It's NY Fashion Week... but do people still care?

I want to start this post with sending my best to those being affected by Hurricane Irma and those recovering from Hurricane Harvey. Having gone through Superstorm Sandy, I can feel your pain. 

We're in the midst of New York Fashion Week, a tradition dating back to the 1940s. But now with social media and the Internet taking over, is it still relevant?

I recently produced an interview for CNBC with designer Rebecca Minkoff and her brother, Uri Minkoff who is the co-founder and CEO of her brand.

She says while the tradition is changing with the times, its still relevant. 

"Fashion week "used to be open to a very small closed circle of editors and buyers and we've seen a huge dramatic shift. We decided to open up our show to the consumer," Rebecca Minkoff, the creative director for her own line, told CNBCs "On the Money.""

The idea to include consumers came from the fact that with the Internet they could see things live, instead of waiting for media coverage.

In addition to giving customers access to the shows, the Minkoffs have most of their collection ready for purchase right away, its called "See ow, Buy Now." That includes shoes!

Traditionally, designer collections took 6 months to appear on shelves after being shown.

That lag gives fast fashion time to copy styles, which while nice for those on a budget, hurts designers. 

If you think fashion week is just about clothing, think again. The designers also set the stage for the big shoe trends. 

It seems like sneakers are not going anywhere. Jonathan Simkhai paired Reeboks with a jumpsuit and Public School and Air Jordan revealed a new collection, according to Footwear News. The sneakers were shown covered in plastic bag.

Other designers use NYFW as a time to announce shoe collections, such as Cushnie et Ochs, according to Footwear News. The shoes are sexy with a fun side

Can new Nike sneakers let you walk on air?

Its well known you can't walk on water, but now you can walk on air.

Earlier this year, Nike announced a new sole, made completely of its air technology. And today, a rainbow version in honor of Pride Month was released, Air VaporMax BETRUE. Unfortunately, they are already sold out.

To understand how this is revolutionary, let's take a look at the history of Nike Air. 

In 1987 Nike introduced the first Nike Air Max with visible air unit. In 1997, Nike developed the ability to put air cushioning along the entire sole, according to the sneaker manufacturer.

Those older versions needed a layer of rubber to keep the air from breaking. This made the shoes heavier and they often became a fashion statement instead of something for working out.

Nike Air Motion LW Sneaker

The above Nike sneakers I bought as casual sneakers, instead of athletic wear. They feature an air cushion in the heel and are very comfortable.

The new Nike Air VaporMax does not need that extra rubber leading to an ultra lightweight sole. The air unit also holds its shape, adding more flexibility. 

The upper on the sneaker is Nike's FlyKnit technology, which is also lightweight. 

The shoes are designed to have a cushy feel for running, as if you're running on a cloud.

 Unfortunately demand for the sneakers has outpaced supply and every version has sold out quickly. Many love the style even if they don't run. 

The downside for runners is that some reviews have said the shoes lack support and take an adjustment period.

I would love to try them if I could get my hands on a pair.

The Nike Air VaporMax retails for between $190-200.

Trying a new kind of sole on running sneakers

I just crossed another finish line and this time in a new pair of sneakers from a new brand, the Brooks Neuro.

These shows look unusual and even heavy, but the sole is actually made of propulsion pods, very lightweight and responsive.

But before we get into more, let's do an update.

Prior to trying out the Brooks Neuro, I was continuing to run in the Asics Fuzex and Fuzex Lyte.

The Asics Fuzex (top) and Fuzex Lyte (bottom)

The Fuzex proved to have the right support for running distance without weighing me down. I ran the United Airlines NYC Half in March and shaved 4 minutes off my PR!

Nothing like running through Times Square and getting a PR! #unitednychalf @nyrr

A post shared by Through the Sole: A Shoe Blog (@throughthesole) on Mar 19, 2017 at 4:07pm PDT

I also wear the Fuzex Lite for shorter training runs and other workouts, like Zumba, but I am finding they are only slightly lighter and less supportive.

Never being totally satisfied and feeling like my sneakers were beginning to get worn out, I decided to start looking into other sneakers. 

I tried the Runner's World Shoe Finder and the Brooks Neuro was one of the top matches, so I decided to try them.

They may look unusual, but I like the feel. They are lightweight, but very cushioned and fairly supportive. I feel like they make it easier to run faster and get a quick turnover between steps.

The sole of the Brooks Neuro

About that sole: as I mentioned earlier, it's made of propulsion pods, BioMoGo DNA foam in rubber casing. The ring is supposed to bounce energy back to the runner. The pod placement is also designed to add flexibility. 

The shoe is for neutral pronation and speed.

For me, there has been an adjustment period. After adding them into my training and liking that I felt faster, I decided to run a 10k in them. Two issues for caution: a lower heel drop and the tongue.

