FitSugar

I am Keen on Keens: Wasatch Crest Trail Runner

FitSugar — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 02:30:00 PDT

I have never been on the Wasatch Trail in Utah that is that namesake of these shoes so I cannot tell you from first hand experience how inspirational it is. What I can tell you is the Wasatch Crest by Keen is a great shoe.

Designed for long distance trail running the shoe is super supportive through the mid foot, making it easier to not roll too much from side to side - great shoes if you are prone to pronation. The soles feel thick and the shoe is engineered to protect and support all the parts of the foot that are often over taxed by running. Plus the inside of the shoe is lined with excellent wicking material and the soles are designed to grip wet surfaces.

My inaugural run in these shoes was an urban run, not a lovely trail run - we take what we can get. My route might not have tree roots but there is plenty of uneven terrain - like hopping off curbs to avoid smokers or making quick pivots around slow sightseeing tourists. So I would say my test run was pretty thorough and the shoes were great. The balls of my feet felt especially cushioned as I ran through the city. I was a little nervous running in shoes I hadn't worn at all, meaning no break-in time. In the end I was blister free and my feet felt quite happy. My trailrunners are bright orange and I could see folks on the street eying them, the make of a statement for sure. I love orange so it is a statement I can stand behind (or run on).

The shoe weighs 12 oz., which puts it on the heavy side, but makes the shoe quite durable. They are also available in aquamarine blue and sage green

Buy them online from REI for $95.

See you on the trail.

Get Your Butt in Gear: Springboost Shoes

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 14:30:00 PDT

Walk much? Who doesn't, but are your shoes allowing you to do it properly?

Springboost B-WALK Shoe ($140.00) is a walking sneaker that automatically corrects your posture, just merely by wearing them while walking. B-Walk, is designed for the weekend warrior looking for a waterproof shoe with good grip. The outsole of the shoe has also been studied to provide increased rolling action, lengthening the stride and providing the feel of a light, dynamic walk. This is all done using Springboost's special Dorsiflexion Technology. Anyone who walks for fitness will appreciate the health benefits gained from walking in dorsiflexion (with your foot slightly flexed) such as relieved lower back pressure, straightening of the back, increased blood circulation in the legs and activation of more muscle fibers in the legs and buttocks. The shoes are sold with two sets of interchangeable insoles. One enables users to get used to dorsiflexion with an insole at 0 degrees dorsiflexion, and the other allows wearers to get more out of their walk with a 2 degree dorsiflexion insole.

They are a lot like Earth Shoes in that they promote good walking. They are similar in appearance to MBTs (though MBTs are made on a rocker rather than a decline), but they are a lot less expensive. Buy them from TheTannery.com.

Get in Gear: Axiom 2 Shoes

FitSugar — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 03:00:00 PST

To some people, a sneaker is a sneaker. When you put in as much time at the gym and on the sidewalks as I do, a sneaker is so much more.

I am loving the new Axiom 2 shoe ($90.00) from Brooks Running because it is a lightweight yet ultra supportive trainer that works with people who may (or do) have pronation tendencies. Its Diagonal Rollbar -- a wedge-shaped piece of high density foam that is positioned on the medial (arch) side of the midsole to reduce the rate and speed of pronation -- makes the shoe flexible enough to allow for natural movement while still being supportive. More basically, these shoes are great for anyone training, whether it is on the treadmill or on the pavement. Get yourself a pair directly from BrooksRunning.com.

10 Supersweet Casual Kicks You Need Now!

Brittney Stephens — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 03:04:21 PDT

I don't need to tell you how big of a statement your shoes can make - and since Spring is all about getting outside and strolling the streets, you're going to need a stylish pair of sneakers to brighten up your look while providing ultimate comfort. From classic to colorful to a little bit dressy, we've rounded up the top 10 cool kicks you need for the new season.

Take on Bowser in New Super Mario Converse Kicks

Kelly Schwarze — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:12:00 PST

Get ready to battle Koopas in style as Converse Japan is planning another Super Mario Bros. shoe collaboration. The One Star Super Mario Bros. OX low-top sneaker is slated to hit Japanese retail stores this March.

Available in black or white leather, the shoe looks similar to the original design at first glance, ideal for people who aren't looking to take their video game fanaticism to the extreme. On closer inspection, you can see the Converse star logo is the star from Super Mario Bros. and the characters themselves appear in familiar midgame poses at the shoe's heel. Hit up the Converse Japan website for nostalgic eight-bit Spring gear.

