ActiveRunningI need my running shoes to look sexy – and there’s one brand that never disappointsRunning shoe companies have to try harder to stand out in today’s saturated market, and one of them actually doesWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
ActiveRunningI need my running shoes to look sexy – and there’s one brand that never disappointsRunning shoe companies have to try harder to stand out in today’s saturated market, and one of them actually doesWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Running shoe companies have to try harder to stand out in today’s saturated market, and one of them actually does
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
I test running shoes for a living, so I come acrossa lot oftrainers, at least a lot more than an average person, who probably buys a pair once every other year, tops. This might be why I don’t always get super excited when I have new shoes delivered. Unless it’s a Hoka, the fine purveyor of the sexiest running shoes, in which case I almost always rip the box open to see what’s inside.
Don’t get me wrong; many of thebest running shoesfrom different brands are equally handsome as Hoka’s kicks. Nike is seriously good at making its running shoes look good enough to get even sneakerheads excited about the latestNike running shoereleases – just look at theNike Air ZoomX Alphafly NEXT% 2Proto that sold out instantly after it was released. TheNike Air Zoom Pegasus 39isn’t an eyesore either.
Adidas trainers are equally as popular as Nike’s. I can’t remember the last time I didn’t like the way a new pair of Adidas trainers looked. TheAdidas Adizero Adios Pro 3might not be to everyone’s taste, but I’m sure no one would turn down a pair ofAdidas Solarglide 5if they were offered a pair. Not to mention theAdidas 4DFWD!
ASICS' METASPPED EDGE+ ‘super shoes’ look pure speed(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
ASICS' METASPPED EDGE+ ‘super shoes’ look pure speed
ASICS' METASPPED EDGE+ ‘super shoes’ look pure speed
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
ASICS has some of the most good-looking shoes in recent times – theASICS METASPEED EDGE+comes to mind – but the Japanese brand also has running shoes that no one will ever get excited about apart from runners and dads, such as theASICS Gel-Nimbus 24.
Saucony is a bit of hit-and-miss. Thebest Saucony shoesinclude stuff like theSaucony Peregrine 12, which, don’t get me wrong, isn’t a complete mess in terms of looks, but it’s not too sexy either. The latest Endorphin drop, though, which includes the brilliantSaucony Endorphin Speed 3, is on the right track to becoming the brightest running shoe collection of the year (see also: pretty in pink).
On Running went from total obscurity to being one of the most sought-after sports brands recently, thanks to their efforts to tap into the sneaker market with their new shoes. And indeed, theOn Cloudmonsteris as sexy as it is comfortable to wear! However, On needs to work on differentiating their shoes from each other, which might be a tall order, considering how the sole looks on all of their shoes.
Under Armour’s Flow Velociti Wind 2 has an upper that’s reminiscent of tissue paper(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Under Armour’s Flow Velociti Wind 2 has an upper that’s reminiscent of tissue paper
Under Armour’s Flow Velociti Wind 2 has an upper that’s reminiscent of tissue paper
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Under Armour’s shoes are… quite something. Some of their daily trainers look rather chunky, while their lighter racers, such as the wonderfully lightUnder Armour flow Velociti Wind 2, have a look that might not be up everyone’s street. Some of the more colourful variations are worth a look, though.
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Brooks is the ultimate ‘dad shoes’ brand; at least it used to be. Nowadays, the brand’s max-cushioned shoes, such as the Caldera 6, are starting to look more attractive, but there is definitely room for improvement here. Let’s not forget about theBrooks Aurora-BL, though!
Now, New Balance is not a terrible option. NB has a strong sneaker game, and some of its running shoes look pretty cool: just look at theNew Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12. On the other hand, theNew Balance Fresh Foam X 880v12look like dad shoes. You win some; you lose some.
The new Hoka Bondi 8 – delightfully chunky(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
The new Hoka Bondi 8 – delightfully chunky
The new Hoka Bondi 8 – delightfully chunky
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
And then there is Hoka! The brand that’s yet to produce running shoes that don’t look amazing. I remember the OGHoka Carbon Xand how much I loved the look of those shoes; theHoka Kawanafrom earlier this year with its clear aesthetics, and who can forget the fan-favouriteHoka Mach 4or the quirkyHoka TenNine Hike GTX!? All instantly recognisable shoes, yet different on their own terms.
And Hoka shows no signs of slowing down; I’m in the process of reviewing theHoka Mach 5(quick update: the review is already live!) and theHoka Bondi 8, both looking super sexy. And as I mentioned in the intro, every time I receive a pair of Hoka’s, I can’t wait to lay my eyes on the prize and take them out of the box to see them. I hope Hoka will continue to produce the shoes only they can.
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