>>542940553
Stop attempting to apply real-world logic to this franchise.
Shadow is as fast as Sonic. Shadow skating is an aesthetic difference, because another runner would be boring.
When Shadow changes into normal shoes, he's still a speed type with the same stats. Not that the Olympics are great resources for stats, but it lists "runs fast" and is "fast at moving" as Shadow's advantages there. https://youtu.be/hhfqy6Qh9WE
>>542940941
They did, just not recently.
X showed Shadow running quite a bit, but he's usually got someone with him to slow him down. He can keep pace with Sonic when he doesn't.