Power SHOEs

ALL BLACK IS STYLISH, PRACTICAL NIKE released its Beautiful x Powerful collection for women this month on October 6. Earned Runs is not specifically endorsing this line, but pointing out how wearing all black fitness shoes to work or school or while shopping or commuting, can be stylish and healthy, and not so obviously ‘athletic”. These black shoes can continue the long clean lines of fashion black slacks/pants so commonly worn as daywear by women. As a practical matter, if an outfit’s foundation is a pair of sleek, all-black trainers, other complementary neutral pieces can complete the look, which can be fashionable yet functional.
 
I have a pair of all black PUMAs, with Velcro closures instead of laces, that I have worn for years when taking the train or traveling, and paired with black jeans and a variety of structured jackets.  They need replacing, so when this ad came to my attention I was interested. There have been rather clunky looking all black walking shoes on the market for years, but they have had too much of an ‘orthopedic’ look.
 
Fall/winter is boot season, but traditional boots can be heavy and hot, and not always have comfortably low heels. If the sidewalk and streets are cleared, it may not be necessary to wear boots every day. Some of the more recently released shoes have bootie or sock-like construction that offers cold weather protection; the uppers would be nicely covered by pant legs.
 
The biggest advantage to having an understated, sporty style is that you can be ready to change into running gear at the lunch hour or after work, and not need to change undergarments, as wearing a sports bra can contribute to the slim lines of this look; you’ll already be wearing dark socks.
 
Brooks™ has all black Adrenalin 16 GTS shoes, Puma™ has the new Fierce line, and Adidas™ offers it’s streamlined Tubular Defiant shoes. Likely there are other all black shoes to be found.
 
What about men dressing for comfort and ease of transition to running gear?  Guys already know how powerful a black foundation look can be if they have seen the New Zealand national rugby union team play. The “All Blacks” look fierce due to their size and physique, especially when performing the famous pre-game haka, Maori challenge, dance. Their all black uniforms complete the impression of power.
 
Fashion is definitely a personal matter; I’m just saying that all-black athletic shoes don’t need to be the clunky walking types and can serve a purpose outside of the gym and streets.
 
RUN HAPPY!
 
http://news.nike.com/news/nike-beautiful-x-powerful-collection