During the lull between Christmas and New Year’s, when many New Yorkers escape to ski slopes or tropical destinations, I journeyed west to L.A. My ten-day trip was primarily spent in The Valley, reconnecting with family, sipping green juice, and embracing the active L.A. lifestyle. Naturally, as a fashion editor, I paid close attention to the activewear looks others wore while attending classes at Equinox and Burn L.A. A consistent trend stood out among those who I thought looked “cool”: their footwear. A specific sneaker, the Runner by ALO, seemed to be the most popular choice.

ALO’s Runner sneaker isn’t new. In fact, it launched in August 2024 as the brand’s first running sneaker, following its recovery style. The shoe features a streamlined look with clean lines running from the heel to the toe. The narrow upper consists of recycled mesh, which keeps the shoe breathable, and a chunky sole that lends modern appeal while keeping the foot protected and supported. While this shoe is engineered with technology to deliver heel-to-toe traction and soft impact, it’s less technical-looking than other running sneakers and more fashion-forward, which is why I believe everyone in L.A. is wearing it. Plus, the tonal colorways, from sand to chocolate brown and cherry red, give it a tastefully sporty yet pared-back look.