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01.17.12 / My New Kicks

I mentioned a while back that I was on the hunt for a comfy yet stylish pair of everyday casual sneakers. My requirements? Nothing expensive. Nothing too loud. Nothing with a thick, bulky rubber sole. Nothing white. Nothing uncomfortable. Nothing orthopedic. Was that really too much to ask?

Many of you wanted to know if/when I found those elusive sneakers. Well, I found ’em!

onitsuka tiger by asics

I actually started drooling over these Asics a few months back when school started. But I wasn’t in need of new sneakers then. Typically, I buy one pair of tennies annually only after my current pair is worn out and beyond the help of our washing machine. For the past several years, I’ve relied on Zappos.com for affordable, unique sneakers. The selection is great, shipping is free and they have a 365-day return policy. And let’s face it. I don’t have time to be driving all around town in search of shoes.

I’ve had my Onitsuka Tigers for over a month now, so I think it’s safe to say that I’m in love with them. I have average-to-narrow feet with high arches and these Asics fit me to a T. They were comfy right out of the box. Aren’t you impressed that I can still see my feet at seven months pregnant? Hehe.

The army green fabric is neutral enough to wear with just about anything – plus hide dirt! – and the pop of orange keeps things interesting. Wouldn’t that color combo be great for a boys’ room? Hmmm…

I wear these bad boys everywhere: grocery shopping, work {I stand for 10-12 hours at a time}, shuffling kids to and from school, etc. My old tennies have become my DIY shoes. I wear them to work on the Underdog. The only con I can come up with for the Tigers is that the soles are similar to volleyball shoes – as in they squeak on smooth flooring. But that’s just proof that they’re super grippy which is actually a pro for me right now since my center of gravity is off kilter.

How ’bout you? Found any great shoes out there recently? Do you have a favorite brand of sneakers? Ever tried buying from Zappos? Apparently, some hackers got into Zappos files recently so be sure to reset your account password! I changed mine last night.

FYI – I was not compensated in any way to mention any of the companies or products above. I just love sharing good finds!

images:  1) collage by Dana Miller using Zappos images  2-4) Dana Miller for House*Tweaking

33 Comments

17.January.2012

Ooh, I like those!!!!

17.January.2012

I have a hot pink & grey pair that I found on clearance at nordstrom rack & I love them even months later!

17.January.2012

Cute! I’m tempted…

17.January.2012

Onitsuka Tigers are the only sneakers I’ve worn the past two years. They’re simple, comfy, and I especially love that they’re not bulky.

17.January.2012

I have these (in a different color) and I’ve been thinking of ordering them in the color you have. I really love them but they are a little narrow. I also go them from Zappos so thanks for reminding me to change my password.

17.January.2012

You’re the second blogger I’ve seen who has bought these shoes and now I’m officially sold. I must get some!

http://www.trendybaby.etsy.com

neat! Now they’re on my wish list! Just pinned this!

17.January.2012

These Asics have been a staple in my wardrobe for years – I’m on my third pair!

17.January.2012

My son loves his Onitsukas and has been wearing them for years. I don’t know why they’re not more popular. They really are close to perfect!

17.January.2012

Loooooved Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 even before “Kill Bill’ :)
Favorite brands, Puma, Adidas and Converse.

17.January.2012

Cute shoes but I will stick with my Nikes (am I showing my age here)?

Cute shoes! They remind me of my Puma’s that I adore. The ones I have are similar to the Puma Romas but mine are canvas. Ultra comfy and lightweight! Thanks for sharing!

17.January.2012

Love them. I’ve been on the hunt for something similar. Are they true to size?

17.January.2012

Those were really popular when I was a senior in high school (I live in San Diego and graduated 5 years ago). I got a pair of black/red, and wore them til they had holes! But then flats and sandals really came in, so I didn’t wear tennies for a few years. You just reminded me how awesome they are! Except I just bought a pair of converse! haha oops.

