Details JUST THE FACTS The Leather Runner features a supportive, breathable leather upper. Don’t be afraid to put these to the test.
Source: BURGUNDY LEATHER RUNNER
7 Days No Nike is not a shot at the Swoosh. After Nike’s latest quarterly report it’s clear the company has command of the entire sneaker industry. What is also evident is the brand is intent on dominating the news cycle on sneaker sites via the constant stream of releases. 7 Days No Nike is my decision to discuss a few brands that I’ve yet to buy a pair of kicks from, but I really need to because they are both functional and stylish.
I know I just did a #7Days on NOBULL two days ago. I know, I know, I know and believe me I’m not being paid to write about these guys. I don’t even tag them in these posts. I try to refrain from tagging any company because I like to see how well these posts do on their own merit (organically). So why am I taking two days out of my seven to talk about a company most people have never heard of before? Because in 2019 more popular traditional training shoe companies have a Lululemon styled disruption brewing in NOBULL. The company is one of the first to fully commit to fitness in the era of athleisure. They do so with a consistent message and as they begin to understand the power of a cleaner website layout and they begin to build the platform as a direct reflection of the consumer they are attempting to reach (think about Saucony stories) they will shine. NOBULL makes beautifully crafted training shoes without getting into a lot of the showmanship other brands utilize.
I have a pair of oxblood Cole Haan loafers. Those are my go to shoes for almost every event when I’m dress down to dress up. I also bought a pair of Cole Haan chukkas, but I’m being honest, if the Leather Runner shoe had a debossed NOBULL logo on the tongue as opposed to this stitched on one it would solve a considerable problem for me and I’m sure a lot of people in this era of knit shoes as fitness shoes (the brand does have a knit runner). I don’t run a lot. I bike more than I run, but I love hitting the heavy bag. I wouldn’t use these for that. This shoe from NOBULL though is most definitely a crossover model as many of their models are, but they’ve made one change that simply shines. The diecut leather upper is most certainly a shoe that will contain the foot more than knit models. I’ve been wearing BOOST and REACT based shoes since I stopped making my own shoes. When I did make my own running shoes with ARCH I always used suede. No matter what the industry does, suede and leather keeps the foot more locked in in running shoes. It’s not really leather, it’s the layers that knit shoes lack. For me, and probably others, knit shoes allow the foot to shift too much which leads to my big toe hurting after a day of walking or running. I know that a leather shoe isn’t exactly comfortable in the spring and summer, but NOBULL includes in this pair a removable sockliner!!!! I really want to see that.
If I have to keep it true though… it’s this oxblood leather that almost seals the deal for me, almost. The heel counter TPU stability cap with the white NOBULL is the only thing holding this shoe back. As the brand begins to use a less bold branding approach I can see the company replacing Allbirds as the darling of new shoe companies. I get that it’s not function that drives Allbirds, but sustainability. However, 2019 will equate to a larger rise of biking and scooter initiatives along with city redevelopments that will drive a more active lifestyle. One that will see people transition from work to gym and those who are a bit frugal will look for shoes that are professional, but built for workouts. This NOBULL Runner is almost perfect.
Read more of the 7 Days No Nike series:
7 Days No Nike | #KARHUWINTER Pack – Synchron June Bug/Peyote