“The super sleek style comes from blending two of the brand’s fan favorites: the popular Gallivanter and its classic silhouette with the athletic MG4+ and its unbeatable comfort,” G/FORE said in a statement. “The new premier golf shoe is immensely lightweight, flexible, durable, and waterproof with an enveloping low drop design for complete ground control. With thirteen points of contact dispersed throughout, the Gallivan2r’s unique traction—named the G/POD cleat system—functions with superior stability for the golfer who appreciates the traditional as well as the contemporary.”
Just as beauty is subjectively in the eye of the beholder, the best shoe is on the foot of the runner. Most long-term runners have their go-to brands. For me, it’s usually Nike or Saucony. But what are other runners loving in 2024? This round-up of promising running shoes includes tried and true brands, plus one just entering the sneaker game. I called on a group of runners from Portland, Oregon, to weigh in on their favorite shoes. See what they had to say with this list of the year’s best running shoes, sneakers, and trainers.
Need some seriously good socks to pair with your shoes? Check out this list of the best running sock brands.
Keep your feet dry and warm on the golf course through the coldest months of the year.
While some of the country is stuck inside due to low temperatures and snow, there is a large amount of players who are lucky enough to live in a state where golf courses remain open — and this list is for you.
Winter conditions usually consist of damp fairways and greens, so we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite waterproof golf shoes from brands like Nike, Adidas, Jordan, G/FORE, TRUE linkswear, FootJoy and more.
Hoka emerged in 2009 and hit U.S. stores a year later. It’s known for kicking off the maximal cushioning trend. This cushioning supposedly makes the shoes especially comfortable for long distances. They were originally designed in France for running down steep mountains like the Pyrenees, Dolomites, and Alps.
The brand’s full name is Hoka One One, which comes from the Maori language and means “to fly over the earth.” And people do seem to fly in their Hokas, judging from athletes like Karl “Speedgoat” Meltzer winning many 100-mile races in the Hoka shoe named after him. Both trail and road racers favor Hokas. Most of the brand’s shoes cost between $125-$250. Not cheap, but in a normal range for high-quality running shoes.
According to the Hoka website, “HOKA was born out of the unwavering belief that if you ignored the doubters, brushed off the critics and poured your heart into a wild idea, it was possible to create a shoe that let people fly down mountains.”
While Hoka has a base of brand loyalists, it also has its doubters and haters. So, you may ask, are Hoka shoes worth it? Let’s discuss.
Hoka Tecton X 2 Trail Running Shoe (Backcountry)
What people really think about Hoka shoes
“I have a love-hate relationship with them,” Chris Pruitt, certified personal trainer and CEO of Workout Healthy, said. He likens the cushioning of Hoka’s Speedgoat model to running on clouds. “So they’re extremely comfortable and great for those long runs. But durability? That’s where I’m torn. Sure, they’re comfortable, but they don’t always last as long as I’d like. I’ve noticed the initial cushioning gets less “cushiony” after about 3 months. But yes, I’m a fan of the comfort Hoka brings to the table, but I wish they’d hold up a bit better over time.”
Aashish Rrastogi, CEO of SportsUncle, agrees that Hokas are comfortable. “Hoka shoes are renowned for their exceptional cushioning, a boon for long-distance runners,” he said. “It helps in reducing impact stress on joints,” Rrastogi adds. “They offer excellent arch support and a comfortable fit to prevent foot fatigue during prolonged runs.”
But he also shares Pruitt’s durability concerns. “In some models, the outsole may wear down faster than expected, especially for heavy runners or those running on rough terrain,” Rrastogi said.
Rrastogi also diplomatically criticizes these shoes’ beauty. “Some runners might find the bulky appearance less appealing. The design, focused on function, sometimes overlooks fashion-forward elements.”
Are Hoka shoes right for you? Well, Rrastogi recommends them for runners seeking maximum cushioning and support, especially those prone to joint pains or recovering from injuries. Long-distance runners who need shoes that minimize impact over miles may also enjoy Hokas.
Hoka Tecton X 2 Trail Running Shoe (Backcountry)
Hoka haters
Some people unequivocally fall into the anti-Hoka camp. Joel Hereth, a marketing professional who raises money for charity by running his age in mileage every year on his birthday, is not a Hoka fan.
“Hoka shoes in my opinion are overrated,” he said. “I’ve tried all the different running shoes and Hoka are one of the worst. They’re comfy for the first few miles, but if you’re doing any real distance training, they’re too heavy and will ultimately hurt your knees more than help.”
Hereth isn’t the only one to take issue with Hokas. One-star reviews on some of the brand’s shoes include complaints about discomfort and “rips in the fabric.”
