LOLZLetter 324 | Not Every Runner Belongs at the Start Line

Why “you showed up” isn’t always good enough

Welcome,

Let’s get this out of the way: yes, running is for everyone. But not every race is. If you're new, you might think that this post is pace oriented. But believe me, it's not. It's about the rise of people running races (especially marathons) when they are not prepared. Heck, people even bragging on social media: “I haven’t run more than a couple miles in months but I’m running a marathon”. How did we get here? Because it’s not a flex.

And not every runner belongs at every start line...especially if they’re undertrained.

We know by now it’s better to arrive undertrained than overtrained. But that doesn’t mean “untrained.” There’s a difference between missing a long run or two and showing up to a marathon after not running more than five miles in months.

This post isn’t meant to gatekeep running. It’s about safety, responsibility, and the reality that “just showing up” can sometimes do more harm than good. We are all busy, and for most of us running isn’t our full time job. Even “influencers” who make money from the sport of running and influencing, don’t need to be harming their bodies to actively make money in the influencing world…that’s a post for another day.

The Rise of the “Just Show Up” Mentality

In recent years, there’s been a big push to celebrate participation. You’ll hear things like:

• “Finishing is winning.”

• “PR or ER.” (No, just no.)

• “You’re lapping everyone on the couch.”

• “It doesn’t matter how fast...just show up!” I do believe this can be a good one in the right context. (Because a 2:10 marathoner and a 8 hour marathoner are both marathoners).

And while I love seeing runners of all levels toe the line, we have to be honest: there’s a massive difference between showing up to a 5K with little training and jumping into a marathon you’re nowhere near ready to complete.

Running a race...especially long ones like half marathons, marathons, and ultras, isn’t just a personal journey. It’s a moving machine involving road closures, volunteers, medical support, pace groups, and tight cutoffs. It only works when everyone on the course has done at least the bare minimum of preparation.

Lately, I’ve seen more runners post things like “Haven’t trained at all but running 26.2 tomorrow!” Most of the time, I don’t buy it. They’ve either missed a couple runs and are exaggerating for attention, or they’ve secretly trained. But if they really haven’t run, it’s not inspiring...it’s reckless.

There’s a difference between someone who has run 100 marathons and someone who has run none. BUT it all goes back to Do running influencers owe it to their followers to train smart?

How Undertrained Runners Affect Everyone

If someone crashes and burns at mile 8 of a half marathon, that’s their problem, right? Not always.

• Medical resources get stretched. Aid stations and medics may be overwhelmed by runners hitting the wall too early, putting others at risk.

• Cutoffs become chaos. When undertrained runners fall way off pace and refuse to quit, buses are delayed, volunteers stay longer, and roads reopen with runners still out.

• Course crowding worsens. Especially in larger races, unprepared runners starting too far forward or weaving unpredictably make the race harder for others. Have you ever been behind someone in a race who suddenly stops? It can cause a runner pile up.

• Emotional toll. Watching someone in visible distress at mile 3 because they didn’t train takes a toll on fellow runners too. It’s uncomfortable and concerning. Likely that’s what those fellow runners are going to think about during their race and they’ll be in the wrong headspace.

No one talks enough about how showing up unprepared doesn’t just impact your race…it impacts everyone else’s too.

Race Day Isn’t a Selfie Opportunity

Let’s be real: some people register for races just to post about it. We’ve all seen it...someone shows up in a fit that costs more than your mortgage just to snap a finish line photo.

Running for fun is great. Running for mental health is real. But running for content? That’s where things get murky...especially if that person didn’t train and is encouraging others to “just go for it.”

You don’t need to run a marathon to prove you’re a runner. And you definitely don’t need to run a marathon unprepared to prove something to the internet. As I head into 5K season, I can confirm that every race distance is rewarding and hard if you push yourself.

There’s No Shame in Waiting

Here’s what we don’t say enough: it’s okay to not be ready.

