Portable running shoes
February 3, 2011 12:19 AM   Subscribe

Portable (possibly fold-up) running shoes for a female?

Looking for running/gym shoes for a female that are extremely compact or possibly fold up, so they are easy to carry around in a purse or briefcase.

They don't have to be the best for your feet as they will only be used intermittently, but they must be as lightweight and portable as possible.

Thanks!
posted by metametababe to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (18 answers total) 5 users marked this as a favorite
 
Well if I were not doing much running, rather free weights and body weight type work outs I'd be more than comfortable in plimsol/canvas/converse type shoes which would certainly be very portable. In fact for body and free weight workouts, such shoes seem to be preferred (less likely to restrict your ankle movement than trainers).

Personally, I would not be comfortable running or Spinning, or getting on the Elliptical in such shoes though, I think I'd end up hurting myself. I've had problems with black toenails and numb toes with ill fitting shoes at the gym. I've needed to ensure I have enough room in the toe and that the shoes are laced tight enough to prevent me from ramming my toes into the tip.
posted by Ness at 1:57 AM on February 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


I'm quite happy running in my Vibram Fivefingers, and they roll up pretty small. I put them in a small bag easily. I'm sure they aren't everyone's cup of tea, but if you are looking for foldable shoes anyway, you might as well get some that are designed to be exercised in.
posted by lollusc at 2:12 AM on February 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


Ness is correct. Converse-like shoes are ideal for most resistance training. They will work will with spinning too. As far as running shoes go, it really depends on what works for you. I like very little to no support from my shoes and the Vibram Five Finger shoes would meet your criteria if you don't mind awful looking shoes. The Nike Lunar line of shoes folds down, not into a purse, but into a bag for sure.

If you need shoes with support for running, you wont find any that fold up. The material is designed to not fold up for additional support.

If you are new to fitness getting poor quality shoes that don't offer you the right type of support for you and not worrying about it because you will only be using them intermittently is a great way to not want to work out.
posted by munchingzombie at 2:18 AM on February 3, 2011 [2 favorites]


Here's a product called Damn Heels, though they are closer to ballet slippers than running shoes. Also, here's an article on their creation.
posted by fairmettle at 2:31 AM on February 3, 2011


Nike free - great for running. I regularly clocked 15'milw runs on them

Vibram fivefingers - even smaller but you will have to get used to them. No way you can go from a normal show to a Gibran and run distance. Work from 1 mile up till you are used to it
posted by moochoo at 2:35 AM on February 3, 2011


Maybe this

http://www.invisibleshoe.com/
posted by Not Supplied at 2:35 AM on February 3, 2011


Response by poster: Please don't question the basis for the question. :) I don't want opinions about whether this will hep me exercise... just some small, fold-up shoes that would be appropriate for running.

I saw a pair of these years ago: rubber sole with traction for running, fabric top, extremely light and small. I just can't find any now.
posted by metametababe at 3:12 AM on February 3, 2011


Response by poster: I did another search and maybe beach slippers or dive shoes are what I'm looking for?
posted by metametababe at 3:19 AM on February 3, 2011


Nike free -- mine are a few years old, so I don't know if the new ones are as thin, but they fold up and are super lightweight.
posted by mothershock at 4:04 AM on February 3, 2011


Feelmax is a good bet. I haven't used these (I use Vibrams). They're in Europe mostly but you can get them on Amazon (linked).
posted by smalls at 5:25 AM on February 3, 2011


Oh hey. I just noticed that Merrell has come out with their version of a barefoot running shoe as well.
posted by smalls at 5:29 AM on February 3, 2011


FYI, Vibrams and Nike Frees are awesome for the right people. You should go to a running store and have them look at your gait and your feet before you buy minimalist shoes, or you could do some serious damage.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 6:13 AM on February 3, 2011


You might want to look into Kigo Footwear. They're similar to Vibrams, but not as ugly.
posted by valeries at 6:50 AM on February 3, 2011


I don't think you'll find a foldable pair of running shoes (could be wrong) but what you want is a running shoe with really minimal construction so that it'll pack relatively flat. These will lack the rigid heel cups, anti-pronation bars, and built-in foot massagers that a lot of other running shoes have. Two flat shoes won't take up more space than two folded shoes anyhow.

I've got this shoe, for example, and a big part of the reason I got it was ease of packing and light weight. Another company that focuses on really lightweight running shoes is Inov-8. I'd suggest going to a running store and talking to the staff.
posted by adamrice at 7:59 AM on February 3, 2011


Maybe you're thinking of something like these Speedo Women's Surfwalker Pro Water Shoes?

And if you find you need a little more support, you could buy arch supports and pack those separately.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 8:12 AM on February 3, 2011


Darn it, I meant to add that I have purchased items from Swim Outlet and been quite satisfied with their service. Not those shoes though.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 8:13 AM on February 3, 2011


I'm not really sure what is meant by "fold up" shoes in this case. If you simply want athletic shoes that are light and don't take up much space, then, as others have suggested, you might like Vibrams. In my experience, though, Vibrams cater to fairly idiosyncratic runners who have a specific idea of how they'd like to run. If you're interested in shoes that are minimal without being too unusual or specialized, I'd recommend the Saucony Kinvara.
posted by Maxa at 8:25 AM on February 3, 2011


Do you want running shoes because you're going jogging, or are you thinking of flee wear? If it's the latter, than you could get kung fu shoes or other packable shoes (for example).
posted by The corpse in the library at 12:01 PM on February 3, 2011


« Older Can threats be privy to self-destruction?   |   XBOX 360 setup help: Using a monitor & getting... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.