These groundbreaking runners will take you back to the days when sneakers were more about function than fashion statements.
The first thing any runner will tell you when you're seeking advice on jogging is to get a decent pair of shoes. Those words have never been more true, especially with companies like Adidas and Nike constantly reinventing sneakers that are all about function and, of course, style as well. Most have started using lighter material and are integrating flex technology to provide comfort, breathability and high performance.
For those looking for a decent pair of running shoes and don't know where to start, don't sweat. These groundbreaking runners will give you an idea of what to look for, whether it's style or functionality.
29 Groundbreaking Runners
29
Retro-Inspired Road Runners
The Nike Oregon Waffle 2011 Summer Collection is Vibrantly Vintage
28
Lunar Running Shoes
The Nike Zvezdochka by Marc Newson is Inspired by Space
27
Nike Targets First Nations
Air Native N7
26
Tubular Shoe Merchandizing
The PureProject Packaging Embodies Sleek Style and Sustainability
25
Simple Futuristic Footwear
These Adidas Micropacer Gore Tex Sneaker are Sleek & Spaceship-Inspired
24
Lightweight Webbed Runners
Nike Lunarhaze Sneakers Provides the Ultimate Comfort During a Long Run
23
Hyper-Colored Trainers
The Nike Auto Trainer Green/Purple are Hipster-Friendly
22
Fanciful Athletic Footwear
The Adidas ZX8000 is a Luxurious Leather Running Shoe for Men
21
Skin-Like Sneakers
The Evoskin Silicone Shoe by Inov-8 is Akin to Running Barefoot
20
Cushy Lightweight Kicks
The Reebok RealFlex Running Shoes Support Your Every Move
19
Extreme Weather Running Shoes
The New Balance MTG580 Gore-Tex are Perfect For All Terrains
18
Olympian Throwback Sneakers
These Adidas Originals SL72 Sneakers Bring Your Feet Back to the Days
17
Mileage Tracking Shoes
Michael Robinson's Nike 26 Lets Everyone Know How Far You Can Go
16
Flourescent Moon Shoes
Nike Lunarlite Hyper Ventilate Takes Our Breath Away
15
Relaunched Retro Runners
Reebok Re-Releases Their Classic BB4600 Kicks
14
Mean Green Running Shoes
Brooks' Brand 'Green Silence' Leads in Sustainabilty
13
Circus Colored Kicks
The Adidas Consortium Makes Wearing Shoes Even Better
12
Cutesy Cartoon Kicks
These Asics Hello Kitty Athletic Shoes are for the Young at Heart
11
Highlighter-Bright Sneakers
The Nike Lunar Elite Trail Mid Runners are Ready for the Blacklight
10
Vibrant Neon Trainers
The Light-Weight Adidas Originals LQC Runner Citrus Pack for Runners
9
Haute Designer Trainers
Emporio Armani Teams with Reebok to Design Limited Edition EasyTone Shoes
8
Denim-Draped Runners
These Nike Air Max Light Shoes Feature a Dark Denim Canvas
7
Long-Lasting Runners
The PT-1000 Running Shoe by UK Gear is Guaranteed to Last for 1,000 Miles.
