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I’ve never understood obsessions some people have about sports equipment

Many years ago, I went through a "running phase" -- a period of a couple of years when I started jogging for health and weight loss which turned into a fairly hardcore spell at running some 10K road races. (I did one half-marathon, but never tried a marathon.)

In the course of my running days (daze), I discovered the science of running shoes, i.e., the entire industry out there eager to get you to spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars on quality, specialized running shoes. If you aren't a runner, you can't appreciate the finesse and nuances of the shoes. (Perhaps golfers get some taste of this with the myriad of styles and functions involved in buying golf shoes, but I think running shoes go way beyond golfers' shoe obsessions.) Oh, don't get me wrong. I understand the basic need for quality, supportive shoes to keep runners' feet and legs healthy.

Or, maybe not. There's been a lot said and done in recent years about running, walking, and living barefoot. Yes, there are actual studies and "apostles" out there who insist the human foot, leg, and entire body would be stronger and healthier if we all went completely shoeless. The fact of the matter is, I'm much more comfortable walking around the house barefoot than in my best pairs of shoes.

But whether we're talking about running, golfing, or baseball -- sports fans really do tend to obsess over their equipment. I suppose sports pros are the same way, but I really understand pros who are driven to have the very best, latest equipment. After all, it's their job at stake when they run, play ball, whatever.

Lighten up, sports fans. Have fun, but don't overspend for no good reason. Use your money well and wisely. Now, about that incredible pair of shoes I picked up online a few weeks ago ...
[tags]sports fans, sports equipment, running shoes, barefoot runner, just a guy who reads the papers[/tags]