There’s a feeling of invincibility that all athletes experience when they step onto the track, court or field with the newest and brightest pair of kicks. In 2013, the neon shoes look is almost guaranteed to be seen on anyone working up a sweat. But what is it about this magical luminescent fad on our feet that amps athletes up with that extra superhuman boost, making feet feel faster and hops seem higher?



To get some perspective on why neon is so enticing to our beloved athletes, we asked Palo Alto High School’s finest on why they choose neon.

“I wear neon because when I’m working out and I look down at my feet, I’m like, what? I’m a baller, and then I just get really pumped up,” said varsity volleyball player, Junior Lauren Kerr.

While neon may be invading women’s work out fashion, on the other side of the spectrum, wearing neon also provides an entirely different bonuses for the gentlemen.
Varsity athlete in football, lacrosse and wrestling, junior Tully Mccalister, sports neon for another reason.

“I wear neon because it is similar to the male peacock effect, the bright colors attract the opposite sex and the ladies swoon,” Mccalister said.

But not everyone is on board with the neon look, Nor Cal Rower, junior Becca Althoff takes an obstinate stand against neon. Her opinion is that serious athletes do not fraternize with the likes of neon.

“People that wear neon shoes are the type of people who walk the dish with matching neon sports bras, and call it exercise,” said Althoff.

But Althoff’s controversial opinion could be influenced by the fact that rowers do not get to wear shoes—they wear boat socks—Perhaps Nike or one of their athletic brand competitors will help out these deprived athletes and introduce neon socks.