WHAT HAPPENED WHEN I TRIED KICKSNATION, THE NEW CURATED SNEAKER BOX COMPANY
Fancy heels are so 2019. 2021 is all about the sneaker. Sneakers are no longer just considered athletic footwear. Sneakers have become real statement pieces. Sure, they go great with the sweats and leggings we have been living in for the past 15 months. But sneaks work with just about anything and everything. Yes, even dresses. There are so many sneaker options out there that it can be overwheliming to shop. So that’s why I love this new company, Kicksnation. After completing a quick sneaker preference quiz and paying a $15 styling fee, Kicksnation sends you 3 sneakers to try. Keep what you want, return what you don’t. And discover new brands and styles in the process. Genius!
While I prefer an in-person fitting for running and tennis sneakers, this is the perfect way to have fun with all of the other sneakers in my life! Here’s how it works. Go to www.kicksnation.com. The first step is to take the quiz. All good, it's a fun kinda quiz— answer questions about sneaker silhouttes, shoe brands, preferred uses and color preferences. And you can select the top price you want to spend for each pair, from $150 to $350. When I did my first box, I selected the lowest price point ($150) and ended up keeping a pair that was only $85.
If you keep any sneakers, you are charged for them. If not, you only spent $15 for a personalized sneaker try on session. Just to avoid the mall, the $15 is totally worth it! There is no charge for shipping to you or returning the shoes you don’t want. Kicksnation is a one time sneaker box. But, you can opt to set up a subscription where you get a new sneaker box at designated times. As always, there is not an obligation to purchase any of the shoes. I did one box and immediatley ordered another one because it was that easy and fun.
So here are the results of my first Kicksnation sneaker box.
With my first box, I wanted all white sneakers. I selected a lifestyle, a runner and a trainer shoe to get to try all three categories that Kicksnation offers. I also picked the brands that I know and love: On Cloud, Veja and Nike.
For the running sneaker, I received the new On CloudSwift. These sneakers are designed for running on hard surfaces, like the concrete pavement. The thick “superfoam" soles are made specifically for impact protection. I have tried On Cloud for running and I do not love them so I won’t be keeping these. But what I do love about these sneakers— and a lot of the brands that Kicksnation partners with— they are sustainably sourced. Parts of these On CloudSwifts are made from recycled materials.
For the training sneaker, I received the Nike Metcon 4 XD. These shoes are made for lifting and high intensity training, which is exactly what I specificed when I selected trainers in my sneaker quiz. When you select trainers, you are then asked a follow up question about the intended training use. My favorite part about these sneakers and why I am keeping these— they are truly unique. They are special edition sneakers that I probably could never have found on my own. I love the mixed texture of the shoe, including some patent leather on the back. I love the pops of Kelly green and Royal blue. I love how the sole wraps up around the shoe. And I love that you cannot find these sneakers anywhere. This is the exact reason that I did Kicksnation- to discover different sneakers for myself and have some fun with my sneaks.
For the lifestyle sneaker, I got the Veja Campo Chromefree. Even though I selected all white for my color scheme, these have a pop of neutral suede. I would have kept them, but I already own a similar pair. These are a great lifestyle sneaker. Veja is another example of a shoe brand that uses recylced materials to make their sneakers. In fact, Veja was the first sneaker brand to use fabric made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. High fives all around!
Other sustainable goals— Kicksnation partnered with Soles4Soles. When you return your sneaker box with the sneakers that you are not keeping, fill any empty shoe cubby with your old sneakers so they can be repurposed or recycled. I also love that Kicksnation sends the sneakers to you without the shoeboxes. The sneakers come in black pouches that are great to store your shoes and for travel. I always throw the shoeboxes away anyway. And this requires less packaging to ship.
I had so much fun that I had to order another box right away! This time, I wanted to increase the price just a little, try new brands and add some color back into my life. You can select the color scheme for each type of shoe in your box. And there are all different options: mostly black, mostly white, muted colors, bold colors, multicolored, etc. I also requested to try some of the new, more eco-friendly brands like Cariuma (the Brazilian sustainable sneaker company that I have yet to try). With these goals in mind, I cannot wait to get my next sneaker box. I check the front door multiple times a day hoping to see that Kicksnation box on the front step. I will be documenting the results of my next sneaker box on Instagram so be sure you are following me on IG @fitnessfindsonthemainline.
If you want to check out Kicksnation for yourself, use code BROOKE at checkout to get your box for free! And be sure to let me know what you get in your sneaker box.
Happy shoe shopping everyone!
Brooke