Allyson Felix has long been one of the most impressive American Olympic athletes, becoming the most decorated track athlete in the event's history. However, her 2019 experience was dramatically different, as it saw her ending her contract with Nike (one of her long-time sponsors for shoes) and starting up her new shoe brand. Felix took these steps in the face of rather difficult circumstances in her personal and financial life.

Shoeography: Olympian Allyson Felix Breaks Ties with Nike and Launches New Shoe Company

First, she was coming off a difficult pregnancy that threatened the life of her and her child. These types of challenging pregnancies are not uncommon, even now. Even something as simple as a cold (a disease that affects about one billion Americans every year) can be a problematic health situation during pregnancy. It was during this time that Nike decided to cut her compensation by 70%.

Shoeography: Olympian Allyson Felix Breaks Ties with Nike and Launches New Shoe Company

Nike tried to argue that her compensation decreased due to her performance in 2019, which was naturally distracted due to her struggles with her pregnancy. Felix states that she was told to "stay in her lane" and not worry about the business side of her career. Instead of following this advice (which many athletes have had to do in the past), she decided to launch a new shoe company called Saysh.

Shoeography: Olympian Allyson Felix Breaks Ties with Nike and Launches New Shoe Company

This step required a lot of unique challenges and changes in her life. One of the challenges of launching a business is creating a website to promote the company. There are 1.8 billion websites operating around the world at any given point, so new businesses also have to pay close attention to their branding. When starting Saysh, Felix used a few unique methods that would help her brand stand out.

Shoeography: Olympian Allyson Felix Breaks Ties with Nike and Launches New Shoe Company

Needing to make a quick impression on potential customers, as 90% of people searching for a brand have yet to make up their minds when starting their search, Felix aimed to create a brand that welcomed runners and featured high-quality shoes at reasonable prices. As a result, her website is simple, streamlined, elegant, and provides easy access to a myriad of products. She also launched an online community, the Saysh Collective, to demonstrate her brand's commitment to focusing on the person wearing the shoes rather than the profits.

Shoeography: Olympian Allyson Felix Breaks Ties with Nike and Launches New Shoe Company

Felix's brand has so far been a success. Her first run of the shoe sold out quickly, partially due to the quality and also due to her name recognition. While she knows that competing with Nike (which earned $12.3B in their most recent quarter alone) is not likely, she just wants to create a viable alternative for people who don't want to support the brand that snubbed her and so many other athletes.

Nike and many other shoe brands often have the ability to change compensation or drop athletes for various reasons, as long as they stay within the agreed-upon contract. While they cannot drop athletes outside of their contract or for no reason, the compensation package is often a one-way street, one that athletes often feel they have little ability to change.

Felix's step could inspire many more athletes to launch similar competitive companies in an attempt to cut into Nike's market share. However, she has not held back in her efforts here, as the Saysh One utilizes a lightweight design that mixes jacquard textiles and microsuede elements to produce a very comfortable sneaker. Designed primarily for female athletes, it has a supporting heel piece, a simple lacing system, and an appealing overall look and feel.

Many in the industry are calling this move a bold and innovative concept, one that blurs the line between sponsorship and athletic competition. Whether the shoes succeed or not is mostly a moot point. Once someone takes a step like this and proves that it is possible, the marketplace is likely to change. The next few years could see a variety of different shoes coming out, funded and designed by athletes for athletes. Like Felix, they'll focus on overcoming inequality and economic disparities in the market.

If you've ever experienced foot pain or have suffered a podiatric injury, you know just how important wearing the right shoes is. You're also not alone; over 20 million adults have difficulty walking or climbing stairs. Below, we'll explore the critical factors to consider when buying a pair of athletic shoes for the perfect fit and function.

Shoeography: Put Your Best Foot Forward: How to Choose the Right Athletic Shoes for Your Feet

Shock-Absorption

Whether you're running, jumping, or simply walking, your heel must be protected. Look for shoes with extra shock absorption in the heel and under the ball of the foot. This feature can help prevent shin splints, stress fractures, and other injuries caused by overuse.

