Running Shoes: From Running Lane to Runway
Rewind back to the late 80s and early 90s, NYC commuters rushing to work in glam power suits teamed with running shoes and socks over nylon tights. A practical and fast way to get to the office on time without any broken ankles or heels, only to slip into those high heels ready to strut the office corridors.
Fast forward to 2012, with the 2013 Spring/Summer collection shows just behind us, there is a renewed hype to the functional athletic shoe, with designers like Raf Simons, Valentino, Missoni and Salvatore Ferragamo sending male models down the catwalk in tailored suits and fresh preppy silhouettes favouring modern running shoes as footwear. Valentino goes for camouflage tones and blurred patterned trainers worn with tailored ankle cut pants, slick sportswear and utility inspired pieces. Salvatore Ferragamo’s clean crisp line in zesty fresh colours is a striking mix of modern men’s tailoring and retro details worn with matching running shoes in acidic brights with flashes of neon.
This trend is not restricted to men only, it clearly lends itself to women also, with many women of all ages opting for a comfortable statement, mixing fashion outfits or chic modern ensembles kicked off with a pair of New Balance or neon Nike running shoes.
Of course it’s not the first time sports shoes have been a trend outside of functionality. Take the 80s rap era when the Nike Air Force 1 basketball shoe and the Adidas Superstar became firm fixtures in urban street style.
So what does this say about the mix of sport and chic as a fashion statement? With technology developing ever lighter fabrications, some running shoes weigh less than 10 ounces / 250 grams. It goes without saying that the boost in running shoe sales for such brands as Nike and New Balance represent the continued trend towards the “casualization” of society and the acceptance of sport and chic in the office. It seems more than just a fashion statement but more like a mentality and attitude of today.