Could sneakers be the key to a faster marathon?

The Nike Zoom Vaporfly

As I have talked about my running sneaker choices, I realize that shoes could make a run more comfortable, more stable, but could they make you faster?

Sneaker company Nike has teamed up with elite runners and scientists since 2014 to achieve a sub 2 hour marathon, something some believe is impossible. The effort is known as Breaking2. The current fastest time is 2:03:03, quite impressive given how many recreational runners struggle to sub 2 a half marathon.

As part of that effort, Nike is releasing new sneakers. 

The Zoom Vaporfly Elite is only for the runners trying to break the 2 hour mark. The new revolution is a ultra light weigh cushioning material, known as ZoomX. The cushioning is lighter and softer than traditional foams, allowing more of it to be added, while still keep the shoe light. As a result, according to Nike, the sneakers are taller and more responsive while providing more cushioning from the road than a traditional racing shoe. The height of the shoe is also designed to reduce Achilles tendon strain. The sneakers only weigh 6.5 ounces, very light for a running shoe.

The Zoom Vaporfly has a unique heel designed to reduce drag, according to Runner's World.

The upper is Nike Flyknit, a knit material designed to be supportive. 

In between 2 layers of foam is the most controversial part, a carbon-fiber plate. According to Nike the plate adds stiffness and helps reduce energy loss. According to the New York Times, the plate is shaped like a spoon and acts "as a kind of slingshot, or catapult, to propel runners forward." 

The plate is designed to reduce 4 percent of the energy required to run. The NY Times says that's the equivalent of running downhill 1 to 1.5 percent.

That's where the controversy comes in. as any shoes that give an unfair advantage, like a spring are banned. According to the NY Times, Spira Footwear had shoes banned because of spring technology.

So far the Nike Zoom Vaporfly is allowed. Runners have worn an earlier version to great success. "The shoes cushioned the feet of all three medalists in the men’s marathon at the Rio Olympics last summer. Later, in the fall, they were worn by the winners of major marathons in Berlin, Chicago and New York," according to the NY Times.

President Trump and shoes

No matter where you stand on politics, we can all agree that President Trump is making changes. One thing you probably did not expect him to influence is your shoe choices, but that is exactly what has happened.

Here are three shoe brands that have been impacted:

New Balance

Even before the inauguration, sneaker company, New Balance, was feeling the heat.

Wall Street Journal reporter, Sara Germano tweeted this about New Balance.

New Balance makes over 4 million shoes in the U.S. As an American manufacturer, trade deals with other nations could put New Balance at a disadvantage. 

Still, many Americans were not happy with the comment and decided not to buy the brand's shoes any more. Some even took to social media to share videos of them burning the sneakers.

In a statement to Sole Collector, New Balance clarified its position: "As the only major company that still makes athletic shoes in the United States, New Balance has a unique perspective on trade and trade policy in that we want to make more shoes in the United States, not less...New Balance publicly supported the trade positions of Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, and Donald Trump prior to election day that focused on American manufacturing job creation and we continue to support them today."

L.L. Bean

Iconic outdoor brand, L.L Bean, was the next to feel the heat. 

After reports that Linda Bean, a granddaughter of the company's founder, had donated thousands of dollars to a political action committee (PAC) that supported Trump's presidential campaign, liberals began to boycott the company. 

Then, in mid-January, President Trump decided to show support for the retailer on Twitter.

The Twitter endorsement upset many, and some took to social media to say they were throwing out the brand's products or no longer buying from them, according to the NY Times.

Grab Your Wallet, a group that advocates boycotting companies with ties to the Trump Family, added L.L. Bean to their boycott list,

In a statement posted on Facebook, L.L. Bean said, "We were disappointed to learn that Grab Your Wallet is advocating a boycott against L.L.Bean solely because Linda Bean, who is only one of 50+ family members involved with the business, personally supported Donald Trump for President."

"We fully acknowledge and respect that some may disagree with the political views of a single member of our 10-person board of directors. Like most large families, the more than 50 family member-owners of the business hold views and embrace causes across the political spectrum, just as our employees and customers do. And as every member of the family would agree, no individual alone speaks on behalf of the business or represents the values of the company that L.L. built."

The shoes of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Long live Rock and Roll and long live shoes!

I recently got to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio,

Along with other great memorabilia the museum had the shoes many of the stars wore.

Take a look:

Deep Purple's Glenn Hughes wore these heels around 1973.

Steve Miller wore these around 1980.

Elvis wore plain black shoes with his gold suit in 1968.

Johnny Cash wore these boot on his ABC TV show from 1969-1971.

Carl Perkins wore these snakeskin shoes.

Jorma Kaukonen of Jefferson Airplane wore these heels.

The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, wore these penny loafers during the 1989 Bad tour.

