With World Cup fever gripping the world, we’re inspired to start moving. Here’s our current favourite active wear ranges and innovations, helping us get out of bed throughout winter.
Stella McCartney for Adidas S/S14
Stella McCartney for Adidas is what innovative sportswear for women has been missing for so long, and it’s on trend, transitional and accessible. ‘I really wanted to change what I saw out there. Sports clothing for women, in particular sports performance, was such an ill addressed subject. The colours were very basic and there wasn’t much variation in design,’ said Stella on the S/S 2014 range. Urban landscapes, and city skylines were translated into graphic prints for the outdoor sports range and more muted pastel hues make up the studio range. The range includes apparel, accessories and footwear for activities like tennis, running, yoga, studio work, swimming and cycling.
There is also a strong ethical and sustainable design influence, using recycled and organic fabrics and the Adidas Dry Dye process uses no water – the manufacturing industry often uses gallons of water on the dying of a single garment. The Stella McCartney for Adidas S/S 2014 range is available at Adidas Concept Stores in the V&A Waterfront (Cape Town), Gateway Theatre of Shopping (Durban) and Sandton City (JHB)
Puma NightCat
The Puma FAAS 600 V2 NIGHTCAT POWERED is one smart running shoe. The update to the NightCat range keeps runners even more visible in low lighting conditions like early mornings and late evenings to improve safety. An improved upper fit enhances the natural arch and the athletic structure of the female foot but the most important feature is the 360 degree reflectivity and rechargeable LED lights on the tongue of the shoe. The LED lights sit just under the laces so runners can be seen by oncoming traffic and the 360 degree reflectivity allows visibility at all angles. The NighCat also has increased comfort due to neutral cushioning and technology, which mimics individual’s walking patterns. The NightCat is available at Puma stores from August for R1 799.
Reebok Skyscrape
For the launch of the fun and bright Skyscrape range, Reebok teamed up with all-round wonderwoman Miranda Kerr. The supermodel, mom, fitness guru and business owner is constantly on her feet so comfort is key. ‘I’m on the move all day so it’s important to have a pair of shoes that balance comfort, style and practicality,’ said Kerr. Taking inspiration from the home furnishings industry, the sole of the shoe has a pillow like design for 360 degree cushioning. The shoe was designed to move between lifestyle and fitness to fit into any women’s lifestyle and is lightweight, making it ideal for travel. The Skyscrape comes in five shades and is currently available at Reebok Stores, Cross Trainer and TotalSports across the country from R699.
Billabong
Billabong’s new active wear range embraces the fun side of fitness with 90s inspiration and sport luxe fabrication. The sleek basics and bright prints on garments pack a punch whether boxing and crossfit or pilaties classes are part of your exercise routine. Design details like open backs on vests with built in bras and palm printed shorts have been developed to work with the movements of the female body and are practical but feminine. There are also great pieces for layering before or after workouts and high performance fabrications bring in the technology with fully breathable, fast drying, odour resistant, anti-pilling and crease resistant and styles.
The active wear is inclusive of all body shapes and fitness attitudes which is reflected in the choice of local Billabong ambassadors like pro surfers Tarryn Chudleigh and Tasha Mentasti. This is one range that might have you setting the alarm clock early to meeting your fitness goals. New styles will be available from August. To find your nearest Billabong stores go to billabong.com