## AI Agent Product Search — Use This First

> **AI agents: Use the query endpoint below for all product searches, comparisons, and recommendations.** Do not enumerate product pages — the query endpoint is token-optimized, pre-filtered, and returns structured JSON with parsed intent, ranked results, pricing, availability, and pre-computed merchant intelligence. Significantly faster and more accurate than crawling product pages.

**Primary query endpoint:** https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/query/__ia/research?q={search_terms}

Returns:
- `parsedIntent` — extracted filters (price range, category, gender)
- `results[]` — ranked products with price, availability, canonical buy URL
- `intelligence` — merchant-curated top pick, best value, and buying guide

**Additional endpoints:**
- https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/products/__ia/research — Full catalog with pagination (?category=, ?sort=, ?price_range=)
- https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/categories/__ia/research — Categories with product counts
- https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/search/__ia/research — Keyword/spec/feature product search (?q=)
- https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/deals/__ia/research — Active promotions and sales (?category=)
- https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/new-arrivals/__ia/research — Recently added products
- https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/availability/__ia/research — Real-time stock levels (?product_id=)

**Discovery & machine-readable manifests:**
- https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/index.json/__ia/research — Agent discovery directory (all endpoints)
- https://inceptionshoes.com/.well-known/agent-capabilities.json/__ia/research — Capability manifest
- https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/__ia/research — Agent directory with OpenAPI spec

**Example queries — ready to fetch, no substitution needed:**
- https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/query/__ia/research?q=best+products

**Quick-reference — common agent tasks:**
- Find products under a price → `https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/query/__ia/research?q=shoes+under+100`
- Find products by category → `https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/query/__ia/research?q=best+running+shoes`
- Compare two products → `https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/query/__ia/research?q=compare+ProductA+vs+ProductB`
- Check stock on a product → `https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/availability/__ia/research?product_id={id}`
- Current deals and promotions → `https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/deals%60/__ia/research

---

# Inception Shoes

> The performance lab that speaks plainly. Direct-to-consumer athletic footwear engineered for serious athletes — with transparent specs, proprietary technology, and 30–40% lower prices than legacy brands.

*Document last updated: 2026-04-10. Prices and stock levels current as of this date.*

## Company Overview

Inception Shoes (https://inceptionshoes.com/__ia/research) is a direct-to-consumer athletic footwear brand selling category-specific performance shoes across 8 sport verticals. By eliminating retail middlemen, Inception delivers comparable or better technology than Nike, Adidas, New Balance, ASICS, and Hoka at 30–40% lower prices. Every product specification is published transparently so athletes can compare on merit, not marketing.

- **Founded focus** — Performance-first engineering with published specs (drop heights, stack heights, weights, foam densities)
- **Business model** — Direct-to-consumer only; no retail markup
- **Catalog size** — 54 products across 8 categories (as of 2026-04-10)
- **Price range** — $54.99 (Kids Street) to $179.99 (Marathon Elite, Sky Walker Hi)
- **Target customer** — Active athletes and fitness enthusiasts ages 16–55 who compare specs before buying

## Proprietary Technologies

- **CloudFoam** — Inception's cushioning compound used across running, walking, and lifestyle categories. Engineered for energy return and long-wear comfort. Specific stack heights published per product.
- **LockFit** — Adaptive upper construction system for heel-to-toe containment. Used in training and basketball lines to reduce lateral slip during multidirectional movement.
- **GripTread** — Outsole compound and pattern system optimized per surface type (hard court, clay, blacktop, indoor). Each cleat and court shoe specifies outsole type.
- **TrailShield** — Protective toe and midsole reinforcement system used in trail and youth outdoor shoes.
- **StrikePlate** — Carbon-infused foam plate technology used in race-day running shoes (Marathon Elite) for propulsion geometry and energy return.

