Move over Rainbow sandals, silly bands and Nike shorts--the newest fad to step its way into the spotlight is active footwear.
With the slogan "Fit for Adventure," Chacos have slid their way into becoming the most popular sandals on campus.
Selling 20 to 30 Chacos a week, Josh Gamble, Kinnucan's assistant manager, said they are popular among both men and women, adventurous and nonadventurous.
"They are comfortable," Gamble said. "You don't have to be the adventurous kind to wear them."
Active footwear are designed to support your feet for whatever you may be doing.
Originally created for those playing water sports, Chacos have expanded to all walks of life.
Gamble said the popularity of Chacos has come from the sandals' durability and ability to be easily worn.
"I love my Chacos," said Sydney Murphy, junior in communication disorders. "I like them because they are comfortable. When it is raining, they get wet, but dry easily."
For some students, however, comfort does not come from easily being able to slip a pair of shoes on, but from the feeling of not wearing shoes at all.
Vibram's FiveFingers do just that.
According to Vibram's website, FiveFingers are designed to give a sensation of walking barefoot while strengthening the muscles in the feet and lower legs during physical activity.
Brad Hambrice, junior in psychology, said he bought FiveFingers after doing research and finding out they help people with flat feet.
"My primary purpose for wearing them was to run, but after I started wearing them, I became addicted," Hambrice said.
FiveFingers' odd appearance may have some turned off about wearing them.
Hambrice admitted he thought people were weird for wearing them, but he got used to them very quickly.
"It becomes where you don't want to wear regular tennis shoes anymore," Hambrice said.
However, with the popularity of Reebok's EasyTones, students have not given up on the "regular" tennis shoe.
EasyTones are designed with balance ball-inspired technology to create natural instability while toning thighs and glutes.
Gamble said they are made for daily use.
"You can wear them walking to class and still get a workout," Gamble said.
Jessica Howard, sophomore in business administration and theatre, said she likes her EasyTones, but she doesn't notice them working exactly like the company claims in their ads.
"It is something you can't notice unless you are walking long-distance," Howard said.
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