Designed in collaboration with podiatrists, Klaw's retro-looking monochrome sneakers are the ultimate walking companion.
Designed in collaboration with podiatrists, Klaw's retro-looking monochrome sneakers are the ultimate walking companion. Shoes Canvas Shoes
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When I was in elementary school, my two all-time favorite pieces of clothing to wear were my tie-dye horse T-shirt (the equine version of that infamous Three Wolf Moon shirt from The Mountain Corporation) and my white cheerleading shoes. Those of us who had the pleasure of doing Pop Warner cheerleading in the late ’90s will remember the iconic white cheerleading shoes we’d wear on our feet, complete with a dramatized heel/toe in the outsoles and, more importantly, the colorful plastic chips you could pop into the sides to match your team’s colors, before inevitably falling out and getting lost in your cheer bag forever.
board-certified podiatrist and founder of Step Up Footcare in New York City
Since my short-lived cheerleading career nearly three decades ago, I’ve discovered there’s a lot more that goes into picking a sneaker than whether or not you can mix and match accessories (although, I admit—Crocs’ jibbitz are cute). Looks are still important, but not nearly as imperative as feel, especially when you’re on your feet for long swaths. Happy to report that I’ve found my “adult” cheerleading sneakers that I now wear all the time. While there are no rainbow plastic swatches on the uppers, they do have a pronounced cheerleader-y heel and toe that make me feel like I can do a toe touch, even though I know damn well my body could never.
Designed in collaboration with podiatrists for long days on your feet, the Klaw 528 Walking Sneaker ($148) will leave your legs doing proverbial cartwheels mile after mile.
Available sizes: women’s 6-11, in half sizes and two widths (Regular and Wide)
Colors: Gamma White, Helio Yellow, Aero Grey, and Kuiper Black
Fun fact: Klaw is “walk” backward. The shoe fits; inspired by New York City’s walking culture, Klaw’s founders are determined to “take design for walkers to a new level,” per the brand’s website. To do so, the brand works with one of the city’s leading podiatrists, Nelya Lobkova, DPM, to create comfortable walking sneakers fit for pounding the pavement, no matter your foot type.
“All the aspects of an optimal walking biomechanical system were taken into account to create this shoe,” explains Dr. Lobkova. Using Dr. Lobkova’s insights, the team at Klaw engineered an ergonomic walking machine, the Klaw 528 ($148), that leaves feet happy and healthy. Everything—from laces to lug—was strategically designed to make walking better for wearers.
Most notable is the midsole, which is cloud-like and comfortable. “The midsole is lightweight yet cushioned to provide shock absorption for walking in the concrete jungle of the city… In order to prevent a common walking injury like plantar fasciitis (pain in the heel), there needs to be cushioning in the midsole to prevent impact on the heel.”
Dr. Lobkova explains the heel-to-toe gradient of the Klaw 528 is 7-mm, putting it right in the sweet spot (between 6-8 mm) for optimal walking mechanics and propulsion. There’s also an impressive insole built with a deep heel cup and medial and lateral arch support. “The deep heel cup prevents abnormal outward and inward tilting of the heel, which throws off alignment,” says Dr. Lobkova. “The medial and lateral arch support allows the arch of the foot to touch the insole and trigger the proprioceptive response to pronate through midstance.”
Meticulously detailed to be ergonomic and anatomically accommodating—even for issues like overpronation, bunions, or hammertoes— Klaw’s minimalist sneakers are the ultimate walking companion.
As soon as I unwrapped my Klaw sneakers from the box, I was transported back to the sidelines of my small town’s community football field. They really look like a cheer sneakers, complete with the boxy, bright white leather upper, puffy stitching, and dramatized toe and heel.
Candidly, I thought they were pretty ugly. I know the “orthopedic” look is kinda in right now, especially in cities like LA and Brooklyn, but I’m not cool enough to pull off grandma shoes unironically. Or so I thought…
The Klaw 528s are so stupidly comfortable, I don’t even care what they look like on my feet. Stepping into them the first time, I could immediately tell a difference in the insole; you can feel the augmented arch support in the insole and the slight rocker outsole in the forefoot. This takes some getting used to since it’s definitely a different balance point than most other sneakers, but after a few steps, it’s very comfortable and very supportive.
The cushioning at the heel and toe is particularly lavish and completely absorbs shock, even when I’m walking on unforgiving concrete. I also find them to be very supportive, which is vital considering I have severe overpronation and, as such, weak ankles. The deep heel cup and lateral support across the shoe, combined with the stiff, leather upper keep feet in place. As such, I feel more balanced when I wear my Klaws, never like I’m going to roll an ankle or tweak something.
