Cost cutting at NIke is getting on my nerves !!!

dr damon

dr damon

1,895
1,072
Joined
Apr 30, 2001
We all know quality has been slipping over the last few years, but its starting to get ridiculous.   Long story short,  several months ago i tried on some zoom bb2 low n7 trash talks at the outlet. I was happy to see they had full length zoom as advertised.  (i removed the sockliner and felt the full length zoom and tried both shoes on without the sockliner to be sure)  but i didn't cop since they were still marked at 100 bucks.   Fast forward, the price has dropped, and i just got a pair, and decided to be anal and check them, and to my suprise, HEEL ONLY zoom.   I was like WTH?   how is nike going to have two different cushioning set ups in the same colorway of a shoe?  this is ridiculous!!!   i know there were issues with certain colorways of nash bb1 lows having heel only or full length zoom, but cmon Nike!!!   The same shoe in the same colorwy????   Whats next?   Foamposites with heel only  zoom too?
 
We all know quality has been slipping over the last few years, but its starting to get ridiculous.   Long story short,  several months ago i tried on some zoom bb2 low n7 trash talks at the outlet. I was happy to see they had full length zoom as advertised.  (i removed the sockliner and felt the full length zoom and tried both shoes on without the sockliner to be sure)  but i didn't cop since they were still marked at 100 bucks.   Fast forward, the price has dropped, and i just got a pair, and decided to be anal and check them, and to my suprise, HEEL ONLY zoom.   I was like WTH?   how is nike going to have two different cushioning set ups in the same colorway of a shoe?  this is ridiculous!!!   i know there were issues with certain colorways of nash bb1 lows having heel only or full length zoom, but cmon Nike!!!   The same shoe in the same colorwy????   Whats next?   Foamposites with heel only  zoom too?
 
before i even got the chance to read your post i saw your title and was going to complain about how zoomair has been completely eliminated from ALL soccer footwear as of this season. funny we both picked out zoomair as the cost-cutting measure - it's by far my favorite nike innovation.
 
before i even got the chance to read your post i saw your title and was going to complain about how zoomair has been completely eliminated from ALL soccer footwear as of this season. funny we both picked out zoomair as the cost-cutting measure - it's by far my favorite nike innovation.
 
i love zoom air , and prefer zoom only basketball shoes, preferably full length zoom. i think nike is just cutting it out because they realize the kids these days are more into fashion and they don't need to make shoes that last a long time anymore.
 
i love zoom air , and prefer zoom only basketball shoes, preferably full length zoom. i think nike is just cutting it out because they realize the kids these days are more into fashion and they don't need to make shoes that last a long time anymore.
 
Great topic. This has been on my mind awhile. I have almost too much pent up anger over this matter.

I was going to ask, Is the zoom air technology obsolete or are consumers just too cheap that they are okay buying middle tiered products, now labeled as signature shoes?


Fine, okay, buy your Kevin Durant III shoe at $80, but for $130, you couldve had an even better shoe. You can almost blame this entire cost cutting measures on consumers. So as the heel bottoms out, you have to pick up another pair. Meanwhile dude in some $130 dollar zoom zoom shoes is doing just fine. $160 vs. $130.. who's winning here?? Nike.

No one bought the zoom air trainer 1 for $110. So what does Nike do? They set a lower price point, get some athletes to market the shoe, get some limited PEs, and boom... sales. But you get what you pay for, literally.

It's sad what consumers are dictating to the marketplace, even for companies like Asics. Their best selling shoe is a $60 dollar shoe. But a performance shoe, nah, that's way down the list. I've never seen this trend with electronics or cars. "Nah, we dont need this new level technology laptop. we'll go with one thats cheap".

This leaves Nike looking like marketing kings. Great, youve got a kobe VI that is so similar to a shoe thats 6 years old, but since everything else so is bad and outdated, this model will stand up above the rest. It's to the point of pure laziness and manipulation.