Light Weight and Flexibility

To prevent foot fatigue, choose a light-weight athletic shoe and one with a soft, flexible upper (the part that covers the top of the foot. If you plan to move around quickly – if you're playing tennis, for example – you'll want a shoe that offers flexibility in the sole underneath the ball of the foot. Where you won't want flexibility is on the inside and outside of the foot; make sure the shoe has stability on the sides to prevent your ankles from rolling.

Arch Support

Some people have low arches while others have high arches. Regardless, you'll need an athletic shoe that comfortably hugs the arch of your foot to reduce unnecessary pressure. If you have a chronic foot ailment, like severe flat foot, high arches, shin splints, or tendinitis, you can get custom arch supports to insert in your shoe. These custom inserts concentrate relief on one area while supporting other areas of the foot.

High-Top vs. Low-Top

You might assume that high-top athletic shoes will do more to protect your ankles, but that's not necessarily the case. A study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research reported that there was no difference between participants who wore high-top shoes and those who wore low-tops. Still, the study did show that high-top athletic shoes stopped the participants' ankles from moving as much, and over time, those participants lost flexibility in their ankles, making them more prone to injury.

Foot and ankle injuries are more common than you might think. It's important to note that if you were injured at work and your injury is covered by workers’ compensation, your first temporary disability payment is due within 14 days of your employer receiving notice.

Your shoe needs may differ from those of your friends and family, so always talk to your doctor about choosing the right footwear if you're experiencing pain or chronic discomfort. You can get a recommendation from your primary care physician or even a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs make up approximately 11% of the physician population in the United States).

Over 145 million adults report that they include walking as a part of their physically active lifestyle. To always put your best foot forward and protect your health, choose the right shoes for your feet.


In honor of Memorial Day, here's a little red, white, and blue to take you right into Fourth of July style. The Cape Robbin J.V Sandals celebrates the influence of sporty style in fashion footwear to stylish results. The thick sneaker soled sandal is vegan-friendly and features an open toe, sporty clip ankle closure, collegiate stripes, and an approximate 2" heel.

Available in three colors - multi, nude, and black, get one or all for $39.00 each on www.flashybox.com.
When it comes to long-term goals, most of us are content with forming a five-year plan. But popular shoe and apparel company Nike is looking a little further down the road by nearly a decade.
The athletic corporation has officially become the first sponsor for the 2028 Olympics, which is set to be held in Los Angeles. In partnership with the United States Olympic Committee established in January, Nike has snagged the highly desired spot to supply Olympic athletes with clothing, merchandise, and more.


As a sponsor for the colloquially dubbed LA28, Nike hopes to bring meet the $2.5 billion sales target for domestic revenue.

"It's so important to get a big start coming out the gate, and a well-known brand coming out of the gate, because it will set the tempo going forward and really raise the expectations of the marketplace," notes Rob Prazmark, the doyen of American Olympic sponsorship sales.

This is the first time the United States has held the Summer Olympic event since 1996. This huge marketing campaign can help Nike both on the field and online. While Google receives more than 63,000 searches per second, Nike's association with blockbuster events like the Olympics will boost its ecommerce revenue across the globe. But this isn't the first time Nike has engaged with sponsorships for domestic sporting events.

The shoe and apparel company already has long-term sponsorship deals established with the MLB and the NFL that are set to run through 2030.
Though the exact details of Nike's new deal with the Olympics have not yet been revealed, there are a few facts we know so far.

First, it's expected that Nike will supply the majority of the Olympic apparel and outfits for the American athletes partaking in the event. Nike will also likely cover any fan merchandise and even supply the apparel for volunteers working at the event.

Sources claim that Nike is already working on a custom logo design for LA28 with the help of the committee.

Second, there are whisperings that Nike might also help the Olympics fund local sports youth programs throughout Los Angeles. With more than 25 million kids playing soccer across the globe, this popular sport has created numerous fields and teams throughout the LA area. Should Nike get involved with youth sports in LA, they could help supply children with uniforms and impact the quality of local athletic facilities.

Nike is reportedly valuable for the Olympics because of its ties to young athletes who are culturally relevant, two characteristics the LA28 event hopes to replicate.
"We believe Nike's innovation engine is just ramping up as they have already announced an entirely new running platform for 2019, as well as the further rollout of the adaptive technology beyond basketball," reports B. Riley after performing its 2019 athletic survey.