There’s no shame in pulling out of a race when training didn’t go as planned. I’ve DNSed more races than many people have even entered, and I feel zero shame about it. There’s no shame in choosing a shorter distance or focusing on building your base.

But there is shame in risking injury...or glamorizing injury...because you want the medal more than you want the miles. “I paid for it, so I have to run” is a weak argument. If you run yourself into a stress fracture or muscle tear, you could be paying for it for years and that race entry fee you refused to give up is void.

We glorify finish lines like they’re the only thing that matters. But the training...the quiet, repetitive, boring grind...is what actually makes you a runner.

So…Who Does Belong at the Start Line?

You do, if you:

• Respect the distance and the course

• Train to your ability

• Understand what’s being asked of you on race day

• Prioritize your safety and the safety of others

You don’t need to be fast. You don’t need a fancy watch or a carbon-plated shoe. You just need to respect the commitment you made when you signed up.

Final Thoughts

The start line isn’t a stage. By being at the start, you’re saying you’re showing up not just for yourself, but for the volunteers, medical staff, race directors, and fellow runners who make that day possible.

As I mentioned, running is for everyone. But racing? You need to consider yourself as well as others.

I always appreciate hearing thoughts from readers.

What is keeping me entertained?

Nike Vaporfly 4 Shoe Review

Nike Streakfly 2 Shoe Review

April Training Log: Breaking 90 in the half and travel

They Competed In The Olympics And Won Marathons—Now They Run With The Rest Of Us

Balancing Bikes, Life, and Duty: I rarely get to interview people I know, so it was fun interviewing my husband, Tim.

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LOLZLetter 323 | Are Runners Buying Too Much Stuff?

Welcome,

Are Runners Buying Too Much Stuff?

I felt this way for a while and if you follow me on instagram, you know I've been getting rid of a lot of stuff. It’s hard to ignore the fact that running...a sport known for being simple...is now saturated with gear, gadgets, and trends. The same sport that once just needed a pair of sneakers and an open road has evolved into a multibillion-dollar industry. From carbon-plated shoes to smart watches to daily recovery tools, runners have more stuff than ever before. Recently, there is an influx of new carbon plated shoes that are $300 or more and that is only going to become more common.

But it begs the question: Are runners buying too much stuff?

I think in general most people are buying too much stuff but let’s talk about it.

The Simplicity of Running...Gone?

Running has always had that “low barrier to entry” appeal. In theory, all you need is a decent pair of shoes. (Although if you live in the US, expect running shoes to increase in price after the tariffs). The new Brooks Ghost 17 is now $150...

But the modern running scene has turned into a gear-heavy, tech-driven world of endless options. Shoes alone are no longer just shoes. There are trainers, racing shoes, tempo shoes, recovery shoes, and trail shoes...often from the same brand and within the same model line. There is the Saucony Endorphin Speed, Pro, Trainer, Elite...).

Runners are no longer asking, “Do I have the right shoes?” They’re asking, “Do I need the daily trainer version 2 for this loop and the carbon-plated speed version for my weekend long run?”

And the answer is usually: “Yes. And maybe grab the recovery slides while you’re at it.”

Why Are Runners Buying So Much?

The running industry has learned how to market well...really well. Between flashy social media ads, influencer unboxings, and pro-athlete endorsements, the fear of missing out is real. I felt this way with the launch of the new carbon plated Puma shoe.

Brands launch new versions of the same product multiple times a year, and the messaging is always the same: this is lighter, faster, more efficient, the best ever. Is last years version not good? Of course it is, it was the best just a few months ago.

Add in the rise of online running communities and the pressure to stay up to date becomes even more intense. It’s not just about performance anymore. It’s about aesthetics, trends, and being part of the crowd. Matching kits, limited-edition colorways, new watch updates...you name it, someone out there is collecting it like Pokémon cards.