I should add. Nike is getting brave. They are warming up to these trends. Many zoom heel or forefoot only shoes are $100 or $115. They are slowly creeping up the prices. " You don't want better technology.. Well, we'll slowly raise the price until you are basically paying that same price". THey won't stand around watching people buy cheap shoes without testing just how far they can go or get away with. Be careful
eek.gif
 
Great topic. This has been on my mind awhile. I have almost too much pent up anger over this matter.

I was going to ask, Is the zoom air technology obsolete or are consumers just too cheap that they are okay buying middle tiered products, now labeled as signature shoes?


Fine, okay, buy your Kevin Durant III shoe at $80, but for $130, you couldve had an even better shoe. You can almost blame this entire cost cutting measures on consumers. So as the heel bottoms out, you have to pick up another pair. Meanwhile dude in some $130 dollar zoom zoom shoes is doing just fine. $160 vs. $130.. who's winning here?? Nike.

No one bought the zoom air trainer 1 for $110. So what does Nike do? They set a lower price point, get some athletes to market the shoe, get some limited PEs, and boom... sales. But you get what you pay for, literally.

It's sad what consumers are dictating to the marketplace, even for companies like Asics. Their best selling shoe is a $60 dollar shoe. But a performance shoe, nah, that's way down the list. I've never seen this trend with electronics or cars. "Nah, we dont need this new level technology laptop. we'll go with one thats cheap".

This leaves Nike looking like marketing kings. Great, youve got a kobe VI that is so similar to a shoe thats 6 years old, but since everything else so is bad and outdated, this model will stand up above the rest. It's to the point of pure laziness and manipulation.

I should add. Nike is getting brave. They are warming up to these trends. Many zoom heel or forefoot only shoes are $100 or $115. They are slowly creeping up the prices. " You don't want better technology.. Well, we'll slowly raise the price until you are basically paying that same price". THey won't stand around watching people buy cheap shoes without testing just how far they can go or get away with. Be careful
eek.gif
 
I feel the exact same way. I miss the full length zoom and carbon fiber spring plates.
 
I feel the exact same way. I miss the full length zoom and carbon fiber spring plates.
 
DR DAMON I ordered mine about a week ago from Ebay, expecting them next week. I just pray that mine have the full length bag though I doubt it since they recently stocked them thus they are probably like yours... Will let you know as soon as a get my hands on them.
 
DR DAMON I ordered mine about a week ago from Ebay, expecting them next week. I just pray that mine have the full length bag though I doubt it since they recently stocked them thus they are probably like yours... Will let you know as soon as a get my hands on them.
 
Mine were from eBay dude out of Florida I forgot to check to see if I could return them before I did a zoom transplant and made them full length zoom. Hopefully yours have full length zoom. I should have either returned them sold them or tried to return them to an outlet. I'd be alot more upset if I had paid full price for them.

I recently bought some flightposite 2 for cheap off eBay just so I could put the zoom sockliner/insole in my old flightposite tbs. Too bad u ca t order the zoom sockliner/insoles
 
Mine were from eBay dude out of Florida I forgot to check to see if I could return them before I did a zoom transplant and made them full length zoom. Hopefully yours have full length zoom. I should have either returned them sold them or tried to return them to an outlet. I'd be alot more upset if I had paid full price for them.

I recently bought some flightposite 2 for cheap off eBay just so I could put the zoom sockliner/insole in my old flightposite tbs. Too bad u ca t order the zoom sockliner/insoles
 
I agree!

Lower prices are great, but not if it's compromising performance.

The KD line is one example. No heel cushioning? Not even encapsulated air? The heel experiences much higher forces than the forefoot. The heel only has a pad of fat for impact protection, whereas the forefoot has the attenuation of the entire foot and leg to slow down the rate of impact. Forefoot zoom does give a more responsive feel but heel cushioning is more ciritical. Nike's excuse is that Durant plays on his toes but what about the general public? The thousands of other people playing ball in these shoes that don't? Leo Chang says in the KD3 video that they're designed for the entire Thunder team. Do they play on their toes too?