The survey also reported that Nike shoes has maintained its number one spots in the running category, the basketball category, and the casual footwear category among consumers.
But though Nike has ramped up in popularity among young people, it also maintained its popularity among older folks. It's said that the happiest retirees are those who perform three to four activities each day, including athletic activities.

This positive view of the Nike brand is just one of the reasons it was an attractive fit for the LA28 sponsorship.

As Nike and the USOC smooth out wrinkles in the contract there's also a chance for Nike to sponsor Olympic events for the United States through 2032. Currently, rumors claim the sponsorship deal could cost more than $200 million.
It must be the month of April, the unofficial start of the spring sample sale season. The ASICS Warehouse sale returns to 260SampleSale's fifth avenue location to bring you incredible savings on their coolest sneakers and athletic wear. Get ready to shop 50%-80% off retail prices on footwear, apparel and more from Tuesday, April 11th through Sunday, April 16th.


Details such as location and dates on the sale is in the above image and noted below:

LOCATION: 260 Fifth Avenue (between 28th and29th Streets)

​​Hours: ​April 11th - April 16th
Tuesday: 9am-8pm
Wednesday-Thursday: 10am-8pm
Friday-Ssturday: 10am-7pm
Sunday: 10am-4pm

Are you in the market for some new sneakers or athletic apparel? Then mark these dates down in your calendar.

Just released in time for your spring running adventures, ASICS has released the ASICS GEL-Quantum 360 Knit Sneakers in three color options. Promising you will "Run hard, land soft", the ASICS GEL-Quantum 360 Knit Sneakers is constructed with 360 degrees of ASICS' GEL® technology cushioning, balancing high performance and maximum comfort. The stylish athletic shoe features a new stretch knit upper that surrounds the foot in a custom, sock-like fit elevating this GEL-Quantum shoe to another level that will help you power through your running and cross-training workouts.


The extraordinary features of the ASICS GEL-Quantum 360 Knit Sneakers include Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL® Cushioning Systems that attenuates shock during impact and toe-off phases, and allows movement in multiple planes as your foot transitions through it's natural gait cycle; seamless construction with materials that reduce the potential for irritation and friction caused by traditional stitches and seams; a ComforDry™ X-40 Sockliner and ComforDry™ Lasting (a plush underfoot comfort material), which boasts higher rebound properties while providing excellent moisture management and a high-level of breathability; Heel Clutching System™ Technology with an exoskeleton heel counter that provides improved support and creates an improved heel fitting environment; and ASICS' Trusstic System® Technology, which reduces the weight of the sole unit while retaining the structural integrity of the shoe.

As previously stated, the ASICS GEL-Quantum 360 Knit Sneakers is available in three colors: White/Snow/Silver, Corydalis Blue/Carbon/Aluminum, and Peach/Black/Onyx. They retail for $200.00 each and are available now on www.asics.com.
Once again it's almost time for the season of renewal and rebirth, that's right ladies, spring is almost upon us and you know what that means.....getting ourselves back in shape and shedding off our winter indulgences. Today we bring you sneaker styles from the Ryka Spring 2016 collection that are all set to get you back to your best selves. Are you ready for the perfect balance of performance and style? Because that's exactly what Ryka is offering.


All of the favorite Ryka women's sneakers are back in new colorways, these new colors join a few new silhouettes, all of which boasts Ryka's memory form or Re-Zorb technologies. Styles to look out for include the above Achieve Training Shoe, whose features include a breathable and supportive engineered mesh upper with synthetic overlays, a responsive Re-Zorb cushioning footbed for exceptional comfort, impact protection, and shock absorption, a high impact N-Gage EVA, and dual density midsole, molded injected heel guidance reinforcement for heel stability, and a rubber outsole with Pivot Points for traction and easy transitions.


For those of you who love intense workouts, the Ryka Influence 2 Training Shoe has all you need to get the most out of your workout. Style and feature details for this high-impact studio fitness sneaker include a breathable mesh upper with a round toe, a no-sew overlay and supportive independent lacing system for a custom fit and lateral support, Flex-Foil and Direct-Fuse layers for support, Ryka's comfort Re-Zorb cushioning sockliner for impact protection and shock absorption, a high impact N-Gage EVA energy return foam at the heel and forefoot, and a rubber ergonomic outsole with dance and studio Pivot Points for ease of movement.


