Looking fashion forward while performing your best at a sport can sound mutually exclusive. We’re here to banish that myth and prove you can get the right shoe for your sport and maintain your sense of style.
A Running Start in West Reading gave us some great tips on how to choose the right shoe for a specific activity. Custom fitting is crucial to ensure comfort and performance. Stores specific to shoes for sports will assess your individual body weight, how you run (such as on your heel or forefoot) and the wear pattern on your current shoe: all things you wouldn’t find at a typical sporting goods store. Plus the stylish selections are so irresistible, you might just find yourself replacing your pair prior to the recommended 300-500 mile point!
the running shoe
RUN TO YOUR HEART’S CONTENT. This sneaker offers an enhanced cushioning system and takes away unnecessary weight typical sneakers may contain for a lighter, more flexible run. A popular style, it’s very durable and is surrounded by a flexible mesh, allowing the shoe to accommodate many different fits. Plus, the bright colors are sure to grab attention as you speed by! Saucony Cortana 2: $150
the walking shoe
A WALK IN THE PARK. Avid walkers may not realize there’s a great shoe out there just for their specific activity. The one featured here is built for impact, minus all the unnecessary features included in a running shoe. With great cushioning, comfort and stability, you might find you can walk more miles than you ever imagined! New Balance 1260v2: $144.95
the cleat
THE NEXT TRACK STAR . Designed for track and cross country, this shoe’s main functions are performance and traction. Thanks to a very secure fit, you can be sure you won’t run out of your shoes with these! They also come with two sets of spikes, allowing you to replace the shorter spikes with longer ones for those muddy days. Saucony Shay Spike: $75
the cross trainer
MULTI-TASKING AT ITS MOST STYLISH. If you’re looking to transition from one exercise to another while training at the gym, this is the sneaker for you. It’s very flexible with a stable platform. The base is wide and grips well for added support and stability. These stylish kicks even feature a rope climbing cutout for those days when you’re feeling extra eager at the gym!
the specialty sneaker
SCIENCE IN MOTION. Inspiration taken from the science world and Isaac Newton is behind the philosophy of this remarkable shoe. It’s made all naturally, with no plastic, and is very lightweight. With an emphasis on energy return, the shoe compresses underneath as you land and returns the energy back by acting like a spring. Can your current sneakers do something that incredible? Newton Distance: $155
the rock climbing shoe
FOR THE ADVENTURER IN YOU. This shoe craves the wild outdoors, but also will settle for a rock climbing wall at your gym. It’s a powerful and technical high performance shoe with dual power straps for a quick on/off and is made in northern Italy. You can be sure you’ll have the most stylish shoe among your fellow rock climbing buddies. Scarpa Vapor V: $149 East Ridge Outfitters, 8477 Allentown Pike, Blandon, 610.916.0777, eastridgeoutfitters.com
BY ANDREA FOLINO | PHOTOS BY HEIDI REUTER
