Looking ‘Fly’ With Jillian Michaels’ K-Swiss Tubes

Yeah, so we pretty much like just about anything Jillian Michaels does. From the books to the workout DVDs, Jillian knows what’s up. And, turns out, she’s pretty talented in the footwear department, too. We recently got the chance to try her limited-edition K-Swiss Fly Tubes Run 100, and they didn’t disappoint.

First of all, despite feeling a little more rigid and sturdy than I’m used to in a running shoe (the fabric is almost thicker and less flexible than most), they are incredibly light-weight. This was my first time running in a pair of K-Swiss Tubes, and the unique Tubes sole felt a little odd at first—almost like a toning shoe where the sole makes your foot naturally roll forward— but once I started running, I loved it.

And, guys, can we talk about the color? These are bright green and “buttercup” (seriously what they call the color)! They’re unlike most shoes you see out there for sure, which I love (you know how much I like my loud workout gear). Plus, on the heels they feature a little eagle graphic and the inscribed word “Fly.” According to K-Swiss, this is because Jillian wanted to convey “that there is an eagle in all of our spirits. And that we have the same potential to fly and soar in every aspect of our lives once we unlock it.” Ah! We dig it. And if that wasn’t cool enough, a portion of the $88 regularly priced running shoes goes directly to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity by 2015 and empower kids to make healthy lifestyle choices. So, yeah, you’re running and shopping for an important cause, which always feels good.

My only hiccup with these shoes is that if you’re running outdoors and it’s raining or the ground is wet, the soles get a little slippery. Not like fall-on-you-arse-like-you-stepped-on-a-banana-peel slippery, but I went out for a run when it was  lightly raining (’cause I LOVE running in the rain) and had a few moments where I thought I was going to bite it. Also, if you’re someone who chafes on the heel easily, these are pretty stiff so they can rub you pretty raw  before you break them in. While the rubbing didn’t affect me while I was running, I could feel it when I was out walking my dog in them after about 20 minutes.

Have you tried any of the K-Swiss Tubes shoes? Think they’re funky and cool like we do?  Do they make you want to fly? Tell us! —Jenn