No, the Vapormax bubble does not pop easily. They can if exposed to a sharp object or the bubble is put under a lot of pressure. They are unlikely to pop from daily use. The rubber used for the air bubble won’t wear down easily.
I tested the Nike Air Bubble to see if it will pop easily, so you can feel confident wearing your shoes. Perhaps you are thinking about buying the vapormax or already have a pair.
A similar Nike Air Bubble used on the vapormax is also on the Nike Air Max 270. To give you the right answer whether the vapormax bubble pop easily the Nike Air sneakers were worn daily for a week.
You’ll be happy to know they didn’t pop at all!
If you’re looking for more ways to save money on sneakers, check out our guide on how to bulk buy sneakers and get the best deals. could you improve the text use active voice ake it enagaing and keep it short
The engineers at Nike designed the VaporMax over 5 years and the air bubble is made in a two-part midsole. They are made of strong Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nitrogen gas fill air units at the heel and front with a durable rubber sole.
During research and development, the vapormax sneaker bubble was tested with over 350 runners. During the tests, they were exposed to different surfaces, temperatures and foot pressure so the bubble won’t pop easily.
So that the vapormax bubble won’t pop easily, machines with ovens heat the plastic film and appear as a complete air bubble midsole. Machines are constantly running, any flawed air bubbles are rejected and recycled.
The Vapormax Sole Is Tough
The air bubble can’t easily because it never touches the ground. The bubble’s purpose is to provide cushioning and it is wrapped in strong sole plastic.
As you can see using scissors to try and pop the bubble sole is not easy and requires a lot of effort.
Workouts With The Vapormax
Depending on the exercise you’ll be doing the vapormax won’t pop easily even with all the body weight on one shoe.
Don’t worry even if you are squatting you have nothing to worry about the vapormax is designed to take additional pressure.
Nike VaporMax FAQs
Is it good to run in VaporMax?
No! Nike designed them runners but sadly wears have suggested they are unstable at times. Also, professional athletes hardly wear Vapormax to run, more of a lifestyle fashion sneaker.
Can you work out in VaporMax?
You can work out in VaporMax. But there are better trainers that offer cushioning, stability, and ankle support in the Nike Air Zoom range.
Can you return Nikes if the air bubble pops?
Yes, if the air bubble in your Nike shoes pops (material flaw) contact Nike or return them to authorised retailers. Within 60 days of purchase, you can return to Nike for a full refund. Longer than 60 days and less than two years since the manufacture date contact Nike.
You are here for one reason. Why is Nike the best brand? There are 9 unthinkable reasons.
We all love Nike for different reasons; what’s yours? Mine is that their products make me feel like I can go that extra mile. The price of some of their sneakers makes me shiver sometimes, but once they are locked on my feet, I feel like a pro athlete.
If you are thinking about whether it’s worth buying new Nike shoes, check out the 17 Reasons Why Nike Is So Expensive – for it to all make sense.
The reasons why Nike is the best brand are because they inspire customers, innovate unique products that solve problems and they are inclusive there’s something for everyone, not just athletes. Discover the rare reason why Nike Vapormax Bubble won’t pop.
Most importantly their pricing and selection are varied whether you want sneakers for standing all day, on a budget, or a vegan sustainable alternative.
If you want to save money and get more value for your money, you should consider bulk buying sneakers from trusted sources.
What sport do you like? Perhaps you don’t play sports and occasionally go to the gym or for a walk. If you have a body you’re an athlete. It’s not about having the latest or best sportswear, just get out there and chase greatness.
From first imagining an idea, dreaming about it, designing and even sometimes failing, designers at Nike have one goal; inspire you to find your greatness. Nike inspires through sportswear products that enhance athletic performance, reduce injury and maximise comfort while reducing waste.
The best way to explain is with the 2012 “Find Your Greatness” campaign, if you’ve been thinking about starting a new activity great watch.
You may or may not be familiar with basketball, maybe it’s just not your thing but that isn’t relevant to what I’m about to show you.