Now, many brands use the scarcity tactic. Brands like Bandit are doing limited drops that you need to be online at X time to even have a chance of buying a piece of their gear. Gear you probably don't need, but who doesn't want exclusive gear.

And spoiler: those tactics are working.

Shoe Rotation Overload

One of the biggest culprits in running consumerism? The overstuffed shoe rotation. Sure, rotating shoes can reduce injury risk and help shoes last longer, but some runners now have full-on shoe closets. Daily trainer, speed day shoe, long run shoe, short run shoe, soft recovery shoe, trail shoe, treadmill shoe. And that’s before we even get into color preferences. I personally know of people (and no shade) that have a different colors of the exact same shoe to match outfits. And hey, that's there prerogative but you don't need it.

The line between “helpful variety” and “total excess” has gotten blurry. The truth is, most runners could train just fine in one or two pairs of shoes...but that’s not the message they’re hearing.

How many running shoes do you need? Just one. But if you are looking to hit your potential, you will likely benefit with a workout and race shoe, and then a daily trainer. That's it. I wrote about that in my ebook.

Tech Dependency

We also can’t talk about consumerism in running without bringing up the explosion of wearable tech. GPS watches went from a luxury item to something many runners now feel they need to train “correctly.” I remember seeing my first Garmin watch in 2010, but it was not the norm. Now? Heart rate monitors, stride pods, power meters, smart rings...some runners are tracking more data than a lab experiment. (and truthfully, your GPS product may have all that but how many people are using all of that??)

And while these tools can be helpful, they can also become a crutch. There’s nothing wrong with using tech to improve training, but when your watch dies and you cancel your run? That’s when we’ve got a problem. I encourage people to do a once a week run without their watch. I guarantee you don't need the amount of data you think you do. Ask my dad who has been running successfully for years and never owned a GPS watch. ;)

Recovery Products Galore

Finally, probably the biggest change in the last 10 years is the recovery gear market. From having multiple foam rollers and massage guns to purchasing an entire sauna. If you’re not recovering with a $600 massage gun, are you even trying? Recovery culture has also exploded, with tools ranging from compression boots to anti-inflammatory supplements to cryotherapy sessions. Again, some of it is great. But a lot of it is overpriced and unnecessary.

Most runners would benefit more from consistent sleep, hydration, and nutrition than they would from the latest “recovery innovation.”

But let’s be honest...those don’t make good Instagram posts.

So... Are Runners Buying Too Much Stuff?

Short answer: probably.

Longer answer: the rise in consumerism in the running industry isn’t all bad. It shows that the sport is growing, and more people are excited to participate. New shoes and tools can help keep training fresh and exciting. For runners who love geeking out over gear, it's a form of motivation. But there’s a point where it turns into noise.

Buying new things doesn’t automatically make us better runners. Consistency, smart training, and good recovery habits do. You can PR in an outdated shoe if you’ve put in the work. You can progress without the latest tech if you listen to your body. You don’t need every new product to prove that you take the sport seriously.

If you’re asking yourself, are runners buying too much stuff?, it might be time to step back and evaluate your own habits. Keep in mind, this newsletter was inspired by my own accumulation of stuff so I understand.

Are you buying gear because it fills a training need or because everyone else is doing it? Are you feeling pressure to keep up, or are you buying because it genuinely helps your performance and joy?

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need All of It

If you love trying new gear, cool. There’s nothing wrong with being excited about what’s new. But you don’t need the newest shoe drop, the trendiest recovery tool, or the fanciest watch to enjoy running or to improve at it.

Before buying something, ask yourself:

• Will I actually use this consistently?

• Is this replacing something that still works? Do you have a running shoe that fulfills this role already?

• Am I buying this because I saw someone else use it...or because it fills a need in my running?

The running industry isn’t going to stop marketing to you. There will always be a new “must-have.” But you get to decide what’s truly necessary and what’s just clutter. At the end of the day, it’s still just you and the run and that’s more than enough.

What's Keeping Me Entertained?