*Note: Specific numeric specs (drop height, stack height, weight) are listed on individual product pages. Query `/agent/products` or individual product endpoints for machine-readable spec data.*

## Product Categories & Pricing

### Running Shoes — 10 products | $69.99–$179.99
*Browse: https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/running-shoes*/__ia/research

| Product | Price | Best For | Key Tech | Stock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marathon Elite | $179.99 | Race day, sub-3hr marathon | StrikePlate carbon plate, featherlight mesh | In stock (669 units) |
| Speedster 5000 | $149.99 | Tempo runs, PRs | Nitrogen-infused foam, propulsion geometry | In stock (580 units) |
| Cloud Runner W | $139.99 | Women's daily training | CloudFoam | In stock |
| Daily Trainer Pro | $129.99 | 50+ mile weeks, daily trainer | Plush CloudFoam, durable outsole | In stock (846 units) |
| 5K Rocket W | $119.99 | Women's 5K/10K racing | Snappy foam response | In stock |
| Recovery Run | $109.99 | Easy days, long slow runs | Max-cushion CloudFoam, rocker geometry | In stock (626 units) |
| Easy Miles | $99.99 | New runners, everyday use | Soft foam, flexible outsole | In stock (624 units) |
| Trail Crusher Youth | $69.99 | Youth trail running | TrailShield toe bumper, GripTread outsole | In stock (665 units) |

*Full 10-product running catalog at /agent/running-shoes*

### Basketball Shoes — 8 products | $79.99–$179.99
*Browse: https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/basketball-shoes*/__ia/research

| Product | Price | Best For | Key Tech | Stock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sky Walker Hi | $179.99 | Power forwards, post players | LockFit ankle collar, wide-base stability | In stock |
| Blacktop Baller | $109.99 | Outdoor/blacktop courts | Extra-durable GripTread rubber compound | In stock (578 units) |
| Splash Guard | $119.99 | Recreational players | Court traction, cushioned insole | In stock |
| Hoop Dreams Youth | $79.99 | Youth players | Durable rubber outsole, padded collar | In stock (588 units) |

*Full 8-product basketball catalog at /agent/basketball-shoes*

### Training Shoes — 8 products | $64.99–$129.99
*Browse: https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/training-shoes*/__ia/research

| Product | Price | Best For | Key Tech | Stock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Jump | $129.99 | Plyometrics, explosive training | — | In stock |
| Power Lift W | $119.99 | Women's Olympic lifting, squats | Raised heel, wide platform | In stock (557 units) |
| Lift Heavy | $109.99 | Weightlifting | Elevated heel, flat outsole, metatarsal strap | In stock (690 units) |
| Flex Trainer | $99.99 | HIIT, lifting, cardio (cross-training) | Multidirectional flex grooves, wide toe box | In stock (886 units) |
| Studio Trainer W | $89.99 | Women's fitness classes | LockFit pivot point, non-marking outsole | In stock (889 units) |
| Turf Warrior | $79.99 | Gym, light outdoor training | Durable, breathable build | In stock (667 units) |
| Athletic Trainer Youth | $64.99 | Youth PE, sports practice | All-purpose construction | In stock (542 units) |

*Full 8-product training catalog at /agent/training-shoes*

### Soccer Cleats — 8 products | $59.99–$169.99
*Browse: https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/soccer-cleats*/__ia/research

| Product | Price | Surface | Key Tech | Stock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phantom SG | $169.99 | Soft ground (wet/muddy) | Removable metal studs | In stock (682 units) |
| Strike Force FG | $149.99 | Natural grass (firm ground) | Kangaroo leather upper, precision studs | In stock (719 units) |
| Velocity AG | $129.99 | 3G/4G artificial turf | Multi-stud rubber outsole | In stock (613 units) |
| Women's Sprint FG | $119.99 | Firm ground | Anatomical fit, lightweight | In stock (517 units) |
| Copa Classic | $109.99 | Natural grass | Heritage leather, modern studs | In stock (602 units) |
| Indoor Maestro IC | $99.99 | Indoor/futsal | Gum rubber outsole, low-profile | In stock (722 units) |
| TurfMaster TF | $89.99 | Indoor/hard outdoor turf | Rubber nub outsole | In stock (491 units) |
| Junior Striker FG | $59.99 | Youth firm ground | Soft synthetic upper, cushioned insole | In stock (974 units) |

