(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best athletic shoes for women

I <3 my Yoda top. I'm all of 5' 2" and most of the other folks in the free weight area are huge dudes squatting 400 lbs. So I get some extra giggles out of it. :)

I do love my Five Finger shoes. The traction is unreal, so I feel super stable while lifting. (They are NOT good MMA shoes. That awesome traction can cause some nasty twisting action at the knee when you're trying to kick.)

It is weird to have something between all your toes, though--and they really can be a major PITA to get on, but I think it's because of the kind I got. I insisted on having one that adjusts around the ankle and the only ones that do that are the ones that come up pretty far on the top of the foot. Something like these would probably be easier to deal with because of the lacing on the top.

Oh - if you're looking to use them to run, for the love of Pete, start slow!

Sure! I am happy to! I'll add a link if the item is new enough that you could still potentially buy it, too.

• one black tee- Ann Taylor
  
• one pink tank- Old Navy
  
• black sunglasses- these from Target
  
• red scarf- bought in Morocco, so unfortunately not linkable
  
• orange pashmina scarf- this is very similar
  
• pink floral scarf- bought at a museum in Denver lol, so random
  
• black cameo gold chain belt- vintage
  
• one solid gold snap belt- this gem on amazon
  
• black hat- this is my exact hat, and it is THE BEST
  
• green maxi dress- amazon again for the win! In Light Green
  
• long sleeve black & pink jumpsuits- here you go!
  
• black sleeveless cotton jumpsuit- by far the coolest garment I owned, like wearing nothing. It was a lifesaver in the heat
  
• pink sweater- Target, last season
  
• 8 thongs- these
  
• soft cotton bras- THESE, so amazing!!!
  
• black wide leg linen pants- from urban outfitters, three years ago. brand was ecote
  
• black floral kimono- wet seal, yeeeeears ago haha
  
• workout leggings with removable waterproof olive panels- also years old, don't remember where :/
  
• two pairs of sanuk sandals
  
• vibram tennis shoes- my fave workout shoes ever
  
• one turkish towel that doubles as a scarf if need be- this one
  
  I hope this helps!!

I normally run in vibram five fingers, but they don't cut it for winter running for me.

Two winters ago was quite dry in Rochester, NY so I bought http://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Barefoot-Trail-Adventure-Yellow/dp/B004L8UPZM/ Merrell Trail Gloves. I like the shoes in dry weather, but they are not a good shoe for wet weather or hills. They have uphill traction, but seem like they are designed to lose all traction on downhills.

Last winter I bought Inov-8 Mudclaw 265s http://www.amazon.com/Inov-8-Mudclaw-Trail-Running-Shoe/dp/B008VPX09Y and could not be happier. I ran in snow, ice, and wore them with racing snow shoes and they performed perfectly. Every time I put my foot down it stayed exactly where I placed it, no slip, even on the steepest of trails.

The only downside to the Mudclaws is that the rubber is fairly soft when the weather gets warm. They should be winter only shoes in the city, or you will wear through the tread quickly if you run on pavement/concrete on a warm day (I swear I could feel the shoes wearing away as they stuck to the road on a hot day).


http://kahtoola.com/product/microspikes/ are also great, but probably overkill for city running. They worked great interlocking with the gnarly tread on the Mudclaws for super icy races.

Wool socks are magic and worth the money.

I don't know if this is really an achievement, but I bought real running shoes this week! I have wanted them for a while, but I told myself they would only be a reward after I showed a sufficient commitment to running.

Now, after almost 2 months of running and a 5k race under my belt, I feel like a real runner, and I decided my feet/legs deserved some good shoes. I got the gait analysis and everything, and I'm in love with my new shoes! They were even on sale because they were last year's model of the New Balance 880 in light blue.

I'm really not a heels person, but I want a pair of black heels that are comfortable and will stay on my feet. I have some Naturalizer ones that are pretty good but now I'm thinking about getting these Capezio character shoes, since I've heard that shoes made for theatre/dance are more comfortable and will definitely stay on. Thoughts?

I like camp shoes. I have some Sketcher slip on that are insanely comfortable, but they are 18 onces for the pair...way too luxurious.
I recently picked up these on Amazon. It's a light cheap water shoe just over 6 onces for the pair. It has a pretty nice rubber bottom that would make you feel like you had something to protect your feet walking around camp unlike bread bags.


I haven't camped with them yet, but I think they also would be good for water crossings.


L-RUN Mens Water Shoes Barefoot Skin Aqua Sock Womens Swim Shoes Black XXL(W:12-13,M:10-11)=EU43-44 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KF21M8S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0JaSCbEBFME8N

I actually added gift cards to my wishlist today. My Fiance decided he wanted to get married sooner than January, so I had to get serious about planning out wedding. Anyway, I'm not saving gift cards for any one particular thing, but plan on using any I get for wedding supplies, favors, etc.

