Sole Obsession: Nike LunarElite Sky Hi

Living in a walking city and DJing multiple nights a week, I spend a lot of time on my feet, so I obsess over my shoes for both form and function. Last summer I bought a pair of Nike Free trainers, and while they were significantly more comfortable than any other shoes in my closet, there were times when the sides of my feet would hurt perhaps because my feet are so wide. So my search for the perfect "all day, everyday" sneakers continued.

This past month, I was gifted a pair of Nike LunarElite Sky Hi sneakers, and they've become my favorite! They're so comfortable; I wore them everyday for a week straight. The loops in the back and front make them easy to slip on and off without touching the laces, and the little lift in the heel and ombre upfront make them cute enough to wear all around town.

They're available in dozens of colors, but my favorite are the ombre combos available at Macy's ($109 sale price) and Lady Foot Locker ($129 retail).

NY Sample Sale Report: Ash Footwear

Our good friend and reader Kim Nguyen stopped by Ash's sample sale and was kind enough to send us photos and a sample sale report. If you've been lusting after Isabel Marant sneakers, but can't imagine spending almost $700 on sneakers, this post is for you.

Ash Sample Sale Report by Kim Nguyen
The sale is going on in the back room of Ash’s Soho store, which looks like a spaceship filled with shoes from the future. And there are many deals to be had in the sandal arena (the Masia and Meg for $64.50), but I went straight for this summer’s divisive trend: the wedge sneaker.

While I have been told my personal style falls solidly into high school goth or 1950’s librarian, I was pretty smitten with Isabel Marant’s weird ugly-chic sneaker when I first saw them last season.

But not so smitten that I would shell out $760 for a pair of shoes that look like they would be worn by J. Lo (circa her Jenny from the Block era).

Which is why I was so excited when I was asked to cover a sale of the more affordable maker of the sneaker wedge, Ash.

So here we go.

Bowie (only neon yellow or green) – $112.50

Nike Sportswear X Steven Alan

Today marks the launch of the Nike Sportswear x Steven Alan collaboration. While the two have paired before to pump out footwear, this marks the release of their more athletic line. While I'm not a huge fan of each company standalone, this collab definitely works for me and showcases a great balance between the two.

Air Zoom Lava

Talache Low

Air Zoom Magma

Air Zoom Toki

Steven Alan is also contest for a free giveaway! Just like them on facebook and post "nike x steven alan" on their wall to be entered. Contest ends Jan 28, 2011.

RYZ: Product Review

A while back, I posted about a RYZ footwear. Thanks to the great people at RYZ, I had a chance to check out a pair firsthand. I ended up going for a hightop option in grey suede/leather. While I wanted to customize the shoes, I wasn't entirely sure of the sizing (since 1/2 sizes are not available) so I ended up going for a standard item just in case I had to exchange them later.

In terms of customizing the shoes, RYZ has you covered. You can customize the outside sole, sidewall, inner lining and the bottom sole. Perhaps the coolest part of the customization is the bottom sole - you can upload an image, graphic or text and have it relayed on the bottom of your shoe!

I tested them out for the entire weekend while bar hopping in my hood (Williamsburg) and shopping around the city. I decided to walk from Union Square to 9th Avenue and back to Union Square just to test out the comfort of the shoes and like most sneakers - they're uber comfortable. There's ample padding on the ankles without being bulky which is a plus.

Everyone whose seen the shoes has complimented on them them and likes them too which is nice. One of my favorite details is on the inside of the shoe. There's a geometric pattern on the inside lining which is a subtle but nice touch. The mix of suede and leather adds a variety of texture that's sleek and polished. I'm definitely a fan.

While these are great sneakers for going out I personally wouldn't be able to get away with these at the office. While you can modify the sneakers so that they are entirely one color, if you work in a conventional office, you likely won't be able to sport these to work. If you have casual Fridays or if you work in a more relaxed environment, these might be more viable options if you're looking to wear your sneakers to work.

Reader Question of the Week: Chuck All Star Alternatives

"I'm in the market for some shoes, like Chucks but not. Why is it so impossible to find shoes like this? Don't want running shoes and don't want heels - haha. Help a girl out!"

- Julie, Boston

As much as I love classic Chuck Taylor All Stars, they are a little tired and sometimes remind me a bit too much of high school. I wore them with my prom dress back in the day, and clearly Converse caught on because they now have a prom collection!

Don't get me wrong. I'm not hating on Converse. I'm just saying I understand why someone would want an alternative to Chucks. I've always been a fan of Converse's other shoe, Jack Purcells.

Converse Jack Purcell, $60

I like them in leather because they look more polished and "grown up" than the classic canvas version.

Converse Jack Purcell Gingham Print, $60

I'm also feeling them in the gingham print. These are fun and perfect for spring and summer - though these are definitely more casual.

Keds Champion Hi-Top, $55

Remember Keds? I never really thought they were cool, not even when Mischa Barton was pushing them. But lately I've become a fan of their plain high-tops. I like that the rubber soles match the canvas - clean and simple.

Vans Sophie, $55

Vans has stepped up their sneaker game with this adorable saddle shoe-inspired pair.

Tretorn Perforated, $90

I love the look of perforated leather, and during warmer seasons, it's actually quite functional.

Y3 Kimpu High Tops, $106 (retail $265)

These are similar to Chucks from a far, but up close, you'll see a bunch of subtle details. If you like them, hurry because they're on sale at The Outnet, and sizes are already limited.

80%20 Sadie Wedge Sneaker, $98

These are not heels. They're wedges, which are easy to walk in, I promise! These are a fun twist on the classic sneaker. They're simple enough to wear with everything, and the cork wedge adds some femininity.

Those are my picks. Readers, do you have any other suggestions for Julie?

Adidas Originals:“City Artist” Five-Two-3 pack

Left: Superstar x Pochoir For London
Right: Stan Smith x KRSN For Paris


Left: Samba x MADSAKI for Tokyo
Right: Nizza x Fakso for Milan


Forum x Dalek For New York

Adidas Originals recently launched an initiative called “City Artist” Five-Two-3 pack which consists of the five most iconic adidas originals’ shoes re-designed by five artists from the most influential cities around the globe. Cities include New York, London, Paris, Milan and Tokyo. Artists include Pochoir, MADSAKI, Dalek, Fakso and KRSN.

The below film is kind of fun to watch as it captures Pochoir at work, his design process and gives an overview of the four other styles designed by his collaborating peers. I'm personally not much of a sneakerhead but I really appreciate the detailing behind each of the styles. What do you think?