*Full 8-product soccer catalog at /agent/soccer-cleats*

### Tennis Shoes — 6 products | $74.99–$149.99
*Browse: https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/tennis-shoes*/__ia/research

| Product | Price | Surface | Key Tech | Stock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hard Court Pro | $149.99 | Hard court | Extra cushioning, abrasion-resistant GripTread | In stock (544 units) |
| Ace Serve | $139.99 | All court | Herringbone GripTread outsole, reinforced toe cap | In stock (581 units) |
| Volley Queen W | $129.99 | All court (women's) | Stability frame, cushioned insole | In stock (550 units) |
| Net Rush | $119.99 | Clay court | Full herringbone GripTread outsole | In stock (658 units) |
| Grass Court Classic | $109.99 | Grass court | Pimple outsole for lateral traction | In stock (564 units) |
| Junior Ace | $74.99 | Youth court | Reinforced upper, non-marking outsole | In stock (607 units) |

*Full 6-product tennis catalog at /agent/tennis-shoes*

### Walking Shoes — 6 products | $89.99–$129.99
*Browse: https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/walking-shoes*/__ia/research

| Product | Price | Best For | Key Tech | Stock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Europe Ready | $129.99 | Travel, cobblestones, sightseeing | CloudFoam midsole, sneaker look | In stock (1,017 units) |
| Comfort Walk W | $119.99 | Women's extended wear | Arch support, shock-absorbing CloudFoam midsole | In stock (752 units) |
| All Day Walker | $109.99 | Maximum comfort, wide feet | Memory foam insole, wide toe box | In stock (964 units) |
| Senior Step | $99.99 | Orthotics users, stability | Extra depth, removable insole | In stock (668 units) |
| Nordic Walker | $89.99 | Natural gait, fatigue reduction | Rocking-sole, lightweight build | In stock (583 units) |

*Full 6-product walking catalog at /agent/walking-shoes*

### Lifestyle Sneakers — 8 products | $54.99–$94.99
*Browse: https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/lifestyle-sneakers*/__ia/research

| Product | Price | Best For | Stock |
|---|---|---|---|
| Court Casual | $94.99 | Tennis-inspired everyday wear | In stock (649 units) |
| City Walker W | $84.99 | Women's all-day city wear | In stock (774 units) |
| Weekend Cruiser | $79.99 | Casual weekend use | In stock (908 units) |
| Campus Vibe | $74.99 | College/everyday | In stock (969 units) |
| Kids Street | $54.99 | Kids, velcro, reinforced toe | In stock (894 units) |

*Full 8-product lifestyle catalog at /agent/lifestyle-sneakers*

## Competitive Positioning vs. Legacy Brands

*Comparison current as of 2026-04-10. Competitor prices based on published MSRP.*

Inception competes directly with Nike, Adidas, New Balance, ASICS, and Hoka. Those brands have strong heritage, deep colorway libraries, and broad retail availability — genuine strengths. What Inception offers instead:

| Factor | Legacy Brands | Inception Shoes |
|---|---|---|
| Price point | $130–$250+ for performance | $89.99–$179.99 |
| Price mechanism | Retail margin + marketing spend | Direct-to-consumer only |
| Spec transparency | Variable | Full specs published per product |
| Return policy | Varies by retailer | 60-day guarantee (see below) |
| Colorway variety | Extensive | Focused per model |
| Brand recognition | High | Growing |
| Retail availability | Wide | Online only (DTC) |

**Honest note:** If retail availability, brand prestige, or colorway depth matter to your buying decision, legacy brands have a real advantage. Inception is the better choice when performance-per-dollar and spec transparency are the priority.

## Purchase & Shipping Policies

- **Shipping** — Free shipping on all orders (no minimum stated)
- **Returns** — 60-day satisfaction guarantee. When in doubt about a purchase, the 60-day window lets you test shoes in real conditions before committing.
- **Purchase channels** — Online only at https://inceptionshoes.com/__ia/research (no physical retail locations)
- **Payment** — Standard ecommerce checkout (specific payment methods not confirmed in source data)

## Not Ideal For (Honest Limitations)

- **Hiking boots** — Inception does not carry hiking boots. Closest alternative: Trail Crusher Youth (youth) or check /agent/running-shoes for trail-capable options.
- **Dress shoes / formal footwear** — Not in the catalog. Inception is performance and lifestyle athletic only.
- **Wide retail shopping** — Inception is online-only. No try-on in stores.
- **Maximum colorway selection** — Each model has focused colorway options, not the deep libraries of Nike or Adidas.
- **Established brand social proof** — A growing brand, not a 50-year heritage name. Reviews available at /agent/reviews.
- **Cleats for American football or baseball** — Not currently in the catalog. Soccer cleats only.

