I have a strange hatred towards running shoes. I understand their purpose, appreciate their comfort and know they are necessary…but I hate them.
They make my feet look even larger than they are. They are clunky, totally anti-girly and I just hate how they look on my feet.
Let me preface this post by saying it is not meant to offend anyone. This is just a personal thing for me. Some people hate skinny jeans and other big trends. I hate running shoes worn with non-workout wear. If you love to wear your runners with jeans and other non-workout clothes, more power to you!
I truly feel the only acceptable time to wear running shoes (for me, personally) is to work out, run, for hiking, sports etc. I absolutely cannot stand wearing running shoes with anything other than workout wear. I see women all of the time wearing runners with jeans or other non-workout clothing. I always think “that outfit would look so much more polished with a great pair of flats, ballerina flats or sandals.”
Now, don’t get me wrong, I totally understand the convenience of wearing runners. I think they look great if they are worn with workout clothes or lounge wear. It’s when people wear them with jeans a nice top… I just can’t do it.
Before I go on, I want to CLARIFY that I think casual runners (ie: athletic type shoes not made for running or working out but simply as walking or street shoes) are OK to me with jeans (I would still choose flats or a sandal, but they are better than standard runners.) I think they are referred to as “fashion” running shoes. They are more sleek. It’s the clunky runners that are clearly made for sports and running that bother me when worn with jeans (like Nike shocks and similar shoes.)
I love Jennifer Garner and for the most part she has great style. Here is a picture of lovely Jen sporting her runners with jeans:
All I think when I see this pic is that I wish the outfit had flats instead of runners. It’s so much more chic to me. Sometimes jeans and runners can look a little frumpy to me.
Today I reluctantly went on a search for new runners and purchased the pair below. They were so not what I expected to like, but they were the only ones I did like. They are a bit bold, but they are more girly than most running shoes (hello HOT PINK!), so they seemed like the lesser evil of all of the choices (seriously, running shoes are the mom jeans of footwear.)
They actually look kind of cute on and they’re lightweight and really comfortable.
During our errand-running today, I also picked up three Essie nail polishes at Ulta because they had a promotion (buy two get one free.) I got (from L-R) Minimalist, Over the Top and Lilacism (LOVE!)
I’ve wanted to get Essie’s “Lilacism” since I fell so deeply in love with OPI’s Lucky Lucky Lavender. I also saw it on one of the Glamour bloggers and couldn’t stop thinking about it’s pretty pastel-ness.
I have already used it and love it. Ladies, purples are where it’s at this spring for nails. I’ll post a pic, but keep in mind I haven’t fixed the sides yet so it is super messy! (a little trick- paint nails before bed and during your hot shower the next morning, gently peel/scrub away the excess polish on the sides, it will come off easily and your manicure will look perfect!)
You can see a better (and neater application) picture on Glamour’s blog. Just click here.
What are your favorite spring nail trends right now?
Do you hate running shoes as much as I do? Do you wear running shoes with jeans or do you restrict them for wearing with workout wear? Let me know in the comments below!
xoxo,
Veronika.
I don't hate running shoes, I actually own an obscene amount… but I primarily only wear them to the gym, on runs, or for sports (etc). I wear my pumas (non-running) sneakers with jeans, not my Shox. BUT I do wear my running shoes with leggings if running to the grocery store/target (normally with a v-neck t and long sweater)
…its so sad too, bc Jennifer Garner is one of my FAV celebs, I'd rather see her in yoga pants and those sneakers instead of jeans…
Hayes- I 100% agree. I think if she was wearing yoga pants it would be totally perfect. I also like runners with leggings and a long sweater, like you described. Mostly I just despise them with jeans (though I don't mind the pumas you described and other fashion runners with jeans)
🙂
Crocks are the mom jeans of footwear! I also HATE running shoes outside the gym, but I'm having a huge dilemma…we are going to Italy and will be walking MILES every day. No high heels, and everyone has said most flats do not have enough support for the cobblestone sidewalks. Can you suggest a cute pair of non running shoes for me?