The Ryka Tenacity High Top Training Shoe is back in bold colors perfect for the warm season. Whether you choose the vibrant green/orange, orange/blue, yellow, or bluebird, you still get the Tenacity's core features, including a synthetic and breathable mesh upper with a round toe, Flex-Foil and direct fuse layers for support, Velcro strap at midfoot for a secure fit on the foot, smooth lining, cushioning insole, Re-Zorb footbed, dual foam midsole engineering that provides extra cushioning at forefoot pressure points, an I.H.G. clip for heel stability, and a rubber outsole with pivot design, ideal for studio and dance activities. It's everything you need in a ow-impact training shoe.


Fans of the HydroSport will love the updated HydroSport 2 Water Sneaker (featured above). Enjoy practical drainage and durability in a fashionable style, and open and breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays, a removable perforated Nitracel footbed, a compression-molded EVA midsole with drainage ports, and a flexible sticky rubber outsole for improved traction on wet surfaces. No matter your water fitness activity, Ryka's HydroSport 2 has got you covered.


Slip on athletic style and comfort with the Feather Pace Memory Foam Slip On Sneaker which comes in both medium and wide widths. This easy walking style sneaker boasts a breathable mesh upper with a round toe, synthetic leather overlays, a faux lace slip-on construction, smooth lining, a memory foam footbed, a cushioned and lightweight EVA midsole with dual density heel cradle, and a high abrasion grade EVA outsole with rubber pods in high wear areas.We're also fans of the Revere Walking Shoe (not pictured; also available in both medium and wide widths)


Another style to keep a eye for is the casual Emory Sneaker, boasting amazing comfort and fashionable details in an easy, everyday style. the Emory features a breathable and lightweight washed canvas upper, a ruched Lycra collar and round toe, a lace-up front for easy entry, an anatomical Precise-Return sockliner with contoured arch and heel support for additional comfort and cushioning, and a vulcanized rubber outsole for added traction and stability.

The above highlighted styles are just a fraction of what Ryka has available for spring, and because this is Ryka, nothing is priced over $100.00. And coming soon to the brand is their new line of kids sneakers that will coordinate perfectly with the women's options. Soon, every little girl will be able to match her mom. Check out a sneak peek at some of the girls styles below:


For more information on, and to purchase Ryka sneakers, head over to www.ryka.com.

As David Bowie so wisely said, "Let's dance put on your red shoes and dance the blues. Let's dance to the song they're playin' on the radio." Of course in this case, the shoes are not red, and we'd be dancing to something a lot more upbeats than the blues. Either way, today's Shoe of the Day is all about sneakers for those amazing dance classes. Ladies, whether you're taking Zumba, Jazzercise, Brukwine (a new Caribbean-inspired dance fitness we love), or any of the dance fitness styles that are blowing up, you're going to need the proper footwear.

Ryka, the women-only sport company that produces innovative athletic footwear for women offers wonderful footwear styles to support whatever your workout routine. Today we highlight the Ryka Tenacity Training Shoes, a women's high top sneaker that boasts a synthetic and breathable mesh upper, Flex-Foil and Direct Fuse layers to provide support, RE-ZORB footbed, a lace up front with Velcro(R) strap at the midfoot for a secure fit no matter your dance steps and movements, dual foam midsole engineering provides extra cushioning at forefoot pressure points, heel stability thanks to an I.H.G. clip, and a rubber outsole with pivot design that was made for dance and studio. The Ryka Tenacity, which is available in six colors retails for $84.99, with several colors currently on sale. Visit www.ryka.com for more info.

It's time to get our dance on and of course we require the perfect dancing shoes, but as you can see, today's Shoe of the Day is not your typical dancing shoes. We're talking getting our Zumba, and other studio and dance activities. Brought to you by the makers of athletic shoes for woman, feast your eyes on the Ryka Grafik Training Shoe. Boasting an eye-catching graphic print on a sleek textile or engineered mesh and synthetic overlay upper, comfortable rounded toe, lace up front, smooth lining, cushioning insole with Anatomical Precise-Return footbed, a lightweight low profile EVA midsole, and a diamond-shaped rubber outsole. This is exactly what you need in a training shoe style, for that energetic Zumba, or Jazzercise class, or even if you're just going for a brisk walk. Grab your favorite color and print on www.ryka.com for only $59.99.

