How Can I Design My Own Shoes Online

Design Your Own Shoes - Freaky Shoes

An innovative new style from PUMA, the Fuse has a lot to offer in the functional training space. It’s low to the ground, with a 4mm heel-to-toe drop and extra stability in the heel, giving you a solid base for strength training, has a toe box that’s just wide enough for your toes to splay out for additional stability without letting them get lost in there, and a shock-absorbing midsole for landing the perfect jumps and sprints. The durable, yet flexible rubber grip on the outsole helps keep you on your feet without limiting movement. And mesh overlays and reinforced rubber are strategically placed in high-wear areas around the shoe to provide extra traction, support and durability for moves like rope and wall climbs, rowing, and heavy lifts. This cross-training shoe is available in unisex-sizing, only.

Whether you’re busting a move on the dance floor or simply jumping and lunging around your at-home fitness studio, the Dynamic Pro Training Shoe provides the support you need to stay comfortable while you sweat. A well-cushioned foam midsole adds bounce and reduces impact on landing, while a soft, narrow heel cup helps keep you steady on your feet. A wider toe box gives your digits room to breathe. Strategically placed flex grooves on the outsole allow your foot to move smoothly in all directions, and a unique pivot point makes it easier to turn on a dime.

The Nike Metcon 6 makes it easier for you to break a sweat without getting too hot underfoot. This updated style features an all-mesh upper that touts an 18 percent increase in breathability from its last version. The shoe, already popular among the CrossFit community for the stability it offers during weight-focused workouts and the freedom of movement it provides during dynamic exercises, also has a wide platform and improved flexibility. It has fine-tuned cushioning that’s firmer in the back and just plush enough in the front to help maximize your mobility with every move. A durable, ridged outsole does an amazing job at gripping the floor (and ropes!) while you do it, too. And with both a wider toe box and heel, you’ve got plenty of room for your toes to move naturally while you work out—and for your feet to remain planted firmly on the ground when performing lifts. If your cross-training leverages variety in the gym, the new Metcon 6 might be the one-shoe-fits-all solution you need. Also available in a more accessible FlyEase version (with a collapsible, slip-on heel).

The Minimus Prevail takes gym-ready details and wraps them around a true minimalist design. The drop-in midsole, made from New Balance’s lightweight Revlite foam, is thin and snappy, and, when paired with its flat Vibram outsole, offers an ideal combo of comfort and ground-feel for an adaptive trainer. And, while many other gym shoes’ rope-ready sidewalls are climbing higher and their heel counters are wrapping fatter, the Minimus Prevail cross-training shoe moves in the opposite direction, incorporating both super-effective features into a slim, unobtrusive profile. Instead of relying on a TPU overlay for durability, its woven knit upper simply incorporates poly plastic into its fibers. It’s a little less flexible as a result, but still super breathable and supportive. Unlike other minimalist trainers, the Prevail has a relatively narrow forefoot and toe box that will work great for some and not so much for others.

The F-Lite 235 V3 packs quite a bit of performance into a relatively streamlined cross-training shoe—with a plush feel (especially for a shoe with a minimal 4mm heel-to-toe drop) and a midsole that provides good cushioning under the heel and returns a solid amount of energy in the forefoot. The upper also takes advantage of two different types of mesh: a finer, firmer mesh adds rigidity along the outside of the shoe and, along the inside, a more loosely woven mesh adds breathability and flexibility so your foot can move around freely and comfortably. The gum rubber outsole also allows for natural foot movement with its segmented, metatarsal-like channels that run heel to toe. The abundance of durable synthetic overlays will speak directly to CrossFitters looking for extra protection for intense activities, like rope climbs and box jumps, but these lightweight, free-moving trainers should interest anyone looking for something that feels a little more natural (er, barely there) underfoot.

Whether you’re doing a quick plyo workout, sprints on the track, or a combination of the two, the Cloud X could definitely be the right shoe for you. On, a Swiss running company with smart, strategically designed running gear, created this lightweight, no-sew style as a potential solution to all of their runners’ cross-training needs. The adaptive design leverages On’s unique CloudTec outsole, a flexible grid of hollow Zero-Gravity Foam pods that work together to cushion the blow of all the forces joints are subjected to during explosive workouts that incorporate running (forward), jumping (up-down), and lateral (side-to-side) movements. A cushioned, dual-density midsole offers support and flexibility for gym sessions, while also delivering a crisp, responsive ride when you still need it.

Flexible where you need movement and firm where you don’t, the TriBase Reign 3 is as functional as the types of workouts—CrossFit, HIIT and Olympic lifting, etc.—it is designed to support. It’s low to the ground (with just a 2mm heel-to-toe drop), has a built-in heel counter that keeps your foot locked in place while you lift, and gives your toes plenty of space to move around in its breathable knit upper. In addition to providing excellent flex in the forefoot to help you perform functional movements and responsive cushioning for high-impact activities, this cross-training shoe also features TPU and rubber overlays that add extra grip, protection and stability during rope climbs, burpees, overhead lifts and other box-friendly activities.

