Design Your Own Shoes - Freaky Shoes
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Sophisticated details and materials elevate this summer wardrobe staple. No longer just for the beach, men’s sandals are all the rage. Their easygoing allure conveys an image of relaxed comfort, making them naturally perfect for informal, everyday use, even in the city. Leather styles can be paired with wide-legged trousers and linen shirts for a casual, sophisticated look, while minimalist items are perfect for those who prefer a cleaner, classic allure. A pair of evergreen flip-flops are a must-have for long walks at sunset.
Sneakers are extremely versatile and perfect for any occasion. No matter their shape, colour or material, sneakers are the ultimate in sports-casual footwear. Representing the perfect combination of comfort and flexibility, they add a modern allure to any outfit, whether laid-back or formal. Wear them with a single-breasted blazer and classic-cut trousers for easygoing elegance, or with a T-shirt and cuffed jeans for an evergreen, spontaneous look.
This must-have of the male wardrobe defines formal, elegant looks. In addition to their distinctive, classic lines, lace-ups are available in a wide choice of styles, making them perfect throughout the day — from mornings in the office to evening events and weekend outings. Iconic lace-up styles include the Oxford and Derby, which are distinguished by their lacing. Oxfords feature closed lacing, creating a slender silhouette that envelops the foot, while Derbys are defined by open lacing for a more unbound look and feel. These classics have been updated in various materials and styles — including chukka boots, monk straps and brogues — making them perfect in an even greater selection of outfits, adding a touch of elegance to any occasion.
Loafers were originally created as slippers for the British king George VI to wear around the home. They became a popular style of outdoor footwear in the 20th century when American businessmen started to wear them with suits in the 1960s. Today, loafers are a staple of the men’s wardrobe, thanks to their casual-yet-elegant allure. This comfortable item is available in a wide array of styles, including docksiders, penny loafers and tasseled looks. They are a viable alternative to sneakers, as they offer an impeccable look when worn with suits, straight-cut trousers and Bermuda shorts.
Sophisticated details and materials elevate this summer wardrobe staple. No longer just for the beach, men’s sandals are all the rage. Their easygoing allure conveys an image of relaxed comfort, making them naturally perfect for informal, everyday use, even in the city. Leather styles can be paired with wide-legged trousers and linen shirts for a casual, sophisticated look, while minimalist items are perfect for those who prefer a cleaner, classic allure. A pair of evergreen flip-flops are a must-have for long walks at sunset.
As a runner, what you do off the track, road, or trail often has just as big an impact on your race performance as what you do on it. Research shows that regular cross-training—plyo circuits, power lifting sessions, bootcamp-style workout classes, or even cycling—can help make you fitter, stronger, and faster. But first, to really boost those benefits and reduce your risk of injury, you need to swap your regular running shoes for a training-specific style, like the ones below. Keep reading to learn why and how these workout shoes give you the stability, bounce, and support you need—and why your high-mileage pairs probably don’t.
A recent study published in the Journal of Sport and Health Science revealed that runners who completed plyometric workouts twice a week improved their performance—and their power—in just six weeks (or 12 sessions total). And another study, published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology, showed that even well-trained ultramarathon runners had room for improvement: After 12 weeks of incorporating explosive plyo workouts into their routines, they saw a boost in their running economy, or their ability to run faster and longer, while using less energy. For most runners, cross-training adds variability to an all too often monotonous routine. When you log miles without doing anything else, your muscles adapt to the work and, because they’re never pushed beyond the limit they’ve already reached, your strength gains begin to taper. Your progress plateaus. Your risk for overuse injuries increases. But building regular cross-training into your running schedule (especially when it’s done strategically, under the guidance of a coach or trainer) can improve strength, power, speed, and even aid in your recovery.
We looked for cross-training shoes with design elements that help support multi-directional movements, explosive workouts, cardio/strength circuits, and heavy lifting sessions. These features include flexible uppers, cushioned (yet firm where you need it) midsoles, minimal heel-to-toe drops, reinforced heels, extra grip, and protective overlays. Many of these styles are built on lasts that are similar to your favorite running shoes; however, they will also give you the added stability and flexibility necessary to knock out all your cross-training needs.
Created as a smart solution for exercisers who are opting for outdoor workouts rather than studio sessions these days, this cross-training shoe basically provides all the benefits and comfort of the Nano X1, but with a more rugged exterior. It’s low to the ground, lightweight, flexible, and just cushioned enough underfoot for executing both strength and speed-building moves. It also has sturdy rubber lugs on the outsole that offer good grip while performing lunges on your driveway, strides on the trail, or lateral drills in the park. Its upper is covered with a breathable yet durable ripstop fabric that conforms to your foot and helps protect you from rocks and other debris you may encounter mid-sweat. Plus, an anti-microbial lining leaves your feet smelling fresh throughout.
