Re: [WSJ] The Rise and Stumble of Nike.

Dr. Ernest N. Prabhakar (ernest@drernie.scruz.net)
Sat, 6 Jun 98 17:03:37 -0700


You wrote:
> > A rule of thumb holds that 80% of athletic shoes aren't sold for any
> > athletic purpose, so it gets worse.
>
> Why would a person buy athletic shoes for a nonathletic purpose?

"Sneakers" et al are generally classificed as atheltic shoes. So, from
my perspective, anything that isn't sandals, dress shoes, or hiking/boots
are "athletic shoes". "Athletic purpose" probably limits it to
sports. So, the shoes I wear walking to work don't count. The black
sneakers I wear for minor social events certainly don't count. Only the
"court shoes" I use for racquetball count. So, I'm one for three, or
66%. Fairly close.

> When there's no substance behind what you produce, image is all you
> have. Ernie, you never told me there were "dumber reaches of
> punditry"...

Adam, if I'd told you, I have to tell you which reaches I was in. :-)