I also don't like to see running shoes worn out. Hubs sometimes wears gym shoes out and I hate it—he has stylish Steve Madden or Pumas to wear but men just don't care sometimes. I also hate wearing running shoes because I buy them half size bigger so I feel like my feet are huge. Oh well, one little sacrifice to being in shape right?! 😉
cMe- I saw some Nike's today that were sleek "casual" or "street" shoes. I saw them at sports authority.
I would try a lady foot locker in your area to get a pair of sleek walking shoes that aren't clunky and huge like actual runners meant for athletics. Reebok, Puma and Nike all make cute ones.
Omg i was just thinking about that this morning, I also hate running shoes with jeans, especially skinny jeans! I love Essie's Lilacism I wore it all last week, perfect shade for Spring.
V – preach the GOSPEL! I hate hate hate when I see people wearing running shoes with jeans. With all the cute choices, there's always something more fashionable! Even if they were cute Converse or Sperry Top Siders! And don't even get my started on what I think when I see fellas sporting sneakers for a night out – that makes me want to run a marathon. Away from them.
xoMeg
http://www.megsmumbo.blogspot.com
Meg- your last comment made me LOL! too funny 🙂
As soon as I started reading your post I thought of Jennifer Garner. But to me, she is just so gorgeous and seems like such a good mum that I overlook the runners. And she's always wearing some high end sunnies and often carring her cartier handbag which give the outfit a touch of femininity and polish. In contrast, when I see Katie Holmes, also a mother dressed to be comfortable, I always think she looks so frumpy – even though she wears a lot of flats and non-jeans.
In the past couple of years I have started wearing runners on occasion – either my asics or white canvas le coq sportifs. I love them!
p.s. My gym runners are also pink 🙂
I dont love running shoes!!Nooo!!But I love your pastel nail polish!!!
Tess- I think them being pink makes them more tolerable for me 🙂
I can deal with runners somewhat, it's when I start seeing people wearing their old scuzzy runners that my eye starts to twitch. Though I would deal with runner any day over Crocs. Talk about a shoe that I would like to take off the foot of the person just so I could smack some sense into them!
I have some cute Puma skimmer type flats that I love wearing when I am running out to do something or if I am going on a long car ride.
Don't even get me started on Crocs! I don't even consider them to be in the shoe category. I wore crocs once…when I went river rafting.
I couldn't agree with you more! I have one pair of running shoes and they are for the gym only! They look terrible with jeans (and any other pants that aren't sweats IMO).
Rach- I am glad you feel the same way. Sometimes I feel bad about my running shoe hatred but I just can't help it! They are called running shoes for a reason!
Ha! I'm not a fan of running shoes either, I just think they make my feet look so wide. Right now, I have a pair of Nike's that I like ok because I think they make my feet look somewhat normal.
Jennifer Garner is naturally very pretty but she's a total frump. I wish she'd put in a little more effort once in a while. Oh well, to each her own.
I hate running shoes. I think they are so unattractive. I never wear them (maybe once or twice a year). I think flats are such a great alternative and look much better!
I dont even own running shoes. The only workout I do is yoga, pilates, or zumba and all are either barefoot or with socks!
I have the Essie Lilac colour and I adore it! It's so gorgeous!
I totally agree with you on running shoes, I think they are hideous. However, I don't mind 'skate' shoes (check out brands like Roxy and DC) for a comfy and quick casual wear. Kind of an Avril Lavigne style. But they have to be kept clean.
P.S. I forgot to add that I hate when people wear any sort of gym wear while not in the gym. It just looks sloppy, even if it is a top rated brand.
I only wear running shoes for running. My feet are a size 10 (size 11 in my running shoes – yikes). My feet look absolutely HUGE in my running shoes. Also, even my "stylish" running shoes are not really that stylish. I prefer to wear flats when I want a casual look. I won't judge anyone else, though.
Also, you need to stop posting nail polish colors 🙂 Every time I read your blog, I want to go buy another bottle!
rachel- I wear my lulu lemon pants to run errands all of the time!I think for workout wear, they look pretty darm good. I think wearing nice fitting lulu lemon pants is so much more appealing than old baggy sweatpants. I understand what you mean though! I guess it's just convenient to go from Pilates class to the grocery store to the mall etc…
Liz- It's so funny, I went half a size down in my runners. weird.
