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.

Find the Perfect Pair of Running Shoes For Your Feet

Zelana Montminy — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:47:16 PDT

Spring is the perfect time to recommit to your running routine, and buying some new sneakers might just be the motivation you need to get out the door. Since the shelves of colorful shoes lining the walls of your local sportswear store can be overwhelming, we talked to a running-shoe specialist to get the lowdown on finding your sole mate.

After you lace up your new sneaks, watch our video on the best way to tie your laces so they stay put.

(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.

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.

5 Quick Fixes to Ensure Your Spring-to-Summer Sole Survival

Marisa Tom — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:43:33 PDT

Part of being prepared for the incoming season means weatherproofing your wardrobe. Whether it be switching out your heavy wares for ultralight layers or putting your floral frocks at the very front of your closet lineup, now's the time to emerge the victorious warm-weather dresser. To this point, we've got five quick fixes (read: minimal effort required) for your Spring-to-Summer shoe collection. Learn from our mistakes - don't get caught in a mid-July monsoon without waterproofed sandals, always have eco-friendly leather wipes on hand, and if you're a sneaker lover, it's probably a good idea to invest in The Laundress's sports spray. Just keep reading to see how we've mapped out your sole survival.

Missoni Debuts Its Fifth Collection With Converse - We Want One in Every Zigzag Color

Marisa Tom — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:18:57 PDT

For the girl who can't live without her Chucks, Missoni's fifth - and latest - collaboration with the iconic shoe brand is basically the best thing since sliced bread. Translation: we're obsessed. Available in stores and on converse.com beginning Saturday, April 14, the limited First String lineup will offer two women's-only silhouettes and one unisex style boasting Missoni's famous multistitch fabric. While it's nearly impossible for us to pick our favorite (we're equal opportunists here!), we love that the Spring collaboration shows off a couple of new color palettes - one in shades of pastel green and metallic detailing and the other in soft neutrals accented with peach and metallics. The result? One seriously cool patterned high-top. Priced at $200, we think this may be one of our seasonal sneaker splurges, but with two classic brands at the helm, how can we resist? Click through to see each style from all angles now, then tell us which pair you like best.

The Right Way to Wear Daytime Sequins – Without Going Over the Top

Brittney Stephens — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 04:00:44 PDT

Sequins: we all wear them, we all love them - yet somehow, we still tend to fear them. While it seems perfectly appropriate to sport a sequined dress or miniskirt for a night out with the girls, most of us clench up at the thought of wearing our sparkly pieces to the office or out during broad daylight. One thing is for sure, though: sequins aren't going anywhere. They took over the Spring runways, with designers like Jenny Packham, Tory Burch, Diane von Furstenberg, and Tracy Reese showing daytime-friendly sequins - not to mention brands like Parker, Topshop, and Alice + Olivia offering casual-glam sequin pieces that can easily be worn during office hours. If you're wondering how to pull this off, just follow these tips:

Keep your color palette on the light, bright side. The reason why Diane von Furstenberg and Jenny Packham's springtime sequins work so well is because they're in sweet, sorbet-colored hues that give off a soft and feminine feel, not Saturday night on the dance floor.
Mix your sequined pieces with something more casual. Sequins have the amazing ability to instantly read "dressy." In order to make them work for daytime, all you have to do is temper the pizzazz with something more laid-back, like a white t-shirt tucked into a sequined skirt, or a denim button-down over a sparkly dress. If you're feeling especially bold, try a sequined tank with a white blazer and sneakers.
Go easy on the jewelry: Consider your sequins as a built-in accessory; you're already sparkling and reflecting light upon walking into a room, so there's no need to pile on necklaces or flashy earrings. If going sans baubles makes you feel naked, stick to a couple of thin bangles or a single cocktail ring.

Ready to shop our favorite sequined pieces? Just click through now.