Trend Alert: Chic Running Sneaks

Are you looking for a facelift, of sorts, to your running sneakers? Well, look no further. As of late, running sneaks with an edge seem to be the go-to shoe for anyone looking to add a little bit of flair to their daily look.  From neons, prints/patterns, and different textures and fabrications, running sneakers have gotten the fashion-forward makeover it’s been waiting for! Perfect for men and women, running sneakers are hitting their stride this season with no signs of slowing down.

The mixing of sport elements into everyday wear began a few seasons ago, ending up in the wardrobe of sneaker aficionados. This trend has now caught traction on a commercial scale. The concept began with designers pulling inspiration from clothes that would be traditionally worn to the gym or reserved for outdoor activities. Caps, hoodies, sweatshirts, and sport pants have gotten modified to appeal to a more fashion-focused consumer. With the introduction of Isabel Marant’s wedged sneakers to the runways a few seasons ago, as well as looks from Ruffian’s spring 2013 collection, it has become trendy for fashionistas to add a more casual but rugged edge to their usually glammed up look.

Style-It girl of the moment, Solange Knowles was recently tapped to bring her brand of funk, flair, and fun to Puma as she was named art director and creative consultant for the shoe brand. With Solange Knowles solidly in step with this re-invention of the running sneak, this trend will amp up into overdrive! Now take a look at some of Fashion Reverie’s favorite styles of running shoes:

Hype Leopard Print Sneakers Via TOPMAN

TopMan features these cool, leopard-printed running sneakers in their stores and online. From the orange laces to the vibrant in-your-face leopard print, these sneakers will bring out your inner hipster, giving you style with ease.

Nike Flyknit Trainer+

These multi-colored Flyknit trainers by Nike are the perfect blend of style mixed with sport! Doubling as a top of the line running shoe, they can be worked easily into any stylish young woman’s wardrobe! From the gym to a day of shopping with your friends, this shoe is the best of both worlds.

Nike Air Max 2014 iD

What makes the Nike Air Max a cool sneaker choice? Not only does Nike have them in awesome, glow-in-the-dark neon colors, but consumers can color customize their choices online! The personalization of this sneaker makes it an obvious winner for anyone looking to bring their own style to the streets.

Adidas by Stella McCartney

Featuring a textbook-print style, these running sneaks from Stella McCartney are a chic step in the right direction. Comfortable, stylish, and durable, what more could a girl ask for?

Valentino Garavani Sneaker

In step with this trend, Valentino Garavani have created his and hers camouflaged-inspired sneakers. While the woman’s sneaker features traces of on-trend, neon-colored leathers; the men’s sneaks goes for a subtle, yet colorful approach. By purchasing these sneaks, consumers will feel like they are stepping in style!

PUMA x Solange Knowles

When it was announced that Solange Knowles had been tapped to be the new art director and creative consultant at Puma, the blogosphere lit up like the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. Everyone wanted to know what the shoes would look like and when they would arrive in stores.  Well, the much-anticipated arrival is February 2014 and surprisingly for Puma, the product of his collaborative effort is relatively affordable.

The collection, “Girls of Blaze,” is inspired by Brazil.  Solange worked with three different design teams to get just the right look for her Puma debut. These are a must-have for any young fashionista wanting to bring a little bit of South American spice to their shoe collection.

—John Woody