As a running magazine, we often tout the health benefits of our sport, but honestly, walking is pretty great, too. In fact, research shows that—just like runners—people who walk at a moderate intensity regularly have a lower risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. Turns out the most important thing is that you’re getting miles in, wherever and at whatever pace you can. And what you put on your feet (supportive, cushy sneakers!) can either make or break that mission. But don’t worry—we’re here to help.

We review hundreds of shoes every year and test the latest foams and materials at our shoe lab. Many of those same technologies are used in these pairs of walking shoes, which gives us unique insight into how they’ll perform and hold up over the long haul. Whether you’re a high-mileage walker, a runner recovering from an injury, or someone who simply wants to squeeze as many steps into your schedule as possible, we’ve found a pair of shoes for you.

Make My Own Sneakers

Walking shoes are built for comfort, first and foremost. This has traditionally meant that they’re not always the most sexy (or cute even), but we’ve noticed some style strides being made in the category. Brands realize that more and more people are looking for sneakers that are both fun and functional. No matter what they look like, these duds will undoubtedly keep your feet and body happy. Most walking-specific shoes are designed to give you miles of cloud-like cushioning, with support and breathability so you can wear them all day. People with wide feet will be able to find shoes all the way up to 4E in most brands. And it’s worth noting, several classic running shoes can truly work well for both activities.

Walking shoe designs favor support, stability, and, as we mentioned already, comfort (with added breathability). They often have a beveled heel to help propel you forward, a cushier footbed, and an easy entry/exit system, like slip-on styles. All these features make them ideal for walking on rail trails, hitting the gym, or wearing when you’re on your feet all day. Built-in support will keep your feet and joints better protected against impact and fatigue. For people whose feet need more lightweight, flexible shoes, we’ve got options for you, too.

We went straight to the source, asking big brands what styles they recommended most for walkers based on their most popular walking shoes. We also slipped on samples, wearing them while hiking on easy trails, power walking through neighborhoods (often with kids and dogs in tow), and plodding up and down stairs at home. We took notes on how each shoe fared along the way. (And with more than 14 years of professional wear-testing experience, we have to admit, we take pretty good notes.) These are just some of our favorites, but we recognize that everyone and every foot is different. There is no such thing as the perfect shoe for everyone—only the perfect shoe for you. We hope this round-up helps you find it.

Some shoes, like this one, are designed to put an actual pep in your step. Skechers’ Hyper Burst midsole is a lightweight, resilient foam with spherical cells that compress and rebound as you step. That means the Go Walk Hyper Burst offers next level cushioning while you stride. And it doesn’t stop there—the slightly padded, breathable insole provides even more bounce underfoot. Combine that with the soft, flexible mesh and synthetic slip-on upper (only currently available in men’s style), and you’re all but guaranteed to be feeling good for miles on end.

Built specifically to provide women premium support while they stride, the Perform fully lives up to its name. It offers an anatomically correct insole, with a slightly narrow heel (more secure fit!), a roomy toe box (greater stability!) and super-responsive cushioning (joint-protecting shock absorption!)—all while comfortably cradling your arch and heel. An engineered mesh upper is flexible and breathable, and the strategic tread pattern on the durable, compression-molded outsole helps keep you steady on your feet, no matter how fast you’re moving forward.

Less bulky than a traditional hiking shoe but with many of the same high-tech features, the Gateway is great for when your walks take you on both roads and trails. Its lightweight, water-resistant upper kept our feet dry during rainy treks in the Pacific Northwest. The durable rubber outsole provides smart traction for varying terrains, and a thick EVA foam midsole gives you the just-right combination of cushioning, stability, and off-road protection. We also appreciate that this shoe was designed with sustainability in mind—the upper, sock liner, and laces are made with partially (55 to 100 percent) recycled materials and all of its leather components are sourced responsibly.

Slipping these shoes on after a long run feels akin to falling back onto a luxuriously soft mattress after a long day of travel. The cushy Ortholite footbed features a wave pattern that feels like a gentle massage underfoot, and a padded heel gives your ankle the support it needs to relax with every step. But the best part is the durable Vibram outsole that gives you solid traction to tackle just about any surface, so you can safely and comfortably sport this lightweight clog style wherever (and whenever!) you want. Winter walking bonus: The antimicrobial blended-wool upper keeps your feet warm and dry without overheating.

