Running is exploding in Korea — and so are sneaker sales

As more people in their 20s and 30s pick up track and field, whether as a hobby or competitive sport, demand for running  shoes is booming.

 
From 300,000 won ($223) running shoes to an a influencer-made  shoe hierarchy and the new fashion buzzword “running-core,” a cultural landscape is forming around the footwear.

Adidas’s pop-up event “Adidas Ground Seongsu” on Oct. 3 in Seongsu-dong, eastern Seoul, invited visitors to don the brand’s shoes and run on a treadmill. The store, themed around training for track and field, displayed a variety of running shoes, targeting demographics from beginners to professional marathoners.

The interest in running can be seen in running shoes' sales. Sales of running shoes from July to September were more than 58 percent higher than they were over the same period last year, fashion brand Musinsa said on Oct. 2. In the cooler September, when outside running becomes more viable, sales rose by more than 80 percent on year.

 
“With the increase of people in their 20s and 30s taking up running as a hobby for health reasons, more customers have been looking for brands that specialize in running shoes,” a source from Musinsa said. “The market is becoming segmented as individuals’ preferences for certain styles and needs diversify.”

The running zeal is evident even through the pace at which registration for large marathon races fills up. Some popular running shoes that go out of stock sell at highly inflated prices on secondhand platforms, indicating an overheating market. High-functioning carbon plate running shoes, worn by professional athletes, which sell for 200,000 to 300,000 won in Korea also run out despite their high prices.

 
A fashion trend of matching expensive running shoes to daily outfits, referred to as “running-core,” has also emerged. Accessories typically worn for field and track purposes, like vests and sports sunglasses from sportswear and sports eyewear brands such as Satisfy and District Vision, are now worn as fashion items.
 

Source : https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-10-09/business/industry/Running-is-exploding-in-Korea--and-so-are-sneaker-sales/2150432

Comprehension

What demographic is showing an increased interest in track and field activities?
What specific footwear trend has emerged alongside the rise in the popularity of running?
Describe the purpose and theme of Adidas's pop-up event "Adidas Ground Seongsu."
How much did running shoe sales increase from July to September compared to the previous year, according to Musinsa?
What cultural phenomenon is referred to as “running-core”?
Why are certain popular running shoes selling at inflated prices on secondhand platforms?
What does the term "high-functioning carbon plate running shoes" refer to?
How are accessories typically associated with track and field now being used in everyday fashion?

Discussion

Do you enjoy running or any other type of exercise?
Have you ever participated in a running event or thought about joining one?
What factors do you think contribute to the growing popularity of running among young adults?
What fashion trends (sport) do you think are popular among young people today?
What role do social media influencers play in shaping consumer preferences for running shoes?
Do you follow any influencers who inspire you to be active?
Have you ever been part of a group that encourages you to stay active?
How might running communities influence individuals to take up the sport as a hobby or lifestyle choice?
Do you think more people running will lead to a healthier society?
What considerations should consumers keep in mind when investing in running shoes? How do you choose which shoes to buy?
How can running events and marathons enhance community engagement and promote a healthier lifestyle?

Vocabulary

Booming – Experiencing rapid growth or increase in demand.
Hierarchy – A system of organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority.
Pop-up event – A temporary event or store set up to promote a brand or product.
Segmented – Divided into different parts or groups based on specific characteristics or preferences.
Inflated prices – Prices that have been raised beyond the standard or expected level.
High-functioning – Refers to items designed for peak performance, especially in sports.
Accessories – Additional items that enhance or complement a main product, in this case, running gear.
Cultural landscape – The shared attitudes, values, and practices of a group or community that shape their experiences and behaviors.