Nike tweeted a marketing campaign video for retiring basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski, commonly known as Coach K in the basketball work. Titled “You can’t spell coach without K”
But the tweets were a little confusing, all the words that were used didn’t have the letter K.
Words used:
Honor
Respect
Brotherhood
Gold
Cameron
Crazies
Durham
Family
Sometimes big brands get it wrong too, the effort was appreciated but it just didn’t make sense, the word BASKETBALL literally has K and it was screaming to be used.
Publicly they never responded to the online jokes so we don’t actually know whether they learned anything. It’s safe to assume they won’t be doing that again, well I hope they don’t for their sake social media is unforgiving.
3. Culture of Innovation
What does innovation mean? A new method, idea, or product to improve something that already exists.
Nike Forward is a forward-thinking sustainable apparel innovation that took 5 years to design.
Nike Forward is ultra-thin lightweight layers of material bonded together using a needle-punching process to form performance apparel. Each layer of material provides performance benefits like warmth, softness, or breathability. Post-industrial and consumer waste including recycled bottles are used turning them into fibres. It is not knitted or woven.
Nike Forward Benefits
Minimises carbon impact
Maximises efficiency and speed in the manufacturing process
No water and dyes are used
70% recycled content by weight
Can be brought back into production so there’s no waste
Cuts carbon by 75% compared to traditional material
Overtime takes shape to the body and retains shape
4. Inclusive
“If you have a body you’re an athlete” (Aaron Heiser, VP Global Apparel Product Merchandising at Nike)
In an effort to solve performance limitations and availability of a traditional hijab in sports and be more inclusive of all athletes. Based on the feedback Nike received, a traditional hijab didn’t work well with some sports uniforms.
Benefits of the Nike Pro Hijab
The pull-on design is constructed from durable single-layer Nike Pro cool mesh – breathable fabric.
Inspires girls worldwide to follow their passion for sports.
Suitable hijab for sports that allows athletes not have to explain and defend themselves to officials.
Lightweight fabric
Feels soft on the skin
Athletes Nike worked with, to put the Nike Pro Hijab to the test in each sport:
Weightlifter, Amna Al Haddad – United Arab Emirates
Figure Skater, Zahra Lari – United Arab Emirates
Fencer, Ibtihaj Muhammad – New Jersey-native
Runner, Manal Rostom – Nike Run Club Coach in Dubai
Boxer, Zeina Nassar – Germany
Everyday athletes from around the Middle East
What athletes say about the Nike Pro Hijab
Ibtihaj Muhammad
“It really sunk in how much my previous hijab was hindering my performance when I tried the Nike Pro Hijab.”
“The Nike Pro Hijab will help advance the conversation around hijabs and Muslim women in sports and further make sports an inclusive space.”
Manal Rostom
“It inspires me to reach greater heights and to run farther distances,” Manal completed the New York Marathon wearing the Nike Pro Hijab.”
5. All about kids
In an effort to build more playful sessions into sports for kids. Helping kids learn new skills and love sports. Nike partnered with Leeds Beckett University and ICOACHKIDS to co-create the Coaching Kids: Power of Play Nike Training Club app programme.
For the Coaches
The program was developed for coaches, PE teachers, parents or caregivers to encourage playful way to coach. Helps coaches remove barriers for all kids to benefit from play and sport.
Features
3-week programme
At home, in a gym or open space play
All levels of fitness
15 – 30 minute exercises
Bodyweight only training
Modules
Let’s Play Ball – Helps kids develop their ability to keep bodies in stable positions during dynamic and static activities.
Getting Up To Speed – Develops movement efficiency through coordination and speed – key elements of sports.
Going The Extra Mile – Develops kids ability to last longer at their best – increasing tolerance to fatigue through play.
Nike has set the bar high by adding adaptive training programs to the Nike Training Club app. “Workouts designed in partnership with adaptive training experts to provide lower-body modifications for anyone — disabled or not.” (Nike). Providing training more inclusive for everybody.
Nike (M)ove Like a Mother
The training program covers strength training, cardio, mobility and yoga through every stage of pregnancy.