BUT after the wedding is said and done, I'll be saving gift cards for a pair of these [shoes] (http://www.amazon.com/ASICS-Womens-Gel-Noosa-Running-Turquoise/dp/B00D86KZ4Y/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1395606757&sr=8-3&keywords=Noosa) because I know they're super comfortable and would be good for work, but I'm too cheap to drop a chunk of change like that on shoes.

I haven't heard of or tried FitKicks, but they seem similar to a generic water shoe I have tried on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M5ZV2G9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_VGZyDbTWXTPJW

This one has a removable sole, and with it taken out the bottom is very thin. The rest of the shoe is made of a thin neoprene material, and for me it lasts about a month before a hole or two appears in the top of the shoe near the joints in my toes.

I'm not sure if the FitKicks are made the same, but from the pics they seem similar.

So far my first pair of the Speedo shoe hasn't broken anywhere, it still looks pretty new 😁

I will try getting a pair of FitKicks, it's always fun to try a new thin shoe and anything $20 and under is just icing on the cake! Thanks for the info!

| Did you wear trail runners and how did they turn out for you? Currently planning on bringing mine still.

I wore trail runners, Topo Terraventures, to be precise. They were awesome. Like a lot of people here, I never wear boots and don't care about waterproofing. I wore older model REI short gaiters and they were perfect for keeping sand and detritus out. No need for knee-high gaiters, but they're better than nothing if that's all you have.

I carried these camp shoes, which were awesome on the beach. Size 12-13 Mens are 8.4oz total on my scale. Worth every gram. I'd change into them as soon as I got to camp, and my feet loved me for it.

| How much money did you spend at Nitinat Narrows?

We went a bit nuts at the crab shack. Spent probably close to $70 CAD. I had a crab, loaded baked potato and a beer for $57 CAD. Then I also had a grilled cheese and Mt. Dew second course, but I don't recall the price. Later that night, I regretted not buying at least one Canadian candy bar (I'm American) and a bag of Fritos to put in my chili mac. Monique's is closed, so just the one meal on the trail.

| Do you have cell service at the both trailheads?

I didn't try. I went North to South and took the West Coast Trail Express to Victoria both ways. We lost cell coverage on the bus ride up, so I put my phone in airplane mode pretty early on. I tried a few times on the trail, but it never worked. Some people said you can pick up towers from Seattle, but I never did. I took a Garmin InReach Mini to text home with, so I don't think I used cell service again until the bus ride back to Victoria. Highly recommended if you're considering a satellite device, btw.

• Greed: My weightlifting shoes. Somehow they make me feel so competent, like I'm in the right place and clearly I know what I'm doing because I've got the foot-wear. [Disclaimer: I do not know what I'm doing]
  
• Wrath: Single leg Romanian deadlifts, no matter how much or how little weight. I can't keep steady, no matter what I do. Considering that I can handle serious single leg yoga poses, head-stands, etc. without batting an eye, my inability to do SLRD's causes me endless frustration.
  
• Gluttony: Hiking. I love hiking, but by its very nature it takes hours and hours. No ragrets.
  
• Sloth: Foam rolling. I know, blasphemy. Instead I just push through the DOMS pain and pretend everything feels okay and that it isn't a trial to lower myself onto the toilet after leg day. [Disclaimer #2: Every day is leg day]
  
• Pride: My thighs. Despite my strength training being fairly on-again-off-again, from the moment I decided to put effort into learning to lift weights my thighs have gained a gorgeous teardrop-shaped muscle that only fades slightly during my off-weeks/months. They make me feel like I could crush men's skulls like sparrow-eggs.
  
• Lust: Flawless squat form and the kind of ass that mesmerizes. A sub-31 minute 5K (current time is 31:56, but I've only ever run 5K like 3 times and up until around February of this year I thought I was medically incapable of running, so I'm still pretty proud of that time).
  
• Envy: Squatting heavy. Bench pressing more than half your body weight. A beautiful and effortless Vinyasa flow. PULL UPS.

OMG yes. I wore dance shoes at my wedding and they were great. Specifically i got this pair of Capezio ballroom shoes: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006LXZP2S/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_7.LQub0WCAYKN
and then i added swarovski crystals: http://i.imgur.com/M25ln3G.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/XYv1ii6.jpg

They were fabulous, confortable, danceable, and easy to put on and take off because of the dancer's clasp. Dancing shoes generally have a larger toebox so added comfort there, plus they are generally made to be more flexible. Latin shoes tend to have leather soles whereas traditional ballroom shoes have the suede soles.

Mine had suede bottoms and my feet felt great all night! I did, however wear them outside, which is generally a no-no if you're going to bring them back on the dancefloor, but i figure i can brush them later on down the road if i ever want to do real dancing in them again.

You should also be able to find them in a wider selection of sizes, widths, and heel heights if that's important to you.

A friend also got dancing shoes from this awesome company HeyLady: https://www.shopheylady.com/shoes.php
They are comfy and very wedding-styled, and I was likely going to buy from them, but once I got it in my head I was going to customize my shoes I didn't look back.

