Neon is the new black. Clusters of colorful hues stomp through campus as University students embrace summer’s latest trend – bright neon running shoes. Available in an assortment of colors, brands and styles from various footwear retailers, each shoe shares similar features including a “second-skin-like fit,” a breathable mesh and mutli-layered upper and a lightweight, flexible sole. Although these shoes have been tailored for the more athletic crowd, Complex Magazine deemed running shoes to be a staple in fashion this year. Complex listed running sneakers replacing dress shoes among its top 10 best trends of 2012 thus far. Karli Henderson, Swine Palace production stage manager and graduate adjunct, was spotted on campus last Friday sporting the fashion forward trend. “I had to walk across campus, and they are way more comfortable than my business shoes,” Henderson said as she scurried across the Quad in her ruffled blouse, pencil skirt and multi-colored running sneakers. Henderson said business people are constantly moving. She said she understands why they would wear running shoes with formal attire, but she does not consider it to be a fashion statement. “All the fashionistas probably cringe when they see us,” Henderson said. Mechanical engineering freshman Kelly Fox agreed. Fox said she has seen men wearing bright running shoes with suits and did not like the trend. However, she said neon running shoes are the perfect addition to a University student’s everyday attire. Kelli Fatigate, a kinesiology sophomore, said she wears bright running shoes mainly because she likes the colors. “I just love bright colors,” Fatigate said. “Orange is my favorite.” Many female students pair colorful footwear with Nike shorts, which is why the shoes have become an on-campus trend, Fatigate said. But Fox said she primarily wears running shoes for comfort. “It’s a lot easier to get around a big campus [in running shoes],” she said. Fox said she used to wear flip-flops, but after coming to the University, she found running shoes to be more comfortable. She said she bought four pairs in multiple colors. During her search for new shoes, Fox said she noticed a disturbing trend of her own. She said the men’s shoes were more colorful than the women’s. “I think it’s weird for men to wear bright shoes at all,” Fox said. Mechanical engineering freshman Jacob Landry disagreed. Landry said he owns two pairs of Nike Free Runs: one in grey and orange, and another in blue and red. He said the shoes are comfortable and are a great alternative to open-toe footwear. “I’m not really a sandal guy, so these work,” he said. Landry said it’s unlikely for him to ever wear running shoes with formal wear, but he will continue to sport them with khaki shorts and a T-shirt. He said his two pairs of Nike Free Runs cost him between $89 and $100 each. Prices for other brands vary. ____ Contact David Jones at djones at lsureveille.com