Salomon Aero Glide 3 Shoe Review

Klear Protein Powder Review

Puma Fast-R Elite 3 Shoe Review

Des talks about her retirement (from road marathons)

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LOLZLetter 322 | Do running influencers owe it to their followers to train smart?

Welcome,

I've had a couple of thoughts on my mind lately, and I finally was able to put them into words. I posted something shorter on Instagram on Saturday because I just "couldn't wait" until Monday to post. It's like when you finally finish something and you need to tell everyone...NOW. LOL, I digress.

It’s hard to scroll through Instagram these days without seeing a runner recovering from a marathon with a 10-mile “easy” jog two days later. Or someone casually running through a stress fracture while telling their followers to “listen to their bodies.” The thing is, these aren’t just random people. These are influencers: runners with tens of thousands (sometimes hundreds of thousands) of eyes on their every move.

So it’s worth asking: Do running influencers owe it to their followers to train smart? Or is it up to the audience to separate good advice from bad behavior?

The short answer is: I don't know, and I am a running influencer. I've been running for 15 years and can separate what you should and shouldn't do. But there are many new runners who don't know what they don't know.

This newsletter isn’t to argue how you “feel about influencers” or that they should just “go away” because that is happening…

The Rise of Running Influencers

Let’s start with the obvious: influencers are here to stay. Brands can get much higher return on investment from paying an influencer versus getting a billboard. From full-time creators with brand deals to weekend warriors who share daily recaps, the social media running world is massive. These runners often hold significant sway when it comes to gear choices, training methods, and recovery routines. Their content shapes what newer runners believe is “normal”...whether that’s good or bad.

They aren’t just posting for fun. Many have sponsorships, affiliate codes, and partnerships that depend on their engagement. So when they share a post-run selfie or a Strava map of their comeback from injury, it’s not just personal. It’s public influence. And that influence matters.

When “Inspiration” Becomes Irresponsible

There’s a fine line between being motivational and being reckless. And a lot (note: not everyone) of influencers are toeing that line...sometimes in carbon-plated shoes, two days after a marathon, with a lingering calf strain they’re trying to “shake out.”

This isn’t about shaming anyone for making mistakes. Every runner pushes the envelope now and then. We've all made dumb decisions. But when you’ve got a large following and your content reaches thousands of runners...some of whom are brand new to the sport...it’s not just your body at risk. It’s the people who look up to you, thinking this is what dedicated training looks like.

Because let’s be real: running through pain, skipping rest days, and bragging about “not needing recovery” isn’t a flex. It’s a red flag.

Something to add that I didn't on Instagram: every single person is different, with different goals. There might be a reason to do back-to-back marathons that isn't "bad." Is it smart to do that every weekend? Probably not. But are there special circumstances where maybe it's the right call for that runner? Sure.

The Problem with Oversharing (or Undersharing)

It’s easy to make your training look clean and linear when you only post the highlights. But that creates a false sense of what normal training looks like. All runners have bad days. Most people need more than one day off after a marathon. After my first marathon, it took me almost four months to want to run again. And that’s okay.

The danger is when followers see someone doing too much and think, “If they can do it, I should be able to too.” That’s how people get hurt. That’s how comparison spirals start. And it’s how we end up with more runners sidelined by overtraining or believing they’re not doing enough...even when they’re already maxed out.

Accountability Without Perfection

Do running influencers need to be perfect? Of course not. We've all made mistakes...myself included. But there is a level of responsibility that comes with a platform, especially in a sport where burnout, injury, and disordered thinking are common.

Smart training isn’t always flashy. It’s not the kind of content that goes viral. No one claps for someone who takes a full week off post-race or swaps a long run for a walk. But that’s exactly the kind of example newer runners need to see.

You don’t have to be a coach or expert to be influential, but if your posts regularly inspire others to train harder, faster, and longer, then yes, it’s worth asking: Are you showing smart, sustainable training or just doing what get likes online? Are you running 12 marathons a year for content or because you actually want to do that?

