span 2 3 4 5 span 2 3 4 5When I was growing up, sneakers were ubiquitous, unbranded, ugly and cheap. Kids loved them because they were so easy to run around in, and parents loved them because they saved wear and tear on your “real” shoes. But over the years, the lowly sneaker has morphed into the designer athletic shoe, and in the process, given birth to a whole new category of what economists call “luxury goods.” No company has benefited more from this fashion trend than Nike, which reportedly controls one-fifth of the global athletic wear market. Nike’s most famous brand is Air Jordan, named for the equally famous Michael Jordan, who led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships in the 1990s and is generally credited with being the greatest player ever to play the game. In February, Nike began releasing a series of “retro” Air Jordans, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of earlier models. The “Powder Blue” Air Jordan 10 hit retail stores in late February;

first day sales reportedly topped $35 million worldwide. Air Jordans are manufactured in China and reportedly cost Nike a bit more than $16 a pair. The Air Jordan 10s are listed on Amazon for $250 to $550 a pair, depending on the style and color. If that strikes you as a rather hellacious markup, welcome to the world of “luxury” goods, where the selling price is determined not by the cost of the goods, but by the status that buyers think they confer. Psychologists tell us that there are two main reasons why we buy luxury goods, even when many of us really can’t afford them. The first is called “signaling” — using luxury goods to “show off” and send a clear signal that you measure up to your peers, or to others in your community. Similarly, we often purchase luxury goods to “mark” significant accomplishments in our lives. The second reason is triggered by moments of low self-esteem. As a recent article on luxury goods in Time Magazine put it, “when you’re experiencing low self-esteem, you’re more likely to feel a stronger desire to acquire high-status goods ...”

So, it would seem that no matter whether you are feeling way up about yourself or way down, you are likely to treat yourself to a pair of Air Jordans that you probably don’t need and maybe can’t afford. Beyond the gaudy prices, there are a couple other hidden costs attached to buying MJ’s latest shoes. For one thing, spending on luxury goods doesn’t flow back through the economy the way it used to. Nike’s stock, for example, has tripled in recent years. But since the wealthiest Americans now own 90+ percent of all common stocks, they take home nearly all of the gains when stock prices surge. On the other hand, people in the middle class and working class have to rely on the growth of good jobs for their financial well-being. Unfortunately, buying overpriced shoes from Nike does not payoff in jobs either. Nike imports all of its shoes, and, consequently, employs a lot fewer American workers per dollar of sales than most large companies. So, from our vantage point, buying luxury goods tends to make other people rich and over-rewards CEOs — Nike’s Mark Price has earned $61 million in just the last three years.

Buying luxury goods usually undermines American jobs, since almost anything you buy instead probably entails a lot more home-grown labor. In professional sports, athletes often re-up their contracts with the team that gave them their start for less money than they could get elsewhere. nike high top diamondIt’s known in the sports business as the “hometown discount.” tennis shoes miami beachIf Michael Jordan and Nike want to continue selling us Air Jordans at outlandish prices, then perhaps they should take a little less in profits and hire American workers to make the shoes that they sell in America.walking shoes for hiking It could be their way of giving the home team a hometown break. Terry O’Keefe is a longtime guest contributor to the Citizen-Times and is a “recovered” politician.

NIKE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING POLICY orders cannot be shipped internationally, but Nike offers online shopping options in several countries worldwide. , to change countries. Please note that not all countries on the page have shopping options. See below for a list of countries with shopping sites. Countries not listed below don't currently have online shopping options but may have sites containing information about Nike products. NIKEiD is not available in every country. Pricing and product availability vary by country. orders can be shipped to the continental US, Alaska, Hawaii and APO/FPO addresses. Nike doesn't currently ship to US territories (US Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, Midway Islands, American Samoa, and Federated States of Micronesia), international reshippers, or businesses that forward packages to international addresses. Credit or debit cards with Canadian or European billing addresses can be used to purchase orders shipping to a valid US address.

If you have a different international credit or debit card, please call us.Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Developed by Kanye West the Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 is the latest version of the popular 350 model Constructed with a tri-color Primeknit upper t Air Jordan VII (7) Retro In 1992 Michael Jordan laced up his Air Jordan VII sneakers to win a 2nd consecutive NBA Championship and a gold medal with the 'Dream Team' in the The Nike PG 1 is NBA star Paul George's first signature sneaker Built to fit the versatile skills of George they are equipped with a combination mesh Inspired by 70s running sneakers the Adidas Iniki Runner has a vintage look with modern footwear technology They feature a stretch mesh upper suede The Saucony Shadow 5000 is a retro runner with ample style and comfort Originally released in 1989 they feature a combination synthetic leather sue Originally released in 1989 the Asics GEL-Lyte III is known for its classic style and innovative advancements The most notable design feature of the

Nike Air Max Zero BR The Nike Air Max Zero is the recently released pre-concept design for the legendary Air Max 1 They are constructed with a breathable textile upper s Reebok Classic Leather LST The Reebok Classic originally debuted in 1987 and are known for their simple and casual style This "LST" version features a pigskin leather upper co Crafted with a combination of materials the New Balance 247 is a sneaker that balances classic and modern This "Breathe" edition has knit and neopre Nike Women's Air Huarache Run Designed by Tinker Hatfield the Nike Huarache Run is an ultra comfortable running sneaker that was originally released in 1991 This modified "Ultra" The Puma Suede is one of the most recognizable Puma sneakers ever created Originally released in 1968 this modified "Heart" version features a texti A modern take on a classic the Adidas Equipment Support ADV is a comfortable model with sock-like construction They are crafted with a flat-knit upp