When it comes to kiddie footwear, sneakers are undoubtedly the most practical option for on-the-move tots. Lucky for mama, just about every manufacturer of grown-up athletic shoes now has a line for little ones as well. From Euro faves like Bikkembergs and Pom D'Api to American classics like New Balance and Adidas, there's a sneaker to suit every sporty kid. Click through to see some of the coolest kicks out there!
While catching a flight out of LA with husband Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel gave her new white Nike Dunk Sky Hi sneakers ($125) a sophisticated spin. How so? By pairing them with supersleek pieces, including a collarless gray coat and matching gray skinny J Brand jeans ($202). Jessica then completed her travel style with a creamy netted sweater, a black tote bag, and oversize sunglasses. Wedge sneakers have practically become a style staple, but what we love about Jessica's latest outfit is that she proved that sporty can indeed look polished — that is, with the right accoutrements. Next time you're heading out of town (or just taking a spin around the neighborhood), take a cue from Jessica's latest and try matching your sneakers with a more luxe-feeling coat and any other pieces that scream chic (think leather pants, silky blouses, and tweed jackets). To get her look, shop our editors' picks below — including Jessica's exact Nike sneakers.
If you suffer from sliding around on a mat during Pilates or yoga or prefer not to be barefoot during a barre class, then Nike's Studio Wrap Pack ($110) may be your answer to this problem.
The Studio Wrap Pack consists of three parts: the wrap portion that fits around the foot and ribbons (both pictured above) and a pair of slip-on flats that can be worn with or without the other parts of the Studio Wrap system. While it was a little confusing at first to wrap the ribbon correctly, once I managed to put them on, the sock-like wrap portion was quite comfortable. The stretchy fabric and open design offered a full range of flexibility for my feet and ankles. The ribbons were designed to give support to both the ankle and arch of the foot, but I didn't necessarily feel like they did this in a particularly effective way. But they did spark a lot of questions from admirers, both at the gym and at the yoga studio.
As someone who loves to go barefoot whenever possible, I found the wraps to be a little cumbersome during the yoga and aerobic dance classes I tested them out in. The wraps certainly provided traction when it came to floor choreography off the mat, but they moved around my feet during the more active parts of a mat workout.
While some yoga newbies swear by socks with grips, I worry that they won't learn about building up the foot strength that comes naturally with a well-designed yoga practice. When it came to dance class, I had a full range of motion and was able to move across the floor without any worry. But since the wraps didn't offer a great deal of cushion for the soles of my feet, they just felt a little unnecessary the whole time. My favorite part of the pack might just be the elegant studio flats; these simple, cozy ballet slippers held up on the streets during my city commute, and they were comfortable enough to run errands in after class.
I appreciate that the Nike Studio Wraps offer an open, breathable design; even with the extra coverage and support, your toes are exposed and easily able to connect with the mat. The socks aren't supportive enough for a class that calls for traditional sneakers or running shoes, but as for the "better-than-barefoot" and "flattering foot" experience they promise, the Nike Studio Wraps deliver.
San Francisco has a seemingly endless supply of parks and trails, so when Merrell sent its newest pair of trail-running minimalist shoes I was happy to give them a try. After a few weeks running outdoors in the new Mix Master Move Glide shoes ($95), I can say that I wholeheartedly love them. If you're an outdoor runner or hiker who can't wait for the snow to melt to get out and enjoy the trails, here's why you'll love these lightweight trail-running shoes.
After my first run in the shoes, I was surprised at how lightweight they felt. The mostly mesh upper makes the shoe pretty light; the women's pair clocks in at 14 ounces. And while I love minimalist shoes, I'm by no means a barefoot runner, so I was worried that the shoes wouldn't offer me enough support while I navigated uneven terrain. Luckily, I was wrong: even when I made a misstep and stumbled on a rocky piece of trail, I never felt out of control. Not only do the soles offer good grip and traction, but my feet always felt secure in them; the hard heel back and plastic lacing overlay gives some structure to the mesh exterior, and the 4-mm drop from heel to ball was designed to give absorb impact. Since I'm not used to barefoot-style shoes, I left the removable insole in, and felt that the shoes offered enough cushioning during all except my longer runs; at six miles I felt like the balls of my feet could use a little more cushioning, but it didn't hamper my comfort too much.
Like us, our favorite stars are obsessed with sneakers — the kind you probably won't sport at the gym. Can you blame them? These kicks are the comfiest way to turn our just-running-errands outfits into something a lot cooler. But that's not all they're good for — high-tops have also proved a perfect alternative to heels for a night out. The proof of their styling power is right here: looks from Kate Bosworth, Jessica Alba, Naomi Watts, and more of the celebrity crowd who have been working the trendy footwear into a myriad of slick ensembles. This is your chance to steal the look — and shop your own pair. Just click on for a celebrity lookbook brimming with inspiration, then be sure to shop our editors' picks.
While running errands in LA, mom-to-be Jenna Dewan paired a leather-sleeved J Brand denim jacket ($182, originally $260) with a white pocket tee, cropped black trousers, and these metallic Ash sneakers ($250). As if her cool-girl pairing wasn't stylish enough, the bombshell accessorized with a chain-strap Stella McCartney bag ($1,095), red retro shades, and a few mixed-metal jewels. Shop Jenna's exact jacket, sneakers, and bag to give a jolt to your Winter basics.
Elle Fanning stepped out in LA's Tarzana neighborhood rocking a sporty-chic style that was both on-trend and age-appropriate. Elle layered a patchwork Opening Ceremony varsity jacket over a flirty floral dress, then kicked up the cool factor with a pair of low-top Converse ($45). Her printed sheath and laid-back sneakers were a cool combo, but her monogrammed jacket was the icing on her sweet style. Shop our picks below to re-create Elle's LA look or swap her tough topper for this pink and gray Madewell stadium jacket ($178) for a dash of feminine flair.
Don't get tangled in untied laces on your next run! Watch this video and learn how to tie your laces so they stay put. And unlike the traditional double knotting method, this technique is easy to untie. This simple time-saver will change your workout for the better!
There were many standout accessories that celebrities showed off this year — wide-brim fedoras, top designer handbags, cat-eye sunglasses — but the one that swept the top slot was the sneaker. Everyone from Marion Cotillard to Gisele Bundchen to Irina Shayk to many more famous faces wore their favorite sporty sneakers from the likes of Isabel Marant and Ash with everything from jeans to leather pants to dresses to skirts. We have yet to see if the trend will live on in 2013, but in the meantime, take a look back at all the celebs that sported sneakers in 2012.
It's always a letdown when flip-flop season ends and closed-toe shoes work their way back into your wardrobe. I mean, there's a reason spans between trips to the pedicurist grow longer throughout the Winter. For lil girls who spent the Summer switching up their toenail colors based on their latest whim, the season can be especially cold.
That's where Bobbi-Toads ($50) comes in, a kids' sneaker with embossed toes (and toenails) that are prime for painting. Yes, we said painting — with real nail polish. Simply apply your lil one's favorite nontoxic nail color to the toe portion of the shoe — or purchase a bottle of Bobbi-Polish nontoxic color ($8) and apply it — let it dry, and send your colorful kid on her way. When she's grown bored of the color, simply use a nontoxic polish remover on the shoe and then paint on your next color.
The six styles of shoes, available in sizes from little girls' 11-13 to big girls' 1-6 are designed to "give girls the ability to express themselves, make a unique fashion statement, and, most of all, have fun," according to founder Jacki Stanley. So tell us: would your tot love a pair of Bobbi-Toads?
