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Adidas Makes Its Run At NikeAdidas thinks it’s come up with the next big thing in running shoes. And the company isn’t being shy about telling everyone about it. When the goal is to catch Nike, you can’t be.At a swanky launch event at New York’s Javitz Center, Adidas product execs rolled out their new “ Energy Boost” running shoe, boasting that it will do nothing less than revolutionize running footwear. A worldwide launch is scheduled for Feb. 27.To a horde of journalists from North America, Europe and Asia, global brand chief Eric Liedtke proclaimed the start of a “new chapter” in running shoes, one that perfectly balances comfort and energy. The formula: small capsules fused together inside the sole provide consistent energy and bounce, designed to keep a consistent spring in a runner’s step all the way through a long course. Adidas execs say the technology, three years in the making, is proprietary, though they couldn’t be specific on questions about patent rights.The marketing plan: roll out the Energy Boost, which will retail for $150, to serious runners at Adidas Stores and various running specialty chains. Advertising will be limited, with no TV. If the response is good, look for a wider retail rollout backed by a bigger ad budget. “The idea is to spend the big bucks later, in time for a broader retail launch, ” says Patrik Nilsson, president of Adidas America.Adidas plans to eventually outfit all of its athletic shoes –basketball, tennis , the works – with its “Boost” technology. But for now, Nilsson says, the running category is where Adidas has its biggest opportunity for growth. That’s probably true: according to athletic apparel tracker SportsOneSource, it has just 4.4% of the global market, little changed from two years ago. Market leader Nike, meanwhile, enjoys a 54% share. Adidas does a bit better in the overall athletic shoe market with an 8.6% share, but that’s still only about a sixth of what Nike has when its Jordan Brand subset is included.Sport