Hoka Speedgoat 5 Trail Running Shoe (Backcountry)
Benefits for non-runners
In Oregon, Original Goat Yoga founder Lainey Morse has a different use for her Hokas. “I used to be a runner, but now I just do guided tours,” Morse explains. She switched from boots to Hokas due to blisters. “I have arthritis and I’m telling you….they are AMAZING! I haven’t had any problems since I switched.”
So, there you have it. You might be a runner who wants to race down a mountain with the massive cushioning of your Hoka Speedgoats. Or maybe you just want to walk with goats in comfort. Either way, these accounts should help you determine if Hoka shoes are right for you.
Check out the new addition to the already popular G/FORE golf shoe.
G/FORE makes some of the best golf shoes on the market, and their Gallivanter collection is one of the brand’s best sellers. Well, they’ve upgraded their extremely popular shoe with Softspike Stability.
These shoes are designed for players looking for more balance and stability on the golf course and are crafted to the highest level.
“Designed with 10 points of contact with the ground for increased dispersion of weight, G/LOCK Gallivanter’s spikes feature center stingers and flexible expanding legs to fully grip the course,” G/FORE said in a release.
#Chiefs HC Andy Reid showed off his fashion sense against the Miami #Dolphins in Week 9.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid hasn’t always been known as a fashionista during his time in the NFL, but his affinity for Nike Air Force 1 shoes is well-documented.
Last week during the Chiefs’ tilt against the Miami Dolphins in Frankfurt, Germany, the veteran skipper donned a special edition pair of the iconic kicks.
This classic look was an interesting footnote for Reid, who was facing Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, a noted streetwear aficionado. Though Reid decided to forgo sunglasses and a glitzy watch for the international matchup, these shoes were more than enough indication that he is no slouch in keeping up with current fashion trends.
Expect Reid to continue giving fans glimpses of his personality via his shoe selection as the season wears on, and don’t be surprised if he pulls out something special for the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVII rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 11.
Do you want Shrek Crocs? If so, Shrek Crocs are now a thing.
If you’re a fan of Crocs and a fan of Shrek, then the perfect shoe has been created specifically just for you.
In a combination that feels so out there but also kind of right at the same time, Crocs is now selling the “Shrek Clog.”
Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like, a Shrek-green Croc with a Shrek nose, Shrek ears and a furry back strap that is supposed to represent Shrek’s brown vest.
We’re not trying to be hyperbolic here: these are the most Shrek shoes of all time. Like, there is no competition. These are the most Shrek shoes ever.
If you’re eager to hop in a pair of “Shrek Clogs” and saunter around town like the layered ogre you are, you don’t have to go to Far, Far Away to get a pair.
You can get yourself some “Shrek Clogs” by heading over to Croc’s website.
No word if the Crocs come with a swamp home or a talking donkey best friend who never shuts up about waffles.
Gary Player rolled with a classic. Jon Rahm might have gone too hard on his.
Listen, golfers typically aren’t known for their fashion sense. Most tournaments are a few pairs of cargo shorts away from cosplaying as a midwestern dad convention.
Pros generally step up their game for the spotlight of major events, however. The Masters is arguably the biggest among them. While there are rules of decorum surrounding such a traditional and protected event, there’s still space for customization. Jason Kokrak, for example, decided to wear a truly weird patterned shirt that doubles as a Magic Eye illusion of him stumbling off the Hogan Bridge and into Rae’s Creek (please do not fact check me on this).
That’s led to some relatively cool shoes across the tournament, ranging from Gary Player’s tried-and-true classic saddle shoes to Francesco Molinari’s toasted bananas. So who stood out the most?
Look: New Orleans Saints players like Mark Ingram II, Taysom Hill tell their “My Cause, My Cleats” stories
One of the cooler promotions the NFL does each season is its “My Cause, My Cleats” week to spread awareness of charitable foundations and causes important to its players, and many New Orleans Saints players participated by wearing customized shoes in Week 13’s game with the Tampa bay Buccaneers. Some of them shared stories behind the causes they’re supporting:
Don’t let rain scare you off the hiking trails this fall.
When the rain starts falling, thoughts usually turn to jackets and ponchos. But water dripping from above inevitably means mud accumulating below. Wet and muddy terrain can quickly ruin a fall hike. Slipping and falling on trails, walking in drenched and nasty socks — who needs all that? Smart hikers think ahead and prepare by bringing quality hiking boots. Find the best shoes for you with these reliable options. Handle tricky trails and wet weather with these picks that are sure to keep you happy and your socks dry. Because a dry and cozy hiker is a happy hiker. Remember to pack your favorite waterproof rain jacket, too.
