Nike Jasari Track and Field Shoe

First introduced by Nike in 1996, the Jasari is one of the most coveted track shoes ever produced. Designed with comfort and weight in mind, the 4.7 ounce Jasari delivers in both the lightweight and comfort categories. The lightweight upper is said to be extremely comfortable, while also giving the runner enough support to get up on their toes during a sprint. The spike plate contains six permanent aluminum spikes which help to keep this spike as light as possible. Nike made a bold statement by releasing the Jasari in a neon color scheme, one that would make the fast athletes wearing them stand out amongst the competition.

Among track shoes, the Jasari has been labeled as a distance spike. This spike can be used for events as short as the mile, or all the way up to the 10,000 meters. The lightweight, flexible upper combined with the flexible spike plate gives the runner a barefoot feeling. Milers who have a flat foot strike will be best suited for this shoe, while 5k and 10k runners who don't need much support from their upper will also find the Jasari made for them.

The Jasari was first introduced over 10 years ago for more than $100. Now increasingly rare, these shoes will garner over $200 for a single pair. Some critics of the shoe say that it is not worth the price of three normal pairs of shoes, while others claim that no spike collection is complete without a pair of them. Regardless of whether or not one feels the shoe is worth the price, as time goes on, it appears this shoe will only cost more and become harder to find.

Nike has recently released their catalog for the spring 2008 track season with a new model coming out titled the Jasari III. This highly anticipated release has led many to wonder just what the new shoe will look like, and how much it will sell for. The most recent edition of the catalog lists the price at $110 per pair. Although one might assume the new Jasari will lower the amount garnered for the original model, some say this will only add to stigma surrounding the original shoes and prices may increase even further.

If you are looking for a pair of the Nike Jasari for yourself, you'll have to watch internet auction sites for a pair to show up, since they are no longer carried by any shoe stores. Should you be so lucky to get your hands on a pair of these shoes, hang on to them as it seems the value will only rise.