Nike's Elitism

[dric]

Alright so here's the thing(s). By now i'm sure you guys have noticed the elite movement that Nike is doing. There are elite socks, bags, hoodies, shorts... you name it. I'm sure you all have noticed the prices that come with these products also. Now, I could take the socks, was annoyed by the hoodies and bags, but these new Lebron and Kobe shoes put me over the edge. The problem I have is, why so high? Are there superior quality of material being used, or is the fancy box and design the cause of the price hike? My question to you guys is simple: Where do you stand on this Nike Elite movement? Will you pay exorbitant prices for what you deem is quality, or are you going to pass? Please comment NT.

 

[andfattoo]

I have no problem paying the money if the quality is on point, if it isnt........... then im not falling for it. Elite socks were worth the money, lets see if the Elite shoes are.

 

[vood99]

Originally Posted by Dric

Alright so here's the thing(s). By now i'm sure you guys have noticed the elite movement that Nike is doing. There are elite socks, bags, hoodies, shorts... you name it. I'm sure you all have noticed the prices that come with these products also. Now, I could take the socks, was annoyed by the hoodies and bags, but these new Lebron and Kobe shoes put me over the edge. The problem I have is, why so high? Are there superior quality of material being used, or is the fancy box and design the cause of the price hike? My question to you guys is simple: Where do you stand on this Nike Elite movement? Will you pay exorbitant prices for what you deem is quality, or are you going to pass? Please comment NT.

To be quite frank, they were selling us 'Elite' level product for $150-$175 for the last few decades. The only problem now is that they've added a moniker to it and are charging $250. The solution to this price gouging is to speak with your wallet and buy this product when it's marked to down to an appropriate level.

 

[stokleythegr8]

I feel you, the socks were cool, but there is no way im going to pay that extra hike. I have a pair of KOBE supremes right now.. Ive been balling in them for about a month and the paint is chipping like crazy, Meanwhile my 6's which Ive played in for almost a year now , barley have any marks on them.. I cant justify myself paying 200 for those...Luckily I was hooked up on my 7's cause I dont think I would have paid 180 for these now, and im a BIG fan of the line.. Hopefully they wont sell and the price will come down and send a sign to NIKE , But we all know that the HYPEBEAST will sell these and NIKE will continue to increase the price...But Hey we can all hope ... GO LAKERS

 

[DsLee]

I don't understand what the big fuss is all about. Nike has been doing this with other sports for years now and have finally decided to introduce it to Basketball.
For example, in soccer/futbol there are different level of Mercurial boots with the Vapor Superfly being the highest. This can also be seen with the Tiempos (i.e. Tiempo Legend/Tiempo Elites), along with other models.

The thing is that Nike is still releasing regular signature models for less than $200, we see it with the recent Kobe VII and LeBron 9.
However, introducing the Elite models gives an opportunity for those who not only want a little more in their BASKETBALL shoes, but those who actually need it in a sense for purposes of college/professional basketball; or simply basketball at the next level.

In the end one can look at it from this angle:
Nissan offers the 370Z for those who want a nice and reliable sports car that actually has a pretty good reputation based upon its signature Z name.
However for those that are looking for something that is another notch up and offers more performance, luxury, and beauty, Nissan also offers the GTR; which is significantly more than the 370Z.

By creating the "Elite" line for Basketball, Nike is basically offering TOP NOTCH performance footwear for those who will actually use/need 80-90% of the features/technology offered.

Like andfattoo said earlier, I have no problem paying the money if the quality/technology is on point, and if it isn't, life goes on and I can still collect the regular version of my favorite signature models.

 

[outlaw2j]

i dont mind paying $200 for foams, but i dont know about these elites. i thought the kobe elites were a joke when i seen them. i dont think the performance will be a big difference from a $150 dollar nike shoe if noticeable at all.

 

[crazy ebw]

So, you give me a fancy looking true carbon fiber plate and full length zoom (when Avar convinced us all we only needed the met-head) and charge another $60?

Nope.

Basketball players at any levels outside of pickup have more access to inserts/insoles/molds to give them better cushion and comfort. So I don't wanna hear that argument. This is just another way Nike has made it for us to be happy dropping this much because it seems as if we're getting so much more for the playoffs.

