State of the Shoe-nion Address

First things:  Aspaeris shorts is having a 50% sale with the coupon code "cooleronline".  Aspaeris is helping to sponsor our Ragnar Team and offering a pretty sweet discount with this code, so we're spreading the word about their fantastic product.  I recover at the pace of a snail, so I'm pumped to have their product to help.
Here's the press release! 

Second Things:
Heather tagged me in a post where I answer questions about myself!  Here's the link to the answers!  I didn't tag anyone, but if you're reading this, consider yourself tagged ;-).

Main Post:  State of the Shoe-ion

Forget diamonds.

Shoes are most definitely a girl's best friend.  Running shoes specifically.  My heart skips a beat when I'm at a shoe store.  I probably own more running shoes than normal ones (A stability shoe, a lightweight trainer, and a racer along with many many others in retirement that are waiting to go to that big shoe heaven in the sky (Goodwill)).  There have been a lot of trends in running shoes lately, which is probably making me want to buy even more models so I can run with all the new features.

But do I really need all of these new bells and whistles?   Will racers make me faster? (yes. marginally.)  If I tried running barefoot will everyone think I'm weird?  (probably.) What's up with the minimalistic shoes?

Here are my thoughts regarding some of the running shoe trends.

Trend 1:  Barefoot Running.
Thoughts:  Dislike.  Honestly, I think this is gross.  Although I guess it's less gross if you wear the Five Finger shoes rather than being completely barefoot.  Also, it seems like a quick way to get injured.  One could make the argument that people weren't meant to wear shoes, but honestly, I don't think people were built to be long distance runners either.  There were probably very few times in the cave-man days when running a 5 mile tempo would have been necessary.

Trend 2:  Light/Low Heel Drop Shoes. 
Thoughts:  Kind of torn on this trend.  Running in lighter shoes feels awesome.  And a shoe that makes your stride more efficient is awesome too.  I just think that runners (especially those increasing mileage) should be careful to get the right shoe for their stride.
Heavier Shoe > Injury Due to Unsupportive Shoe. 

Trend 3: Really Bright Shoes
Thoughts:  LOVE!  I experienced my first injury at age 16 because I am an overpronator and bought neutral shoes because they were bright yellow.  So this trend of having a wide selection of bright shoes is quite exciting.  I understand if bright shoes aren't your thing, but I'll just assume you are zero fun.  At all.
Fun Colored Shoes = Fun Life. 

As much fun as it is talking about running shoes, I've also gotta get some of my thoughts on normal shoes off my chest.  

Trend 1:  Chunky Lady Gaga Shoes
Thoughts:  WTF y'all?  Can someone enlighten me as to why these super clunky high heeled monstrosities are so popular?  I work in online retail, so I know for a fact they are popular...it is one of the great world issues that keeps me up at night.  Please explain ASAP.


Trend 2:  Over The Knee Boots.
Thoughts:  I don't care how covered up one is when they are worn, I still think they make people look like hookers.  But maybe that's the point?  Kids these days...

Trend 3:  Men in cowboy boots and jeans.  

Thoughts:  Ok this isn't a trend.  It's here to stay (probably only if you live in Texas. Which I don't.).  Whoever said that people weren't meant to wear shoes clearly has never seen a good looking man rocking jeans and boots.  Why this style hasn't spread beyond Texas is really beyond me.  See "Tim Riggins" in Friday Night Lights for reference.

Any shoe trends (running or otherwise) you're loving or hating these days?  

Any you're curious to try?