Features
Advisory board approved by antenatal and postnatal specialists.
Equipment: Dumbbells, stability ball and block
5 – 20 minute workouts
A mix of workouts designed to build strength, confidence and mind-body connection.
Created for all fitness and energy levels
7. No idea is too small or too big
Launched in Nike Town, B.I.L.L. (Bot-Initiated Longevity Lab) is a robotic system designed to clean and repair customised sneakers to extend the life span of shoes.
By repairing sneakers at scale, services like BILL will help Nike reach net zero by 2050 target. Nike Refurbished – in-store offering that restores used Nike footwear. Nike Recycling and Donation – allows athletes to pass on and recycle the products no longer used.
8. Big impact
“78% – Renewable energy in owned or operated facilities in 2021, 48% increase from 2020.” (Nike)
“100% – Footwear manufacturing waste diverted from landfill or incineration without energy recovery.” (Nike)
“More than 300 organisations supporting the Made to Play commitment and Inclusive Community investments.” (Nike)
9. Take on the toughest challenges
Watershed-restoration projects reduce pesticide runoff, improved soil health, and improve community access to water. 91% of the freshwater Nike uses is connected to materials sourcing and manufacturing.
“Nike water restoration project in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy. In India, 30 hectares of farmland were converted to drip irrigation in the state of Maharashtra, benefiting 75 farmers.” (Nike, 2021)
Textile dyeing and finishing
Reduce the water used to dye and finish textiles.
Dyeing and finishing textile uses 22% freshwater, aims to reduce this by 2025.
Collaborating with suppliers to reduce freshwater use.
If you found the 9 Reasons Why Nike Is The Best Brand article helpful check out the latest trainer reviews and video content by following @saucedby on InstagramPinterest or liking our Facebook Page.
You landed on this article looking for valid reasons: Why Is Nike So Expensive? There’s a long and short answer. But first, I know it can seem criminal the amount Nike charges for their products; we all want to save money.
To answer your question accurately, I looked through 300 pages of NIKE reports and emailed them (they didn’t respond this time) but it’s all good.
Long answer: Very simply, their goal is to create sportswear products that enhance athletic performance, reduce injury and maximise comfort while reducing waste. This requires a lot of investment into the reasons listed below.
If you want to get more value for your money and not buy expensive sneakers, you should also consider bulk buying sneakers from reliable sources online.
17 Reasons Nike Is So Expensive
1. Product Research, Design, and Development
Nike has a competitive advantage in the sportswear segment as its goal is to produce products that help to enhance athletic performance, reduce injury and maximise comfort while reducing waste.
They are seen as a premium brand that is constantly innovating new materials and technology, making its products expensive.
Research committees and advisory boards consisting of athletes, coaches, podiatrists, and other specialists consult with Nike to review specific designs, materials, and concepts. This costs money.
Responding to consumer preferences with the introduction of innovations such as Nike Air, Zoom, Free, Flywire, Dri- Fit, Flyknit, Flyweave, FlyEase, ZoomX, Air Max, React, and Adapt technologies.
Related Article: Do your trainers sometimes hurt? Here’s a list of the Best Nike Shoes For Wide Feet; start walking in comfort.
2. Limited Edition Collaboration
Any Quickstrike (limited edition release) Nike Dunk released usually commands a higher price than the general release pair it is inspired by. For example, the Concepts x Nike SB Dunk “White Lobster” which were released exclusively as friends and family pack of the retail store. Usually, such limited models require more creative development, another reason why the Dunk is so expensive.
The “Viotech” Nike Dunk Low was released in 2001 as a Japan-exclusive Co.Jp and in 2013 and 2019 for the rest of the world at select Nike retailers. They were released for a retail price of $120 but they resell on the StockX marketplace for close to $400.
3. Marketing
Nike market it’s brand and products with endorsement contracts, complimentary products, television, digital and print advertising media platforms, brand events, and retail brand presentation.
Recently Nike has invested heavily in digital marketing to meet the increasing digital demand from consumers. Between 2020 and 2021 digital sales accounted for 67% of sales and store sales declined due to reduced footfall because of store closures. Therefore some products had to be increased in price such as the Nike Dunk from $90 to $120 retail price.
