Seeking Non-Ugly Running Shoes - an Impossible Request?

[Lady-Penelope]

My husband has recently taken up jogging, and the tennis shoes he runs in are starting to hurt his feet. He thinks that's probably cos they're not made for running.

Anyway, he's in the market for running shoes, and so far has come across hideous stuff like these: "http://tinyurl.com/pve49"

Does anyone out there know of good-looking running shoes?

 

[stinam]

I've been running for many years, and have not come across any great looking running shoes. Unfortunately, most of the running shoes I have used over the years (Nike, New Balance, and lately Mizuno) all look more or less like the ones in the link you posted.

IMHO running is one area where functionality and fit outweigh style -- I learned this the hard way early-on when I started running after I developed several running injuries due to wearing non-running or poorly fitting shoes.

 

[Lady-Penelope]

IMHO running is one area where functionality and fit outweigh style -- I learned this the hard way early-on when I started running after I developed several running injuries due to wearing non-running or poorly fitting shoes.

That is a devastating statement... :-/ With so many millions of people in the market for running shoes, you'd think someone would have come up with a solution...

 

[Couture_Tribe]

I am a regular runner, I usually wear Nike Air, and I also wear Puma, they are comfortable to run in, and I really like their style, but they hurt my bank.

 

[allegra]

I think that many trail running shoes tend to be better looking since the colors are darker. You can use them on all surfaces.

My favorite brands are New Balance and Asics. (When I say favorite I don't mean because they look the best, but that they are the most solid and I am least likely to get shin splints in them).

 

[softgrey]

i like new balance as well...
what about stella mccartney for adidas?...

her stuff is really cute AND functional...
though i don't know if she has anything specifically for running right now....
what i did see in the main window at the bdwy/houston store was really cute...
could almost get me into the gym.....



hey----i said ALMOST.......



...

 

[ms.jade]

I run at least every second day for at least an hour. So I may call myself a regular runner (I even need more than just one pair). And I HATE MY RUNNING SHOES!!! Since I need real stabilisation I buy them in specialised running stores (where they observe my running style every time I buy a new pair...). I only buy shoes which really fit my needs and these regulary are VERY UGLY!!! I'm a UK size 8/9 and since running shoes have to be at least one size bigger I normaly have to buy men's shoes which makes it even worse! I normaly buy asics. My feet and back love them and that's most important. I usually run in the woods early in the morning and go for really cool sportswear (Stella McCartneys Adidas Line or Puma) so I hope noone will notice my clonesque huge feet .

I hope I could help a bit. But honestly I would NEVER buy running shoes just because they look good. They have to be functional and as much as I love Nikes I would never use them for running. This is where fashion stops for me. I startet running in New Balance and my back and knees ALWAYS hurt after exercising. What I'm trying to say is: Go (you or your husband) to a specialised running store and get the shoes which fit your/his personal needs and running style (street, woods, both...). That's the only reasonable thing to say. Above the shoes is where the creativity starts...

This is how my running shoes look like...

 

[Trista]

I would have to agree, running shoes are one thing where function outweighs fashion. I'd rather have slightly ugly running shoes than attractive ones that could hurt me.

 

[purexelegance]

I am in love with Puma sneakers... they're stylish and perfect for running!

 

[TheSoCalledPrep]

IMHO running is one area where functionality and fit outweigh style -- I learned this the hard way early-on when I started running after I developed several running injuries due to wearing non-running or poorly fitting shoes.

I agree. As long as the shoes don't make you self-concious, do not worry about they look like. The important thing is that they are the right kind of shoe for you (motion control, stability, cushioning, etc...) Your best bet is to go to a running specialty store and have their salespeople help you... it's their job. If you want to order online, this website explains how to determine your foot type.

Once you get past that, pick a cool color to spice things up. I loooove Asics... the traditional running shoe. Lots of cute colors, not really dorky. =D

so cute..

 

[Lady-Penelope]

Thanks everyone. My husband ended up choosing a pair of Asics after lots of research - he realised he had to give up on the form and focus on the function.

 

[ellastica]

I went into The Balanced Athlete in Renton Landing looking to invest in a pair of high quality, supremely comfy running shoes. I could easily order these on Amazon but I try my best to support local companies whenever I can. The service is normally top-notch although the morning I went in, there ended up being 4 customers needed to be fitted for one sales associate so her services were spread thin but she made it work.

Unsurprisingly the smallest adult shoe size they carry are 6's and after being measured & analyzed I decided on these Levitate sneakers made by a local sneaker company called Brooks. I tried on the Silver/White color style but had the SA special order me the black and silver color.

But then I called the store a day later to order in one size down. Apparently the gal helping me in the store had me try on 6 1/2 so I then proceeded to special order both the 6 and 5.5. Fingers crossed one of these sizes works.


I don't like "statement" clothing, shoes or sneakers. These are non-offense and somewhat minimal in design.
Importantly for me anyways the soles are not mall-walker stark white color which I really loathe.
So while these aren't my dream sneaker the support is incredible and feels like walking on air.

brooksrunning.com

 

[Benn98]

These I could never wear because I stick to barefoot and trail running shoes. What I've found is that the design and functionality often trumps general running shoes.

I also swear by Nike's Free Flyknit 3.0 range. My favourite has sadly been discontinued as is the case with Nike, which is also why I don't really like to support them. But I scored some pairs off Ebay (new, obviously!.) It's hand's down the most comfortable, easy to wear and airiest shoes I've run with yet. Despite looking rectangular-ish, the toe space is airy because of the knitting technology, and comes with a great heel drop. Works just as well for everyday use. And if you're not into 'loud' colours, there are more muted variants on offer nowadays.

 

[MulletProof]

I had an Adidas phase, they make soles like the one above that feel like walking on a cloud.. it's a double-edge sword as, in my experience, the constant impact on hard floor soon shapes it in certain way that gives you odd posture or makes you more prone to injuries. I have a long history of back problems (herniated disks), and currently have a cervical herniated disk, I shouldn't be running but can't stop, so I just try to triple make sure that the impact won't be too harsh, proper stretching/warmup goes a long way but the wrong sole can put you on hiatus for a while..

I can't stand Nike and the culture around it and think their shoes look a little too trendy and yeah, statement, but to be honest, after this herniated disk, I had to go back to them.. the soles for running may be deceivingly thin but are just so perfectly layered and resistant to impact and the upper part stays light and tight.. they hold on to your shape for many months.