‘Gear Makers Have Always Embraced Innovation,’ Adidas Rep Says of New Enchanted Shoe That Grants Wearer the Power of Flight
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Background Photo by Cristian Escobar on Unsplash
Adidas is defending its newest running shoe, dismissing critics who say it confers an unfair advantage on wearers by granting them the power of flight.
The Pixie Flyte, which uses proprietary technology and synthetic pixie dust, lets runners sail upward and forward for up to 40 feet per stride, seemingly defying the very laws of physics. Adidas says the shoe can improve performance by as much as 50 percent—a claim that several independent studies have backed up.
Because of that, some athletes and industry leaders are saying the shoes should be grounded—at least in competition.
“An edge that dramatic simply isn’t fair,” said Kim Deal, a professor of biomechanics and running shoe expert. “These shoes literally let people fly. I mean, come on.”
Others—including, not surprisingly, Adidas itself—maintain the Pixie Flyte is simply one more technological improvement in an industry with a long history of such advancements.
“Gear makers have always embraced innovation,” said David Lovering, an Adidas spokesman. “This is just the latest one.”
That’s an argument that seemed to resonate with runners on social media.
“I think (the Pixie Flyte) is great,” said Joseph Santiago, an amateur marathoner, on Twitter. “Athletes have always used the latest technology. Are we supposed to all go back to wearing canvas shoes with flat rubber soles?”
“Plus,” he added, “anyone can buy them.”
“I don’t see the problem,” said Paz Lenchantin, a running “influencer” on Instagram. “The runner still has to run. I’d use them for sure.”
The Pixie Flyte retails for $679.
