Why don more running-shoe companies sell shoes in wide widths?
I need the extra room, but have so few options. —HERB TERNS, Schenectady, New York This isn’t about manufacturing or design challenges; it’s simple economics. There’s less money to be made in widths because there are too few runners like you, Herb. For every width a manufacturer adds to a style of shoe, new midsole and outsole molds must be built. This translates into higher manufacturing costs and lower profit margins. The good news: Some of the most popular shoes in our guides, such as the New Balance 1225 and Nike Air Pegasus+ 26, are available in at least one width option. And even though specialty running stores can’t stock every option, they can all order one for you to try. I was wondering if there has ever been a study done on the effects of how running-shoe weight affects performance? —SHAUN SCULLY, Albany, Oregon Yes. And researchers have found that lowering the weight of your shoes makes a very small impact on your performance. This is because your shoe is only a fraction of