6
Lightweight Runner Kicks
The Nike Lunar Vengeance Terra ACG Eliminates Unecessary Weight
5
Silver Commemorative Kicks
The New Balance Atmos and X-Girl Sneakers are Rad
4
Furry Running Shoes
The New Balance Urban Outdoor Collection is Silly Looking
3
Lightweight Training Shoes
The Jordan Jeter Cut Sneaker is Lighter, Faster and More Comfortable
2
Grape Ape Running Shoes
Fragment Design Puts a Purple Hue to the Nike Air Footscape Motion
1
Honeycomb Yellow Kicks
Nike Air Max 1 LAM Brings Warm Colors to Reflect Summer Weather
Related Ideas
25 Movie-Inspired Footwear Designs
From Sith Lord Kicks to Time-Traveling Car Kicks
Badass Cutesy Kicks
Hello Kitty and DR. Martens Collaborate to Create Adorable Footwear
Technological Footwear
The Cedric Fiazinski Ultimate Bespoke Shoe is Custom-Made
Retro-Inspired Road Runners
The Nike Oregon Waffle 2011 Summer Collection is Vibrantly Vintage
Winterized Toe Shoes
The Vibram FiveFingers Cervinia is a Dexterous Boot Option
Lunar Running Shoes
The Nike Zvezdochka by Marc Newson is Inspired by Space
Ship and Shade Light Fixtures
The Plamp Serves as its Own Postage Parcel
Color-Popped Kicks
The Nike Air Force 1 Hyperfuse is Colorful and Lightweight
Marvelous Superhero Kicks
Jay Angeles Creates Unique Nike Shoe Concepts
College Sports Star Sneaks
The Nike Tim Tebow Trainer is Perfect for Florida Fans
Vibrant Vintage Footwear
The Nike Dunk AC Vintage is a Throwback to Oldschool Streetwear
Simple Futuristic Footwear
These Adidas Micropacer Gore Tex Sneaker are Sleek & Spaceship-Inspired
17 Hello Kitty Cross-Branding Products
From Anime Auto Lube to Hello Kitty Guitars
Bulletproof Running Shoes
The Hermes X Cross Trainer is Made Out of Kevlar
Whittled Shoe Boxes
This Society27 Packaging Extends Craftsmanship to Sneaker Cases
Killer Competition Shoe Ads
The AdiZero Crazy Light vs The "Other" Guys Commercial Schools Nike
Ocean Blue Suede Sneakers
The Stussy x Ransom x Adidas Shoe Looks Wonderfully Soothing
Killer Zip-Up Kicks
The Adidas Nizza High Zip Sneakers are Super Stylish and Unique
Lightweight Webbed Runners
Nike Lunarhaze Sneakers Provides the Ultimate Comfort During a Long Run
Muscle Strength Trackers
The Jym Device Provides a Digital Measure of How Strong You Are
Casual Soccer Kicks
Nike Unveils the French Football Federation Sneakers
Luxury Jet Packs
Inventor Marc Newson Takes his Inventions One Step Higher
Stoner Skate Shoes
The Nike SB Cheech & Chong Sneaks Celebrate 4/20 2011
Romantic Running Shoes
The Nike Valentine's Day 2011 Pack Features Sketched Patterns
Reworked Retro Sneakers
80s Athletes' Favorite Puma Whirlwind II Sneakers Get a 2010 Makeover
46 Hello Kitty Creations
From 'Hello Kitty' Liquor to 'Hello Kitty' French Manicure
Vividly Spotted Kicks
These Jun Watanabe x Atmos x Reebok Pump Sneakers are Whimsically Flashy
Gamer Skate Shoes
The Nike Akuma P-Rod IV is for Fighting Game Fans who Shred
Hyper-Colored Trainers
The Nike Auto Trainer Green/Purple are Hipster-Friendly
Blinding Aqua Kicks
The Nike Air Force 1 Bespoke by Koizumi is a Vibrant Piece of Footwear
Slick Suede Kicks
The Adidas Originals Suede Pack is Stylish & Smooth
Classic Two-Tone Sneakers
The First Full Images of the Nike Dunk Low Vintage Kicks Revealed
Customized Canvas Shoes
Nike Air Force 1 Bespoke Redesigned by Frank the Butcher and Deon Point
Street-Savvy Sneakers
The Nike SB Koston One Collection for Men Features Urban Footwear
Badass Boxer Kicks
The Nike Manny Pacquiao Trainer is a First Round Knockout
Tech Fitness Friends
The Philips Activa is Part Trainer, Part MP3 & Part Pedometer
Space Boot Court Kicks
The Nike Air Force 1 Foamposite is Made Out of One Piece
Winter Wear-Inspired Shoes
The Reebok Jacket Pack is Modeled After Iconic Winter Coats
