Fall Apparel Part 2: Nike Running Tights

         It’s about that time of the year, where the weather is in that limbo of it being too cold to wear running shorts, but yet too warm to wear your comfy sweats.  Also, you don’t have enough jean capris to last you the week, and who even wants to wear jeans every day of the week? I know I don’t. If you looking for something that’s comfortable, stylish, and simple, then Nike's Running Tights are the pants to get.

         Just last week I bought my second pair of the Nike Tech Capris Running Tights, because I fell in love with the first pair I bought last spring. Also, I have a pair of the Nike Leg-A-See Big Logo Tights, which are pants rather than capris. These tights come in many different patterns, which is a major trend in fashion these days, and the big Nike logo that is on one leg of the tights comes in many different colors. All the tights that I have are in neutral colors such as black and gray, so it makes it easier to pair them with a top.

         Even though they are considered athletic clothing, I really think that they have a sophisticated yet casual look to them, which is between the “I don’t care about anything” and the “I dress like a middle-aged businesswoman” look. On the Nike Tech Capris Running Tights, one component that is different to the regular running tights, is that they have a zip-up pocket on the back to place money or your phone. I find this very convenient if you wear these tights while running because it allows you to carry along your small personal items without worrying about dropping them. As a person who just wears them as everyday clothing though, it is a little bit weird to have a random pocket on your butt, but I don’t think that that little fact detracts from the overall appeal of the tights.

           Before I bought my first pair of Nike Running Tights, I used to wear Victoria’s Secret Yoga Pants, which were a big hit at my school. But, now since I’ve started wearing the running tights, I’ve realized that the yoga pants don’t even compare to how comfortable or stylish the Nike tights are. Being an athlete, how could I not prefer Nike over Victoria’s Secret?

           I really hope that my review of Nike’s Running Tights or just their Tights in general has made you want to look into buying them for this fall season. As the weeks go by, more and more girls at my school are wearing them as they increase in popularity. By wearing these Nike Running Tights, it allows you to still keep your athletic vibe and wear stylish clothing at the same time.

 

 

 

Fall Apparel Part 1: Nike Jackets

                With the first week of fall finished, many people are beginning to trade in their comfortable summer running shorts, tank tops, and flip flops for warmer and cozier clothing. Around this time of year you see people exercising in oversized sweatshirts and baggy sweatpants. It’s not the most attractive outfit in the world to work out in but it gets the job done in keeping you warm on those chilly autumn days. As more and more people are beginning to take their fashion sense to the gym or on their early morning runs, sports companies have taken a step forward in providing customers with fashionable fall work out gear.

A noted Nike fan myself, I’ve been browsing their website these past few weeks and noticed an increase in their fall jacket inventory. The Nike Element Half-Zip jacket is one of my favorites and seems to be quite popular amongst a majority of my friends. I own two of these jackets, one that is royal blue and the other a mix between mint green and light blue. What I really like about these jackets is that they are very lightweight, but yet they are great at keeping the heat in. Also being a person who sweats a lot, I really like the fabric Nike incorporated into this jacket because it does a good job of not allowing the sweat buildup to cause the jacket to get damp. Even if you aren’t working out, this jacket is very stylish because it is simple and it comes in numerous different colors that you can choose to your liking.

Another jacket that caught my attention was Nike’s Windrunner. One aspect of this jacket that I really liked was that it wasn’t just a one solid color, but that it had many different color combinations and patterns that were worked into the color scheme. Windbreaker type jackets such as this one seem to be making a comeback in sports fashion as the younger generation are starting to wear them more often (so if I were you I would hop on this bandwagon of the comeback of windbreakers!).  What I really like about Nike’s Windrunner jacket is that it is very breathable and loose, which is in contrast to the Nike Element Half-Zip which has a more skin-tight fit.  Also the Windrunner jacket has hood which is very convenient to those who like to work out outside in nature’s beauty because whatever the weather this jacket provides protection.

Both jackets I reviewed today are great choices depending on what elements you are looking for in a jacket. They provide the warmth and protection from the weather, which is needed during these chilly, rainy days of fall, and also provide a pop of color to create a fashion statement wherever you may be. I hope this review has helped you in your search for what gear to invest in for this fall season and remember these jackets will be just as useful once we hit spring!

For more information about these two jackets or any other Nike jackets you can visit Nike's Womens Apparel.

 

Is ZigTech Reebok’s Only Weapon?

          When was the last time Reebok made a big wave in the sports world? They were once with the likes of Nike and Adidas when it came to apparel, but with their lack of innovation in the last few years, Reebok hasn’t been able to compete for a while.  Lately it seems as if they are trying to find their balance between creativity and quality when designing their shoes.