There’s a reason New Balance lists the Fresh Foam 1080v11 in both its running shoe and walking shoe categories. Although the lightweight, super-cushioned shoe is technically cut out for hitting the road pretty hard, it is also incredibly comfortable for cruising along with a good podcast (or friend). With an 8-millimeter drop from heel to toe and a bouncy foam midsole, the shoe offers plenty of support regardless of your pace. And the soft, bootie-like construction hugs your foot for a secure fit.

With wide sizes available, this simple, go-anywhere sneaker is built to make the miles more comfortable for everyone. The lightweight shoe features a breathable, mesh upper; a well-cushioned EVA foam midsole; a sock liner that contours specifically to your foot; and a durable rubber outsole that offers plenty of traction for all your daily treks.

Design Your Own Shoes - Freaky Shoes

Foam isn’t the only new tech in the Asics lineup. One of the company’s other recent developments is GuideSole, which debuted on the MetaRide. It’s a rocker-based sole construction that’s shaped to help runners roll through their stride and reduce ankle movement for more efficient form. In testing, we found that the shoe feels a little stiff and heavy on foot, but the well-cushioned rocker ensures a smooth and controlled ride with a surprising snap and responsiveness.

Many of the Asics shoes you’ll find below have been through our extensive testing process. That means getting each model on the feet of our team of over 350 avid runners, who then put at least 100 miles on the shoe before providing their feedback. As our test team and staff report their on-foot impressions, we also run a battery of mechanical tests on the shoes in our RW Shoe Lab, where we measure things like the energy return of Asics’ FlyteFoam and the softness of its Gel cushioning. For those options we haven’t personally laced up, we rely on our own in-depth research and experience in the running shoe industry, consultation with brand representatives, verified online reviews and recommendations, and the data we’ve collected on previous Asics models in our lab.

A multi-decade veteran in the Asics lineup, the Gel-Nimbus is a neutral shoe designed for covering long distances. The latest version is tweaked to trim weight—by 0.7 ounces in the men’s and 0.5 ounces in the women’s—while maintaining a forgiving feel and ride. The redesigned mesh upper has more perforations at the forefoot for increased breathability, and a knit tongue that wraps and supports your foot. The midsole features the hallmark Gel technology, along with a combo of FlyteFoam and now lightweight FlyteFoam Blast Plus for cushioned propulsion. More weight savings come in the form of the Asics Lite outsole rubber, which doesn’t sacrifice durability. For an even lighter version, look to the Gel-Nimbus Lite 3 that offers a peppy and less plush feel underfoot.

Like the Nimbus, the Cumulus has been in the Asics stable for decades, and it’s known for durability and soft cushioning. The 22nd version received an upgraded FlyteFoam midsole with a Gel pod in the heel, and this latest iteration keeps that combo for a smooth, cushioned ride that can hold up through high mileage. A seamless mesh upper provides a snug fit. Asics tweaked the sole for better compression and cushioning in the heel on the men’s model, and on the women’s model, improved cushioning in both the heel and the forefoot.

The Kayano has been a part of the Asics lineup for decades, and it remains one of the company’s most popular shoes. Designed for neutral runners and overpronators, the Kayano 28 is upgraded with FlyteFoam Blast cushioning for a smooth, responsive ride and a new low-profile heel clip for added support. Gel pods under the heel and forefoot create additional shock absorption, and the dual-density midsole and medial plate work together to counter overpronation in your stride.

The GT-1000 is a supportive everyday trainer with a bargain-bin price. For the tenth iteration, Asics swapped in a new engineered stretch mesh upper for an improved fit. Like its predecessor, it comes with a Gel pod in the heel and FlyteFoam cushioning to soak up impact forces, and it uses Asics’ Impact Guidance System—including a dual-density midsole design—to counter overpronation. Plus, the full rubber outsole is durable enough to hold up through demanding training schedules.

Designed to make long-distance running easier, the MetaRide is structured to reduce movement in the ankle joint, where most of your running energy is expended. It does so with Asics’s new design called GuideSole—a rocker-shaped sole that helps you roll forward smoothly through your stride—while layers of FlyteFoam Lyte and FlyteFoam Propel support your feet and provide good energy return. “I did a lot of training for a marathon in this shoe and it ticked all the boxes,” said one tester logging 70 miles per week. “My long runs felt effortless, my short runs felt fast, and my hill workouts felt stable. The downside is the shoe’s heavier weight, but that’s made up for by how easy the rocker sole makes the miles feel.”

The MetaRacer is a culmination of some of the newest technologies Asics has to offer. The big draw here is the GuideSole construction, which uses a rocker sole to help you roll easily onto your toes and improve the efficiency of your stride (at least, that’s what Asics claims). FlyteFoam cushioning absorbs impact forces, and there’s also a carbon-fiber plate tucked into the midsole for added support and an extra jolt of energy return.

