FitSugar

Fashionable Feet-Friendly Flip-Flops For Summer

Heather Dale — Wed, 04 May 2011 02:03:23 PDT

Once the weather warms up, it's out with the boots and in with the sandals. And when I say sandals, I mean flip-flops - in every style, color, and brand - I practically live in them 24/7! Granted, flip-flops may not be the best shoes for your feet, always choose a pair with more support. Here are some that provide some additional cushioning and comfort.

Clockwise from top left: Savvy Sandal by Aerosoles ($40), Chaco Flip EcoTread ($56), Simple Flippee ($30), Nike Comfort Thong 2 ($28), Orthaheel Tide ($55), Sanuk IBIZA Sandals ($16)

Get in Gear: Merrell Shoes

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 02:25:17 PST

Since my post on Cole Haan Nike Heels, I have been on the lookout for cute, comfortable shoes that you can actually move in. While at this point, nothing tops those adorable (and sexy) heels, Merrell does make some cute everyday shoes that you can really run around in.

The Merrell Plaza ($90.00) shoe is ridiculously comfortable, but doesn't look like a sporty shoe (which is how it feels). The Merrell sole adds well-honed muscle to a Mary Jane leather shoe with pigskin strap and trimming. You could run to the bus, take a walk at lunch or keep up with your toddler in these shoes all while steering clear of the full on sneaker look. You can buy them from Nordstorm.com.

Fit High Heels: Cole Haan Nike Air

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 04:00:00 PST

At first glance you may think that I have lost my mind writing about heels but bear with me here.

My sister and my mom have been raving about these new heels that Oprah apparently loves. I'll admit I was skeptical, as they would love anything Miss Oprah endorses, even if it were the ugliest shoes ever. I was thinking Nike sneaker meets heel, which didn't sound so attractive to me but I did the research and can now say that these Cole Haan Nike Air shoes ($275 and up) are fabulous.

Each high heel shoe of the Cole Haan Nike Air collection utilizes Nike Zoom air bag technology to cushion the ball and heel of the foot. By lining the interior of the heels with strategically placed Nike Zoom air bags, the stress and pain caused by the weight transfer from the raised heel to the toe is counterbalanced. What does it all mean? Basically these shoes could be the most comfortable and sexy heels you ever wore, even despite the fact that the heel sizes average 3-4 inches.

The Cole Haan Nike Air collection of high heels comes in a wide variety of styles including boots, wedges, platforms, pumps, Mary Janes and sling backs. Now, I'm not saying you should run in them as you would your Nike sneaks, but it's nice to know you could if you wanted. To get a pair visit the Cole Haan site.

To see more of the cute and comfy shoes,

View 15 Photos ›

Fresh New Workout Style

Sponsor — Tue, 01 May 2012 03:00:00 PDT

It's no secret that workout routines can get a little mundane . . . Especially if your exercise gear doesn't get you excited anymore. Luckily, New Balance knows how important it is to bring a breath of fresh air to your sweat sessions, starting with your feet! With the new Superlight Superfresh walking shoe, you'll breathe new life into each step. How? New Balance starts with comfort - your tootsies will love the innovative, cloud-inspired design that keeps you cozy and the REVlite for lightweight cushioning that helps your feet stay fresh and happy. Pumped for your next walking workout? Check out more about the Superlight Superfresh here!

Tips For Springtime Running in the Rain

Kristen Hawley — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 21:06:20 PDT

Spring has sprung and that means moving off the treadmill and into the great outdoors. But since Spring often equals rain showers, an outdoor run could be nearly thwarted by weather. Don't be afraid of the rain - with a few simple adjustments to your normal routine you'll be on your way to a great run, elements and all.

Do not wear cotton. While comfortable, cotton shirts, shorts, socks, basically cotton anything soaks up water quickly, becoming heavy and generally uncomfortable. Stick to wicking materials, and finish your outfit with a waterproof top layer. Check out our Spring running must-haves for wicking gear and rain jackets.
Wear high(er) socks. Speaking of socks, since running in the rain can cause blisters, choose a pair of (non-cotton) socks that reach above your sneakers. I'm not prone to blisters, but one rainy run with too-short socks had me limping to the finish.

Check out the rest of the tips after the break.

Gear Review: Adidas Adizero Rush Shoe

Leta Shy — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 02:13:42 PDT

If you're in the market for a minimalist running shoe, you may want to check out the new Adizero Rush running shoe from Adidas ($100). Each shoe clocks in at only 6.2 ounces but doesn't skimp on support. I recently tested a pair during my three-to-four-mile runs; here's what I thought of the line.