They definitely look great, but like stok said, the Kobe 6 held up great over time. The 7 obviously was a step backwards in the Kobe line, with a price increase. But you wanna say it's worth the pricetag if the shoes perform great? I'm not buying it one bit. Take time, make the regular signature shoe as good as it should be and what your fanbase is used to and skip the extra stuff.

Say its a collectors item, not a better performing shoe. Don't try to make it better when it shouldn't already be broken.

 

[mez 0ne]

Complete joke.

 

[vood99]

Originally Posted by DsLee559

I don't understand what the big fuss is all about. Nike has been doing this with other sports for years now and have finally decided to introduce it to Basketball.
For example, in soccer/futbol there are different level of Mercurial boots with the Vapor Superfly being the highest. This can also be seen with the Tiempos (i.e. Tiempo Legend/Tiempo Elites), along with other models.

The thing is that Nike is still releasing regular signature models for less than $200, we see it with the recent Kobe VII and LeBron 9.
However, introducing the Elite models gives an opportunity for those who not only want a little more in their BASKETBALL shoes, but those who actually need it in a sense for purposes of college/professional basketball; or simply basketball at the next level.

In the end one can look at it from this angle:
Nissan offers the 370Z for those who want a nice and reliable sports car that actually has a pretty good reputation based upon its signature Z name.
However for those that are looking for something that is another notch up and offers more performance, luxury, and beauty, Nissan also offers the GTR; which is significantly more than the 370Z.

By creating the "Elite" line for Basketball, Nike is basically offering TOP NOTCH performance footwear for those who will actually use/need 80-90% of the features/technology offered.

Like andfattoo said earlier, I have no problem paying the money if the quality/technology is on point, and if it isn't, life goes on and I can still collect the regular version of my favorite signature models.

Your analogy between the 370Z and GTR is a terrible one. These are 2 completely different vehicles running on 2 very different platforms. Hell, one's a naturally aspirated V6 with RWD while the other's a Twin Turbo V6 with AWD.

Even a comparison between a vanilla spec 370Z and a Nismo spec 370Z is a bit of a reach - there's far too many differences between the two.



  

 

[23since85]

Elite. Is that Nike's way of making us pay more for product that has been inspected for quality issues? Because I have a feeling so-called "Elite" products suffer from the same quality problems as non-Elite products. Essentially we are paying for a name. Ridiculous.

 

[johnmckoolaid]

By creating the "Elite" line for Basketball, Nike is basically offering TOP NOTCH performance footwear for those who will actually use/need 80-90% of the features/technology offered.



if someone says they need the features/gimmicks on the elites then what they really need is some practice, carbon fiber wont help you make a shot.

 

[frank mucus]

Lebron has been doing fine with his regular 9s. The elites aren't going to increase his game.

 

[cutthroat]

Originally Posted by vood99

Originally Posted by DsLee559

I don't understand what the big fuss is all about. Nike has been doing this with other sports for years now and have finally decided to introduce it to Basketball.
For example, in soccer/futbol there are different level of Mercurial boots with the Vapor Superfly being the highest. This can also be seen with the Tiempos (i.e. Tiempo Legend/Tiempo Elites), along with other models.

The thing is that Nike is still releasing regular signature models for less than $200, we see it with the recent Kobe VII and LeBron 9.
However, introducing the Elite models gives an opportunity for those who not only want a little more in their BASKETBALL shoes, but those who actually need it in a sense for purposes of college/professional basketball; or simply basketball at the next level.

In the end one can look at it from this angle:
Nissan offers the 370Z for those who want a nice and reliable sports car that actually has a pretty good reputation based upon its signature Z name.
However for those that are looking for something that is another notch up and offers more performance, luxury, and beauty, Nissan also offers the GTR; which is significantly more than the 370Z.

By creating the "Elite" line for Basketball, Nike is basically offering TOP NOTCH performance footwear for those who will actually use/need 80-90% of the features/technology offered.

Like andfattoo said earlier, I have no problem paying the money if the quality/technology is on point, and if it isn't, life goes on and I can still collect the regular version of my favorite signature models.

Your analogy between the 370Z and GTR is a terrible one. These are 2 completely different vehicles running on 2 very different platforms. Hell, one's a naturally aspirated V6 with RWD while the other's a Twin Turbo V6 with AWD.

Even a comparison between a vanilla spec 370Z and a Nismo spec 370Z is a bit of a reach - there's far too many differences between the two.