Fanciful Athletic Footwear
The Adidas ZX8000 is a Luxurious Leather Running Shoe for Men
Fruit-Hued Footwear
New Balance M574 Tropical Fruit Pack Kicks are Perfect for Summer
Quilted Manga Sneakers
The Nike Air Zoom Tiempo are Inspired by a Japanese Football Comic
Dual Reflective Kicks
The Nike Air Force 1 Premium Hi 3M Fall 2010 Collection
Sophisticated Snack Packaging
Vim Popcorn is Wrapped to Suit the Eco- and Calorie-Conscious
Football-Inspired Kicks
JBF Custom Nikes Pay Tribute to NYC Jets' Superbowl Effort
Heineken High Tops
The Gourmet and Heineken Quattro C is Pilsner Posh
Sporty Street Kicks
Adidas Originals Blue Fall 2011 Sneakers Take a Step into Casual Wear
French Football-Inspired Footwear
The Nike Air Pegasus '83 Shoe is the Hottest Off-Field Shoe
Science-Themed Shoe Packs
The Puma 'The List Elemental Pack' is Inspired by the Periodic Table
Cushy Lightweight Kicks
The Reebok RealFlex Running Shoes Support Your Every Move
Fierce Metallic Sneaks
Strut in Style with the Nike Court Force High for Women
Canned Casual Clothing
These T-Shirt Boxes by Karoly Kiralyfalvi Give Tees Their Own Tins
Old-School 70s Kicks
The Nike Blazer Vintage PRM Brings Back a Blast from the Past
Sleek Leather Kicks
Stan Smith Lite Zip Sneakers are the Latest Addition to Adidas Originals
Chinese Celebration Shoes
The Nike Year of the Rabbit Rings in the Chinese New Year
Swoosh-Branded Loungers
These New Nike Room Socks are the Perfect Sneakerhead Slipper
Preppy Street Shoes
The Nike Air Force 1 Hamptons are a Tribute to Old Money East Coasters
Sport-Enhancing Strongboxes
The G Series FIT Seeding Kit is Built Tough for Tough Guys
Rock 'n' Roll Kicks
Adidas Originals Reveals a Collaborative Kazuki Kuraishi x Ian Brown Shoe
NBA Playoff Sneakers
Nike Sportswear Sky Force Fall 2011 Collection Channels the Bulls and Knicks
Retro Rabbit Sneakers
The Air Jordan 7 Year of the Rabbit Puts an Oriental Spin on the Classic Cou
Celebratory Manga Shoes
The Converse Real Edition Celebrates 10 Years of 'Real'
Elegant Earl Grey Branding
L Donatelle Tea Packaging Infuses Sipping with Sophistication
Hot Pink Court Kicks
The Pink Nike Hyperdunk 2010 is for Feminine Ballers
Classy Leopard Kicks
Givenchy Leopard Leather Podium Shoes Bring the Jungle Back to the Office
Flower Power Shoes
Nike Sportswear Liberty Collection in a Blooming Look
Olympian Throwback Sneakers
These Adidas Originals SL72 Sneakers Bring Your Feet Back to the Days
Blacked-Out Sci-Fi Sneakers
The Reebok Aliens Cinema Pack Gives a Subtle Nod to the Iconic Film
Personified Geisha Pouches
Noo-Del Packaging Literally Embodies an Asian Aesthetic
Pepped-Up Drink Branding
Nuun Sports Hydration Packaging Undergoes its Own Boost
Francophile Court Kicks
The Nike Zoom Hyperfuse France is for Refined Ballers
Feminine High-Tops
Nike 'WMNS Dunk High Skinny' Kicks Are for Fierce Women
Mileage Tracking Shoes
Michael Robinson's Nike 26 Lets Everyone Know How Far You Can Go
Super-Stitched Sneakers
The Air Jordan 1 2K High is a Patchwork of Its Predecessors
Zippered Luxury High Tops
Les Hommes High Tops are for Deep-Pocketed Sneakerheads
Furtastic Kicks
Monkey Around with these Nonnative Dweller Sneakers
Test Pattern Sneakers
The Reebok Affili'Art Collection Contrasts Dark Uppers With Vibrant Soles
Heartfelt High-Tops
Embrace Her Shoe Obsession With the Nike Quickstrike Valentine's Day
Vibrant Hip Hop Kicks
Questlove Dunk Collection is a Must-Have for Fans of the Roots
Featherweight Sports Shoes
The Reebok Pump Fury Super Lite Keeps You Light on Your Feet
Classy Walking Kicks
The Adidas Consortium Micropacer is the Most Stylish Way to Count Your Paces
Sporty Zipper Kicks
Nike Blazer Mid Canvas Pack Shows the Casual Side of the Company
