Why does Shadow need rocket shoes to run fast?

Rocket-skates, Sonic Wiki Zone

Sonic Adventure 2 cheats

Does Shadow actually need the Rocket Skates to keep up with Sonic? Is he decent without them? Would Sonic be faster with them? - Quora

VIDEO : 'Moonwalkers': These AI-powered strap-on shoes can make you walk three times faster

Hoka Mach 4 Hoka Shoes for flat Feet Men's

Women's HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 8

Team Rocket mottos - Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia

Looks like Shadow's speed has been nerfed. Went from can keep up with Sonic no problem to can only keep up with his rocket skates : r/SonicTheHedgehog

Are You Running in the Right Shoes on Race Day?

Nike Epic React Flyknit: What Runners Need to Know About the Shoe - Men's Journal