  

I think a better example would be BMW.  The entry model for the 3 series (E90) is the 323i, but then procedes upwards in engine size and performance, (325i, 328i, 330i)
all the way to the 335i and 335is which is significantly higher in price and performance that the 323i and has styling cues similar to the M3.

 

[heshua]

Originally Posted by vood99

Originally Posted by DsLee559

I don't understand what the big fuss is all about. Nike has been doing this with other sports for years now and have finally decided to introduce it to Basketball.
For example, in soccer/futbol there are different level of Mercurial boots with the Vapor Superfly being the highest. This can also be seen with the Tiempos (i.e. Tiempo Legend/Tiempo Elites), along with other models.

The thing is that Nike is still releasing regular signature models for less than $200, we see it with the recent Kobe VII and LeBron 9.
However, introducing the Elite models gives an opportunity for those who not only want a little more in their BASKETBALL shoes, but those who actually need it in a sense for purposes of college/professional basketball; or simply basketball at the next level.

In the end one can look at it from this angle:
Nissan offers the 370Z for those who want a nice and reliable sports car that actually has a pretty good reputation based upon its signature Z name.
However for those that are looking for something that is another notch up and offers more performance, luxury, and beauty, Nissan also offers the GTR; which is significantly more than the 370Z.

By creating the "Elite" line for Basketball, Nike is basically offering TOP NOTCH performance footwear for those who will actually use/need 80-90% of the features/technology offered.

Like andfattoo said earlier, I have no problem paying the money if the quality/technology is on point, and if it isn't, life goes on and I can still collect the regular version of my favorite signature models.

Your analogy between the 370Z and GTR is a terrible one. These are 2 completely different vehicles running on 2 very different platforms. Hell, one's a naturally aspirated V6 with RWD while the other's a Twin Turbo V6 with AWD.

Even a comparison between a vanilla spec 370Z and a Nismo spec 370Z is a bit of a reach - there's far too many differences between the two.



  

I was about to post how atrocious that analogy was, but you did it for me. He thought he was smart with that analogy too.  Also, Frank Mucus also said my other point.  So they werent giving Lebron top notch performance during the entire regular season?  I wish people would think before saying something.

 

[DsLee]

My analogy was based upon the fact that the Elite series is an actual step up from the actual signature. IMO the 370Z/Nismo370 analogy would apply more to the Kobe 7/Kobe 7 System shoes, with the additional bootie in the latter being the difference. There aren't going to be as many changes in a shoe compared to a vehicle. I used the analogy to try to elaborate on the class more so than the actual performance.

One thing I do take back is using the term "need", it's true that there is no true "need" in better performing shoes. However my point was that serious ballers may want, and seek, the best stuff out to fully utilize the gifts and skills they already have. There's a reason why no one is wearing Chuck Taylors in the league right now..

At the end of the day, I may not even purchase any Elite Basketball footwear; I'm just trying to say how I understand why Nike offers it.

 

[crazy ebw]

Originally Posted by DsLee559

One thing I do take back is using the term "need", it's true that there is no true "need" in better performing shoes. However my point was that serious ballers may want, and seek, the best stuff out to fully utilize the gifts and skills they already have. There's a reason why no one is wearing Chuck Taylors in the league right now..

Nobody is wearing Chucks because they're OLD and DEAD shoes. You can't tell me that a full length zoom vs heel and forefoot is going to provide any significant performance enhancement to make it worth $60 more.

 

[mister friendly]

None of this current Elite stuff is gonna help your game, Carbon Fiber and Gold effects on your shoe will help your game?

They need to work on stuff that will help you jump higher(  I believe Rock said they actually have this technology) or drastically help decrease post workout soreness.

Im actually interested to see how the + plus technology will work for the Hyperdunk 2012

 

[andfattoo]

if they increase the tech cushioning/impact protection wise, than i can then i can see the purpose behind the having a "Elite". For those who put in hard hours and/or have joint issues (I.E. knee problems), this addition can help those people out alot. The shoe can help you practice longer with less pain (the main reason why I still buy and play in Lebron IV's. If the additions are not performance/comfort based again Nike will not be getting my money.

 

[10 piece nuggets]

Originally Posted by johnmckoolaid

By creating the "Elite" line for Basketball, Nike is basically offering TOP NOTCH performance footwear for those who will actually use/need 80-90% of the features/technology offered.

if someone says they need the features/gimmicks on the elites then what they really need is some practice, carbon fiber wont help you make a shot.