Followers Deserve More Than Just Hustle Culture

The running community is full of smart, thoughtful people. But it’s also flooded with toxic messaging about “no pain, no gain” and “real runners don’t rest.”

When someone with 50K followers skips recovery to “grind,” that message trickles down. The hustle culture of social media encourages overtraining and under-recovering, which ultimately hurts more runners than it helps. That’s not inspiration. That’s misinformation.

And while everyone has the right to train how they want, let’s not pretend that large platforms don’t come with weight. Your training choices do influence others...whether you like it or not.

Final Thoughts: Yes, Running Influencers Should Train Smart
Running influencers don’t need to be perfect, but they do need to be honest. They should normalize smart training, highlight recovery, and acknowledge when things don’t go to plan. That doesn’t mean every influencer has to coach their audience...but if your training is being watched, shared, and admired, you have a responsibility to show more than just the glory miles.

And if you’re a follower? Take everything you see with a grain of salt. Just because someone ran 10 marathons this year doesn’t mean it's the right move for you.

So next time you see a “post-marathon shakeout” at tempo pace, or a 20-mile week during recovery from stress fractures, just ask yourself: Is this real recovery, or is it just content?

I always appreciate when people share their their own thoughts so it doesn’t feel like I’m writing into a void.

What is Keeping Me Entertained?

Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2 Shoe Review: One of my most requested shoe reviews. The carbon plated model from Salomon.

Tailwind High Carb Fuel Review: With 90 grams of carbohydrates, I've been really enjoying this stuff.

2025 London Marathon: Tigst Assefa smashes women's-only world record: 2:15 is bonkers and the weather for the London Marathon was not ideal.

Faith Kipyegon Is Attempting to Become the First Woman to Run a Mile in Under Four Minutes: Just like with the Breaking 2 Project, Nike is now focusing on can a women run under 4 minutes in the mile.

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LOLZLetter 321 | A Hodgepodge of Thoughts

Welcome,

Each year since I’ve started the newsletter...six (!!) years ago...there is one newsletter that stands out as being the lowest read of the year...and that’s Boston Marathon Monday. If you’re running/ran Boston, I hope it went well for you. I also hope you had a wonderful Easter if you celebrate.

I’m keeping this one short as I know people are busy and preoccupied with other things. So if you open it, you’ve made it a step further than many. Anyway, my husband and I are on a 12-day vacation road trip across the Southwest U.S. We originally thought we would spend more time in New Mexico, but we haven’t and ended up spending a lot of time in Arizona as well as Colorado. I saw snow for the first time this season (LOL), in Flagstaff. (to be fair, we had cold days in the desert and I live an hour from snow…but I never saw this winter any until now)

We’ve done some fun runs, and him mountain biking as he prepares for his next 50-mile race next weekend. It’s been fun and relaxing. Plus, I finally had some time to update the blog, and I updated the shoe and gear reviews page to make it current. If you’re looking for a review, I’ve probably reviewed it there... I always recommend people control-search because there are so many.

Some random thoughts from the week:

• I barely look at newsletter stats but I recently learned the FueledbyLOLZ newsletter is read by people in 49 out of 50 states. The state missing? Vermont. Shocking, as I spent a lot of time in VT when I went to college at SUNY Potsdam.

• Debating going to the Save the 10,000 on May 3rd. I don’t know how exhausted I’ll be after this trip and that work week (since I know it will be rough). I don't know someone make up my mind for me. (it's in Walnut so about 2 hours away)

• People mad about others running Boston. I’ve seen a few people (mostly on threads) complaining that “only those who got a BQ should be able to run Boston” or mad that someone who ran a downhill race (something that drops 5,000 feet) shouldn’t be able to qualify. Not that anyone asked me, but it’s two different arguments. Also, not that anyone asked me but I think people get too worked up over running and what random strangers are doing.