Ladies, if you're looking to be one run stronger, ASICS has got you covered with the latest additions to their award-winning performance running footwear line. The ASICS GEL-Cumulus 17 Sneakers boasts ASCIS' GEL® Cushioning System and IGS® (Impact Guidance System) for extra cushioning and support, a new, sleeker FluidRide® midsole which provides more bounce back, and weight reduction from the previous version, a sleeker, seamless upper construction that provides a better fitting experience, reduces possible friction, and gives a lighter weight feel, and more comfortable fit. Neutral runners will love the optimized cushioning, shock attenuation, smooth ride and luxurious feel, thanks to ASICS' renowned rearfoot GEL® Cushioning unit being extended further into the midfoot.

The full list of standout attributes of the GEL-Cumulus® 17 sneakers are many and include the following:
  • Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL® Cushioning Systems: Attenuates shock during impact and toe-off phases, and allows movement on multiple planes as the foot transitions through the gait cycle.
  • FluidRide®: Provides the ultimate combination of bounce back and cushioning properties with reduced weight and exceptional durability.
  • ComforDry™ Sockliner: Provides cushioning performance and anti-microbial properties for a cooler, drier, healthier environment.
  • Seamless Construction: Reduces the potential for irritation and friction caused by the traditional stitches and seams.
  • IGS®: ASICS design philosophy that employs linked componentry to engage the foot's natural gait from heel strike to toe-off.
  • Gender Specific Cushioning: Women's models feature a lower-density top layer in the midsole, allowing female athletes to better enjoy the benefits of midsole compression.
  • GUIDANCE LINE®: The vertical flex groove decouples the tooling along the line of progression for enhanced gait efficiency.
  • GUIDANCE TRUSSTIC™: Integrates Guidance Line® construction for enhanced gait efficiency while providing midfoot structural integrity.
  • DISCRETE EYELET: Independently placed eyelets disperse lace tension, creating a customized fit environment and enhanced upper comfort.

The GEL-Cumulus® 17 retails for $120.00 and is available now at select specialty and sporting goods stores and online at www.asicsamerica.com.

We fully believe in looking good while working out. Why wait until your possible end results to add style to your look? Fashion is a great motivator and fashionable shoes are no exception. That is why we love the Ryka Vida RZX Training Shoe. These stylish, and lightweight cross trainers boasts Ryka's new removable RE-ZORB technology insole for complete comfort, support, impact protection, and shock absorption, from beginning to end of your workout, a mesh upper with synthetic overlays, a pivot point at the forefoot for enhanced control, flex grooves for improved flexibility, padded collar and tongue, textured rubber sole for great traction, and a molded EVA midsole.

Believe it or not, this 2015 Shape Magazine award winner for dance cardio, which comes in the above turquoise/purple/light blue, and grey/yellow/purple, retails for only $64.99 but then all Ryka's amazing women's sneakers retail for less than $100. Grab your favorite color combo at www.ryka.com.

Spring time is what we call the beginning of our season of walking. We love walking the the city. In fact, we've already started walking the a few days ago when the weather was being especially kind. If you're slowly getting back into the gym, grabbing a yoga or spin class, or adding light cardio, like walking, to your workout regime, then you need the PUMA Asha Alt 2 Slip-On Shoes. Of course these adorable ballet flats work great as cute shoes to just run errands in as well.

This low-profile, track-inspired, slip-on version of the Asha boasts a breathable mesh upper with TPU overlays, is comfy thanks to its breathable EcoOrthoLite® sockliner which provides optimum fit and comfort, weighs ounces (a size 7 is only 5.2 ounces), a rubber outsole for grip, and, most of all, is cool enough to be an everyday shoe. What's even more amazing is its price; we love the all black but you can also get it in virtual pink/blue, paradise pink/turquoise, limestone grey/blue iris, black/electric green,  for $60.00 and less at Kohl's, Macy's, zappos.com, and puma.com.