Edit: i was actually inspired by Hey Lady's styles "Straptease" and "Knotty Girl"

Edited again to add: unless a company specifically states otherwise, you should probably order your street shoe size.

Oh, wow, haha, I own both of those pairs of New Balances! I bought mine on Amazon, but it looks like they're out of maroon in those exact styles.

I did dig up some similar ones, though:

One

Two - Leather!

Three

A couple tips, too---I would personally recommend a shape closer to the 420s over the flatter 402s, because the elevated heel gives them much better support overall. I also found those particular 402s to run INSANELY small. I'm normally an 11 in women's shoes, and ended up with those in a men's 10.5! I'm not sure if this is a foot shape issue, but for some reason, men's NBs run insanely small for me and women's NBs run true to size. It's very strange.

Hiitave shoes on Amazon. They're inexpensive Chinese things that look like Fivefingers without the fingers, but they're great. Super wide toe box. I love them.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MDVLNDC/ref=twister_B07MLV2JRM

These look kind of, weird/different but holy moley are they comfortable.

I borrowed a pair from a friend to try them out. Extremely comfortable to walk, jog, run or hike in. I like to mess around out in the woods a lot, and climbing up the steeper hills/slopes is so much easier with these. Barefoot I end up getting little pokey things in my feet (briars, thorns, sharp rocks, etc.) but these are sturdy enough to keep those out, but flexible enough that you can bend your toes for extra traction/control.

I'm going to splurge for a nice pair of these as soon as I can afford it.

I think folks like /u/Ehsu and /u/backbank are on a good track. Androgyny is the key word here. Maybe also throw in some low profile shoes (Like this rather than this). Some drapey outerwear over a scoop neck. Maybe a scarf if weather permits (25 ways to tie one). Wear pants with a tight taper and maybe some elastine blended in to give it some stretch. Put more emphasis than usual on the hips when considering the silhouette of an outfit, like /u/trashpile does sometimes by wearing 3/4 cropped pants and pushing them up over his calves. You can throw on a crazy print, then balance it by muting the rest of the outfit. Try some bright colors.

Adding a feminine or androgynous element or two to an outfit isn't as "out there" as some would believe, and you'll see some crop up in the top WAYWTs if you know what to look for. Some people, particularly if they're skinny, can wear clothes with many androgynous elements and still get a lot of praise. Just make sure that what you're wearing is cohesive as a whole. Don't forget that it's still important to balance texture, color, silhouette, and all that other fun stuff even when building more unusual outfits. Perhaps even more so, as clumsiness can lead to accusations of affectation.

A few more pictures

Would something like Reebok Skyscapes work? I have some, and they're squishy, breathable, and you can put them in the washer. Also they have a good selection of colors.

I got some a while ago and I love them, and my mom has some sort of foot issue that causes shooting pains and she loved them when she tried them on, so I got her some for her birthday tomorrow. The only issue I can see is if she needs arch support, they don't have a lot even though they're super squishy, but an insole would definitely fit inside comfortably.

Well, the good news is it's almost fall, which means full-coverage shoes should be easier to come by and completely appropriate for every-day wear!

Personally, I love these sneakers by sketchers. I have them in three different colors and wear them almost every day to work.

I also think Toms are a cute casual flat shoe.

For dressier options, Aerosoles has a good selection of cute flats, and so do Clarks.

But, since like I said it's just about fall, I personally would switch focus to booties and riding boots and combat boots. You will have nearly endless options (presuming that your orthotics will work in any flat shoe) and less frustration than trying to find full-coverage ballet flats.

I really like these: NIKE Men's Flex 2016 RN Running Shoe Black/Dark Grey/Ghost Green/White Size 15 M US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004BUNLKG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Sel1AbWXYNPQ9

And surprise me!

I hope you have a great Monday and a great week. Any special plans this week?

I have a Morton's neuroma that was exacerbated by an old ankle injury this spring. I can't wear any of my old shoes.

This summer I bought Birkenstocks, they are damn comfortable and some of the styles aren't exactly like the classic Arizonas (not a look I like, despite the current trend). For more formal summer shoes, I have been struggling to find something... My orthopedist recommended Vionic by Orthaheel, and I tried these but had to return them because they didn't fit right (I have wide toes and narrow heels). But they do have good arch support, and seemed like they'd be really comfortable. Other than that, check out the brands sold at Comfort One shoes. My technique is buying them on Amazon Prime and returning stuff that doesn't fit.

I loooooooove my Tevas. I have a more heavy duty pair meant for longer use/hiking but the soles are super soft and comfy. I would 100% recommend them, I don’t have a standing job anymore so I usually have a hard time standing for a long time at festivals, but my Tevas basically solve my sore feet problem.

They don’t have the crazy arch support that Chacos have, which is fine for me bc I don’t need it, but you’ll definitely see a difference between the two brands. There still is arch support, but it’s not as dramatic.

Really, they’re both excellent brands and it comes down to personal preference. But if you’re having some trouble with the grip texture of Chacos, I think you should give Tevas a try.

These are the Tevas that I have.