Same goes for the Hyperfuse. No heel cushioning AND no midfoot shank? These things are extremely basic by today's standards and are essential.

On the bright side, at least Nike is saving me money.
 
I agree!

Lower prices are great, but not if it's compromising performance.

The KD line is one example. No heel cushioning? Not even encapsulated air? The heel experiences much higher forces than the forefoot. The heel only has a pad of fat for impact protection, whereas the forefoot has the attenuation of the entire foot and leg to slow down the rate of impact. Forefoot zoom does give a more responsive feel but heel cushioning is more ciritical. Nike's excuse is that Durant plays on his toes but what about the general public? The thousands of other people playing ball in these shoes that don't? Leo Chang says in the KD3 video that they're designed for the entire Thunder team. Do they play on their toes too?

Same goes for the Hyperfuse. No heel cushioning AND no midfoot shank? These things are extremely basic by today's standards and are essential.

On the bright side, at least Nike is saving me money.
 
Nike is saving me money too. I have a few more shoes on my list of things I want and after that I plan to walk away after 22 years of being in this. I already sold off a bunch of shoes trying to empty my closet. I Just have stuff I wear and play ball and run in. I used to spend a couple grand a year on kicks but Nike is making it easier to keep my money in my own pockets instead of theirs. Durants hyperfuse. I think we will begin to see more shoes with this setup or heel only air also. I think it has now been proven that as long as they slap a nice colorway on a shoe or make it" limited" the kids will buy it no matter what . Its really a shame but we as a community are at fault for buying this stuff. I think the quality really started slipping around 2004 or so. I will now put on my flame suit for what I am going say. The Huarache 2k4 was garbage. Heel zoom good. Forefoot dot bad. This shoe was so overhyped especially on this board it was crazy. Through In some limited colorways. And get Kobe to rock them and instant classic. I even bought into it and purchased the black purple laser colorway. I played in them twice and that wAs enough. Sold them on ebay I couldn't believe after playing in them how they were so highly revered in the NT community. Maybe its just thAt since I am one of the older guys on here and have been playing in nikes and jordans since 1988, worked at a shoe store during vacations while in med school, I can tell when the kicks arent worth the pricepoint. Bought the green lantern huraches and sent them back to nike after trying them on . 175 for jordan 11 retros ? Retros should be cheaper than the ogs . Case in point lets go back to 1999 Jordan iv retro 99 bucks Og release i paid 115 . It's just unfortunate that the quality is not what it used to be. I thought about sending Nike an email about this topic. But don't think it will make any difference. Maybe someone at Nike will read this thread bit I dont think anything will change. Thy are laughing their way to the bank and at the same time alienating some of their longtime loyal customers like me.
 
Nike is saving me money too. I have a few more shoes on my list of things I want and after that I plan to walk away after 22 years of being in this. I already sold off a bunch of shoes trying to empty my closet. I Just have stuff I wear and play ball and run in. I used to spend a couple grand a year on kicks but Nike is making it easier to keep my money in my own pockets instead of theirs. Durants hyperfuse. I think we will begin to see more shoes with this setup or heel only air also. I think it has now been proven that as long as they slap a nice colorway on a shoe or make it" limited" the kids will buy it no matter what . Its really a shame but we as a community are at fault for buying this stuff. I think the quality really started slipping around 2004 or so. I will now put on my flame suit for what I am going say. The Huarache 2k4 was garbage. Heel zoom good. Forefoot dot bad. This shoe was so overhyped especially on this board it was crazy. Through In some limited colorways. And get Kobe to rock them and instant classic. I even bought into it and purchased the black purple laser colorway. I played in them twice and that wAs enough. Sold them on ebay I couldn't believe after playing in them how they were so highly revered in the NT community. Maybe its just thAt since I am one of the older guys on here and have been playing in nikes and jordans since 1988, worked at a shoe store during vacations while in med school, I can tell when the kicks arent worth the pricepoint. Bought the green lantern huraches and sent them back to nike after trying them on . 175 for jordan 11 retros ? Retros should be cheaper than the ogs . Case in point lets go back to 1999 Jordan iv retro 99 bucks Og release i paid 115 . It's just unfortunate that the quality is not what it used to be. I thought about sending Nike an email about this topic. But don't think it will make any difference. Maybe someone at Nike will read this thread bit I dont think anything will change. Thy are laughing their way to the bank and at the same time alienating some of their longtime loyal customers like me.
 
