High Performance Running Shoes That Look Better Than Your Retros

Stop living in the past.

August 13, 2013

Image via Complex Original

Running shoes have long been one of the most popular sneaker types out. Even if you don't actually do a damn thing in them, they're comfortable, lightweight and typically pretty appealing to the eye. A lot of sneakerheads seem to be trapped in a glass box of emotion called the past, though. Nothing against the '70s, '80s or '90s, but most of you weren't even around to remember any of those times, so why are you wearing shoes from then? The last few years have seen an influx of performance running shoes fill the market and even with all the dope designs, we still see most kids wearing tired old retros every single day. We decided to step out on limb, hoping to break it off and knock some sense into all of you that can't seem to see the the possiblity in the present. With that said, check out these High Performance Running Shoes That Look Better Than Your Retros.

RELATED: The 50 Best Nike Trail Running Shoes of All Time

New Balance 890V3 "Boston Marathon"

Available At: New Balance

This year's Boston Marathon may have turned out to be one of the biggest tragedies of the year but nobody is going to keep Boston down for long. The New Balance 890V3 not only pays tribute to the marathon but also has some dope details that you would normally never see on a performance runner.

Nike Air Max 2013 EXT

Available At: Crooked Tongues

It goes without saying that the Air Max 2013 should be on your radar. It's essentially got enough cushioning to support your entire family comfortably. Nike updated the Air Max signature with an EXT update that added some retro styling to this modern day classic. Which is perfect for those of you still holding on to the past.

Mizuno Wave Sayonara

Available At: Eastbay

You might think that bold graphics and prints are meant for retro products, collabs or other special releases but Mizuno would disagree. The Sayonara not only has one of the best names on the market, it also has an upper that will make you dizzy if you stare at it long enough. Perfect for making race competitors (and dudes on the train) wonder where the hell you got these at.

New Balance 1260V3

Available At: New Balance

New Balance's 1260V3 probably has cushioning that is as comfortable as any retro product in your closet. This is one of those shoes that might not have the cool factor on the Internets but if any OG in the streets sees you wearing these, they know that you know. What, you thought all those New Balance classics started as lifestyle shoes?

Under Armour Toxic 6

Available At: Under Armour

Leopard print on a high-performance runner? UA killed it with the Toxic 6. Whether you're looking for performance, an outside-the-box silhouette or a colorway that has people asking what it is, this is it.

ASICS GEL Tri-Noosa 8

Available At: Road Runner Sports

Running shoes should be about over-the-top colorways and when ASICS dropped the Tri-Noosa 8, they nailed it. For those of you that need a cool story attached to each of your sneaker purchases, check out the Sneaker Report breakdown of the Tri-Noosa collection.

Nike Air Pegasus 30

Available At: NIKEiD

Thirty years after its introduction, and the Pegasus line is still going strong. Now that these are available on NIKEiD, you can make whatever colorway you want, so those of you still living the South Beach dream can keep pretending you're an athlete.

adidas Springblade

Available At: adidas

The Springblade is crazy. In fact, we know most of you don't have the courage to even wear them. But maybe someday you'll grow some.

Saucony Cortana 3

Available At: Saucony

Saucony came correct with the recently updated Cortana 3. Not only does it boast technologies like FlexFlim Support Frame and PowerGrid, but it also weighs next to nothing. The lime green and bright orange colorways are ignorant in the best way and guaranteed to turn some heads.

Nike Free Flyknit

Available At: Finish Line

If you want to run barefoot but not look like a weirdo running through the streets, the Nike Free Flyknit is where its at. As a matter of fact, it will make you look cool as fuck and that's OK by us.