Marketing Example
The Nike Air VaporMax Moc 2 X Acronym 2018 release saw a promotional video featuring Acronym ® founder Errolson Hugh and guest-starring John Mayer (Singer, Songwriter). Such marketing strategy and material require a large upfront initial investment that makes the Vapormax more expensive than other sneakers.
4. Competition
Nike faces intense competition from adidas, Puma, New Balance, and many other brands in the following areas.
Product offerings
Technologies
Marketing expenditures
Advertising
Endorsements
Pricing
Costs of production
Customer Service
Digital commerce platforms
Digital services and experiences
Social media presence
If they do not anticipate and respond to their competitors, costs may increase, and demand for products may decline. Having to account for all the threats they face from competitors makes Nike products expensive.
5. Consumer Perception
Nike products are associated with improving athletic performance, reducing injury, and maximising comfort. The continual innovation of new designs and manufacturing innovations makes Nike products cost more. Consumers are willing to pay higher prices for Nike merchandise as it’s associated with high quality on and off the court.
For example, the VaporMax contains the most air of any Nike Air Max ever produced. When the engineers at Nike were designing the VaporMax it took them 5 years to develop the air bubble two-part midsole.
The VaporMax range is one of the most expensive sneakers Nike manufactures some pairs retail for $250 (£220) or more.
Negative Perception
If Nike fails to introduce technical product innovations, consumer demand could decline.
Product quality issues could mean they face substantial expenses to fix problems and loss of consumer confidence.
Actions taken and statements made by endorsers could harm the brand image.
Failure to enter into cost-effective endorsements could affect sales and profitability.
6. Endorsements
Professional Stakeboarder Paul Rodriguez
Nike products are expensive due to the relationships they have with athletes, sports teams, and leagues, as well as other public figures to develop, evaluate and promote our products, as well as establish product authenticity with consumers. There are often contractual monetary obligations they need to meet for the endorsement of products, some are worth millions of dollars over several years.
Year
Endorsement Contracts
2022
$1.5 billion
2023
$1.2 billion
2024
$1 billion
2025
$966 million
2026
$726 million
Source: Nike Annual Report 2021
Payments may be higher as some contracts have bonuses for athletic achievements (e.g. winning a trophy) and/or royalties for certain product sales. May be lower if athletic performance declines.
Athletes – Costs for establishing and retaining sponsorships for athletes increase year on year for Nike. If endorsements with athletes cannot be maintained Nike could lose the visibility with their target audience or on-field authenticity of products. They may need to increase their marketing investments.
Celebrity – Rapper Drake has an ongoing endorsement deal with Nike under the sub-label NOCTA various basketball merchandise, sneakers and sportswear has been released.
Esports – “Esports tournament organiser BLAST Premier partnered with Nike for a merchandise project. Co-branded collection that showcased gaming lifestyle.” (EsportsInsider, 2022)
7. Overhead Expenses
Salaries and benefit-related expenses
Research and development costs
Bad debt expense
Administrative expenses (rent, professional services, meetings, travel, etc)
In 2021 overhead expenses increased by 4%, due to an increase in:
Strategic technology investments,
NIKE Direct variable costs,
Restructuring-related costs ($255 million)
8. Retail Store
Roughly 1,043 retail stores are leased globally, mainly consisting of Nike Factory Stores. Some store leases expire up to 2043.
The NIKE World Campus, owned by NIKE and located near Beaverton, Oregon, USA, is a 400-acre site consisting of over 40 buildings, with some leased properties.
The Nike Hilversum Netherlands headquarters is leased and is the hub for non-U.S. operations.
In China offices are also leased in Shanghai, China this hub is focused on implementing wholesale, NIKE Direct, and merchandising strategies.
10. Distribution Centres
Some distribution centers are owned by Nike some are leased.
Nike Distribution Centre U.S.