Originally Posted by DR DAMON

Mine were from eBay dude out of Florida I forgot to check to see if I could return them before I did a zoom transplant and made them full length zoom. Hopefully yours have full length zoom. I should have either returned them sold them or tried to return them to an outlet. I'd be alot more upset if I had paid full price for them.

I recently bought some flightposite 2 for cheap off eBay just so I could put the zoom sockliner/insole in my old flightposite tbs. Too bad u ca t order the zoom sockliner/insoles
Click to expand...
There is one guy on E-Bay selling the ZoOm Air units.

I forget the price, around $20 or so.
 
Originally Posted by DR DAMON

Mine were from eBay dude out of Florida I forgot to check to see if I could return them before I did a zoom transplant and made them full length zoom. Hopefully yours have full length zoom. I should have either returned them sold them or tried to return them to an outlet. I'd be alot more upset if I had paid full price for them.

I recently bought some flightposite 2 for cheap off eBay just so I could put the zoom sockliner/insole in my old flightposite tbs. Too bad u ca t order the zoom sockliner/insoles
Click to expand...
There is one guy on E-Bay selling the ZoOm Air units.

I forget the price, around $20 or so.
 
Originally Posted by DR DAMON

Nike is saving me money too. I have a few more shoes on my list of things I want and after that I plan to walk away after 22 years of being in this. I already sold off a bunch of shoes trying to empty my closet. I Just have stuff I wear and play ball and run in. I used to spend a couple grand a year on kicks but Nike is making it easier to keep my money in my own pockets instead of theirs. Durants hyperfuse. I think we will begin to see more shoes with this setup or heel only air also. I think it has now been proven that as long as they slap a nice colorway on a shoe or make it" limited" the kids will buy it no matter what . Its really a shame but we as a community are at fault for buying this stuff. I think the quality really started slipping around 2004 or so. I will now put on my flame suit for what I am going say. The Huarache 2k4 was garbage. Heel zoom good. Forefoot dot bad. This shoe was so overhyped especially on this board it was crazy. Through In some limited colorways. And get Kobe to rock them and instant classic. I even bought into it and purchased the black purple laser colorway. I played in them twice and that wAs enough. Sold them on ebay I couldn't believe after playing in them how they were so highly revered in the NT community. Maybe its just thAt since I am one of the older guys on here and have been playing in nikes and jordans since 1988, worked at a shoe store during vacations while in med school, I can tell when the kicks arent worth the pricepoint. Bought the green lantern huraches and sent them back to nike after trying them on . 175 for jordan 11 retros ? Retros should be cheaper than the ogs . Case in point lets go back to 1999 Jordan iv retro 99 bucks Og release i paid 115 . It's just unfortunate that the quality is not what it used to be. I thought about sending Nike an email about this topic. But don't think it will make any difference. Maybe someone at Nike will read this thread bit I dont think anything will change. Thy are laughing their way to the bank and at the same time alienating some of their longtime loyal customers like me.
Click to expand...
Nike quality has gone way down hill.

I had the same issue with the Zoom Air Huarache, I bought the whole "Super Heroes" pack, tried them on and returned all of them. Straight garbage and they hurt my feet. Same thing for those Trainer 1's, luckily I only bought 1 pair at the outlet.

Jordans, don't get me started on Jordans. I refuse to buy their Retro garbage and only get the BIN series. The Playoff XIII's will be the only ones I get but even that, they were $150.00 wen they first released, no one can tell me otherwise because I have a Deadstock OG pair with the $150.00 price tag.

When the consumers, us in general, stop buying the garbage that is being produced, Nike will start to make a better product.

