One of the best things — in my opinion — about running being so “in” right now is that it seems to force big-name sports brands to focus on everything running… shorts, tights, jackets, dri-fit shirts, etc. I love it because it means I can walk into a sporting goods store and find something I want fast, if I don’t have time to order online. Also, increased demand means more competition among companies, which seems to be pushing the envelope further and further in terms of design these days.
I know, I know, I shouldn’t choose running apparel or footwear by color, but those bright colors sure do make it more fun. And right now there’s no such thing as too bright, the bolder the better. I mean, how much crazier can Nike get with their womens tempo shorts patterns?! My mom named my most recent pair my “Kentucky Derby” shorts since they seem to resemble a horse jockey’s jersey…
Looks like I should be rooting for Dullahan in two weeks!
Despite the horse jockey shorts, I’m actually not that into crazy running apparel. Sure, a pop of color on my shorts is fun, but I’m much more fascinated with what I put on my feet to go running. Maybe it’s because shoes are basically the only essential “equipment” needed as a runner (though some could argue they’re not needed). Anyhow, you can’t visit any running shoe store lately without seeing a plethora of bright, bold shoes. And it’s certainly catching my attention — both as a runner and a girl with a marketing mind.
Since I love to “waste” time on Sunday mornings, I perused the Interwebs in search of bright shoes. Searching was surprisingly easy, since bold running shoes are quickly becoming the norm. Below are some of my personal favorites. If any of them catch your attention, you should be able to click on the picture to go to the product website. Enjoy, and try not to be blinded! 
Brooks Pure Connect
I actually already own a pair of Brooks Pure Project shoes, Pure Cadence, which are the most supportive of the Pure Project line (and I love them, by the way). The Pure Connect (above) are the least supportive/most minimalist, so I might not be able to log long runs in these, but I’d happily wear these pretty turquoise shoes on short runs and for cross training. I love turquoise!
Brooks Racer ST 5
I’ve desperately wanted these orange and blue Brooks racing shoes since I first spotted them this past winter. I think if I had them I would only wear them on SU gamedays, for good luck. Unfortunately, they don’t have them in my size. 
If anyone knows where I can get a size 7.5 (unisex), let me know!
Asics Gel Noosa Tri 7
How out-there are these?! They’re actually triathlon shoes, whatever that means (I guess they’re more breathable, but my guess would be its Asics’ way to make more money). I’m no triathlete, but if it meant I could lace up these crazy shoes, I’d be more likely to consider becoming one.
Saucony Kinvara 2
Who needs a reflective vest for those early morning runs when you can just throw on these neon yellow-green shoes from Saucony? The color options on these shoes are insanely awesome (and bright).
Nike Free Run+ 3
Maybe you’ve seen these shoes on the commercial where the girl runs across the country wearing hot pink shoes, happily singing the entire way. She even runs with an ice cream cone! With fun shoes and ice cream, I might be able to pull a Forrest Gump too. My everything-pink-loving sister has declared she needs the pink shoes. I think I do too (but in turquoise).
Under Armour Charge RC
While perusing Under Armour’s website for running apparel, I was surprised to find even they seem to be stepping into the running footwear ring. They seem pretty legitimate, and the bright colors don’t hurt their case.
Mizuno Wave Elixir 7
Purple zebra-striped running shoes with purple and red shoelaces. And they’re supportive too! Yep, I’d run in these.
Adidas ClimaCool Seduction Shoes
The marketing folks at Adidas are apparently taking the whole bold shoe movement a step further through name. Seriously, seduction as a running shoe name? But you know what, if you slap turquoise on the bottom of a running shoe, I may in fact be tempted, so evidently the tactful marketing is working on me.
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I’m not sure why, but the bright running shoe phase is so interesting to me. It’ll be interesting to see just how far companies go. At this rate, I wouldn’t be surprised if you’d be hard pressed to find a white pair of running shoes five years from now. Though, like most fashions (and I’m no fashion expert by any means…), I assume this will naturally calm itself down in time.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering, even though all of the shoes I showed up above are womens shoes, mens shoes seem to be following the same bright path.
I could go on and on, but I have cookie bars to frost and a workout to get to — with my bright blue shoes, of course! In the mean time, let me know what you think about all the bright running/fitness shoes popping up in stores and online these days.