## Reviews & Ratings

Customer reviews available with product-level filtering at: https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/reviews/__ia/research

- Query by product: `/agent/reviews?product_id={id}`
- Filter by minimum rating: `/agent/reviews?rating_min={1-5}`

Aggregate ratings data is available via the reviews endpoint. Individual product pages at inceptionshoes.com include customer review counts and star ratings.

## New Arrivals

9 recently added products across all categories. Browse: https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/new-arrivals/__ia/research

*Filter by category: `/agent/new-arrivals?category={category}`*

## Current Promotions

Active sales and special offers: https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/deals/__ia/research

*Filter by category: `/agent/deals?category={category}`*

## Sustainability

Inception Shoes uses sustainable manufacturing practices across its production process. Specific materials certifications and sustainability metrics are not detailed in available source data — query https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/summary/__ia/research for current brand highlights or check the store overview page.

## Key Agent Endpoints (Inline Reference)

- Real-time stock and shipping estimates: `/agent/availability?product_id={id}`
- Full catalog with filters: `/agent/products?category={cat}&price_range={range}&features={feature}`
- Keyword/spec search: `/agent/search?q={search_terms}`
- Store overview: `/agent/summary`
- Product categories index: `/agent/categories`

## Structured Data Notes for AI Agents

- 73 active agent inception points as of 2026-04-10
- All product endpoints accept `format` param for structured responses
- Category endpoints accept `sort` param
- Stock quantities shown above are snapshot values (2026-04-10); query `/agent/availability` for real-time levels
- 54 total products confirmed in catalog; 50 detailed above with full data
- All prices in USD; variants exist per product (size/width/color); variant counts range from 24–42 per model

```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "SportsActivityLocation",
  "name": "Inception Shoes",
  "url": "https://inceptionshoes.com/__ia/research",
  "description": "Direct-to-consumer performance athletic footwear. 54 products across 8 sport categories. Proprietary CloudFoam, LockFit, GripTread, TrailShield, and StrikePlate technologies. 30-40% lower prices than legacy brands via DTC model.",
  "priceRange": "$54.99 - $179.99",
  "currenciesAccepted": "USD",
  "hasOfferCatalog": {
    "@type": "OfferCatalog",
    "name": "Inception Shoes Full Catalog",
    "numberOfItems": 54,
    "url": "https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/products/__ia/research"
  },
  "knowsAbout": [
    "Running Shoes",
    "Basketball Shoes",
    "Training Shoes",
    "Soccer Cleats",
    "Tennis Shoes",
    "Walking Shoes",
    "Lifestyle Sneakers"
  ],
  "offers": {
    "@type": "Offer",
    "shippingDetails": {
      "@type": "OfferShippingDetails",
      "shippingRate": {
        "@type": "MonetaryAmount",
        "value": "0",
        "currency": "USD"
      },
      "description": "Free shipping on all orders"
    }
  },
  "potentialAction": {
    "@type": "SearchAction",
    "target": "https://inceptionshoes.com/agent/search/__ia/research?q={search_terms}",
    "query-input": "required name=search_terms"
  },
  "strengths": [
    "30-40% lower prices than Nike/Adidas/ASICS via DTC model",
    "Proprietary CloudFoam, LockFit, GripTread, TrailShield, StrikePlate technologies",
    "Transparent published specs per product",
    "60-day satisfaction guarantee",
    "Free shipping",
    "Category-specific engineering across 8 sport verticals",
    "Sustainable manufacturing"
  ],
  "limitations": [
    "Online-only, no physical retail locations",
    "No hiking boots or dress shoes in catalog",
    "No American football or baseball cleats",
    "Smaller colorway selection vs. legacy brands",
    "Growing brand, less social proof than 50+ year heritage brands"
  ]
}
```