You MUST get Lilacism! it is such an amazing color.
I hate sneakers and I honestly don't find them that comfortable. I have a ton of them and have tried all sorts, but I just never loved them and never will. My husband always asks me why I don't wear sneakers. He loves them and has a ton of pairs.
I can't wait for warm weather and sandals!
I would wear sneakers everyday, everywhere if I could get away with it! I used to wear heels almost exclusively, but when I lived abroad, the cobble stone streets/sidewalks made it almost unbearable, so I started wearing flats more and more. Now that I'm back in the states, I just can't get back into heels – they're so painful on my feet. Kitten heels are fine, but anything higher and I'm in agony. So, I typically live in flats (for work) or pumas (for play).
I can't stand sneakers either. I only wear them for working out which is why I only own two pairs and that's pretty much it.
With jeans, I usually wear flats, Victoria's Secret flip flops (during the summer. I love VS's flip flops!) and boots during the winter.
Oh your response to rachel reminds me – I was in Sydney the other day and saw a lululemon store and immediately though of you veronika! I didn't even know we had them in australia.
I do agree that yes an outfit is more put together without the sneaks but I do wear them with jeans, because well when you do a lot of walking around, nothing is as comfortable. And I'm pretty sure that Garner wears them for that purpose plus she is chasing after a toddler.
Ugh theres a time and a place for everything! I can't stand when I see women wearing their runners out all the time. I get it, I'm a mom, but to me 1. flats are way cuter and polish my outfit, 2. they're EASIER then having to untie, retie, etc. Flats I can just slip on and my outfit is polished and cute.
I especially hate the skinny jeans with runners. And bootlegs, I can overlook them with flares because they're hidden more, but with the bootleg jeans where the jeans are bunched up TRYING to go down over the sneakers but they just can't it just looks sloppy!
I have to agree! Unless I am working out or running, the running shoes stay home!
Also – I am loving the essie Lilac color!
Great post! 🙂
I love running shoes! But then again, I'm a runner. I don't usually wear them with jeans, but I wear puma-type athletic shoes with jeans all the time when I'm out running errands. I ask quite a lot of my feet between running all the time and wearing heels most of the time to work, so on the weekends for hanging out I want something more supportive than flats or heels. As far as Jen Garner goes, I think you just have to realize that sometimes people couldn't care less about looking polished. Sometimes they just want to be comfortable!
Kristen- I totally understand/realize that. I find flats and comfort/street style running shoes to be comfortable, so I would also choose those over runners.
oh I really want to try this color!!
Couldn't agree with you more that runner's are the 'mom jeans of footwear' I too have an-almost hatred for them. They are totally acceptable with leggings, yoga pants, etc. but with jeans they make me cRiNgE tremendously. This was a good post. I'm not really a nail polish girl. I own maybe 6 bottles of nail polish but it ALWAYS chips so I just give up most of the time
https://kconspiracyofbeingmaria.blogspot.com
FYI – I left you something on my blog today!
I couldn't agree more re:runners. then I got pregnant. I have super high arches and being a teacher i totally needed the extra support. i was HUGE and on my feet all day long.
just wait… lol ~ kidding, I'm sure you will be a super adorable pregnant mom and still rock the cute shoes!
also, my fav polish for toes [natural fingers] is a throw back color to my youth/early 20s = coral. yum, reminds me of tanning outside for hours at a time!
Neon
I'm a runner and I only wear my running shoes, well, when running! I just think it would be weird to wear them out and about, especially when I want them to last for their intended purpose!
I'm trying out Essie's Lilacism today! It looks so pretty! I also just picked up Lucky Lucky Lavendar and tried it on a nail…so pretty! I thought it would be too purpley, but it's just right.
Sooo hate running shoes!!! I'm not going to say I never wear them with jeans but the ONLY time I do is when there's a lot of walking involved & sandles would kill me (i.e. Disney World!).
I was JUST thinking about that this past weekend. I absolutely abhor wearing sneakers with outfits. Sneakers are for the gym, walking the dogs, or using the elliptical. Lots of the ladies I work with wear sneakers with their outfits to work, but I absolutely will not. They all give me those looks when I wear heels and ask how I can stand to walk in them, but I'd rather endure a little pain (or splurge on cute flats) than wear sneakers with jeans or, heaven forbid, work slacks.
