatorade and Propel for me. When it comes to shirts and shorts, Under Armour is where it's at.
I suppose I am intensely brand loyal. I've found what works and I stick with it.
That's what leads me to my question of the day.
I've been reading a lot lately about Under Armour, best known for their sports apparel, branching into the sneaker market.
The company released its cross-trainer over the weekend and sales were better than expected, according to company chairman and chief executive officer Kevin Plank.
UA is also in the process of testing a prototype running shoe and I guess my question is this:
Will people abandon their Nikes, Asics or Mizuno's to try out the new brand, or is Under Armour too late in getting into the sneaker market?
Not too late. I'm in a running club of about 30 people. Most of us have our favorite shoes, but aren't totally loyal to any one brand, and routinely work other things into our rotation. I'm a shoe designer (not currently in performance footwear) and geek who talks shoes with everybody. In our group I know one guy who won't run in anything but the Pegasus, another strictly Asics, and a girl who sticks to Brooks and Mizuno. That's only 3 out of 30 who have such strong commitments in their shoe buying. I think Under Armour has a great chance.