If you have been into running or jogging for a long time, you must have witnessed the evolution of running shoes. Till the early to mid-2000s, running shoes were generally more towards fashion than responsiveness and practicality. They were heavy and superficial in designs. But latterly, the sports shoe companies started making practical designs that proved to be highly comfortable during the run.

Let’s take you to the evolution of running shoes, started in 1920 and continued till now:

1920

It was the time of 1920 when seven-time Boston Marathon winner – Clarence DeMar and his companions run the race in thin shoes, made from crepe rubber soles and leather uppers. At that time, Ritchings company made custom shoes that weighed less than 10 ounces.

1940

Nothing much had changed in those 20 years. The top runners preferred spikes-fitted shoes to get better grip on a race track. A company in Wimbledon, England started making custom-fitted spikes for runners at that time.

1960

Do you know that Abebe Bikila from Ethiopia ran barefoot and won the Olympic Marathon in Rome? He set a world record at that time. Today, Bikila, a shoe brand and type are considered one of the best running shoes.

Another 1960 revolution

A new design, Trackster from New Balance was introduced in 1960. They became the first mass-produced running shoes. Their sole with deep ripples was advertised to avoid shin splints. With the weight under 11 ounces, they were priced at only $15.

1974

And, here comes everyone’s favourite – Nike. In 1974, the first "Nike Waffle Trainer" was released. The first Nike “Moon Shoe” was released just two years before of “Nike Waffle Trainer”. The Moon Shoes were distributed to runners at the Olympic Trials in 1974.

1979

The first Nike Air Shoe, Tailwind was released in 1979. They offered the best cushioning system at that time.

1982

New Balance’s 990 was the first $100 running shoe. The TV ad by New Balance featured its plushness and great luxury features.

1986

It was the time when Adidas jumped into the completion of the best running shoes in the market. Adidas came up with its ‘Micropacer’ model that featured electronic pedometer stitched in its sole tongue.

1991

In 1991, Adidas released its Pump running shoe, with air ventilation given on its upper. It was a good running shoe that was preferred by top-class athletes of that time.

2004

It was the year when Nike’s first ‘Free’ design introduced. This design was more inclined towards practicality rather than its appearance. By that time, Nike had become favourite of all top and low-level athletes across the world.

2019

Currently, Nike free and Pegasus are ruling the running shoe market. They are highly comfortable, durable, breathable, and good running shoes selling both offline and online. Not all people can buy those Rs.5000 running shoes. But the passionate runners can buy good quality running shoes from Asian under the budget of Rs.1500 . Its upper is made of mesh material and the sole is crafted in EVA and rubber, which is highly flexible and comfortable on rough terrains.

The evolution of running shoes