CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN
The extraordinary mens blog for the modern man
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6 of the best trainers to rock in and out the gym

Words by Keanu Adorable

Trainers have evolved from just being athletic gear that aims to improve performance in our active life, in fact, there are now an abundance of high-fashion kicks available these days than ever. But running on a shoe made from Italian suede isn’t the most practical choice when you’re trying to burn all your calories off in the gym.

However, that doesn’t mean that you should keep using your beaten up stinky pair of trainers that you’ve been hiding in your cupboard for the past decade. That’s why we here Clothes Make The Man has done the hard work and found 6 of the best trainers that can boost your performances and fitness, and will look great when you decide to rock them out in non-gym settings.

Adidas PureBoost DPR 

Adidas Pureboost DPR Running Shoes

Unlock your running potential in these men’s Pure Boost DPR trainers from Adidas. Equipped with energy-returning Boost tech for swifter, more efficient running, the knit upper contours to your foot, delivering adaptable, breathable comfort with every transition. Featuring a traditional tongue, the DPR has an 8mm heel-to-toe offset that brings you closer to the ground during your run.

Saucony Freedom ISO

Saucony Freedom ISO Trainers

The Saucony Freedom ISO trainers provide protection for long runs, maintain a light and responsive ride at fast paces, while still being a good choice for easy recovery runs. The Freedom ISO’s innovative full Everun midsole and ISO fit upper make this elusive experience possible. This shoe really does it all.

Nikelab Gyakusou Lunarepic Low Flyknit 2

Part of Nike x Undercover’s latest ‘Gyakusou’ collection, these sneakers are made from breathable Flyknit that has a snug, slip-on construction. The Flywire technology provides a flexible yet locked-in fit, while the foam Lunarlon mid-layers offer responsive cushioning and all-day comfort. Sectioned rubber outsoles are pressure-mapped to feet in motion, absorbing impact where you need it most.

APL Prism

Athletic Propulsion Labs’ ‘Prism’ sneakers are designed for maximum flexibility and comfort. Cleverly constructed to hold your foot in a natural position for safe and efficient running, this pair is set on a cushioning Propelium™ sole and has an internal mesh slip for ventilation. The reflective overlays enhance visibility during dusk or dawn jogs.

Reebok Print Smooth

The Print Smooth is the latest model in Reebok’s running stable, featuring a sleek outsole design with a stylish lifestyle-relevant silhouette. Aimed at the everyday runner who wants a versatile shoe with a striking visual aesthetic, these are ideal for light runs and run-led fitness training.

Asics MetaRun

Asics MetaRun Running Sneakers

This pair of trainers were designed for runners looking for high cushioning and stability, packed with new and advanced technology to deliver exactly that. The cushioning comes from the midsole – constructed from ASICS’ FlyteFoam which offers pillow-like cushioning that bounces back to its original shape to retain its plush feel and are 55% lighter than the industry standard.

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Ohhh I do like to be beside the Seaside, in style, of course ! – the New Seaside inspired New Balance 577

 

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This month New Balance launch their latest Made in the UK shoe pack, the New Balance 577 ‘Seaside Pack.’ Inspired by all that comes with a typically British day at the seaside, no not cold wet weather, donkeys and unpleasant pollutant surprises in the sea !

The 577 ‘Seaside Pack’ takes inspiration from the sea, sun and sand with bright pops of colour which represent all the fun that the seaside brings, woop woop.

The helter-skelter design on the tongue label and striped insoles mimicking the stripes of a classic seaside deckchair collide to make these shoes a must have for sneaker collectors and allow these classic 577 models to tell the story of a quintessentially British seaside experience.

When introduced in 1989, the 577 was arguably the most supportive trainer for serious runners. Today this heritage style is more likely to be seen on a catwalk than a running track having been firmly cemented as a highly sought after fashion favourite. Take a look a the short film below –

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New Balance, its all a matter of Ying and Yang – New Balance

New Balance Tea Pack (image 2)For over a hundred years now, since its origins in Boston, Massachusetts, New Balance has invested in the development of the some of the finest sports footwear and employed skilled craftsmen to create said running shoes, that are pretty much unrivalled in the world of sport.

 New Balance is the only global athletics footwear brand to manufacture in the UK. The New Balance factory, located in, in that ‘sporting macca’, Flimby, Cumbria, employs more than 230 people and produces approximately 1.4million pairs of shoes each year !!!

The brand was started by British immigrant, William.J.Riley back in 1906, who stated to make arch supports and prescription footwear to alleviate foot pain for people with problem feet, ahhh music to my ears. Im 1938, he designed and manufactured the first New Balance running shoe for a local running club, in Boston. Made of lightweight kangaroo leather and a crepe-sole, Riley sold six pairs to the club for $7, what a bargain !  Riley’s commitment to helping people through improved shoe fit has been the foundation of New Balance ever since. In 2006, to celebrate its centenary it produced three limited edition trainers to honour three of its longest serving employees at the Flimby factory – Audrey Stewart, Ian Byers and Victor Dixon, what an accolade.

Some of New Balance’s best selling styles include; THE TRACKSTER, the first running shoe available in multiple widths was introduced in 1960. The Trackster epitomized performance, and for its day, had style.

320, By the mid-70s, running for fitness was becoming an increasingly popular trend, so New Balance designed the 320 – a light, colourful shoe that delivered performance.

620, in 1982, the lightest shoe in the market place and the first to break the $50 price barrier was produced. The 620 paved the way for the success of the 420 and 730 soon after.

801,  a rugged all-terrain shoe that captured the imagination of younger athletes, the 801 was designed in 1998 and remains the best-selling series today.

But this month New Balance launches its latest limited edition Made in the UK shoe pack, the ‘Tea Pack’. Taking inspiration from the quintessential English beverage, the ‘Tea Pack’ includes three shoes, each a variation on New Balance’s 576 heritage model, originally launched in the 1980s.

The three classic shoes take three classic teas, English Breakfast, Fresh Peppermint and Earl Grey as its muse. Handmade by the craftsmen at New Balance’s Flimby factory, each shoe is made with colours capturing the flavour, taste and look of each tea. Other unique details such as a string tea bag, containing spare laces for the shoes add a nice little finish touch. Take a look at the film below.