Landscape of Trainer Prices in 2010

Posted 18/10/2010

As has been posted, although price inflation has price drastically in 2010, from the year 2000-2010, the average price of sports trainers has actually decreased. Which is mostly due to the cheap labour in Asia.

When researching prices at the end of 2010, one thing is clear, it's still possible to purchase a well made pair for trainers for a amazingly low purchase price. For example, a pair of child's "Fila Classic Lth" cost just £10.49.

Although aided by a lack of "Value Added Taxation", which is not included in child's footwear. If you went back 20-30 years, you'd be hard pressed to purchase a pair sports shoes built to that standard and available at that price.

When categorising the price of sports trainers, there are four main price groupings. Unless in sales periods, there are no, or an negligible amount of trainers that cost below £10. Surveying 3355 pairs of trainers, they can be grouped in number and price into,

• £10-£20 | Total = 1510 | As a Percentage = 45% | (kids, junior, included)
• £20-£30 | Total = 973 | As a Percentage = 29% |
• £30-£65 | Total = 771 | As a Percentage = 23% |
• £65-£100 | Total = 101 | As a Percentage = 3% |
  

Nike tended to have largest variance in price, with a large amount of trainers in all price categories. And comprising close to 55% of the highest price bracket. Brands such as Adidas, Reebok, Skechers, Lacoste, K-Swiss, Rockport and Puma were represented heavily from price £34.99 - £55.99.

Update - Inflation effects for 2011

Posted 18/10/2010

If you a regular shopper for garments and footwear, you may have noticed prices slowly creeping up throughout 2010. No, it was not a figment of your imagination, 2010 saw the highest increase in clothing prices for close to a decade. By years end, inflation on your favourite sports trainers/sneakers should be running in the region of 0.9 percent for UK consumers.

This is a trend that UK consumers are not used to. Garment and footwear prices have been deflated for close to ten years. Apart from 2007-2010, every year in the past decade saw an average decrease of 2.2% in trainer prices. Financial predictions do not paint a pretty picture. Inflation for sports shoes look likes continuing throughout 2011. Lowering by 2012-14.

The increase in "Value Added Taxation" by 2.5% in 2011, is the main hindrance to lower inflation throughout 2011. Another contributing factor to higher prices is higher wage demands in Far East manufacturing plants, and higher material costs globally.