Converse Chuck Taylor for Kids
Converse Chuck Taylor for Kids

DALLAS, Apr 21, 2009 / FW/ — With the temperature getting warmer, we are spending more time outdoors. So, we might keep our eyes on the sky, but we definitely keep our feet on the ground. Now, the question is… what to wear… which one to wear?

For kids, Converse’s Chuck Taylor canvas sneaker that has become a perennial favorite as casual footwear. For spring, Kids Foot Locker is stepping up with a variety of exclusive styles of these coveted canvas classics.

This spring, don’t be surprised if you’re seeing double, as Converse is doubling everything from the sole to the upper to the tongue. It sounds complicated, but it really isn’t. Simply by adding a second tongue or upper to the sneaker creates dozens of new styles and color combinations.

High-tops and low-tops are embellished with new treatments including painted mid-soles, painted grommets, and color coordinating laces. White-out uppers are another popular trend in children’s footwear this season, especially in easy-to-clean canvas.

For adult running shoes, END footwear’s Stumptown 12 oz. shoe has been voted the 2009 Best Trail Running Shoes by Runner’s World magazine.

Nike LunarGlide+
Nike LunarGlide+

The Stumptown 12 oz. shoe was flexed, pounded and prodded to see how well it performed before being wear-tested. According to Runner’s World, “The new END Stumptown 12 oz. is an environmentally friendly shoe with a nimble ride…and testers liked the lightweight trainer’s soft heel and an exceptionally flexible forefoot…Recommended for fast-paced training or racing across level terrain.”

END delivered what runners want in a lighter trail shoe – flexibility, responsive cushioning, pliable uppers, stability and protection – while avoiding most of the unnecessary and often toxic materials that runners don’t want.

The award winning shoe is named after Portland’s original nickname, coined during a period of phenomenal growth and tree removal after 1847. In addition, END beat its own pre-production weight goals by leading with a “less is more” design philosophy. The men’s size 9 weighs a sleek 10.4 ounces and the women’s size 7 weighs a petite 8.8 ounces. For more info: http://www.endfootwear.com/

Just down the road from END footwear is shoe giant NIKE which just introduced Nike LunarGlide+, a new lightweight running shoe designed with an innovative mid-sole architecture called Dynamic Support, a patent-pending system that adapts to a runner’s gait with each step, providing superior cushioning and as-needed stability.

“Runners traditionally had to choose between stability or cushioning shoes based on their style,” said Leslie Lane, Global Vice President and General Manager for Nike Running. “Now, consumers can choose a single running shoe that will respond to all of their needs, even adjusting on the fly during a run.”

The Nike LunarGlide+ will be available globally beginning July 1, 2009 with a suggested retail price of $100 USD. For more information, please go to www.nikerunning.com.