Creating Your Own ShoeIf you’re looking for something to help you rock all those WODs (that’s Workout of the Day for you CrossFit newbies), this newest iteration of the beloved Nano is everything you need and more. Its wide base, lightweight heel clip and low-to-the-ground (aka, minimal heel-to-toe-drop) design provides extra stability for heavy weight days, a super responsive foam midsole adds some protective cushioning for plyo circuits. A soft, flexible, yet tightly woven upper keeps your feet cool and comfy, no matter how intense (or sweaty) your session gets. Strategically placed grooves on the rubber outsole improve grip both when you’re standing still and moving fast in multiple directions, too.
With the most recent update to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s multi-purpose Project Rock cross-training shoe, there is no battle between man versus machine. This increasingly versatile trainer smartly showcases several of UA’s best technologies, making it an ideal partner for both high intensity interval training and hitting the weight machines. The HOVR foam midsole is wrapped with a tight mesh web for a springier and more responsive feel underfoot. The outsole features UA’s Tribase design: triangle-shaped grooves that anchor your heel and toes while allowing multi-directional flex and solid traction. For added stability, a slimmed-down TPU counter firms up the once-naked heel. Finally, the compression-fit bootie upper, with quarter panel overlays incorporated into the lacing, hugs your foot while you work out. Wear these when you need a stable base for strength training, but you’re also bouncing around between other activities.
These fresh, funky kicks will help you amp up the energy for any workout, whether you’re cross-training at home or at the gym. With a new and improved design, this more sustainable style contains at least 20 percent recycled material by weight. It now features a fully adjustable tongue and a roomier forefoot to help accommodate a wider range of foot types. Designed specifically for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions, they have two Nike Zoom Air units in the forefoot that absorb impact when you’re going all-out jumping, lunging or sprinting, and provide extra cushioning while you actively recover between sets. There’s also a plate that runs from the heel to forefoot, keeping your foot properly positioned for action, and a split sole to support multi-planar movement. A breathable, mesh upper allows you to stay flexible, while a wide, stable heel maintains balance and a cool, speckled rubber tread provides extra traction.
The Mizuno TF-01 aims to enhance performance by using an innovative technology to boost your balance. A flexible grid on the shoe’s outsole corresponds to a layer of pea-sized round pods in its soft, poly-foam midsole. The raised texture from the pods against the bottom of your foot makes you feel more connected to the ground and sends more feedback to your body with every step. An intricate diamond design on the outsole provides greater grip and lateral support for agility training. This lightweight pair of cross-training shoes also has a soft, woven mesh upper and a reinforced heel, so you feel stable and comfortable, no matter what kind of workout you’re doing—or how fast you’re doing it.
A favorite among elite athletes for a reason, the Legacy Lifter II is dialed in just right to help keep your weight balanced under heavy loads. It has a stiff outsole with a raised heel and heel clip for added stability, a breathable textile upper, and a durable rubber outsole that allows you to maintain grip while you lift. Plus, its laces-strap combo locks down your midfoot, making sure everything is well positioned throughout your cross-training session.
This brand new style from Inov-8 feels like a running shoe but performs like a cross-training shoe. Its outsole and midsole are infused with Graphene, a wicked-strong, high-tech material that adds unparalleled durability, stability, and grip for lifting, while a breathable, knit upper and responsive cushioning throughout means extra comfort for jumping and other explosive drills. With a 6mm drop from heel to toe, it offers a little more support than some other more low-profile styles (which can be good or bad, depending on who you ask!), and it features 360-degree protection for rope climbs.
Regardless of how you like to squeeze in your cardio bursts, the Surge is ready to deliver. It’s super-comfy, with a super-light, super-cushy (yes, it’s called “super” for a reason) foam midsole that helps put a spring in your step no matter what activity’s moving you forward. Plus, extra arch support gives you plenty of stability when you switch back to cross-training. This multi-functional shoe has a heel that’s designed specifically to gently clip into rowing machines (which is an incredible at-home workout tool, BTW) and a breathable, reinforced mesh upper that won’t break down against any machine’s straps. A smart rubber tread on the outsole provides the perfect amount of traction for both the treadmill and the studio floor, too.
An innovative new style from PUMA, the Fuse has a lot to offer in the functional training space. It’s low to the ground, with a 4mm heel-to-toe drop and extra stability in the heel, giving you a solid base for strength training, has a toe box that’s just wide enough for your toes to splay out for additional stability without letting them get lost in there, and a shock-absorbing midsole for landing the perfect jumps and sprints. The durable, yet flexible rubber grip on the outsole helps keep you on your feet without limiting movement. And mesh overlays and reinforced rubber are strategically placed in high-wear areas around the shoe to provide extra traction, support and durability for moves like rope and wall climbs, rowing, and heavy lifts. This cross-training shoe is available in unisex-sizing, only.
Whether you’re busting a move on the dance floor or simply jumping and lunging around your at-home fitness studio, the Dynamic Pro Training Shoe provides the support you need to stay comfortable while you sweat. A well-cushioned foam midsole adds bounce and reduces impact on landing, while a soft, narrow heel cup helps keep you steady on your feet. A wider toe box gives your digits room to breathe. Strategically placed flex grooves on the outsole allow your foot to move smoothly in all directions, and a unique pivot point makes it easier to turn on a dime.
