Okay, so maybe a pair of sneakers’ sturdiness depends mostly on how you use them but you gotta admit, there’s still ...Read more]]> Don’t get us wrong, we love the fashion sneakers we’ve already shown you from Steve Madden, Ash, Giuseppe Zanotti and other mid to high-end shoe labels. But if we’re talking about fashion sneakers that are both stylish and sturdy, we turn to labels like Nike, Adidas and Reebok — sportswear brands that actually specialize in and are known for sneakers.

Okay, so maybe a pair of sneakers’ sturdiness depends mostly on how you use them but you gotta admit, there’s still something about the “non-fashion-y” sportswear brands that connotes durability, classic styling and street style coolness. Now that these sportswear brands have jumped in on the latest sporty footwear trend, we get to have all of that and more from their versions of the very-of-the-moment fashion sneaker.

With sneakers as good-looking as these, it looks like we’ll be seeing a resurgence of our old t-shirt, jeans and sneakers uniform for this spring and summer. Check out these 5 all new fashion sneakers from sportswear brands that’ll both have you street stylin’ and earn you street cred once you slip ‘em on your feet:

1. Nike Air Flytop sneakers

Again, very Isabel Marant-ish which also translates to very cool.

Nike Air Flytop sneakers, $135.00 at Nordstrom (Also comes in dark grey)

2. Reebok Limited Easytone Freestyle hi sneakers

We found these at Luisa Via Roma. Luisa Via Roma carries these! ‘Nuff said.

Reebok Limited Easytone Freestyle hi sneakers, $346.00 at Luisa Via Roma

3. Adidas Originals Honey Stripes mid sneakers

Doing denim on denim is a cinch with these Adidas sneakers.

Adidas Originals Honey Stripes mid sneakers, $55.00 at Zappos

4. Supra Society Wet Pack sneakers

With their hidden laces, double velcro straps and purple/grey color combo, these Supra sneakers sort of remind us of Marty McFly’s self-tying sneakers in Back to the Future.

Supra Society Wet Pack sneakers, $120.00 at Karmaloop

5. Supra Muksa Skytop sneakers

With a croc-embossed leather and suede upper, these Supra ‘Muska Skytop’ could easily be the sneaker version of many high-heeled stilettos we’ve featured here on YNS.

Supra Muksa Skytop sneakers, $100.00 at Karmaloop

While browsing some new and interesting fashion sneaker styles at ShopBop I came a cross a few styles that would work for any fashionistas taste. ...Read more]]> I know that most of us love the height that a heel provides, but some days we want to look cute while remaining as comfy as possible. The recent sneaker trend favors those who love fashion but crave the wear-ability and casualness that a sneaker creates. Hence, new fashion sneakers that appeal to many, myself included.

While browsing some new and interesting fashion sneaker styles at ShopBop I came a cross a few styles that would work for any fashionistas taste. Check out these three heelless wonders and tell us what you think. Which pair would you make your next shoes?

Ash ‘Virgin’ 4 Buckle Sneaker in Taupe USD175

Ash ‘Virgin’ 4 Buckle Sneakers in Stone USD175

Giuseppe Zanotti Print Snake Sneakers in Aqua USD650

Ash ‘Bea’ in Camel and Yellow USD250

Ash ‘Bea’ in Camel and Coral USD250

Penny Gold surrounded by the more than 700 pairs of Converse sneakers she started collecting since about 20 years ago

Most news reports call Penny Gold’s collection “crazy” or an “addiction” but here on YourNextShoes, where ...Read more]]> If blogger Asami Shiba of Pink Kitten collects Jeffrey Campbell shoes and poker player Beth Shak collects Louboutins, retired teacher Penny Gold collects Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers. She’s now up to a staggering 733 pairs and is now gunning to enter the Guinness Book of World Records.

