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These Real Girls Prove That Lace-Up Shoes Are For the Birds

Published on April 26, 2017 at 4:00 AM

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There was a time when laces ruled all. You tied them in neat little bows, maybe you even weaved them to make a checkerboard pattern. Either way, it's time for an upgrade because laces have gone the way of the dodo. The biggest trend we're seeing now in the fitness space is to ditch the laces completely.

Women everywhere are being unapologetically expressive in all aspects of their lives, and that is transitioning to their workout gear, too. PUMA's Fierce Strap Flocking Women's Training shoe is paving the way for these women to make noise. Featuring a flocked velvet pattern on the upper and special elastic wrap in lieu of laces, these sneaks are helping athletes be their true, most dynamic selves. To better showcase it, we tapped three POPSUGAR staffers who love 'em.

These women say laces are out. This is what's in.

Stephanie Nguyen, associate editor, on how stylish kicks make the outfit

"My favorite element of any workout outfit is always the shoes. Throwing on a fierce pair of kicks helps me feel my best, which in turn motivates me to get moving. Not only are these gray sneakers lightweight and supportive, but the lace-less design makes for a supersleek effect. They’re my go-to for style and performance during fast-paced workouts, like my cardio dance class, since I don’t have to worry about constantly stopping to re-lace my shoes. I love pairing these with marble print leggings in the same palette for a monochromatic look."

Gianna Capovilla, native operations associate, on feeling stronger in class

"I love when a shoe gives me strength. When I am learning new Zumba moves, this shoe is perfect. It's lightweight, and even if I don't know a sequence, I feel unstoppable. The lace-less style and technical design push me to be my best self.
The swift movements and quick bursts in Zumba require a lightweight and supportive shoe. With these, I don’t want to have to worry about twisting my ankles and feeling weighed down. I can’t tell you how many times I have tripped or fallen on my face in the middle of a class, and now I don’t even have to think about it.

The lace-less look is supersleek and perfect for grooving in class. Whether it’s the salsa, samba, or tango, I know I feel and look like a strong dancer."

Carrie Carrollo, assistant editor, on being edgy

"This shoe feels more edgy than any standard sneaker or high-top I've worn. I love rocking a rad #OOTD on the street, and this totally brings that vibe into the gym.

When I take kick-boxing classes, I'm constantly doing challenging moves that keep me in motion and on my toes, literally. The high-top style makes for amazing support, which is crucial when I'm taking a class that's as physically involved as kick-boxing. So much of this type of workout is about being fierce and having confidence, and this shoe channels that to a T.

Though laces are a sneaker staple, they can definitely get in the way and be more of an annoyance than a helpful feature. I'm choosing to opt out of laces because without them I feel fashionable working out."