Reebok ZigTech

            It was their big reveal in 2010 of the ZigTech shoe that put Reebok on the map for their tennis shoe technology. Advertisements with great athletes such as Payton Manning, propelled their ZigTech shoe to the top of the charts. In the year that they came out with the ZigTech shoe, I don’t think I’ve ever seen more advertisement for any Reebok apparel in my whole life.  Every time I watched the sports channel on TV, it seemed as if at every other commercial break there was a new commercial for Reebok’s new shoe. Back in 2010, I was too one of the people mesmerized by this creative new shoe, so I bought myself a pair. Honestly, they were some of the comfiest shoes I’ve ever worn. Also with the way the ZigTech was incorporated onto the sole of the shoe it was a different feeling while walking, but it was a good different.

Adidas Springblade Drive

         Competing companies such as Adidas have tried to take Reebok’s thunder with the invention of their Springblade Drive Shoes. You can somewhat tell that Adidas got the idea for these shoes from Reebok’s ZigTech, because both shoes have an unconventional sole for the shoe. If I had to choose between the shoes based only on the design, I would go with Reebok’s ZigTech 90% of the time. Personally I think that Adidas Springblade Drive shoes are a little too far out there in creativity and look weird. I guess I am just waiting for Reebok to come out with a shoe that is somewhere in the middle of their ZigTech and Adidas Springblade Drive shoe that will take the world by storm like they did 4 years ago. I know Reebok has that creativity somewhere inside them, they just need to let it out and show that they aren’t a one hit wonder.

Images Courtesy of www.sneakernews.com

 

Headbands, Headbands, and more Headbands

           Headbands are a girl’s, and even some guys, best friend. When you’re outside playing your sport in a 20mph wind, with your hair whipping every which way, a headband tends to come in handy. They come in all shapes and sizes, and based on my personal experiences with headbands I feel like I can lead you in the right direction when it comes to finding the perfect one.

Under Armour Braided Headband

I’ve worn headbands of all different sorts, which include the likes of Under Armour, Nike, Adidas, the generic Target brand, and of course the good ol’ reliable Pre-Wrap. For me personally, the plain black head bands that I buy from Target seem to work the best with my hair type. But, for those of you who are looking at more name-brand athletic headbands with a pop of color, I can give you my opinion on which are the best.
Top on the list of my ranking of headbands would have to be Under Armour. One thing that I really like about their headbands, is that on the inside, they have a thin line of a sticky rubber that helps hold the headband in place on your head. Also Under Armour has some of the most innovative designs, including their most popular braided headband that comes in multiple color choices. Following up Under Armour on the headband list, is what I consider to be a tie between Nike and Adidas. Both brands create the original headband with the sticky rubber to keep it in place, but I feel like neither of the brands really reach the creativity that Under Armour has with their headbands. If I really had to narrow it down between Nike and Adidas on who was #2 and #3 on the ranking, I would have to say that Nike edges out Adidas with their newly popular “head-tie” headbands, which are more widely known as the Skylar Diggins Headbands.

I also wanted to point out another brand that has had good reviews on their headbands, which is Lululemon Athletica. Although I myself have never worn one of their headbands, many of my friends have and they seem to love them. The Lululemon headbands are a wider headband compartd to that of the skinnier headbands created by Nike and Adidas, and are very popular among the younger generation of athletes.

I hope my review on the numerous types of headbands out there has given you some insight on what you should look for. Remember you don’t always have to pay $20 just to get a nice set of headbands from a name-brand store, you can always just use some reliable Pre-Wrap from your local store for only $2 that will last you an entire season!

 

Image Courtesy of www.pinterest.com

 

 

Adidas Takes a Step in the Right Direction for Basketball Fashion

            Nike better watch their backs, because the student may surpass the teacher. In the past, Adidas has not been widely well known for their basketball gear. But, by acquiring star athletes such as Derrick Rose, Adidas has begun to head on the path of creating top selling basketball shoes to compete with basketball powerhouses such as Nike.

             The Crazy 8, the D Rose 773 III, and now the Crazy Light Boost. No longer, was Adidas creating the same boring design of basketball shoes that adorned their classic three stripes on the side of the shoe. Now they had incorporated more creativity into the shoe, not only in the design, but also in the technology. It all began with the Crazy Light 2.0 shoes, which were lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. That was when Adidas began to hit it big. I remember getting an Eastbay magazine around the time those shoes came out and I was thinking, “How in the world could an Adidas basketball shoe make the front cover of a sportswear magazine?” I mean, when I thought basketball shoes at the time, I always thought either Nike or Jordan, never Adidas. But, as I opened the magazine and saw athletes such as Derrick Rose supporting the advertisement of these shoes, I knew that Adidas was doing something right and wanted to learn more about their shoes.