Today’s super shoes feature the latest tech (including, say it with us, carbon-fiber plates) and, unfortunately, $200-plus price tags. Asics designed the Magic Speed with some trickle-down knowledge from shoes like its MetaRacer at a more-affordable price (though $150 is still too expensive for a larger percentage of our community). That’s thanks to budget-friendly components from shoes like the NovaBlast. The Magic Speed’s FlyteFoam Blast midsole is bouncy and springy. It combines cushioning, energy return, and durability excellently, but it’s a step-down from the nylon-based foam in the MetaSpeed Sky. Instead of a full-length carbon-fiber plate, this shoe has one made from carbon and TPU that spans only half the shoe. Overall, the result is a solid race-day option for anyone running marathons competitively in the three-to-four-hour range.

Make Your Own Custom Shoes

The MetaSpeed Sky is one of Asics’ top-tier racing shoes, and it’s designed for a propulsive, cushioned ride that can handle marathon distances. The Sky features the company’s latest tech. It’s made with a new nylon-based foam (FlyteFoam Blast Turbo midsole) that’s soft and springy for maximum energy return, and it includes a full-length carbon fiber plate that, combined with a curved rocker sole, helps you roll forward through your stride. Overall, it’s one of the best alternatives to Nike’s record-breaking Vaporfly currently on the market.

 The original NovaBlast was a radical model for Asics: a neutral shoe with a thick wedge of lightweight foam (and no support tech) tuned for superb energy return. The second iteration largely sticks to that formula, but it comes with a few new tweaks. The FlyteFoam Blast midsole returns to provide a soft and exceptionally bouncy ride, and the material’s low weight keeps the shoe from feeling clunky. Asics added a new TPU heel clip on the upper to provide some additional support and redesigned the outsole’s tread to amp up the energy return at toe-off.

The GT-2000 makes a good pick for runners who don’t need a ton of support but still want something with a bit more stability than a neutral shoe. This version comes with Gel pods in the heel and forefoot and a FlyteFoam midsole for good shock absorption; it’s also coupled with a layer of FlyteFoam Propel for added responsiveness. In addition, Asics lowered the drop on this shoe to 8 millimeters, which makes the forefoot cushioning more protective and promotes a more efficient stride.

Millions of Americans have trouble with their feet, mostly from wearing improperly fitting shoes. Wearing shoes that are too tight or are not appropriate for your foot shape or size can cause bunions, corns, calluses, and other painful foot disorders. Following some simple recommendations can help ensure that you find the right fit when you buy your next pair of shoes.

They reveal whether he takes pride in the little things. If he throws on a nice suit and pairs it with cheap, clunky lace-ups, he's not what you'd call a detail man. And if he leaves his pricey wingtips scuffed and unpolished, he may not be the closer you're looking for.

We're all susceptible to foot and ankle injuries, but we can reduce our risk for them by wearing properly fitting shoes that conform to the natural shape of our feet. In selecting shoes, keep this basic principle of good fit in mind: Your feet should never be forced to conform to the shape of a pair of shoes. Although style is often a key consideration in choosing a pair of shoes, the most important quality to look for in shoes — from a practical standpoint — is durable construction that will protect your feet and keep them comfortable.

There are numerous styles of shoes out there, but what's great about being a man is that you can do perfectly well by sticking with just a few. You don't need to maintain some Carrie Bradshaw–esque obsession about the latest and coolest. If you invest in a handful of sensible (and stylish) pairs and take care of them, you'll be set for years. You just need to take that first step. Before we start talking about styles of shoes, let's talk shape. If you're still walking around in square-toe, rubber-soled lace-ups—the kind you buy on the cheap and that make you look like you've got platypus feet—grab them from your closet and toss them. Seriously. your shoes should be as streamlined as the rest of your wardrobe. That means a slim contour (but not painfully skinny) and a rounded (but not sharp) toe. They'll look stylish, tasteful, and masculine. And that's all you can ask for.

The one shoe every man should own is a black lace-up. You can dress it up or dress it down; it'll work with everything from jeans to suits. And that's the thing—don't think of it as special-occasion footwear. Avoid frilly or ornate details and you'll be able to wear the shoes as easily to the office as to the club. Shoes take a pounding. And nowhere more than in their soles. You need to think about that and make some decisions. Do you want everlasting soles or more bounce in your step?

Some guys think leather soles mean hard and uncomfortable. Not true. If the shoes are well- made, they'll mold to your feet and serve you just fine. True, they won't be as cushiony as a pair of New Balances, but if you want real dress shoes, you want leather soles. Period. Now you've got two choices: There are those slim, contoured kinds that exude elegance and go great with a luxurious custom suit. And then there are the heftier lace-ups with chunkier soles. They're what we show a ton of in the magazine these days. They go great with skinny jeans or trim-cut suits. And if you take care of them (see number 7), they'll last you a lifetime.