I like to be able to do at least a little running while I'm on a long trip, but running shoes take up so much room! And they don't look great for other times, especially for going out in the evenings. I've thought about trying some all-black running shoes (possibly leather ones? I've never had leather running shoes) and wearing them in the evenings with black pants. Anyone else have suggestions / experiences? Has anyone tried running in flat (nicer looking) sneakers that aren't running shoes?
I love my ON super light white "everyday" style. If you like the look of bright white sneakers with skirts and pants? They have just enough support (for me, anyway) to jog along for awhile although I go at lower intensity and less distance than I normally do.
Anyway, as a concept ( they also do black and have loads of other options) to consider.
I wear a black runner with little or no logo. That covers both tour walking and slightly more formal cafes etc (No I am not fussy....)
Depends on the season. Sandals or ballet flats in warm weather, ankle boot in winter. Also, changing shoes can give your feet a break.
+1 vote for Southam's response.
Hi Diane,
I second ON. Please don’t try & run in leather shoes. I couldn’t imagine how uncomfortable that could be. As mentioned above, the ON every day can be used for both. You can purchase a black pair if you’re concerned about matching your pants. I’ve worn the lower ones for short, 2 mile runs and never had issues.
Good luck!
Amanda
I wear the same pair of On shoes all day long, every day of my multi-month trips; I take no other shoes with me. I choose something as close to solid black as I can find. If I were a different type of traveler and went to dressy, upscale restaurants or other venues, I'd have to squeeze a pair of something like black flats into my suitcase, but I am not, so I don't need to do that.
It's easy to get all black sneakers these days. Nike and Adidas etc will have a "triple black" colourway in most designs. That's what I search for if I'm looking for completely black sneakers.
I like Salomon's trail runners (the X3 and X4 series) for an all-black, works-with-most-anything universal shoe for both running/hiking and evening outings. They offer great support and look great, as well.
Thanks everyone! I ended up buying a pair of all-black Brooks running shoes that are very similar to my usual running shoes. I was hoping to find a running shoe that looked a tiny bit less clunky, but this seemed the best option out of everything I saw. I'm sure it will be fine most of the time.
Your feet will thank you. Every time I see a woman (it's always a woman), leaning against a wall with a shoe (usually a cute, thin-soled sandal) in her hand and rubbing her foot, I am very glad I don't care what other people think about my shoe choice. My feet feel fine! The one year I switched to a different (still high-quality) brand of walking shoes, I got plantar fasciitis.
I always just wear my running shoes for walking. Sauconys.
Just a quick comment that On Cloud didn't work for me. I bought the waterproof version and they're too stiff and hurt my feet. I also bought Wide and they're still too narrow for my foot. They're black and actually the surface of the shoe dulled after use and looked ugly. I'm donating them.
Few years ago, I ditched the cute shoes for comfort. I've worn running shoes/walking shoes on my trips.
I recently got the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4. Black with white sole. They are SO LIGHT! And very comfortable. I've been wearing them on neighborhood walks and have gone to gym on them as I prepare my feet and the shoes for upcoming trips. I'm not a runner so I don't need the extra cushioning. And they come in 9 wide which is hard to find. I would prefer without the big N on it and will look at your Brooks suggestion. Are they lightweight?
I'm a carryon only type of traveler, so my shoes need to be light and comfortable. And these New Balance are really lightweight.
I also have a slip-in (soft) from Skechers that is lightweight. I use it a lot going out during my trips, as well as on flights. Easy to dress up or down. I wear with pants and skirts. They are so old with lots of mileage, and I desperately need a new pair, but Skechers now only make them with hard backing (hands-free) which I don't like.