• Charity runners raised $71.9 million dollars for charity. It’s not easy to meet those minimums, and some runners are never going to be able to BQ. There should be no question if charity runners should run Boston. They should and they are making a huge difference.

• Downhill races: Running a marathon is hard, but gravity does help you with these huge drop races (I’m talking races that drop down the side of a mountain). When I ran the Revel Big Bear Half, I ran 10 minutes faster than my last half marathon. But we can’t get mad at runners who have chosen to use these races, because Boston allows it. If you want to be “mad” at someone, it should be the B.A.A. for allowing people to BQ with these races. But honestly, at the end of the day, it’s running.

• Puma debuts the Fast R Nitro Elite 3: They've done an incredible job with marketing and this just skyrocketed as a top shoe I want to try. I've seen them marketing that you could drop X amount of time from your marathon by using it.

• The amount of activations/shakeouts at Boston. My last World Major was in 2019 (NYCM) and there were a lot, but not an overwhelming amount of shakeouts/influencer activation before the race. It sounds exhausting to try and do it all before race day. I’m curious from someone who has run a world major since then.

Anyway, I’m always interested in hearing your thoughts so feel free to comment.

From here

What is keeping me entertained?

ASICS Cumulus 27 Shoe Review

Mountains 2 Beach Half Marathon (1:29.40)

Bandit Running Apparel Review

Wildgrain Gluten-Free Box Review

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LOLZLetter 320 | How Tariffs Could Affect Running Shoes

Welcome,

What a busy weekend. My husband and I celebrated 10 years of marriage and I ran the Mountains 2 Beach Half. And spoiler: I finally ran under 1:30 again. I needed a lot to go right for that to happen again, and unfortunately, a lot has not gone right in the last several halves I've run. But I did it and I'm still surprised about it. I'll have more eventually.

Onto the newsletter.

Note before we dive into it: this isn’t political, just facts.

I created an easy to share graphic on Friday about the tariffs and running shoes, but here is more. If you’ve been side-eyeing the price tag on your favorite running shoes lately, you’re not alone. The prices of running shoes in the United States are rising and it’s not just inflation or brands randomly charging more because they can. A big part of the story right now involves tariffs, especially on imports from countries like Vietnam and China, where a huge chunk of running shoes are made. So, let’s break it down and talk about why your next pair of trainers might cost a lot more than you remember.

Are Running Shoes Going Up in Price Due to Tariffs?
Yes, running shoes are getting more expensive in 2025 because of increased U.S. tariffs on imports from major manufacturing countries like Vietnam, China, and Indonesia. These new tariffs can add anywhere from $50 to over $100 to the retail price of a single pair of shoes. Not all shoes and brands are affected the same way.

In April 2025, the U.S. government announced a fresh wave of tariffs aimed at imports from specific countries, and unfortunately, this includes a lot of the places where running shoes are made. Vietnam, China, and Indonesia all got hit with new or increased tariffs, and that’s where brands like Nike, Adidas, HOKA, and many others do a lot of their manufacturing.

What Are Tariffs, Anyway?

Tariffs are taxes that governments charge on products imported from other countries. When a brand brings shoes into the U.S. from overseas, like from Vietnam or China, it pays a tariff, and that cost often gets passed on to you, the consumer.

Most athletic shoes already have a base tariff between 20% and 37.5%, depending on the shoe’s materials and design. (This means they aren't going from 0 to 46 but some are going 37.5 to 46%). But in 2025, new tariffs were added or increased for key manufacturing countries. For example:

• Vietnam: Up to 46% total tariff on some athletic shoes.

• Indonesia: Facing increases of around 32%.

• China: Already under heavy restrictions, now seeing up to 145% in tariffs on certain goods, including some performance footwear.

That means if a brand previously paid $40 to import a pair of shoes, a 46% tariff could add nearly $20 more in fees, raising the final price by $50–$100 or more after retail markup.

