Sneakers for an athletic-chic look

Since wearing your running shoes when not training or racing in a marathon will prematurely wear them out (and consequently increase injuries), it is smart to acquire some sneakers specifically for everyday wear. This also makes sense from a fashion standpoint. Even if you spend top dollar on a high-performance pair of ASICS running shoes, you risk looking like a pathetic geek if you wear them anywhere other than a gym or running trail. Most contemporary running shoes look so technical that they simply don't coordinate well with much casual wear. Better to cultivate an athletic-chic look with throwback shoes, which are simpler and infinitely more elegant. A top brand for street shoes is Onitsuka Tiger. The company started out in 1949 to serve the then-new athletic footwear market. Many of their current offerings are reissues of sneakers that once were state-of-the-art; though their technical utility has been greatly surpassed, they do offer a very stylish retro-athletic look that is very hip. What's more, the variety of models and colors out there is so vast that you could conceivably complement just about any outfit. Whether you are a serious athlete, an urban DJ or an intellectual hipster, throwback shoes are an advisable component to your wardrobe. Sometimes you may even be lucky enough to find some at closeout prices, making it easier to find the right sneakers for any occasion.

Onitsuka Tiger Ultimate 81 Throwback Running Shoes

These days, a lot of folks are dropping serious coin on their running shoes... top-of-the-line models such as the ASICS GEL-Kinsei 2 retail for $180, and are only available at runnning specialty shops. Even those who go for a moderately-priced running shoe, like the best-selling ASICS 2140 (available at online running shoe stores) are looking at a $90-$100 price tag.

With that much dough tied up in your running shoe investment, it might seem silly to wear them when not running, as the average running shoe's cushioning and performance materials break down after 350-550 miles. With this in mind, it would actually be cost-effective to buy a pair of casual sneakers for the streets and everyday wear. One increasingly popular option is to wear stylish throwback shoes - reissues of running shoes that were once state-of-the-art, yet now serve as a stylish everyday sneaker or fashion statement. One of the hippest of these is the Onitsuka Tiger Ultimate 81. As the name suggests, its genesis was as a techincal running shoe, introduced in 1981. As with all things Eighties, it has seen a monstrous revival, with an array of new fashion colors introduced every Spring and Fall, ranging from subdued to outrageous. Some are released as limited editions, and can induce a frenzy among collectors and enthusiasts, resulting in skyrocketing prices in aftermarkets and online auctions.