In other news, I’ve been following your blog for about a year now, and I love it! You are too cute and so creative. I wish you had time to update as much as the full-timers on Young House Love, cuz I just love your blog! I really relate to your color choices and style choices :)

17.January.2012

Love these! I have a white pair from last year that I live in, but was just telling my husband that I needed a non-white pair… I think I just found my new kicks! Thanks!

17.January.2012

Totally awesome. Thanks for the recommendation.

17.January.2012

omg…this is hilarious…i just got the same pair in the mail today!

oooh, i like! i want!

18.January.2012

I also have high arches and Asics are my favorite for fit and style. I’ve been eying this pair (Gel -Arianna) in white and silver. I love your color combo Asics too!

http://www.ascisshoesonsale.com/sale/Asics-Womens-Gel-Arianna–cement—white—silver—-Shoes—T178N-7301-264.html

18.January.2012

Very cute. I have a very serious addiction to Keen Footwear. I own quite a few styles, almost all of which were bought at the Canadian version of TJ Maxx (called Winners) including sandals, boots, slip ons, and ballet-style. I just bought myself a pair of Toyahs on sale. Love, love, love them, though they are better for wider feet like mine.

18.January.2012

Those are adorable!! And, how awesome is Zappos?? I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve ordered something in 3 sizes and then returned the 2 that don’t fit. It’s a genius customer service move! And you get to try stuff on, carefree, in the comfort of your own home. Can’t beat that!

18.January.2012

I am a Zappos addict. Love them! I also have a couple pair of the Onitsuka Tigers along with cute Frye and Pumas. I am addicted to the “cuter” athletic shoes.

18.January.2012

Asics are my favorite when it comes to sneakers with New Balance a close second (these are my choice http://www.zappos.com/new-balance-classics-w574-gray-white for those and have the same fit-great for high arches and narrow feet). I had a pair of Asics, probably shouldn’t admit this, for almost 10 years before I finally had to toss them. I refinish/design furniture as a side business and these are almost always on my feet and so comfy when I’m on the concrete for hours. Zappos is awesome as well!

18.January.2012

Soooo cute!!! I love those sneakers!!!

18.January.2012

I have those in a different color from the Von Maur “shoe room” a few years back. I love them too & always get compliments when I’m wearing them.

18.January.2012

I bought some of these babies almost two years ago and still love them. Zappos sells special color combos of Onitsuka Tigers and I waited for them to restock my size to get shiny black and gold ones to sport as my NFL Saints shoes :) I always get compliments on them.

those sneakers are absolutely CUTE and super functional! And my gosh lady… how are you spending that much time on your feet- the hubby better be giving your nightly foot massages! :)

and yes… the color scheme would be PERFECT as a boys room!

18.January.2012

I have these shoes – and absolutely love them! They are comfortable and stylish.. their the whole package. Hope you love them as much as I do!!

19.January.2012

Kim – I’d say they are true to size. I normally wear a 6.5-7 shoe size. I bought these in a 7 for a perfect fit.

19.January.2012

Love them! They are so cute and make your feet look so little, which I love.

It seems like all of my clothes and shoes are my DIY/paint clothes and shoes. Nothing is safe as I tend to jump into a project any time opportunity strikes (aka – both toddlers napping at the same time!). I think I’ve been to your blog before – I remember seeing your “love” headboard…but somehow I totally missed that you were the writer of the blog. We lived together in the sorority house for a year in college…I was the only Erin there :). Your blog, home, and family is gorgeous…I’m looking forward to seeing how your house comes along…my husband and I did a total renovation before we had kids, and it almost killed us! (LOVE your living room ceiling…). Take care.

19.January.2012

Erin – Hey! So fun to have a fellow sorority sister in the reno/blog land!!

31.January.2012

Bought some after seeing yours – LOVE them. So comfie and a great departure from the Keds look. Hope Zappos gives you some referral credits!!!