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!
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?
Skirts listed in clockwise order, starting at the top left: Bonita Skirt by New Balance ($42); ChocoFluers from RunningSkirts ($58); Gym Girl Ultra in Black Vinyl Print by Skirt Sports ($65); Second Wind from Athleta ($54); Epiphany Skort by Brooks ($36); Infinity Run Skirt from Pearl Izumi ($60).
All these skirts have built-in shorts, except the skirt by Pearl Izumi; it's convertible. The skirt snaps off the shorts, giving you two looks for the price of one!
You might already take your own bags to the grocery store and keep your hot showers short, but there are always new ways to go green. Take running for instance. It's already fairly eco-friendly, but there is always room for improvement. Here are some simple ways to make your sneaker time a bit more green:
There are a few more ways to green your running, so keep on reading.
If you choose to run outside on a trail or sidewalk instead of using an electricity-driven treadmill, you're already doing your part to help the environment. You can do more though, with the help of Brooks. The brand has developed a new racing sneaker called the Green Silence.
This red and yellow shoe may channel Ronald McDonald, but it is actually totally green. The heel cups are made with recycled CDs, and the laces, lining, and stitching are made with discarded plastic water bottles. The outer soles are made from recycled rubber, and the midsole is 100 percent biodegradable. All the soy-based dyes used are non-toxic, and the adhesives are water-based. The collar around the opening of the sneaker is stuffed with foam from old couches. The packaging is also made from 100 percent post-consumer materials. These lightweight sneaks are scheduled to hit stores in February 2010, and will retail for $100, because being green doesn't come cheap.
Tell me, would you buy these eco-friendly sneakers from Brooks?
To see more pics click the images below.
As the weather gets colder and the hours of daylight diminish, it's important to keep warm and visible while working out. This can also make layering tricky, which is why I love vests.
This Brooks Nightlife Vest ($80) provides core warmth and heightens visibility through its fabric color and reflective highlights. The polyester microfiber fabric is water resistant, wind resistant, and breathable. Plus unlike many Winter vests, this one is semifitted to decrease bulkiness, and enhance performance. Buy it here.
We all know that Brooks makes great running shoes, but did you know they make great gear as well. The Powerpro Mesh Tank ($44) seems as engineered as their sneakers and I appreciate the attention to detail. Constructed from their Powerpro mesh, this top is designed for ventilation, breathability and moisture management - that's just a fancy way to say wicking. The fabric is even textured to aid evaporation. A lot of technology is at work to keep you dry.
Not only is this tank designed to move the sweat away from your body, it is also constructed with an internal bra ideal for supporting A-C cup athletes. It offers shape as well as support since its encapsulation design eliminates the "uni-boob" phenomenon. The inner liner also moves moisture away from the skin for dry comfort during and after your workout. The entire shirt is sewn with rolled over edges to prevent chafing. Like I said, a lot of attention to detail
Buy it directly from Brooks in either black or canyon - that's orange in catalog speak.
Looking for something to wear to the opening of Spider-Man 3 this Friday? Or maybe you are participating in some of the events for Spider-Man Week in NYC and you don't want your feet to overheat? Well in either case, I have found the socks for you.
The HVAC Racer by Brooks might just be the most engineered sock on the planet. Plus it looks like it is straight out of the wardrobe from the movie. Designed for racing, it is lightweight and thermally balanced for comfort. This sock is made out of revolutionary X-Static® fiber that contains antimicrobial silver (how techno is that) which moves heat away from the foot while eliminating 99.9% of bacteria. I am thinking that these socks will make for less stinky feet too. They are also anatomically designed so there is a right and a left sock. I told you a lot of thought went into these site.
Buy them from Brooks directly for $18. Hope they help your spidey skills.
Some women are pretty particular about the brand of sneaker they wear. Whether you choose because of the style, fit, comfort, activity level, or price, nothing beats a great pairs of kicks.
So, what's your favorite brand? Do you love Brooks because they have sneakers with great arch support? Or maybe you have really narrow feet, so New Balance sneaks fit you snug as a bug.
Perhaps you love Reebok because they have sneakers with extra cushioning in the heel. Or are you a Nike fan, loving that you can design your own shoe?
I'd love to know which brand you love and why, so tell me below.