Snoop Dog wore these sneakers around 2000.

A new pair of running sneakers

I'm trying out the @asics FuzeX as my running sneakers. Full review to come. #sneakers #shoes #running #asics #asicsfuzex

A photo posted by Through the Sole: A Shoe Blog (@throughthesole) on Dec 7, 2016 at 4:30pm PST

For the first time in awhile, I crossed the finish line of a running race in a sneaker other than the Fuzex Lyte. Two pairs of those sneakers had gotten me through two half marathons, a 10k, a 5k, and 3.5 mi race.

Then suddenly as I went to train for the next race, I realized my two pairs of Asics Fuzex Lytes were worn out and bothering my knees to run, a bad sign.

I still really liked the Fuzex Lyte, but found they lacked traction in the rain, smashed down quickly, and could be slightly under supportive on long runs.

The very rainy Staten Island Half Marathon

I experimented with other Asics styles and settled on the regular Fuzex just a week before race day. I know you're not supposed to switch that close, but I needed an unworn out sneaker.

I like the the Fuzex was a similar design and featured nice plush cushioning.

The sneakers worked and I went on the run the Ted Corbitt 15k better than expected.

The finish line of the Ted Corbitt 15k

I recently wore them on a rainy run and had no problem with traction. I like the cushioning and so far it's holding up well. I have been running in them about 4 weeks.

But I do fine them more restrictive especially on short fast runs or when doing side motions, so I also got another pair of Fuzex Lytes.

How do they compare?

The Fuzex on top, the Fuzex Lyte on bottom

Self-lacing shoes are actually here

Self-lacing shoes have hit the market!

Back in 2010, Through the Sole wrote that Nike had patented technology for self-lacing shoes. Earlier this week, those shoes hit the market, the NIKE HYPERADAPT 1.0.

Here's how the sneakers work. When you place your foot in them and stand-up, there is a sensor that automatically tightens them. Then, there are buttons to tighten or loosen them, according to Nike. The sneakers need to be charged and come with charging pucks and an adapter.

The idea of self-lacing sneakers was first shown in the movie Back to the Future 2.

Nike says the self-lacing is more than just a cool use of technology, the sneakers allow athletes to make adjustments quickly without slowing them down.

The sneakers retail for $720.

Popsugar recently got to try a pair out and said you cannot feel the batteries in the sole. The tester liked them for both training and running.

Nike isn't the only one trying self-lacing shoes. Puma is coming out with the Autodisc, also a self-lacing sneaker.

New environmentally friendly sneakers

What if sneakers could be made of biodegradable material? Or how about recycled plastic?

That's just what shoemaker, Adidas, is doing with its latest designs.

Back in March of 2012, Through the Sole wrote about using recycled garbage to make shoes for the homeless. Now, the idea is going mainstream.

Last month, Adidas released the Adidas UltraBOOST Uncaged x Parley, pictured above, made from recycled ocean plastic. The 7,000 pairs of sneakers retail for $220. Each pair is made from 95 percent recycled ocean plastic and 5 percent recycled polyester. A pair of the sneakers reuse 11 plastic bottles. The shoes laces, heel cap base material, heel webbing, heel lining and the sock-liner cover are also made with recycled materials, according to Adidas.

Adidas plans to continue to make sneakers with recycled plastic, 1 million pairs by the end of 2017 and hopefully one day use no virgin plastic at all.

As for the sneakers themselves, they are part of Adidas Boost line which is popular for running. I have heard great things about them, but am yet to try them out.

Now what if sneakers could help the plastic problem by not creating waste?

The oh-so-fashionable sneaker

When high-heel loving celebrities like Victoria Beckham ditch their heels for sneakers, you know the sneaker has become fashionable.

Nike Tanjun in White and Orange

It started a few years ago with sneaker wedges and now all sorts of retro shoes and trainers are being rocked as both part of an athleisure trend and general fashion.

Over the summer I decided to get in on the trend by buying the Nike Tanjun in white from Famous Footwear for $55.

Enjoying that sneakers are having a fashion moment. So comfy! White Nike sneakers bought in @famousfootwear #sneakers #shoes #comfort #myvictory @nike

A photo posted by Through the Sole: A Shoe Blog (@throughthesole) on Jul 11, 2016 at 11:22am PDT

The solid white look made them summery, without being too outlandish. Perfect for trying out sneakers for non-athletic purposes. I was instantly impressed with their cushioning and how they were comfortable for a whole day with lot of walking.

I tried them out with a few different outfits, including skirts and dresses and they added a fun casual but fashion-forward edge.

I even tried wearing them to work, and with the right outfit they worked. The only problem? They get dirty easily. I am able to hand wash them, but lately have been having more trouble getting stains out.

To avoid the dirt issue, I also bought a pair in bright orange. These are loud, but I have had multiple people stop me to tell me how cute they are.

