They (researchers) tested nine differently priced shoes from three brands on 43 men who were not told the prices of the shoes.
The least expensive pairs were priced 40 to 45 pounds ($82 to $92), with moderate pairs at 60 to 65 pounds ($123 to $133), and the most expensive at 70 to 75 pounds ($143 to $153).
But the research, conducted in the Institute of Motion Analysis and Research at the Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, found little, if any, difference.
"Low- and medium-cost running shoes in each of the three brands tested provided the same (if not better) cushioning of plantar pressure as high-cost running shoes," concluded the researchers.

This news item was clamoring my rss reader in so many different versions as published in various websites. (you can find them here, there and there) And you know what I felt like? I felt am little foolish to read a news item like that, as my "New Product Arrival" email from Neiman Marcus delivered some other interesting news:

Prada, the Italian Fashion House, is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a Neiman Marcus exclusive sneaker. And you don’t need to thousands of dollars to own this one. A little less is needed, however. How much? Just $995. And what do the researchers consider as the most expensive sneaker? (just see top): $153. (does that ring any bell? Research is sarcastically far ahead!)The twist of the story doesn’t end here. Product page of this Prada Sneaker ends with this line:

"Due to high demand, a customer may order no more than three units of this item every thirty days."

Sounds like we are not talking about sneakers but iPhones (which anyone can remember had similar restrictions)!!!