My mom is the same way – and she is totally grossed out by men who wear sneakers, which is actually kind of funny to me.
I also cannot stand running shoes….I'd rather be in pain and walk 100 miles in cute shoes (shopping) than wear running shoes. Probably why my feet hurt all the time… 🙂
Kristina, I completely agree with you. I'd rather be in pain than wear running shoes. I have 1 pair in black that sit at the back of my closet. I hardly used them even when I was training for soccer. I prefered to do my jogs around the field in my soccer cleats. More lightweight.
OMG I CANNOT STAND RUNNING SHOES/CROSS-TRAINERS. So ugly. With jeans, it's just terrible. Like, AT LEAST wear a fashion running shoe. Even in the gym, I feel like a knob wearing my running shoes bc how they look.
GREAT CALL on calling them, 'The mom jeans of footwear'. You couldn't have hit that nail on the head more directly.
Any time I'm wearing some sort of 'sporty' shoe on my foot (besides in the gym) is a straight up skate shoe. At least it's cool looking with jeans and a fitted hoodie.
PS – How sucky is it that you have to DEFEND your own blog and opinion (on your own blog!) to defer negative comments. I understand it, and it's appreciated for sure, and I think it shows great compassion to others – so good work.
http://www.acoest1984.blogspot.com
A
I'm a runner and also just wear running shoes for running. That being said, I used to work at a running store where we fit people for proper running shoes, and if you intend to actually use them for running, it's a terrible idea to base your purchase on how they look. Running is tough on your body, and depending on your gait and biomechanics, the wrong pair of shoes can actually leave you injured! (And as frumpy as some running shoes can look, a cast or crutches are worse, trust me!) So I always think it's a good idea to think of running shoes as a function piece of equipment for a particular sport (running), rather than a normal shoe or clothing item. Looks should be the last thing you worry about with them. After all, if you're running in them, no one really sees what they look like anyway!
stephanie- great points 🙂 I don't run so I think I will be ok!
Another vote for no sneakers other than for workouts. It's just another way of saying "I've given up on life."
Tee-Hee, running shoes are hideous! I never actually got a pair of "real" running shoes until I began running competitively and they are the ugliest things I have ever worn- and having to buy them a size up to allow for foot swelling doesn't help either! Most sneakers people wear casually are actually cross-trainers- so I say for that just go cute!
I think that runners with jeans are okay on occasion, but it is ALL about the TYPE of jeans you wear them with. Jeans that flare out a bit at the bottom and cover majority of the running shoe help the look out a lot. Personally, I wear runners/jeans a lot because I have to go to class and walk all the way across campus.. so cute shoes just aren't an option during the winter. But, with that said… I think it does look frumpy, and flats would be cuter : ) sometimes comfort is the sacrifice one has to make!
– Rebecca
p.s. I am not a girly/girly, and the girliest nail color I wear is like a wine/red color? I just bought a super cute shade by OPI. I forget the name, but it is a dark gray shade with some shimmer. It looks great on, and is a nice option to black since I am normally always wearing black–however, I love the color you had on your nails. Wish I could wear that! Just not me..
I don't like running or running shoes. I have been looking into a new trend. They are shoes designed to make you feel like you are running barefoot. They are there only to protect your feet from debris on the running trail. They are called Five Fingers, the cost is about as much as a good running shoe. I have been having a lot of foot pain and feel these shoes might be good to wear all the time. They have ones you can wear all the time or just for running.
on messy nailpolish—you can dip a cotton bud into nail polish removeer and EASILY "erase" the messy nail polish away. works like a charm! i honestly LOVE all your posts, especially because we have the same celebrity style and beauty obsessions! 😛
asianlashes- i always peel my messy nailpolish off in the shower, the hot water sets it loose and I just scrape it off. Thanks for your sweet comment!
Hi Veronika,
What kind of Nike running shoes are those, I love the look of them but cant find them anywhere not even on the Nike website.
Could you please send me a quick message telling me which N
They are Nike lunas