Nike Shoes Are Expensive - Cry About It

Nike began the release of their new Lebron X basketball shoes starting in September. Nike hopes to build on the success that King James experienced last year as he led the Miami Heat to a championship with his MVP season. The September release date also lines up with the beginning of training camp and the build up to another NBA season.

Nike has succeeded in building hype around their shoes. People stand in line for hours for midnight releases of limited additions and rappers make songs about Nike shoes. In fact, Nike recently released a memo to retailers stating:

"If a retailer offers Nike products for sale under circumstances where the retailer knows or should know that consumer response is likely to be exceptionally high, it must do so in a prudent and responsible way. Retailers should assess what measures are necessary to secure the store and ensure the safety of personnel and consumers."

So when the Lebron X's came out at an average price of $300, why was everyone surprised?

National Urban League President & CEO Marc Morial is urging Nike to lower their prices. He claims that because Nike markets to teenagers, they are sending the wrong message that these shoes are worth $300. Marc scolds Nike for pricing the shoes so high and hyping them so much, saying it is irresponsible. He claims the shoes have become status symbols that are unhealthy for our youth.

Of course these shoes are a status symbol! Does anyone really think Lebron needs these shoes to play well? Spike Lee once commented that Michael Jordan played so well because of his shoes. He made this comment.....wait for it.... in a Nike commercial! These are outstanding athletes. Obviously the shoes don't matter.

So should we all look down on Nike for pricing their sneakers so high?

NO!

If we want to blame anyone, we should blame ourselves. We are the ones in line at midnight to buy shoes. We are the ones purchasing limited addition pairs for outrageous prices. We are the ones not teaching our children the value of money. Supply and Demand teaches us the Nike will continue to price their shoes higher and higher until we stop demanding them at that price.

If you don't want to pay $300 for basketball shoes, then don't. Their are plenty of other options. Its ludicrous to be mad at Nike for pricing their shoes how they do.

Nike basketball shoes are expensive. Get over it.