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How Much Does Sneaker Innovation Matter?

With so many brands peddling new performance technologies, it can be hard for shoppers to understand what makes one product better than another. It’s on brands to nail the right mix of form and function.
A close up of the muscled legs of runners wearing Nike's Pegasus Premium sneaker.
Nike's latest in running innovation, the Pegasus Premium. (Nike)
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BoF PROFESSIONAL

On January 30, Nike released a running shoe it says offers the “most energy return” to date in its decades-old Pegasus line, with two types of proprietary foam and its Air cushioning “sculpted” into a newly curved shape inspired by the carbon plates used in the super shoes worn by elite marathoners.

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Further Reading

A Memo to Elliott Hill on His First Day at Nike

The new CEO has a monumental task ahead of him as he begins work on Nike’s turnaround strategy. Success means resetting expectations, showing evidence of meaningful innovation, recapturing the attention of sneakerheads and earning the trust of retailers.

Inside Nike’s Big Marketing Vibe Shift

The return of company veteran Nicole Hubbard Graham as CMO and the rollout of its ‘Winning Isn’t for Everyone’ campaign have helped fuel a push to restore Nike’s marketing glory after the brand ran off course. 'Do I think Nike stopped believing that the notion of winning could continue to grow this brand? Maybe.'

How Nike Ran Off Course

Nike is experiencing its worst slump in a decade, even as its competitors thrive. Insiders, athletes and fans pin the blame on changes made over the last few years that led to stalling innovation, disruptive restructurings and uninspired marketing.

About the author
Marc Bain
Marc Bain

Marc Bain is Technology Correspondent at The Business of Fashion. He is based in New York and drives BoF’s coverage of technology and innovation, from start-ups to Big Tech.

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