It's not hot enough to sweat outdoors in a sports bra or tank top alone, but these three hooded layers are perfect picks for all your fitness-related needs. From the best running zip-up to the cozy jacket you'll love to toss on after yoga, watch this video to check out three hoodies we're loving this season.
No matter what your workout of choice, taking it outdoors can make it that much more fun. To get into the Spring spirit, we've got 10 fun shoes for almost any activity that will take you outdoors — or keep you in — this season. From walking to hiking to trail running, read on for our Spring shoe picks!
April showers may be in the forecast, but a little rain isn't stopping us. We're zipping up our waterproof running jackets, adding a dash of fun with printed workout leggings, and heading out the door. Afterward, we're fueling up with an addictive Greek yogurt snack. Click through to check out these and more of our must haves for April!
Adidas has just kicked off its End-of-Season Sale, offering up to 50 percent off more than 550 styles, including women's and men's shoes and apparel, adidas Originals, adidas by Stella McCartney, and children's wear. Better yet, all orders over $49 will receive free shipping — and trust us, that number's not hard to reach! There's a lot to sift through, so we've done the shopping for you. Check out our 10 favorite pieces from this sporty sale.
The latest offering from Adidas, the Energy Boost ($150), has been out for less than a month, but it's already generating buzz. Dubbed Best Debut in Runner's World Spring Shoe Guide, the shoe was engineered to give runs an extra bounce, courtesy of Adidas's new styrofoam-looking Boost foam, which the company claims provides "more energy return" than conventional running shoe foam. After attending the unveiling of the Energy Boost last month, I've had a few weeks to test out my pair on short and long, indoor and outdoor runs. Here's what I thought about the Adidas Energy Boost.
The shoes aren't minimalist, but they sure do feel like it. I was amazed at how light they felt — the women's size 7s weigh in at 8.5 ounces — even though the thick sole looks like it would be much heavier. When running, I liked that the shoe offered extra cushioning and correction, especially on long runs. Since I'm training for a marathon, I've been testing out a few shoes during my long runs, and these are definitely at the top when it comes to comfort. I wore the Energy Boosts on a 13-mile run a week after a similarly long run where I wore a conventional minimalist shoe, and I noticed that the Energy Boosts cushioning helped save my knees from pain. And while I can't quantify any energy boost from wearing these shoes, my runs did feel noticeably bouncier and more comfortable, both on a treadmill and outdoors. The soft but structured feel of the foam sole ensured that I never felt weighed down or inhibited by the extra cushioning.
Besides the new foam, the Energy Boost shoes have other nice design touches to make it a comfortable running shoe. For one, the flexible mesh toe box encases your toes while still allowing room for them to move while you run. Also, the shoes' midsection acts like a girdle so the shoes stay snug even when the laces are untied.
While I did like the snug fit, it's important to note that the shoes run small; I ended up testing out a pair a half-size larger than my normal shoe size and the fit was perfect. But the narrow fit of the shoe and the amount of foam means that my feet feel a tad too overheated when I wear thicker running socks, so I've been sticking to thinner, non-cotton socks to make sure my feet don't feel hot and uncomfortable. All in all, I love the extra lightweight cushioning and bounce the Energy Boost gives me — especially during longer runs — and I'll be wearing these shoes for many miles to come!
2011 may have been the year of barefoot running, but 2013 is already chalking up to be the year of the sole. Last month, Mizuno released its new Wave EVO collection, which includes options like the Evo Cursoris ($120), a lightweight yet stabilizing shoe that offers more cushioning to encourage a midfoot strike. And today, Adidas unveiled the new Energy Boost ($150; available for preorder), which incorporates its new bouncy foam technology into the midsole in order to provide more cushioning without weighing feet down. Stability shoes like the Brooks Pure Project Cadence 2 ($120) also offer similar lightweight support.
What do you think of this slight shift away from shoes like Vibram Five Fingers, which encourage you to run naturally, to minimalist yet supportive shoes that aim to help modify your running style? Do you love the new less-minimal models, or are you a fan of barefoot styles?
The color experts at Pantone have deemed 2013 the year of emerald green, so get in on the trend by adding some of the hue to your workout wardrobe. Here are 10 deep green picks to help you out!
Running in the cold means careful attention must be paid to your outerwear. You don't want to bundle up too much, lest you overheat just a few miles into your jog, but you also need to make sure you stay warm, safe, and comfortable. These running jackets help you meet your requirements: from sweat-wicking material to breathable mesh vents to thumbholes to keep your wrists warm, here are 10 running jackets — in every price range — to choose from!
"In the world right now, fashion is sh*t," said Yohji Yamamoto backstage at his 10th anniversary show for Y-3. "It's too sexy, it’s too cheap-looking. I want the future — new street fashion."
What's new for Yamamoto is a selection of refreshed classics that will undoubtedly help move the sportswear conversation forward without necessarily reinventing the wheel. The garments themselves spoke to a refined athleticism — some in straightforward black and white, others wildly multicolored. The women's clothing, from double-breasted jackets to elegant printed dresses, was cleanly tailored, but sporty enough to perform if the occasion called for it. The men's clothing at times carried a comfortable slouch, most noticeable in an oversize short sleeve mesh hoodie.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the collection, though, were the many ways Yamamoto used the iconic Adidas three-stripe logo: everything from women's blazers and knee-high socks to men's trousers and printed t-shirts were decorated with it.
The Adizero Feather 2 shoes (originally $115, on sale for $85) are part of Adidas's minimalist shoe line, and these versions are some of the lightest ones available. Adidas touts the Adizero Feather 2s as being fast as lightning; in fact, some members of the Olympic track and field teams used these when training for London. After testing a pair the company sent to me, I can see what the fuss is about — as soon as I put them on, I felt like sprinting! I was amazed by how light and airy these 5.6-ounce shoes feel. Wearing the Feather 2s often feels like you aren't in anything more than a sock.
The shoes also are perfect for hot weather; although we rarely get sweltering heat in San Francisco, I wore the shoes while working outdoors during a trip to LA and my feet always felt cool and comfortable. While the flexible sole offers impressive grip on the pavement or grass, these would make the perfect treadmill shoe as the temps drop and you take your runs inside. Besides the feel, I loved the look of these shoes. I tested out the black and pink pair, which sport hot-pink accents and shoelaces, and got many compliments on them at the gym.
Read on for more about what I liked (and didn't like) about the Adizero Feather 2 shoes!