Penny Gold surrounded by the more than 700 pairs of Converse sneakers she started collecting since about 20 years ago

Most news reports call Penny Gold’s collection “crazy” or an “addiction” but here on YourNextShoes, where shoe-collecting is the common hobby, we all know how normal Penny Gold is! This is also the most relatable shoe closet we’ve ever featured here on our blog because Converse sneakers are something we can all collect — unlike Blahniks, Choos or Louboutins which could mean foregoing a month’s worth of meals if we want to buy even just one pair.

We also love how the story of how this 63-year-old Florida woman amassed her homogeneous sneaker collection. She started collecting a little when she was a kid when it was the cool thing to do and then started to really get into it about 15 years ago when three Converse outlet stores opened in Orlando near her home. Those are all outlet stores so she can get Converse sneakers which typically sell for $60 for about $25. She also uses coupons, buys each and every pair in person (nothing off the internet), and gets plenty of gifts from friends and family who all now associate the brand Converse with Penny Gold.

She has her own favorites of course and has only worn about half of her collection.  She keeps them all in one room in her home, inside a walk-in closet with floor-to-ceiling shelves custom-built by her husband.

Forget the Guinness Book of World Records (although we do hope that Penny Gold winds the title of having the largest collection of Converse sneakers) — someone give an award to her husband!

Check out more pictures of Penny Gold’s Converse sneakers collection below. We’re crossing our fingers for you, Mrs. Penny Gold!

Credit: Penny Gold, Today, Orlando Sentinel, CF News 13

Just a quick look back, some of the popular shoe trends last 2011 were high ...Read more]]> We don’t have a shoe feature for you this wonderful first day of the year, but what we have instead are some fun future shoe trend predictions. These aren’t based on anything official except on what we expect and would personally like to see on shoes. Feel free to add to these and share what you would like to be a hot shoe trend this 2012!

Just a quick look back, some of the popular shoe trends last 2011 were high heel loafers, cutout platforms and retro 70s styles. Others that were not as popular were rigid flatforms, almost heel-less, extremely inward-curved wedges and actually heel-less shoes.

One trend from last year that we’re still crazy about and still hoping to see more of this year is the ultra-comfortable yet ultra-stylish fashion sneaker:

Giuseppe Zanotti Rds204 studded metallic high top sneakers, $850.00 at Endless

We also hope to see some more wedges because wedges are the most comfortable height-enhancing shoes EVER:

Lovely People Tetra studded toe two-tone wedge pumps, $69.99 at Heels

We’re also expecting the colorblocking trend to continue this year — we’re kind of amazed by how designers have been able to use this trend to highlight the often unnoticed parts of the shoe:

1. Vince Camuto Pamir colorblock sandals, $129.99
2. Jessica Simpson Beijo suede platform pumps, $98.99
3. Charles by Charles David Helium platform pumps, $124.99
4. Promise Shoes Accent colorblock ankle strap sandals, $49.99, all at Heels

And solely because of Giuseppe Zanotti’s striped slingback pumps, we’re also expecting to see more stripes on shoes this year:

Guess Hondola cork peep toe pumps, $94.99 at Heels

We might be seeing more of mirrored shoe styles as well because metallics are just not enough for 2012:

Jean-Michel Cazabat Ola mirrored open toe pumps, $300.00 at Shopbop

Lastly, we hope that the comfortable shoe trend carries on in 2012. Be it buckled boots, sporty sneakers or classic Doc Martens, we’re up for it this year! :

Steve Madden Banddit buckle boots, $169.95 at Endless

Come to think of it, that’s kind of like a revival of the 90s tomboyish, grunge style right there. Fearless shoe forecast? We have to wait and see (and cross our fingers) if it’ll catch on!

We also just want to say that we totally called it! We knew there was a reason why we were unreasonably becoming obsessed with Isabel Marant-ish Steve Madden sneakers and sexy/sporty Ash sneakers, and it wasn’t just because our feet are getting a little ...Read more]]>

Now that Shopbop, “the curators of cool”, has recognized the fashion moment the sneaker is having, we can now officially say that we have another hot shoe trend on our hands (or should that be “on our feet”?).