Violet Safari Sneakers
The Adventurous Nike SB Dunk Low Premium Purple Safari Shoes
Auto-Tightening Shoes
These Power Laces Were Inspired by 'Back to the Future II'
Statement Sneakers
Livestrong x Nike WMNS 'Sweet Classic High' is Powerfully Bright
Studly Adventurer Shoes
The Reebok Indiana Jones Pack Lets You Walk in Indy's Shoes
Cutesy Skater Gear
The Hello Kitty 35th Anniversary Collection Skateboard and Clothes are Rad
Glowing Court Kicks
The Nike Air Max Hyperize NFW Keeps You Balling Day or Night
Spotted Skate Shoes
The Vans Leopard Fur Pack Will Make You King of the Concrete Jungle
Cutesy Cartoon Kicks
These Asics Hello Kitty Athletic Shoes are for the Young at Heart
Grayscale Court Kicks
The Ultra Slick Nike Lebron 8 V2 From Lebron James
Cutesy Cartoon High-Tops
Hello Kitty Reebok Freestyle Brings Sanrio to the Streets
Patriotic Rock High Tops
The Nike SB Bruce Springsteen are a Tribute to the Boss
Baby-Blue Pastel Kicks
The New Nike SB Zoom Sneaker Combines Soft Sky-Blue Tones & Edgy Style
Poppin' Purple Kicks
The Nike Lunar Flow Updates an 80's Classic
19 Kobe and LeBron Footwear Releases
From Miami Vice Court Kicks to Bruce Lee Kicks
Sith Lord Kicks
The Adidas Originals x Star Wars Superstars II Feature Darth Vader
Zipper Designer Sneakers
The Limited Edition Adidas Originals x Porter Superstars Shoes
Boxer-Loving Sneaks
The 2011 Manny Pacquiao Summer Footwear Collection is a Knockout
All-Black Kicks
The Nike Zoom Kobe V Blackout Sneakers Are Undercover Badass
Patriotic Street Sneaks
The Nike Dunk Independence Day Kicks are Made for Young Patriots
Francophile Shoe Sets
The Lacoste Bleu Blanc Rouge Collection Celebrates French Heritage
Cutesy Kitty Headwear
The Hello Kitty Fitted Hat from New Era is All Kinds of Awesome
Highlighter-Bright Sneakers
The Nike Lunar Elite Trail Mid Runners are Ready for the Blacklight
Tough Polka Dot Footwear
The Adidas Originals Jeremy Scott Hiking Boots
Sweet Striped Branding
Baru Packaging is Sugar-Coated with Scrumptious Swirls
Haute Designer Trainers
Emporio Armani Teams with Reebok to Design Limited Edition EasyTone Shoes
Towering Shoe Tongues
The Rick Owens Antonioli High Top is Limited to 40 Pairs
Rockstar Court Kicks
The Adidas Originals Studded Sneakers Define Badass
Desert Storm Skate Shoes
The Vans 106 Camouflage Pack is Out of Sight
Denim-Draped Runners
These Nike Air Max Light Shoes Feature a Dark Denim Canvas
Long-Lasting Runners
The PT-1000 Running Shoe by UK Gear is Guaranteed to Last for 1,000 Miles.
Chinese Street Sneaks
The Nike Zoom Greater China Edition is Casual and Cool
Musical Picture Frames
The Hello Kitty Digital Photo Frame Helps Display Your Memorable Moments
Two-Faced Time-Tellers
The Marc Newson Ikepod Diamond Solaris Watch is Sleek & Versatile
Combatant Camo Kicks
The Reebok Black Camo Pack for Spring 2011 is for the Average G.I. Joe
Lightweight Runner Kicks
The Nike Lunar Vengeance Terra ACG Eliminates Unecessary Weight
Sewing Circle Sneaks
These Knitted Nikes from THIS IS Studio are Perfect for Grandma
Hollywood-Inspired Kicks
Kick Off the Nba All-Star Weekend With the Nike East LA Sneakers
Pink Retro Court Kicks
The Nike Air Pegasus '89 is a Revamped Classsic
Aqua Sci-Fi Kicks
The Reebok Insta Pump Fury Tron Sneaker is Inspired by the Movie
Lightweight Training Shoes
The Jordan Jeter Cut Sneaker is Lighter, Faster and More Comfortable
Classic Gold Medal Kicks
The Nike Air Zoom Barcelona Celebrates 'The Dream Team'
Simple Mid-Top Kicks
Adidas Takes a Different Design Approach to the Adi-Rise Mid Trainers
Honeycomb Yellow Kicks
Nike Air Max 1 LAM Brings Warm Colors to Reflect Summer Weather
Cutesy Banks
The 'Piggy Bank Puzzle' Lets You Keep Your Money Safe