Compare Or Contrast

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Comparison and Contrast Essay

Footwear is a very important part of life as people spent most of the day on their feet, going to different places. Shoes ensure the stability of the feet and a comfortable shoe can even help the feet to heal. On the contrary, uncomfortable shoes result in blisters and make the feet soar, many feet diseases such as athlete's foot, blisters and fungus may develop as a result of wearing ill-fitted shoes. People generally pay the least attention to the footwear, but it needs to be a very significant department of a person's wardrobe because daily pains such as backache and shin splits start from the feet. Shoes ensure the stability of the feet and a comfortable shoe can even help the feet in healing. In recent times, masses are preferring comfort over fashion and footwear brands are working extra hard to launch noticeable designs for their customers (Life Without Shoes).

There are various kinds of trendy shoes, but sportswear tops the list and both men and women prefer them over other kinds of shoes because these shoes are both comfortable and trendy. Moreover, they are an essential part of sportswear because athletes and gym freaks rely on the correct footwear during their practices, training and workout sessions. They help in maintaining the stamina and absorb sweat. It is a common notion among the athletes that a wrong pair of shoes can ruin their performance.

There are two noticeable shoe brands among many ordinary brands; these two brands are Nike and Vans. Nike running shoes and vans skateboarding shoes are among the famous articles of both these brands. Both the brands share few similarities based on a few factors. Firstly, they both fall into the category of branded footwear. Secondly, they are purposely designed and lastly, are equally famous among the masses. Furthermore, they also have some contrasting factors such as purpose, design, durability, comfort, cost and most importantly, personal preferences.

The brand Nike emerged in the 70s and became the ultimate choice of the athletes and sports till this day. Initially, the brand was tested as running shoes and it served the purpose effectively and now it has eight licensed charters. Moreover, through Nike and its running shoes, sports and athletic avenues get to know the purpose and usage of footwear in sports and athletics. On the other hand, Vans skateboarding shoes are made for skateboarding because of the use of inside sole material, cushioning and waffle pattern, they are preferred over ordinary shoes. Ordinary shoes do not provide comfort and hassle-free skating as compared to skating shoes which are specifically designed for this purpose. Vans skateboard shoes allow skateboarders to skate swiftly through stairs and ground. However, they can be used as an alternative for sneakers, but they cannot replace Nike running shoes because they are specifically designed for running

Nike has different types of shoes, in their range of running shoes. For instance, trail running shoes have multiple articles such as “Renew Arena”, “Revolution 4”, “Zoom Strike 2”, “Air Zoom Winflo 6”, “Air Zoom streak 7” and “Air Zoom Pegasus 36” (Expensive Running Shoes Are No Better, and Often Worse than Cheaper Ones). These articles are among the top range of Nike running shoes. The insole design and colour variations for each article and they have Nike's logo on it. They have a breathable mesh and a high absorbent outsole made from a rubber material to avoid the dangers of slipping and tripping. However, the design is based on the same old Nike design patterns. On the other hand, Vans skateboarding shoes, have a sleeker and trendier look as compared to Nike. Likewise, the insole design and Ultra Cush HD makes it more attractive from both the inside and outside of the shoe. Nevertheless, the absorbent material cannot be found in this shoe brand. Nike running shoes have a unisex design whereas the Vans skateboarding shoes are designed separately for both men and women. In the men's range, more variety is available as compared to women footwear. They are specifically designed for skateboarding, but due to their sleek look and patterns, people wear it in casual footwear (Expensive Running Shoes Are No Better, and Often Worse than Cheaper Ones).

The durability of a shoe depends on its usage and quality of material used; it also depends on the lifespan of a shoe. In most of the Nike shoes, synthetic rubber is used for the insole and the midsole. The outsole is made of foam which makes its durability next to impossible because one cannot wear them for a long period. However, Vans skateboarding shoes are comparatively, more durable because of its insole material and design.

Nike shoes are comfortable because of their fit and breathable mesh material along with its shock-absorbing qualities. It is more comfortable for both walking and running, whereas Vans skateboarding shoes are comfortable from inside. Owing to their tight fit and outlook, they do not look very comfortable as they carry a more street sneaker kind of look. Nike running shoes are also comfortable for a casual walk, whereas the Vans cannot provide that same level of comfort in ordinary use (Life Without Shoes).

Cost of the shoes is a defining criterion when it comes to purchasing branded shoes as some brands are cost-effective while some are not. When Nike launched its footwear in the 1970s, teenagers and youth became its active buyers, but over time, due to an increase in inflation, today's youth is choosing more cost-effective footwear. Interestingly, it is generally argued that cheap shoes are not that durable and comfortable because they go through a cheap manufacturing process. In an article written in The Washington Post, it is revealed that expensive running shoes can also be uncomfortable and not durable. They further assert that expensive shoes are getting lower ratings in recent surveys because they fail to prove great value for money. These survey reports nullify this logic and further reveal that cost-effective shoes often perform well as compared to the expensive running shoes (Expensive Running Shoes Are No Better, and Often Worse than Cheaper Ones). Over the decades, Nike has increased the cost of its running shoes, and after its marketing, this brand has become exceedingly expensive. Quite on the contrary, Vans skateboard shoes are affordable or can fit within a friendly budget because they are both sleek and multipurpose wear. This brand specifically targets today's youth as compared to Nike, who has now manifested itself as a part of athletic sportswear.

When it comes to choosing a branded footwear over the other, personal preferences also impacts the choice. This factor covers one or more deciding factors such as the purpose of any specific shoe, its design, durability and cost. For instance, athletes are more likely to choose the Nike running shoes because of their purpose, comfort and durability. Similarly, skateboarders are more likely to choose Vans skateboarding shoes because it is specifically designed for this activity. Moreover, their design and multipurpose use further make it a more appealing choice among the buyers. Vans are comparatively cheaper than Nike, and due to its look, they can be paired with any outfit. Likewise, there are separate ranges for both men and women in this brand, whereas Nike does not have a separate women footwear range (Importance of Footwear).

Footwear is an essential part of our lives and with time, brands are making their products more innovative and in line with the customer's need. Similarly, their purposes are not restricted to ordinary uses only, while running shoes provide comfort and ease to the athletes; skateboarding shoes promote safe practices during this activity. However, everyone prefers one brand over the other based on multiple factors such as purpose, design, durability, comfort, cost and most importantly, personal preferences.

Works Cited

Be Broncho Fit! “Importance of Footwear.” Accessed November 13, 2019. https://blogs.uco.edu/wellnesscoachingprogram/2015/03/31/importance-of-footwear/.

Health, Lenny Bernstein closeLenny BernsteinReporter covering, andmedicineEmailEmailBioBioFollowFollowHealth reporter. “Expensive Running Shoes Are No Better, and Often Worse, than Cheaper Ones.” Washington Post. Accessed November 13, 2019. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2015/11/19/expensive-running-shoes-are-no-better-and-often-worse-than- cheaper-ones/.

Soles4Souls. “Life Without Shoes: A Look at the Benefits of Shoes,” January 6, 2017. https://soles4souls.org/life-without-shoes-look-benefits-shoes/.