Thursday, January 26, 2012

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? 

29 comments:

  1. Can we be BFF's?

    I share the same views as you concerning the shoes. I love my lighter running shoes which do have some stability, but I have had some injuries...

    Yes. Wtf with the hooker platform heels? And the over the knee boots look like they came from legends of Zelda or the "pink monkey" elite gentlemans club.. Just passed by a bill board for that train wreck on the way to the airport today. Haha pink monkey.

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    1. yes, bffs forever! I am trying to swing a work conference in chicago one of these days so maybe our paths will cross!

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  2. And I bought 2 pairs of the aspaeris shorts- currently wearing a pair under my jeans at the airport and hoping they are the miracle which will help me run the Miami marathon this week. So far they are making my hip much better. Very cool product!

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  3. I really like the Kinvara with the lower drop than my previous Asics. I like how light it is AND it's so bright it's visible from outer space. I just bought my second pair and they're even brighter than the first if that's possible. :D
    I don't get those clunker heels either. I'm not a heels girl at all. Ok, VERY rarely, but I'd choose flip flops or cute flats any day. Happy Friday, girl!

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  4. I'm not big into bright or fancy clothing when I run (which is fortunate because I can't afford it), but I would like some brightly colored shoes. Somehow, though, the models I need to wear all seem to come in only one color: white, with accents in, like, dark blue or maybe red if I'm lucky. I'm still shopping for the perfect shoe, though, so maybe my luck on this front will change!

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    1. the problem with finding the perfect shoe is that the model gets changed a year later!

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  5. i totally agree with barefoot. ive sen people running marathons barefoot and it just kills me. maybe we were made to run barefoot, but not on concrete! LOVE the cowboy boots though. I live in Texas and it always looks good

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  6. Yeah I don't get the barefoot thing either, it's weird to me. And I LOVELOVELOVE bright colored anything, especially running shoes. The flashier the better. You're gonna wear them constantly, why not have fun with it?!

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    1. we need to get you in a frilly running skirt. then the transformation will be complete! (i'm not sure if i'm kidding not not).

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  7. I guess I'm the oddball :)
    I have a pair of Vibrams. I don't run in them all the time. I use them more as a tool to help correct my form. I would never race in them though. I rotate kinvaras, newtons, and brooks pure connect. I was originally fitted for traditional stability shoes and all they did was give me awful knee pain and shin splints. My legs and feet are much happier in the lighter, lower drop shoes. In bright colors of course!

    As far as those heels go, I just dont understand them. The platform is getting higher and higher and I think it looks ridiculous. I'm not a huge fan of knee high boots but I've seen a (very) few people look good in them.

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    1. If you can rock the minimalist stuff without being injured, awesome! My legs are happiest in shoes that feel like I'm a storm trooper...

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  8. Hey! love that were on the same boat about shoes...must have a pair of running shoes for all occasions. (fact)! I do however, own a pair vff's..I've worn them more when I go kayaking versus running nowadays. I will however, wear them at a 5k because it's a short race.
    Pumps or heels? don't really care for them. I can't walk and I'm uncomfortable so there!

    Happy Friday.

    DonnaG.

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  9. I have the Saucony Kinvara (a minimalist shoe), and I am obsessed. I was so skeptical but I really do love them.
    On the other hand, I am anti-Vibrams. I have no good reason, except whenever I see someone wearing them in a race it's like they have a target on their back - I have to beat them. If I ever wore them, I would live my life in fear that everyone was doing the same to me. Totally reasonable haha.

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    1. I ran a 5k along side a hippie dude in vibrams. my goal in life was to obliterate him.

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  10. I could not agree more with barefoot running....I just don't get it. But hey to each there own. On another note have you seen the moon boot looking shoes that ultra runners wear? They have like a 2-inch sole...weird.

    I going to try and squeeze my boobs into the pumpkin shirt tomorrow. he he I'm not sure which will be harder....running the race...or fitting into the shirt.

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    1. Have not seen the ultra shoes. That is wild!
      GOOD LUCK ON YOUR RACE! POWER OF THE PUMPKIN!!

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  11. I was thinking yesterday that it's been about a month since I last wore heels. That's probably sad, but I don't mind.

    The only non-running shoe trend I've tried to get on recently is knee-high (or almost knee-high) riding boots. I looked for a pair for a while. All the pairs I liked were usually sold out in my size. Sucks to be so average in foot size. I love brightly colored running shoes. I have 4 pairs of the same Brooks Adrenaline shoes right now in purple and teal. I got the last two pairs at a 20% discount. I have a pair of Nike Free shoes, but don't use them for running.

    As for boots/jeans/hat, if you go to downtown Santa Ana or Anaheim, I'm pretty sure you'll see some Mexican dudes rocking the Tejana (cowboy hat), jeans and boots look before going to a party. I happen to love the look especially when the guys wearing it usually dress in jeans, sneakers and baseball caps. It's a nice change of pace and reminds me of (a) the early 90s when the look was super popular with everyone and (b) fun trips to Mexico.

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    1. Agree - I like the riding boot look.

      Oh man. trolling around santa ana for mexican cowboys to flirt with sounds like fun. Sadly, I think it's off limits given my desire to maintain a happy relationship with Ant ;-).

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    2. thought about this comment and it sounds totally objectifying to the male residents of santa ana! apologies!

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  12. Bright shoes!!!! Getting ready to run is always better with as many bright colors as humanly possible. I often look like I got dressed in the dark and I am absolutely okay with that :)

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    1. I will need to see a pic sometime of these combinations.

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  13. Ahhhh! I have so many comments, so I'm writing them as I read.

    Trend 1: Also dislike. However, there are tribes in Africa that still run after their prey and essentially run them down until the animal is exhausted - there was an article in Outside magazine about it. This guy's theory is that humans are actually built to run long distances. http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/nature/Fair-Chase.html?page=all

    Trend 2: I'm on board with this one for me since I figured out that I'm a midfoot striker and the transition just feels better than shoes with a higher heel. Thus why I've on my 3rd pair of Ravennas (9mm drop)

    Trend 3: Yes.

    And I had a laugh with your hooker comment. I agree it looks shady. Why does your knee need coverage by a boot anyway?! (well suppose if you are actually a hooker, some knee protection might be nice to have).

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    1. Oooh that hunting in Africa is new to me. That's pretty cool.
      I LOL'd at your comment on the need for knee protection. awesome.

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  14. I love love love those red Mizunos, the end.

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  15. i added the vibrams to my list of top worst things to come out of 2011...don't worry easytone's and the clothing line were also on it. ;)

    i look at the lady gaga shoes and see me in them as insta-death...i couldn't even handle staying upright and in one piece in regular running shoes. ;)

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