And, it can be done, look at the Nike Lebron 8 - South Beach, it cost $160.00 and materials and quality is way better than any Jordan release these year.
 
Originally Posted by DR DAMON

Nike is saving me money too. I have a few more shoes on my list of things I want and after that I plan to walk away after 22 years of being in this. I already sold off a bunch of shoes trying to empty my closet. I Just have stuff I wear and play ball and run in. I used to spend a couple grand a year on kicks but Nike is making it easier to keep my money in my own pockets instead of theirs. Durants hyperfuse. I think we will begin to see more shoes with this setup or heel only air also. I think it has now been proven that as long as they slap a nice colorway on a shoe or make it" limited" the kids will buy it no matter what . Its really a shame but we as a community are at fault for buying this stuff. I think the quality really started slipping around 2004 or so. I will now put on my flame suit for what I am going say. The Huarache 2k4 was garbage. Heel zoom good. Forefoot dot bad. This shoe was so overhyped especially on this board it was crazy. Through In some limited colorways. And get Kobe to rock them and instant classic. I even bought into it and purchased the black purple laser colorway. I played in them twice and that wAs enough. Sold them on ebay I couldn't believe after playing in them how they were so highly revered in the NT community. Maybe its just thAt since I am one of the older guys on here and have been playing in nikes and jordans since 1988, worked at a shoe store during vacations while in med school, I can tell when the kicks arent worth the pricepoint. Bought the green lantern huraches and sent them back to nike after trying them on . 175 for jordan 11 retros ? Retros should be cheaper than the ogs . Case in point lets go back to 1999 Jordan iv retro 99 bucks Og release i paid 115 . It's just unfortunate that the quality is not what it used to be. I thought about sending Nike an email about this topic. But don't think it will make any difference. Maybe someone at Nike will read this thread bit I dont think anything will change. Thy are laughing their way to the bank and at the same time alienating some of their longtime loyal customers like me.
Click to expand...
Nike quality has gone way down hill.

I had the same issue with the Zoom Air Huarache, I bought the whole "Super Heroes" pack, tried them on and returned all of them. Straight garbage and they hurt my feet. Same thing for those Trainer 1's, luckily I only bought 1 pair at the outlet.

Jordans, don't get me started on Jordans. I refuse to buy their Retro garbage and only get the BIN series. The Playoff XIII's will be the only ones I get but even that, they were $150.00 wen they first released, no one can tell me otherwise because I have a Deadstock OG pair with the $150.00 price tag.

When the consumers, us in general, stop buying the garbage that is being produced, Nike will start to make a better product.

And, it can be done, look at the Nike Lebron 8 - South Beach, it cost $160.00 and materials and quality is way better than any Jordan release these year.
 
Your comments are definately on point.  I too plan to pick up the playoff XIIIs and XIIs because  both of my OGs no longer fit me and i sold them. thanks for the zoom unit info,  i had an extra pair of zoom units i bought from another member on here that i used to perform the zoom transplant on the bb2 lows. JCA998 thanks again for helping me out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

kickkollector
V2K Run
Replies
1
Views
1K
bigevan23
bigevan23
P
Looking for more history on the Nike Puerto Rico collection
Replies
3
Views
1K
Cnowledge
Cnowledge
dblplay1212
StockX scamming? How is this legal?
2
Replies
49
Views
4K
dinyc3st
dinyc3st
P
Jordan 5 aqua made in Vietnam legit check
Replies
0
Views
587
placeholderusername
P
barrebaby
So will we ever see JB drop the retro 4+ blue speckle that was supposed to be after 25 years of waiting?
Replies
11
Views
3K
airdhazzal
airdhazzal

The ultimate sneaker enthusiast community.

NikeTalk was created as a way of giving back to both the sneaker enthusiast community and to the greater global community of which we are all a part.

NikeTalk is NOT affiliated with Nike Inc. in any way, shape, or form. All opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Nike, Inc.

© 1999-2024 NikeTalk.com

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom