RunningRunning was the largest group, with sales of $236 million in fiscal 1982. NIKE sold a
broad line of men’s and women’s running shoes in three major categories: racing, training, and track
and field. Technical shoes provided serious runners with features such as lightness, cushioning,
motion control, and breathability. The low-end training shoes provided ath-leisure users a
comfortable fit without any of the “bells and whistles.” At the high end of the line, where continued
innovation was critical, the company faced stiff competition from the specialty companies. At the low
end, competition came from the other full-line companies and from unbranded imports (as well as
from low-end court shoes and more fashionable leisure shoes).