Flagified

I spent my break designing this today. The Reebok CrossFit Nano 2.0 is a mighty fine looking shoe on its own, but after I flagified it, I am obsessed.

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Unfortunately, I have no reason to purchase them. I have 4 pairs of trail running sneakers, 3 pairs of road sneakers I actually use, 1 pair that I do not, a pair of Nike Frees that I hate, a pair of Vibram Five Fingers, two pairs of crosstrainers, and tennis sneakers. This list does not include any of my "fashion sneakers." I also do not do CrossFit.

If you'd like to spend $149 on me, I am a size 8.5.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11

I bought my first pair of Brooks running shoes last weekend. I'm in love. After more than a year struggling to run in shoes that just never felt right, my new sneaks have me running happy.

Brand spanking new sneakers.

The Adrenaline is a support shoe available for both men and women. It feels cushioned, but not so much that I couldn't feel the road. I felt like I was able to run in my "real gait" if that makes any sense. The shoes fit my arches and are very comfortable. When I left for my run this morning, the right heel felt loose and began to slip, but I tightened the laces and corrected the problem.

Yes, my nail polish matches my new shoes.

I have taken my new Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11s on road (asphalt), pavement (sidewalks), track, and mulch-covered trail. These versatile shoes held their own. They provided the stability and support I need, while remaining lightweight and comfortable. Two thumbs up from In Shape Out of Mind.

The New 991 is the New Balance 993

For some reason I found myself thinking about New Balance 991s today. These beloved classics were on the feet or in the closet of boarding school kids up and down the Eastern seaboard when I was in high school. I was obsessed with my pair, until the novelty of wearing sneakers to class wore off. I don't think I ever wore them for sports, unless you count the annual IVY Society softball game. Let's be honest, the pictures prove I spent all three years chugging beers in the outfield.

I kept my 991s until my parents' cleaning lady somehow managed to mangle the heel. It was a sad day when I had to toss them in the trash. I had so many fond memories of them. I remember how cute they used to look lined up next to my boyfriend's. (Every boyfriend had them. Everyone I knew had them.)

The New Balance website tells me we have moved on to 993s. Thank goodness they look almost exactly like the 991s, but the 993s features "ABZORB® SBS advanced cushioning in the forefoot for responsiveness you can feel for miles."

Thinking about getting a pair because the novelty of wearing sneakers to work hasn't yet worn off.

Toning Sneakers

I never got on board with the toning shoe trend. I just can't justify buying another pair of shoes when I have so many unanswered questions.

Do they actually work? Do some brands work more than others? Do they mess with your spinal alignment or cause injuries? Will they make me look like Kim Kardashian?

My co-worker came by my room to show me his new pair of Sketcher's Shape Ups. Yes, they make them for men and they are surprisingly stylish. I'm going to hound him for an interview once he wears them for a while.

Please post comments about your thoughts and opinions of toning shoes. Do you own/wear them? Have you tried the sandals?