(Un)Guilty Pleasure of the Day: Sweet Kicks Under $25

Hannah Weil — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:31:08 PDT

One of our favorite things about Spring is slipping into lighter kicks, but that doesn't always mean sandals. When we're not sliding into flats or lacing up a pair of strappy gladiators, we want a pair of shoes we can just hang in. These artsy UO Patterned Canvas Sneakers ($20) would wear well with any of our denim, even a bright, little sundress. Plus, if you spy another cool, printed style you love, you can have both for just $30.

When to Ditch Your Old Sneaks and Where to Donate Them

Jenny Sugar — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 03:47:28 PDT

You finally broke in your running kicks, and they fit as perfectly as a pair of socks. But wait, how long have you been wearing them? Is it already time to spring for a new pair? You're supposed to replace sneakers after 300 to 500 miles, but that's not too helpful if you're not keeping track of mileage and can't remember the date you bought your last pair.

Over time, running shoes lose their ability to absorb shocks, properly cushion your steps, and support your arches. If you continue to run in them, you'll increase the stress and impact on your legs and joints, which is a surefire way to develop shin splints, stress fractures, or other overuse injuries.

Keep reading to find out how to tell it's time to replace your running sneakers.

Whitney Port Works Wine Country, Shares Her Sensible Style Tips For Fall

Brittney Stephens — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:00:15 PDT

Whitney Port has been on our style radar for quite some time now - we love her effortless appeal and inventive mix-and-match skills - and even though the star of The Hills and The City is "relieved to not have to dress [up] for the cameras anymore," it doesn't mean she's slowing down. Whitney has been hard at work designing the Spring '12 collection for her line Whitney Eve and recently teamed up with Chandon and the National Breast Cancer Foundation for a night of fashion, sparkling wine, and charity on a gorgeous evening in Napa. We headed to Domaine Chandon to check out the Whitney Eve presentation and talk to the style star about her work with the NBCF, her design inspiration, and her plans for Fall dressing.

FabSugar: What inspired you to get involved with the National Breast Cancer Foundation?
Whitney Port: I have family members that have been affected by the disease, and I really want to stress the importance of early detection. It's so crucial to go out and get tested, because the earlier they find something, the better chances you have of survival.

FS: You've lived in NYC and Los Angeles - how do you differentiate East Coast vs. West Coast dressing?
WP: When I lived in New York, I was inspired to dress up a lot more, and look more sophisticated. But when I'm in LA, I prefer to keep things casual - most days when I go to the office I'm in cutoffs, a t-shirt, and Converse sneakers. I'm so relieved to not have to dress up for the camera anymore. It's fun to go out and do events and get dolled up, but most of the time I'm just at a bar with friends, totally dressed down.

Click through to read more quotes from Whitney and see the ladylike, quirky-cool Spring collection for Whitney Eve.

Photos courtesy of Drew Altizer Photography

Get Fit For Summer: Challenge 5, Show Us Your Sneakers

FitSugar — Tue, 10 May 2011 09:01:44 PDT

We know that bikini season is right around the corner, and to help you get fit for Summer we've created a series of weekly fitness and health challenges. To add a little incentive, throughout the rest of Spring we'll be awarding a weekly prize of a $100 New Balance gift card to participating readers. To be eligible to win, create a post in the Get Fit For Summer community group as each challenge comes up.

This week's challenge: Just looking at your sporty shoes makes you want to move, right? For inspiration, post a photo of your sneakers in the Get Fit For Summer community group, then lace them up and get your sweat on! Have more than one pair of athletic shoes? Take a shot of all your fave sneakers and tell us why you love them.

Remember, by completing this challenge you will be entered into a random drawing for a $100 gift card from New Balance. Just be sure to complete the challenge by 11:59 p.m. PDT May 15 to enter. Need to know more? See the official rules here. Now show us your sneakers!

Shoe Review: New Balance 890

Susi May — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 02:00:29 PST

The barefoot running trend is, ironically, creeping into sneaker design. Inspired by the phenom of running sans shoes, many popular running shoe brands are bringing lighter weight running shoes to the market this Spring. New Balance, a company that built its reputation on well-cushioned, fortified sneakers, is introducing the revamped 890 running shoe ($100).

It's a bantam weight sneaker - one shoe clocks in at 7.75 ounces according to my little electronic food scale. Shoes this light are usually pared down racing flats, but the 890 is a neutral training shoe, meaning it still offers cushion. New Balance has created the midsole with a new foam, christened REVlite, which weighs nearly one third less of equally durable compounds.

But how does the shoe feel? Well keep on reading