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!
It's the new year and time to get back on track, jump-start your January, and get fit for 2012. Here at FitSugar, we're dedicating the next month to helping you set your path for the rest of the year. Each week we are breaking down some fitness fundamentals and giving away amazing prizes to help you get set to get fit! Check out all the amazing giveaways below from Under Armour, Asics, KIND Healthy Snacks, and Magimix.
 Enter the Strength Training Giveaway |
 Enter the Running Giveaway |
 Enter the Healthy Eating Giveaway |
 Enter the Healthy Living Giveaway |
Clockwise from top left: Black Diamond Spot Headlamp ($40), Columbia Omni Shade Sun Goddess Booney ($20), Patagonia Borderless Short ($48), Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($18), Guyot Squishy Bowl and Cup Set ($15), Brooks Cascadia 6 ($110), Feel Goodz Flip-Flops ($25), Thorlo CoolMax Light Hiker Socks ($16), ASICS Abby Shimmel Tank Top ($35), CamelBak Vantage 35 Hydration Pack ($149).
Barefoot running seems to be more than a passing trend; it seems everywhere I look, runners are wearing the Vibram 5 Finger gloves for your feet shoes. Many popular fitness shoe brands, following Nike's lead with it's line of Free running shoes, are responding to this craze by creating lightweight minimalist sneakers. These running shoes protect your feet without over cushioning them. Here are five sneakers that bridge the gap between heavily fortified running shoes and no shoes at all.
Reese Witherspoon was in the zone while out for a jog in Brentwood. Her cobalt tank, matching capris and jacket, and lavender Asics combined for a functional and stylish workout ensemble. She added an Adidas cap and sunglasses to protect herself from the sizzling LA rays, while carrying an iPod for extra motivation. Shop now to get Reese's cardio style.
When it comes to fit footwear, FitSugar readers get excited. What you put on your feet affects your entire workout, right? On our poll for your fave sneakers of 2010 New Balance won by a high margin, garnering 37 percent of the vote. Tied for second place for the title of favorite brand were running shoe giants Nike and Asics. Each brand received around 20 percent of your votes. I must admit these three brands are my three faves too.
I just previewed New Balance’s updated 890, a neutral running shoe due out in Spring of 2011, and really enjoyed the streamlined feel. Expect good things from the New Balance in the new year and keep on running!
Today is the first day of the last month of the year and we're starting to get a little nostalgic. We want to know about your favorite things of 2010 and we're starting at the bottom with shoes! Things might have been up and down this year, but hopefully your sneakers stayed true. Tell us, what did you wear on your feet while keeping fit during 2010?
I've already confessed my brand loyalty to Asics running shoes and admitted I'm currently harboring four pairs in my closet. One pair is super-old and worn out, I use them for walking in the rain and yardwork; one pair is a decent pair of running shoes that I'll wear on short runs; and another the awesome new Gel Kayano 17s I love. But the fourth pair, the pair waaay in the back, are the shoes I wore during the 2008 NYC Marathon — one of the best days of my life.
I'm a nostalgic person to begin with, so couple that with my extremely positive memories from my first-ever marathon, and I can't bring myself to get rid of the shoes I used to run the race. I'll wear them around the house or here and there just because they're great shoes, but for the most part, I have plans to keep them in my closet indefinitely. In fact, if there is a way to preserve a pair of running shoes forever, I probably would do it.
I'm not sure if this sounds adorable or ridiculous, but the shoes, after traveling 26.2 notable miles with me, carry incredible meaning. Does anyone feel the same way?
The New York Marathon is fast approaching, and I'm excited for Shalane Flanagan's debut at the distance. Running shoe giant Asics is one of the renowned race's sponsors and I am liking the sneaker company's new ad promoting the race.
We all know that no matter the distance, no matter the setting, running releases more than just sweat. When I'm pounding the pavement, I sometimes feel like the runner in this ad. I can almost see my negative thoughts, bad mood, and stress leaving my body. Does that happen to you? What does running do for you? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
As I've mentioned in the past, I'm a loyal Asics purchaser when it comes to running shoes, so when a pair of brand-new Gel Kayano 17s showed up at my desk, I couldn't wait to take them for a spin. My last pair of Gel Kayanos was the 14s, purchased two years ago, right before my first marathon. Since then, I've been running in the still-awesome but less expensive Gel Pulse or GT 2110, promising myself the next time a big race came down the pike, I'd spring for the pricier Gel Kayanos, which retail for $140.
Find out how they stacked up after the break.