Bright pop of Orange with these @nike sneakers #sneakers #nike #orange Bought in @famousfootwear #myvictory

A photo posted by Through the Sole: A Shoe Blog (@throughthesole) on Aug 26, 2016 at 10:03am PDT

While these get dirty less easily than the white, they do get dirty as well. I have had success hand washing them.

While many designer brands make sneakers, Allure says it's the affordable Vans than have been all around fall's fashion shows.

Have you gotten into the sneaker trend? Which do you like wearing?

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Two more pairs of sneakers

Runners need shoes.

In my last blog post I discussed my running journey and my new sneakers. That journey has continued and thus I have found myself in the need of new sneakers.

The Asics Gel Cumulus 17 provided great support and cushioning and got me through my first 10k.

The Asics Gel Cumulus 17

After the UAE Healthy Kidney 10K, which I ran in the Gel Cumulus

After the 10k, I found out I was going to be in Disneyland for their half marathon and decided that was my next running challenge, Unfortunately, I started to notice my sneakers were really wearing out, even the lining around the top.

They were on sale at Famous Footwear, so I ordered another pair and also decided to try the Asics FuzeX Lyte.

After a few sprints down the hall, I realized the FuzeX was more cushioned and felt more lightweight. It has gel and foam combined making them lightweight, but still cushy.

The Asics FuzeX Lyte

These sneakers were comfortable and I was immediately able to wear them on long training runs.

They cost $59.49.

Yet another new pair of sneakers

I decided to give Asics a run!

As I wrote in my last post on sneakers, I was still on the hunt for a second pair, looking for a pair that offered the cushioning and support my feet needed, especially as I train for longer runs.

I started my  running journey a few months ago, just barely making it through a mile. I completed my first race, a 4 miler on New Years, and now am working my way up to a 10k.

Crossing the finish line for my first race in my Saucony Grid Shadow Genesis Running shoes

The Saucony sneakers I own have the support I need and are super light weight. I am happy with the amount of cushioning but wondered if I would do better on longer runs with more.

After recommendations from friends, I decided to try Asics, as I heard their gel cushioning was great.

 I choose to order online through Famous Footwear because they had a wide selection and even though some pairs weren't discounted, you still got their rewards.

I ordered a few pairs, and decided to keep the Gel Cumulus 17, which I paid $90 for.

The quest for new running sneakers

My new Saucony Grid Shadow Genesis Running Shoe

I recently took up running and learned that I needed some new sneakers. Here are the new shoes and brand I choose, plus an update on my prior choices.

Back in March, I had finally found two pairs of sneakers after searching at many stores. My choices were decent at the time, but didn't fit my new interest in running.

The sneaker update

Nike Air Relentless 4

The Nike Air Relentless are lightweight, but still have cushioning with a roomier, less glove-like fit.

Unfortunately, I tend to be hard on my shoes and by September the shoes began to wear out, earlier than I hoped. I had been wearing them for Zumba, the elliptical, and sometimes every day wear when I knew I would be on my feet a lot.

Now if I wear them for longer periods, my arches hurt. They just lost support and cushioning

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3

The Mizuno Wave Prophecy have tons of cushioning, especially in the heel, but throughout. They still feel like pillows when I put them on. Unfortunately they are beginning to wear down and do not work for running for me. They have a tighter toe box which as my feet swell and if I strike on the forefront, begins to press in, resulting in arch and ball of foot pain.

I like the cushioning and they have lasted a decent amount of time, but the toe-box shape is not right for my foot. 

The quest for new sneakers

I started my search this time where I succeeded last time, Rack Room Shoes. I went after a day of work and working out and decided to try on multiple pairs from multiple brands. 

My goal was to find the most comfortable shoes that would give me the support I need for running. I had read in the NY Times that going for shoes that seemed the most comfortable was proven in a study of military recruits to help prevent injuries. However, I knew that trying the tactic last time resulting in shoes that hurt.

The store's sales staff tried to be helpful, giving me time to try on shoes and helping me get a discount.

Unfortunately I found out after I left the store that I overpaid for them. Other discount retailers had the same shoes for less money and so they will be going back.

The good thing I learned was that Saucony's wider toe box and cushioning seemed to work for my feet.

So I decided to turn online. I went to Famous Footwear cause they had a good selection, good prices, and a good rewards program. Plus, I knew I could easily return them to the store.

This time I went with reviews from recent purchasers and running blogs. I chose to reorder the pair I purchased in Rack Room Shoes for less and another pair of Sauconys. These were the winner.

Saucony Grid Shadow Genesis Running Shoe

The Saucony Grid Shadow Genesis has the wider-toe box and cushioning I need, but are also super light weight. The first time I took them out for a run, they had the support I needed and my foot hurt less. I also like that the soles are flexible.