Adidas Crazy Light Boost

            The iconic Crazy 8 design was both a fashion statement on and off the court. The D Rose 773 III were sleek and simple, perfect for any type of player. And now the Crazy Light Boost, a shoe that incorporates both the sleekness and simplicity of the D Rose 773 III and the creativity of the Crazy 8 design. The Crazy Light Boost have a similar shoe structure to that of Nike’s Hyperdunks. But, they set themselves apart from Nike’s headlining shoe because of the details. Their Boost technology used on the sole of the shoe, allows for a better cushion and a boost of energy with every step. I wouldn’t yet say that the Crazy Light Boost basketball shoes from Adidas is better than that of Nike’s iconic Hyperdunks since I haven’t had the opportunity to wear them, but I do think that the new Adidas shoe will give Nike a run for their money.

           Starting a little behind the eight ball in the beginning of the century in terms of their basketball gear, Adidas is finally ramping up to compete with the likes of basketball geniuses such as Nike and Jordan. Signing athletes from some of the top basketball leagues in the world has only helped their case. Adidas is finally up there with the elite when it comes to basketball, the question is if they can stay there or surpass the greats, by continuing to create bigger and better shoes?

 

Images Courtesy of www.sneakernews.com

Puma, Golf’s Newest Competitor

             When I think top golf brands, I think TaylorMade, Cobra, Callaway, and PING just to name a few. Then when I think of Puma, I think running, Usain Bolt, and Soccer. But, what do I think of a combo of both golf and Puma? I think, the beginning of modern golf fashion.

The past few years, Puma made a name for themselves when they landed a deal with top golfer Rickie Fowler. They didn’t just make their name as an up and coming golf brand. No, they put their stamp on the golf world when they came in with bold fashion statements. Golf is a classical sport. Players must wear collared shirts that are tucked into nice khaki dress pants and either a baseball type hat or a visor. As Rickie Fowler moved his ways up the rankings, he didn’t just make waves with his great play, but also took the golf world by storm with the new style he was bringing to the course. I feel like his signature piece of clothing that sets him apart from anyone else would be his flat-bill style hats that are rising in popularity among young people across the nation. With the help of Puma, Fowler is keeping with the classic rules of an appropriate dress code, but he is adding a modern twist that attracts the likes of young people, making golf a more desirable game for a younger generation of kids.

I really like how Puma has put their own stamp on the golf world. They didn’t just follow in the steps of all other top sports brands by keeping with the original design of golf clothing. Puma stepped outside the box, put themselves in their own category of golf style, and has made a big name for themselves in the golf world in only a few years. I can’t wait to see what new and bold ideas will be coming from Puma in the future years, but with the help of a young athlete like Fowler, I feel like anything is possible for Puma Golf.   

Under Armour: Best Place for Thermal Clothing

                 Under Armour’s Cold Gear has no competition. Nike tried to compete by creating their Pro-Combat series, but it doesn’t even compare. Under Amour says it themselves on their website, “Beware of Imposters.” Under Armour has held the monopoly on this type of product for years, even other sportswear powerhouses such as Nike can’t figure out the secret behind Under Armour’s success of a thick yet lightweight compression long sleeve shirt that can keep you warm for hours. I’ve been a fan of Under Armour’s Cold Gear thermal wear since day one. Living in Iowa and playing soccer into the middle of November and then starting the spring season in middle March, I know what it is like to play in freezing temperatures. I’ve even played a game while it was snowing out and it was Under Armour’s Cold Gear that kept me focused in on the game and not how I was freezing my you-know-what off.

Currently for club soccer, I wear a white, long sleeve half turtle neck thermal shirt which is part of Under Armour’s Cold Gear. Even though I’ve worn Under Armour since the beginning, I still have worn some of Nike’s Pro Combat gear here and there, so I’ve had experience with both. For high school soccer we are required to wear Nike gear which led me to buying a white long sleeve Nike Pro Combat thermal shirt, and from the minute I put it on I could already tell the difference. Even though Nike’s thermal shirt was a little more lightweight and it was somewhat shear, it in no way whatsoever kept me nearly as warm as I am in Under Armour’s thermal. With Under Armour, I like the material the shirt is made of because it the outside is smooth and the inside is warm and fuzzy, yet the shirt it not too thick like a jacket, which is what makes it more comfortable and warmer than Nike’s thermal shirt. The only complaint I would have about my Under Armour thermal shirt would be that sometimes the neck area can be constricting and I think part of the reason for that is because it is a turtle neck, which is something I don’t wear daily so it is a different feeling for me. Anyways, I would highly recommend buying Under Armour’s thermal Cold Gear over that of Nike’s Pro Combat thermal gear when having to deal with cold temperatures for a long period of time.

I really hope my review and experiences with both brands has helped you come to a more clear decision on what thermal gear may suit you best!