Tariffs are often used to pressure foreign governments or to encourage more U.S.-based production, but in the short term, they usually mean higher prices for consumers, especially on everyday items like running shoes.

How Much Will Running Shoes Cost in 2025?

Vietnam is the big one here. It’s a top supplier of athletic shoes to the U.S., and now faces tariffs up to 46%. That alone could add $50–$100 to the retail price of a shoe. China, which was already facing trade restrictions, is now looking at tariffs as high as 145% on some goods. Even Indonesia, another footwear giant, is dealing with a 32% increase.

To be clear, this doesn’t mean that every shoe is going to instantly shoot up in price overnight. Some brands stocked up ahead of the tariffs taking effect. Others are trying to eat the costs for now or shift manufacturing elsewhere. But it’s not sustainable long-term, and we’re already seeing changes. Some runners are stocking up early, and some shoes, especially popular models, are getting harder to find at their original prices.

Now, keep in mind if you buy 100 pairs of running shoes, and some sit for years until you use them, they aren't going to last as long. The cushion does deteriorate.

How Are Running Shoe Brands Responding?

Not surprisingly, a lot of brands are scrambling. Some are looking at countries like India, Mexico, or even the U.S. for manufacturing, but that’s not an easy switch. Setting up production in a new country takes time, money, and retraining. You can’t just snap your fingers and move a whole factory.

Others are being more transparent and saying “hey, prices are going up and here’s why.” But even for the most loyal runners, there’s a breaking point. A neutral daily trainer that used to be $120 now sitting at $180 or even $200? That’s a big difference, especially when you replace shoes every few hundred miles.

Is This Just About Running Shoes?

Nope, this isn’t just a running shoe issue, it’s part of a larger trade battle. But the thing is, runners tend to notice these price hikes more because we rely on specific gear. When you find a shoe that works for your gait, your training, and your injury history, you stick with it. So having that model suddenly jump in price (or disappear entirely) hits harder than, say, your favorite snack going up a quarter.

Should You Buy Running Shoes Now or Wait?

Honestly, if you have a favorite model and you see it at the usual price, it might be a good time to grab a pair or two. Some retailers haven’t updated prices yet, and some brands might be slow to roll out the increases. If you’re switching models or trying something new, just be aware that prices across the board may keep trending upward.

What About Carbon Plated Shoes?

Carbon-plated shoes like the Nike Alphafly, adidas Adios Pro, Saucony Endorphin Pro, and others already hover between $200 and $300. Add a 32–145% tariff (depending on country of origin), and suddenly we’re looking at retail prices closer to $350–$400. Oomph.

Low production volume = less flexibility.
Carbon-plated shoes are already produced in smaller quantities than daily trainers. That means less ability for brands to move production quickly or absorb the costs without raising prices. They can’t “make it up in volume” like they sometimes do with more widely sold models.

Potential for price increases or limited U.S. availability.
Some brands may raise prices on U.S. consumers while keeping them lower in other regions. Others may limit how many carbon-plated shoes even make it to U.S. retailers. We’ve seen this before with special colorways or high-demand models. Tariffs just give brands one more reason to tighten supply.

Resale and “stock up” behavior may spike.
Expect people to start hoarding discounted carbon shoes from last season or buying directly from international sites when possible. That could also push prices up on resale platforms like StockX or eBay for models that are hard to find or already discontinued.

If you’re training for something big or just like to be prepared, now’s a good time to be strategic about your purchases. Otherwise, just know that sticker shock might be the new normal… at least for now.

As always, if you enjoy the newsletter consider sharing or leaving a comment!

What is Keeping Me Entertained?

Oats Overnight Review

RUNHER Magazine: A new quarterly magazine out that supports female runners.

She’ll Always Have Paris: Allie Wilson’s road to the Olympics was anything but smooth, but her story proves that some dreams are worth the struggle. I've followed Allie since living in New Jersey, so this was fun to read.

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