We also just want to say that we totally called it! We knew there was a reason why we were unreasonably becoming obsessed with Isabel Marant-ish Steve Madden sneakers and sexy/sporty Ash sneakers, and it wasn’t just because our feet are getting a little high heel-weary.

Sneakers now really are becoming more and more chic and stylish, all without losing their comfiness, sportiness and well-earned street cred. If anything, the more true-to-the-original they are, the better. Just check out some of these retro-ish sneakers Shopbop has put in the spotlight in their sneaker feature:

Giuseppe Zanotti striped sneakers, $595.00

Alexander Wang Dillon lace up sneakers, $385.00

Sam Edelman Cori high top sneakers, $100.00

Marc by Marc Jacobs low top sneakers, $165.00

Ash Reflex 2 tab sneakers, $185.00

Maison Martin Margiela metallic flat sneakers, $680.00

Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony canvas platform sneakers, $265.00

Anyone else getting a strong 80s hip-hop vibe from these sneakers, particularly from the mirrored Maison Martin Margielas?

Now I don’t know if I’d be willing to give up my trusty ol’ Chuck Taylors for these but those leopard-printed Sam Edelmans look like they’d be a cool addition to a shoe collection.

Which of these would you try?

Shop the rest of this “the sneaker is having a fashion moment” story at Shopbop.

*****************

So Reebok has been claiming for years that their line of toning shoes gives you a workout without y’know, actually working out. To be more specific, Reebok says that their EasyTone sneakers strengthen hamstrings and calves by up to 11 percent more and tone the buttocks by up to 28 percent more than regular sneakers.

The problem ...Read more]]> For those asking how to get their refund, all the details are available at Ftc.gov/Reebok. If you are eligible, you can also apply for a refund there.

*****************

So Reebok has been claiming for years that their line of toning shoes gives you a workout without y’know, actually working out. To be more specific, Reebok says that their EasyTone sneakers strengthen hamstrings and calves by up to 11 percent more and tone the buttocks by up to 28 percent more than regular sneakers.

The problem is, they don’t really have any hard and factual evidence to back those statistics up. Their only proof? Only a few Reebok-funded studies, one of which was done on only five women on treadmills and none of which were ever published in any research journal of any kind.

A Reebok EasyTone ad with claims that are “outrageous” according to the FTC

There is some fat-trimming going on right now though and it’s happening at the Reebok company itself. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has ordered Reebok to pay $25 million to customers who would like to get their money back.

Reebok has agreed to settle the charges but they say that doesn’t mean that they don’t believe in their product anymore. The company stated: “We stand behind our EasyTone technology — the first shoe in the toning category that was inspired by balance-ball training.”

Well, we can’t really blame Reebok for thinking that. As many people have reported injuries from using Reebok’s wobbly shoes, there are as many people who say that the shoes have helped them in some way. Just read the reviews at Amazon or Zappos — many people like the shoes for actually toning their legs, for improving their posture and for just being comfortable, plain and simple.

But could it be just a placebo effect? Maybe the answer to whether these shoes really do or do not work is best left to the wearer.

Reebok EasyTone Reenew sneakers, the most popular toning sneaker style from Reebok’s EasyTone line. $99.99 at Reebok

Now other falsely advertised toning shoes from other companies, namely New Balance and Skechers, are up next. Maybe those five-fingered “barefoot” shoes, which claim to increase stability, lessen injuries, improve range of motion AND strengthen muscles in the feet and legs, will go up on the chopping block too.

If you ask us, those five-fingered shoes should be fined simply for being ugly! And we’re not really going out of line here — the US Army has already banned soldiers from wearing the shoes for training, citing that it “detracts from a professional military image” as the reason (which to us translates to: “AKA, they’re ugly”).

