In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, lots of us took to jogging, just so as to get a bout of fresh air and our bodies moving. And for some of us, the shoes that took our daily 10, 000 steps with us either could not cut it in terms of comfort, durability or even style, because they were either old, overused or looked plain as the pain in your legs after a gruelling marathon. Regardless if you are a seasoned jogger or casual newbie, it’s a new year so time for an upgrade – aesthetic-wise at least. Try these fashionably sporty pairs that will not only help you run better, but let you win the fashion race.
MetaRacer Tokyo (Sunrise Red/Black), $299, Asics
This orange pair is striking enough to leave (stylish) impressions as you strike the streets. Slip them on for speedy long or short distances – its carbon fibre plate, Asics’ FlyteFoam midsole and comfy engineered mesh upper make this light enough. The good news: This is a limited colourway model that celebrates the city of Tokyo, so if you love all things Japanese, then this is for you. The bad news: It’s so hyped, the men’s model is currently out of stock online, with only the women’s model available (lucky for the ladies and men with smaller-sized feet).
Enquire at all Asics boutiques for availability and restock; www.asics.com/sg
Gel-Noosa Tri 12 (Sunrise Red/Black), $189, Asics
If you must get an Asics pair (the brand is known for its running shoes after all), then take this as your second wind, we mean chance. Labelled with the same Sunrise Red/Black scheme as the abovementioned MetaRacer Tokyo, this one-ups it with grey zigzags and a marble-patterned midsole. Plus, it also comes in black and white, and bright blue with neon green zigzags, iterations, if you want this in other colours.
Available at Asics boutiques and www.asics.com/sg
Mizuno Enerzy (Black/Mettalic Gray/Diva Pink), $239, Mizuno
Mash up grapes’shapes, cloud clumps and balloon blobs into a bright pink sculpted midsole and – ta da! – you get the Mizuno Enerzy! The upper is all traditional running shoe engineered knit business; the sole’s all bubblegum party. But don’t be tricked into thinking this is a kiddie’s mistake; The Mizuno Enerzy Foam and Core is the softest, most bouncy material the company’s ever made. So, you get great rebound energy, softness and more fun out of your run.
Available at Mizuno stockists and www.mizuno.com/sg
FuelCell Echolucent EnergyStreak (Light Aluminum/Neo Flame), $118.30, New Balance
Old school meets futuristic cool; New Balance moves its beloved retro-style design (and you) forward with this running shoe. Its FuelCell midsole lends speed, while its translucent textile upper and iridescent heel overlay, midsole paint and no-sew material applications makes it slick and sick.
Available at New Balance stockists and www.newbalance.com.sg
Men’s Endorphin Pro (ICON), $265, (USD $200), Saucony
Snooze on this, and you will lose. It exudes low-key cool with its navy and silver colour scheme; features old school signature River logo; is inspired by its signature vintage Saucony Jazz model; and is part of the brand’s limited edition five-shoe ICON Pack, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Jazz. Plus, this model is made for vegans (meaning no animal materials) so you can run light with conscience eased.
Enquire at Saucony stockists for availabilty; www.saucony.com
X9000L4 Cyperpunk 2077 (Core Black/Gold Metallic/Carbon), $200, Adidas
Ready player one: this one’s for you. Of the five in the Adidas’ X9000 Cyberpunk 2077 game pack, this one should turn heads of your fellow gamers and joggers with its “Barney the Dinosaur” purple accents, gold three stripes and black leopard print knit upper. And we trust this to work better than the ultra overhyped but problem-riddled game, since it comes with the brand’s dependable Boost midsole.
Available at Adidas stores and stockists; www.adidas.com.sg
Cloudstratus (Cobble/Ivy), $269, On
Go against the crowd by donning on this non-big brand but “on” Swiss running brand sneaker. It’s performance-based – the double-layered Helion elements in its proprietary cushioning tech CloudTec, plus the mesh upper, star-lacing and wider fit makes this cushy as, well, a cloud. And also lifestyle-designed; the slate-teal and vibrant orange colours, and honeycomb mid-sole make this an athleisure A-lister.
Available at On stockists; www.on-running.com/en-sg/
Nike Air VaporMax 2020 Flyknit (Red), $299, Nike
This stunner’s for those who want to make sure no one misses them on the street. Part of Nike’s “Move to Zero” initiative, its made of recycled materials; the Flyknit polyester yarn is cut from 67% recycled content. Doesn’t mean it’s not built for speed – the Nike Air unit goes from heel to toe. Plus, the red hot Flyknit upper makes this cushy, breathable and comfy enough for you to transit straight from a mid-distance jog to a grocery run in style.
Available at Nike stores and Nike stockists; www.nike.com/sg
BONUS: SAFRA members can receive 15% off regular-priced footwear & apparels at Nike stores. Click here for more details. SAFRA members can also receive rebates from RebateMango when they purchase from JD Sports which carries some of the brands featured here. Click here for more infomation.
All products are subject to availability and prices are subject to change. Prices stated are correct as of time of posting and is based on current exchange rates.
Featured image: Shutterstock
