NYC Marathon Runners Told Us Their Favorite Fresh and Functional Running Sneakers

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Runners from all over the world took center stage at The 2022 TCS New York City Marathon this past Sunday. It was the first year the event was back in full swing since 2019, and the vibe was electric.

The temperature was a whopping 72 degrees, a record high for New York City in November. In fact, the only thing hotter this year — besides the personal and professional records broken by the participants(!) — may have been the bold and bright sneakers that lit up the marathon course.

Turns out, sneaker choice is a big deal for runners. Not only can the right, functional pair improve your performance, but the fashion statement it makes can also make or break your race-day vibes.

“I chose this color for power and energy,” first-time marathon runner and mother of two Jessica Keywork told HelloGiggles of her New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12 sneakers in colors vibrant sky with lemonade and serene blue. “If I feel good, I’ll run well, right? I planned my whole race day outfit around my shoe color.”

Long-distance runner Aliphine Cherpkerker Tuliamuk, who finished seventh at the NYC Marathon (but first for the U.S.), stepped out in a stylish pair of yellow and orange Hoka prototypes that will hit the market in March 2023.

The 33-year-old Kenyan American mother placed first at the Olympic Marathon Trials and competed in the 2021 Olympics in Toyko. (She also lobbied Olympic organizers to allow breastfeeding mothers to take their babies to Tokyo, so you know, she’s a total badass.)

For some runners, sneaker color choices and patterns could affect how they initially start their run. Did you know that color travels through the neurological system and affects the mind and body?

If you’re looking for new running sneakers, take a page from the NYC marathoners and consider these fresh picks from this season that are both fashionable and functional. And who knows? They may inspire you to train for a marathon next.

Soft, resilient, responsive, and sophisticated come to mind when describing this sneaker, which is Tracksmith’s entry into footwear. It’s not bright or colorful, but it makes a fashion statement. Available for pre-order ($198) at Tracksmith.com.

If you’re feeling sluggish but need energy for a run, you should consider a pair of sneakers with the colors red, orange, or yellow. It might not make you win a marathon, but bright colors may give your brain the burst of energy it needs.

Plus, this sneaker is fashionable and functional… for a cause! Saucony partnered with Run For Good Foundation, which is dedicated to preventing childhood obesity through running and proper nutrition, and is donating 20% of every sale. Available for $170 at Saucony.com.

An all-in-one neutral running shoe that’s sleek and lightweight for comfort and speed! This sneaker comes in six very fashionable colors. Available for pre-order for $120 at Puma.com.

These are Nike’s top-of-the-line running shoes. They are breathable and super light. They also make a profound fashion statement in this color. Available for $174.97 at Nike.com.

This is a performance-tuned version of their liveliest road shoes: the Mach 5. This shoe was designed for distances ranging from 10k to a full marathon. Available for $150 at Hoka.com.