I'm a sucker for a minimalist shoe, but even I was surprised at just how lightweight the Adizero Rush felt. The largely mesh construction makes these shoes extra breathable, while the thinner soles and insoles make for a running-on-air feel. I felt connected with the road or treadmill with every step but without feeling like I was running without any support. The "sprint frame" construction of the soles supposedly offers support without the bulk, and I have to agree - as an overpronator, I always felt like I was getting the stability I needed while I ran. The shape of the shoe front also felt comfortable during my runs - having enough room to move my toes when I run has been key.

Read on to find out more about what I thought of the Adizero Rush after the break.

Walk This Way: The Benefits of Walking

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:39:10 PDT

Around here, there's no exercise we don't love. Yoga, running, and rock climbing all have a place in our hearts. But we don't discount the most unassuming exercise of all, walking. It's a great no-fuss way to exercise (all you need are comfortable walking shoes!), and a moderately intense pace - 100 steps per minute - is the key to losing weight.

If you're in the mood for taking advantage of the season's long nights with more walks, investing in a pedometer is a good idea. You'll know exactly how many steps you take each day, which can keep you on the right track with your goals. In honor of National Walking Day (today!), here are some more benefits of walking that you can look forward to!

It's a moderate calorie burner. Walking at a 20-minute-mile pace burns about 103 calories every hour, which is not too shabby. And if you pick up your pace, you can burn a few calories more an hour - a 15-minute-mile pace will burn about 118 calories. Add a few more movements to your walk, and you've got a veritable cardio routine going on.

Check out more benefits of walking after the break!

Fab Community Must Reads: Mischa Barton Heads Back to TV

FabSugar — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 03:38:35 PDT

Mischa Barton promotes her brand on new show Styled by June - The Fash Pack
Check out this cute (and comfortable) Spring shoe trend - Beauty and the Budget
Emily Baker gets shot for Helmut Lang's Spring '12 campaign - Sandi in the City
Sabs sports her Capitol Couture for the Hunger Games midnight show - Celebrity Fashion
Shop bold cuffs for Spring, all under $40 - Cheap Chic Daily

3 Ways to Be a Better Brainstormer

LearnVest — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:15:12 PDT

Learn how to be a better contributor to your office brainstorming sessions with these tips from LearnVest.

When was the last time you brainstormed?

Was it over a group assignment in high school? Maybe over a particularly challenging DIY project? Or was it this week, at work?

Brainstorming is a tried-and-true way many managers encourage their employees to generate ideas.

The goal is to get people in a room with a whiteboard - and snacks, hopefully - and let the fantastic, creative ideas fly.

Here’s the twist: we may have been going about it all wrong. The New Yorker reports that research consistently proves that traditional brainstorming - the type you’ve likely been doing your whole life - is less productive than sending people off to think by themselves. (Although there is a type of brainstorming researchers recommend . . . We’ll get to that.)

This could be good news when you’re privately brainstorming ways to ace your employee review, but it could cause some problems in the office. Namely, you can’t just opt out the next time your boss herds you into the conference room. (Plus, you might miss the snacks.)

We talked to a brainstorming expert - yes, there is such a thing - to find out why this is, and how you can be a better brainstormer in three easy steps.

This Will Make You More Creative

The New Yorker writes that a key principle of most brainstorming is the absence of negative criticism. That’s supposed to encourage people to speak up, since no one wants to volunteer ideas that get shot down. But research shows that it’s not brainstorming that’s ineffective so much as brainstorming without any criticism. This is because criticism encourages us to “engage more fully with the work of others and to reassess our viewpoints.”

Read on for more.

Become a Color Connoisseur With Pantone's Pretty Palettes For 2013

Angela Swinderman Elias — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:00:23 PDT

According to the PANTONE VIEW home + interiors 2013 book, there are nine color palettes predicted to dominate interior design and furniture trends in 2013. A mix of muted palettes serve as the new classics while rainbow-inspired colors provoke bolder style statements.

The first palette in Pantone's 2013 lineup, Connoisseur, draws from cool neutrals like alyssum white and beechnut green, contrasted with warmer tones of violets and orchids, liquid pink, and deep mahogany, all set against accents of champagne beige and silver. The palette puts a fresh spin on old-world elegance, with decorative pieces that layer texture. It's refined and sophisticated with just the right amount of understated drama.

Keep reading to check out the other eight palettes and the inspiration behind each!