sneakers


Hoka Bondi 8 review

hoka bondi 8 review

pictured: Hoka Bondi 8 running sneakers /

Have you noticed these sneakers are everywhere? For several years now, more and more feet at the gym are sporting these sneakers. I had to find out what the hype was about! Everyone I spoke with told me their Hoka sneakers provided superior foot support, event those with planter fasciitis!

Then, my son went to get fitted for running shoes, they recommended a men’s pair of running shoes by Hoka to him, which he has found, are extremely comfortable. He has worn them to track practice, as well as football conditioning. All the signs were there for me to try a pair of running shoes by Hoka!

I did a little research, and found there were a few pairs of running shoes by Hoka which were highly recommended. I ended up going with the Bondi 8 since it seemed to provide both arch support and heel stability for my feet. So far, I love these shoes! For longer workouts, I do switch out the insoles with my orthotics, but for shorter workouts or walking, the insoles the Hoka Bondi 8 sneakers come with work just fine.

These are very cushioned shoes! I am not sure I have ever own a pair of sneakers which were so cushioned inside! If you are on your feet for a long period of time, these provide a very soft base which helps prevent fatigue. Even with orthotics, they are soft and very comfortable! Love that!

Shop my favorite fitness gear and the Hoka Bondi 8 sneakers online:

The Hoka Bondi 8 are available in an array of colors, I love this pair in shades of blue. It is so pretty! In addition to pretty colors, the comfort level is outstanding. These are my new favorite running sneakers! I am also using them in cardio kicking-boxing classes and on the treadmill. Love!

Have you tried Hoka sneakers? If so, what did you think?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy


Shoe capsule wardrobe fall 2023

shoe capsule wardrobe fall 2023

Shoe capsule wardrobe from top: loafer mules / lug sole boots (water resistant) / Mary Janes / rose and white sneakers / black boots /

My fall shoe capsule wardrobe is assembled! This fall, classic shoe styles such as loafers, loafer mules, street sneakers, and lug sole boots are hot on the streets. Of course, the western style boot trend, which is also timeless, is considered an ongoing trend in footwear.

The Mary Jane is a classic shoe style which ebbs and flows when it comes to fashion. It is good to invest in a pair which you can wear while the trend is hot, and then store for a time when the trend returns; and it always returns. I have a pair of Prada Mary Janes in my closet with a 3″ heel so I decided to invest in a shorter pair this season to give myself options. It is nice to have a high pair, and a low pair. I love this low pair which offers two straps and fancy buttons. Plus, they are under $200. Love that!

These lug sole boots are a fabulous stand-by which never goes out of style. The lug sole is perfect in both rain and snow. I also love how the lug sole grips in icy conditions. Of course, street sneakers are still hot! I love this rose and white pair since rose is an autumn hue from the pink family; and we all love pink right now!

I also love a classic pair of western style boots. My pair from last year is still on rotation, but a black pair is a must-have. These are comfortable and timeless. They go with all of my casual looks. Love that!

Loafers are as timeless as sliced bread; therefore, loafer mules are also as timeless as sliced bread. I love my loafer mules on warm fall days. With a little TLC, this pair lasts year after year! When you invest in a good pair of shoes, remember to polish them to keep them looking fresh.

Shop my fall shoe capsule for autumn 2023 online:

Which shoe styles are you loving for the fall 2023 season?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

mary janes fall 2023

Nike Dunk review

nike dunks review

pictured: Nike Dunk High in olive and white /

It is entirely possible I have been on a sneakers kick the past two years. Ever since I started to have foot problems, I found sneakers were better for my feet than all my fabulous, sky high heels. In moving towards sneakers, my daughter introduced to me to the SNKRS app and the fun street sneakers from Nike.

Nike Dunks are a popular street sneaker which have been in high demand for many years. If you look at people’s feet, you will find people from teenagers through to Generation X, and possibly some Boomers, wearing Nike Dunks. This is a sneaker style and street style trend which transcends age and demographic. Love that!

You can find a few different types of Nike Dunks on the street. There are Nike Dunk Lows which are a traditional, low top sneaker. There are also Nike Dunk Highs which are traditional high-top sneakers, and the SB line which is geared towards skateboarding. Oftentimes, most SB styles are sold in skate shops rather than the SNKRS app or Nike stores. Although, you can find SB styles through Nike sometimes. I did manage to snag one pair!

Once in a great while, Nike will offer the chance to create your own Nike Dunk sneakers! This is really fun because you have many colors available to you, and you can design your own pair with the color combo you want. I have done this twice. Once with Nike Dunk Highs, which I ordered in blue and white, and once with Nike Dunk Lows which I ordered in mint green and a greyish-white hue. Love!

Nike Dunk sneakers are easy to wear with a variety of outfits. Of course, they can be worn with the obvious casual looks such as jeans, chinos, and shorts, but they can also be paired with dresses and skirts for a dressy yet sporty look.

What I love about Nike Dunk sneakers is that they are available in so many different colors! Many are one color plus white, but sometimes you can find them in three or more colors mixed together. They can match a certain outfit or be their own standout piece in an overall look. It is fun to find a pretty color and match it with a look! I also love my black and white Pandas because they go with literally anything! I feel like everyone needs a pair of black and white Dunks, often referred to as “Pandas.”

One of the drawbacks to the Nike Dunks is that the leather is not very soft. It is often stiff and easily creases. If you don’t mind creases, like me, then this will be OK with you. If you want your sneakers to keep their shape out of the box, you might consider adding an insert to the shoe or store them with a shoe shaper. One thing to note, the Dunk’s Nike allows you to create yourself seem to use higher quality leather which does not crease as easily, although they seem to fit a bit more snug than the off-the-rack Nike Dunk’s.

If you are like me, and need to wear orthotics, this can be a bit tricky. The insoles are glued inside the shoes. If you don’t mind ripping them out, it is easy to do. Then you can insert your orthotics. If you don’t want to rip out the insoles, you can wear an arch support band or add additional arch support to the existing sole. I wear mine with an arch support band and I am able to walk pain-free.

You can find Nike Dunk’s directly through Nike, or on the secondary market. Sometimes you will need to enter a lottery or draw through Nike or on the SNKRS app in order to snap up a pair you really want. If you can’t find the color combo you are looking for, you can buy from resellers but be careful! You want to make sure you are buying a legit pair made by Nike. I have linked to my favorites on the secondary market below. These are from reputable resellers, but always inspect them when you receive them to make sure you got the real deal!

There are plenty of colors to choose from through Nike right now. Here are my favorites! Please note, when you click on the black, grey, white pair, you will be taken directly to the create your own Nike Dunk low. Have fun designing!

I hope you enjoy your new Nike Dunk’s! They are a classic sneaker which you can enjoy for years; so, don’t be afraid to invest in multiple colorways! You can splurge all at once or invest in pairs over time. Love that!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

pictured below: Nike Dunk Low in black and white, also known as “Pandas” /

nike dunk review

Nike Dunks review