Friday the 13th always makes us think about the horror movie genre; and what's the number one rule in scary movies....for us, it's always RUN. This makes this the perfect time to feature the Ryka Dynamic 2 Training Shoes as today's Shoe of the Day, especially as women in horror movies never have the optimum shoes on, when trying to get away. These lightweight, lace-up sneakers boasts a breathable mesh upper, good traction for when you're running through uneven terrain, a cushioning insole with Anatomical Precise-Return footbed for those leaps and jumps, synthetic support overlays, an N-Gage EVA midsole, and a high abrasion exo-shell outsole. So whether you're running for sport, or running to escape the typical horror movie scary monster, remember footwear is key and a great athletic shoe can get you to the sequel. Get yourself a pair in the above grey/blue/pink, black/grey/pink, blue/mint/pink, or purple/yellow for $74.99 on www.ryka.com. Happy Friday the 13th!

Now that the weather is getting better, it's time to really start thinking about your outdoor fitness regime. Running is not just good for the body, but for the mind as well, which is why we're excited to highlight one of our favorite athletic shoes, the ASICS GEL-Noosa Tri™ 9. Created to take whatever you can dish out, this racing flat is especially constructed to fulfill the needs of triathletes. It boasts redesigned, seamless mesh and synthetic upper materials, a glow-in-the-dark print that livens up each stride, a plush tongue and collar for added comfort, an optional pair of elastic laces, perforated sockliner promotes enhanced breathability and moisture drainage, an ASICS design philosophy (I.G.S® Impact Guidance System) that employs linked componentry to enhance the foot's natural gait from heel strike through toe-off, a dynamic DuoMax® System increases stability and support with reduced weight and enhanced platform comfort.

Other notable details include Propulsion Trusstic® to mimic connective tissues in the foot by creating tension as the foot enters the propulsion phase, Guidance Line® technology that employs a vertical flex groove that decouples the tooling along the line of progression for maximum stride efficiency and a Wet Grip® outsole is constructed of a mixture of organic and non-organic compounds, designed to enhance traction on wet surfaces.Available in two colors, the above perfect-for-spring, flash yellow/turquoise/berry and black/neon coral/green, these are available for $129.95.

When going out to enjoy tonight's festivities, it is essential to have stable and steady footwear...thank goodness for athletic shoes. And just because you're rocking sneakers doesn't mean color coordinating your wardrobe has to be sacrificed. If you're looking to top off your green wardrobe for St. Patrick’s Day, women’s fitness brand, Ryka, has a variety of shoes in shades of green, like their Ryka Motive Sneakers. Whether you're attending the parade, hanging out at a local pub or simply working out, these lightweight running sneakers will carry you form celebration to celebration. These cool green sneakers feature a synthetic and air mesh upper, lace-up front, padded tongue and collar, Scotchgard(TM) Defender water-resistant treatment, a minimal designed-silouette for a natural foot strike, a cushioned Precise-Return(TM) insole, molded EVA midsole boasting a N2-DM shock absorbing heel cushioning, S.G.S medial support and a four-piece skeletal rubber outsole.

To view more of Ryka's cool athletic footwear, visit www.ryka.com. All of Ryka's shoes and apparel retail under $100.00

We're doing a bit of a switch up today. Today's shoe is all about fitness and while wearing heels can definitely strengthen your calves, today we highlight a shoe that strengthens your entire body. The lightweight Therafit Deborah Sneaker is made with breathable mesh and soft, synthetic materials and molded, removable cushioned insoles featuring gel inserts which give even more cushion and support and a Aegis Microbe Shield treatment to help prevent mold and bacteria.

What I love about this sneaker (besides the color), is you can adjust it to your foot with its 3 removable PCS dual-density comfort adapters in the 1 1/2" midsole wedge - whether you have a flat foot or high instep, you can adjust it to be comfortable. If you are going to be on your feet for long periods of time, this is the sneaker for you (not a fan of pink, it also comes in black, silver and red). The Deborah is a 12-HOUR sneaker for your 12-HOUR day. To get more information on this sneaker - click http://www.therafitshoe.com/shoes/athletic/.