Fashion has been drawing inspiration from the military ever since. Maybe this time they’re really on to something here!

Right now and until June 30th you can scoop these up on Karmaloop ...Read more]]> I love mixing elements of different trends and styles together for a fun and eclectic feel. Sporty bags with dresses or feminine tops look great, and I love wearing athletic inspired T’s with girly jewelry, heels and form fitting bottoms. These sexy sneakers from Ash have this sporty meets sex kitten feel written all over them. I adore the distressed denim and added embellishments on these two styles.

Right now and until June 30th you can scoop these up on Karmaloop for 15% off when you spend at least $75 and use the promo code ’15GOLD’ at checkout. I see these paired with some skinny cargo khakis and a cute tank for day, or a sleek color block body-con style dress for a sexy night out. How would you rock these interesting sneakers from Ash shoes?

Ash ‘Stone’ Sneaker in Blue Splash Jean USD104

Ash ‘Stone’ Sneaker in Blue Splash Jean USD104

Ash ‘Stone’ Sneaker in Blue Splash Jean USD104

Ash ‘Twist’ Sneaker in Delave Splash Jean USD116

Ash ‘Twist’ Sneaker in Delave Splash Jean USD116

Ash ‘Twist’ Sneaker in Delave Splash Jean USD116

MARC by Marc Jacobs Sneaker Wedges 615990, USD295

MARC by ...Read more]]> Among Marc Jacobs’ shoes for spring are these sneaker like wedges; or should I say wedge heeled sneakers? I have to be honest with you. I am not exactly crazy about these shoes but they do look kinda different. Tell me, can you appreciate them? I would love to know what you think. Would you wear these sporty wedges and work it? And if you would, how would you style the pair?

MARC by Marc Jacobs Sneaker Wedges 615990, USD295

MARC by Marc Jacobs Sneaker Wedges 615887, USD290

MARC by Marc Jacobs Sneaker Wedges 615907, USD450

These sneaker wedges are available at Zappos in case you’re interested. If you think it’s worth the buy, then by all means, shop away. Enjoy!

For such occasions, try putting those lovely heels aside and go for shoes from ShoeDazzle’s Casual Chic Collection instead. Yup, our favorite “personal stylist” now has a line of shoes for days when you just want ...Read more]]> Admit it, there are days when you simply just want to wear some really comfortable, downright casual shoes. Or perhaps to those of you who have not experienced such days, I’m sure you’ve encountered moments wherein you feel like looking fresh, sporty, and laid back.

For such occasions, try putting those lovely heels aside and go for shoes from ShoeDazzle’s Casual Chic Collection instead. Yup, our favorite “personal stylist” now has a line of shoes for days when you just want to lie low and relax. Take a look and tell us what you think:

Cool and Relaxed Street Style with the Kick Back Ballet Flat

Kick Back

(also available in silver and blue/tan)

Dance to the Beat with the Flirty Floral Prance Lace-up

Prance

(also available in Black Multi)

A Pretty Preppy Style with the Spirit Sneaker

Spirit

(available in black)

Sparkle in the City with the Uber Cool Sequined Rocket High Top

Rocket

Classic Slip On With a Twist – the Bright Blue Skip

Skip

(also available in Black)

Well, care to share your thoughts on these rubbery sole mates? Not bad, right? Aside from the five (5) above, this flat espadrille and neon lace-up sneaker are also included in this month’s Casual Chic Featurettes.

Relax

(also available in off white)

Play

(also available in black multi and white/pink)

Among the seven (7), which do you like best? Don’t you think the Rocket looks really cool? If you want any of these shoes, simply visit ShoeDazzle. Oh, and before I forget, do note that you will also be given a personalized selection of casual shoes in your showroom and they may be different from the ones posted here. For instance, they provided me with these really cute metallic and eyelet sneakers for the month of May:

Energize and Tease