I still refuse to believe tech SIGNIFICANTLY increases each year. Fact is, Nike is a company and they need to sell their stuff. All this tech is 75% marketing as opposed to real tech advances. Look at the BB4 and Huarache 2k4. Still the best performing shoes and they are 8 years old.

 

[dmxfury]

It amazes me that in just a few years APL could design and make a shoe that has shown to make you jump higher (by how much is up for debate), and Nike still hasn't done anything like that


As for being upset, you are a consumer, you can help change the market. I know I have changed my buying habits with Nike

 

[vood99]

Originally Posted by DsLee559

My analogy was based upon the fact that the Elite series is an actual step up from the actual signature. IMO the 370Z/Nismo370 analogy would apply more to the Kobe 7/Kobe 7 System shoes, with the additional bootie in the latter being the difference. There aren't going to be as many changes in a shoe compared to a vehicle. I used the analogy to try to elaborate on the class more so than the actual performance.

One thing I do take back is using the term "need", it's true that there is no true "need" in better performing shoes. However my point was that serious ballers may want, and seek, the best stuff out to fully utilize the gifts and skills they already have. There's a reason why no one is wearing Chuck Taylors in the league right now..

At the end of the day, I may not even purchase any Elite Basketball footwear; I'm just trying to say how I understand why Nike offers it.

Bro just stop talking about cars period - it's clear that it's not your forte. The Kobe 7 Regular/System is just the current marketing gimmick at Nike - there is no proof that System is better than Regular or vice versa. The Nismo 370Z actually has powertrain and suspension upgrades over the vanilla 370Z that actually improve its performance.

 

  

 

[vood99]

Originally Posted by 10 Piece Nuggets

Originally Posted by johnmckoolaid

By creating the "Elite" line for Basketball, Nike is basically offering TOP NOTCH performance footwear for those who will actually use/need 80-90% of the features/technology offered.

if someone says they need the features/gimmicks on the elites then what they really need is some practice, carbon fiber wont help you make a shot.

I still refuse to believe tech SIGNIFICANTLY increases each year. Fact is, Nike is a company and they need to sell their stuff. All this tech is 75% marketing as opposed to real tech advances. Look at the BB4 and Huarache 2k4. Still the best performing shoes and they are 8 years old.



Amen brother. Nike's testing how much people are willing to pay for their 'over-marketeered' (not over-engineered) product and they'll keep bumping the price so long as there are people willing to pay for it.
  

 

[johnmckoolaid]

Originally Posted by 10 Piece Nuggets

Originally Posted by johnmckoolaid

By creating the "Elite" line for Basketball, Nike is basically offering TOP NOTCH performance footwear for those who will actually use/need 80-90% of the features/technology offered.

if someone says they need the features/gimmicks on the elites then what they really need is some practice, carbon fiber wont help you make a shot.

I still refuse to believe tech SIGNIFICANTLY increases each year. Fact is, Nike is a company and they need to sell their stuff. All this tech is 75% marketing as opposed to real tech advances. Look at the BB4 and Huarache 2k4. Still the best performing shoes and they are 8 years old.


each year? try each decade, the lebron IXs zoom/airmax set up has been used since the 90s, and as far as uppers go IMO the leather used on air force ones back in the day was way better for performance then the plastic flywire that is on so many sneakers now a days. 
And I have a theory as to why they put heel air max on so many shoes, its usually the sole of the heel that people wear down the most so nike puts a little piece of rubber on the heel to wear out and pop the bubble. Nikes does not want their products to last, they want you coming back soon 

 

[Naruto]

in Canada, it's $70 for the attack strong inserts. A pair of inserts isn't gonna justify $70 extra

 

[xsalvioutlawx]

Are the Elites worth the money because of the upgraded materials? No.

The upgrade in materials costs a few dollars at most, in which case the retail price of both the Kobe VII and the Lebron IX is outrageous.

Full Length Zoom Air and carbon fiber don't cost Nike more than a few dollars to incorporate in Kobe as well as whatever upgrades the Lebron's have.

The colorways are sick though. Nike just thought of a gimmick to give their customers a reason to justify the price increases.

The only reason I would buy a pair of these for retail is because I really like them and in liking them I also know that if I spend $200 on the Kobe's, they'll be worth more than I paid for.