Number
Memphis, Tennessee
4
Indianapolis, Indiana
1
Dayton, Tennessee
1
Ontario, California (Converse)
1
TOTAL
7
Source: Nike Annual Report 2021
Nike Distribution Centre Non-U.S.
Number
Laakdal, Belgium
1
Taicang, China
1
Suzhou, China
1
Tomisato, Japan
1
Incheon, Korea
1
TOTAL
5
Source: Nike Annual Report 2021
11. Air Manufacturing Innovation Facilities
Air Manufacturing Innovation, manufactures cushioning components used in footwear at NIKE-owned and leased facilities in Beaverton, Oregon, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam, and St. Charles, Missouri.
Air Manufacturing Innovation also manufactures and sells small amounts of various other plastic products to other manufacturers.
The research and development that went into designing required 350 runners to test the sneakers. The combined distance it took to test the sneakers is equal to running around the earth 5 times approximately 124,505 miles (200,375 kilometers).
Nike is supplied by 191 footwear factories located in 14 countries. All footwear is manufactured outside of the United States by over 15 independent contractors. As well as agreements with manufacturers in Argentina and India, for sales in those countries.
Sportswear apparel is supplied by 344 apparel factories in 33 countries. The largest apparel factory accounted for 8% of total NIKE Brand apparel production in 2021. Contact factories in Vietnam account for 30% of total NIKE brand apparel production.
Nike is not entirely in control of the price quoted by suppliers and contractors availability of raw materials fluctuates, causing their products to retail at higher prices.
13. League Sponsorship
Nike sponsors the official Premier League ball the partnership has been ongoing since 2000 starting with the Nike Geo Merlin ball in 2000/01.
“Under the deal, Nike provides kit and equipment for the Premier League’s youth development, and international events and supports the Premier League Primary Stars Kit and equipment scheme that benefits schools in the United Kingdom.” (Premier League, 2018)
14. Renewable Investments (Net Zero By 2050)
Nike is investing profits heavily into meeting the following net carbon zero targets, generally, the cost of renewable energy is more expensive than fossil fuel energy.
Converting to environmental raw materials
Converting factories to renewable energy
Coal elimination
Air freight reduction
Renewable electricity
15. Employee Pay & Benefits
In 2021, Nike had approximately 73,300 employees worldwide, including retail and part-time employees. Independent contractors and temporary personnel are also used to supplement their workforce.
The cost of such a large and diverse workforce is the main reason Nike products are so expensive as this needs to be accounted for.
US Employee Population
Retail – 48 %
Air Manufacturing Innovation Facilities – 3.5%
Distribution Centres – 3.5%
Corporate – 35%
Other – 10%
16. Community Investment
Source: Nike
As part of Nike’s commitment to supporting organisations working to level the playing field and address racial inequality, they are investing a total of $125 million up until 2025. In 2020 $23.4 million and 2021 $36.6 million was invested.
As a brand it is important they have a positive impact within the community. Such activities help align the brand with positive experiences in consumers’ minds therefore willing to pay more for products they purchase.
17. Software Development Costs
Computer software purchases and software developed for internal use are often customised for the needs of the business. Software used for manufacturing and design, payroll, and other specific business activities. Often training to use software is needed, as maintenance and other post-use activities.
Expensive Nike’s FAQs
Where does Nike source its raw materials?
NIKE’s independent contractors and suppliers buy raw materials for the manufacturing of our footwear, apparel, and equipment products. Most raw materials are available and purchased by independent contractors and suppliers in the countries where manufacturing takes place.
“Since 1972, Sojitz Corporation of America (“Sojitz America”), a large Japanese trading company and the sole owner of our redeemable preferred stock, has performed import-export financing services for Nike.” (Nike, 2021)
What material does Nike use?
Nike Shoes
Natural and synthetic rubber
Plastic compounds
Foam cushioning materials
Natural and synthetic leather
Nylon
Polyester and canvas
Polyurethane films are used to make NIKE Air-Sole cushioning components.
Nike Apparel
Natural and synthetic fabrics
Yarns and threads (virgin and recycled)
Specialised performance fabrics – Wick moisture away from the body, retain heat, and repel rain
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