Admittedly, I think they actually look pretty cool now and actually *prefer* to wear them, particularly to balance out more formal outfits, like dresses and skirts. The puffy, oversized silhouette has an early Aughts feel that immediately gives them a vintage vibe. The minimalist, monochrome color palette elevates this retro look even more; currently, the Klaw 528s come in a buttery Helio Yellow, cool Aero Gray, moody Kuiper Black, and my personal favorite, the bright Gamma White which goes with everything. And while you think that monochrome leather would be hard to keep clean, they actually don’t scuff or smudge easily. They’re completely water-resistant, perfect for staying dry through unexpected rain storms or gross city puddles, and clean off with a simple swipe of a paper towel.
Some things to note: Out of the box, the leather is very stiff. Be prepared to fight with the laces a bit to get them to tighten the upper, especially if you have narrow feet. Speaking of, they do run wide, even in the Regular width. That spacious, boxy toe box is great for accommodating issues like bunions and hammertoes but is a bit roomy on narrow feet like mine. Size down if you run on the narrow side, and when in doubt, wear a thicker sock.
Although they don’t have the cute, colorful plastic chips on the side, these are *much* comfier than my cheer shoes of yore. If you live in an urban area and do a lot of walking, they’re worth having in your walking rotation. Just do it while they’re in stock—the brand just re-upped its sold-out sizes, so the complete size range (women’s 6-11, men’s 8-13) is up for grabs online. Now that’s something to cheer about. Rah rah!
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Confession time: I love citrus—zesty limes squeezed on my tacos, fresh-squeezed orange juice on slow Sunday mornings, and the invigorating scent of grapefruit candles when I need to unwind. But when it comes to eating whole citrus fruits? Historically, not my thing. The mess of peeling, the sticky fingers, the rogue juice dribbling down my wrists—for me, most citrus has never been worth the (literal) squeeze.
Then, one day, my roommate came home from the store with an oversized citrus I didn’t recognize. She told me I had to try a piece, while effortlessly peeling it in one smooth motion—no mess, no struggle. I skeptically accepted a slice, wondering what the big deal was.
To my surprise, the experience was completely sticky-fingers-free. And the taste? Unlike any citrus I’d had before—enormously sweet, impossibly juicy, and balanced with just a hint of tang. That was my first bite of Sumo Citrus®—and now, I understand why The Office actress Jenna Fischer planted a Sumo Citrus tree in her yard, John Mayer peeled it on TikTok, and it has its very own merch (kind of eyeing that beanie, TBH).
So, what’s earned Sumo Citrus this devoted following? Sumo is taking the sweetness on the road for you to experience it yourself with the Tastemonial Tour—and it’s making a special stop at House of Good during our Ultimate Citrus Experience pop-up from February 21 to 23. Stop by for the hype if you're in Los Angeles, and read on to find out how this one-of-a-kind fruit became a seasonal fruit fixation.
Sumo Citrus wasn’t just plucked from a tree one day and marketed as the next big thing—it’s the result of decades of careful cultivation, according to Sunnia Gull, AC Food’s vice president of marketing. First developed in Japan in the 1970s, it was naturally bred to combine the best traits of different citrus varieties—including the sweetness of mandarins, the juiciness of navel oranges, and the easy-to-peel skin of a satsuma.
Despite its popularity, growing Sumo Citrus is no easy feat. It takes years of expertise to perfect, and California’s Central Valley is the only place in the United States where it’s grown. Even then, farmers face unpredictable weather challenges, which means every piece of fruit that makes it to the store is a result of careful tending and patience.
The first thing you notice about Sumo Citrus is its size—it’s the largest variety of mandarins. The second? Its signature Top Knot®, a bump on top of the fruit that serves as an easier way to peel it. The skin practically lifts off, revealing plump, seedless segments that don’t leave your hands coated in juice and stubborn pith.
Every Sumo Citrus is guaranteed to be incredibly sweet, thanks to each being measured on the “brix meter,” to ensure it meets sky-high sweetness standards before hitting shelves, Gull says. For those who prefer their fruit without surprise sour bites, it’s a game-changer.
Beyond its chef’s-kiss flavor and finally-I-don’t-need-a-wet-wipe convenience, Sumo Citrus packs a *serious* nutritional punch. Each fruit contains 163 percent of your daily vitamin C, along with fiber, potassium, and a flavonoid called hesperidin, which has antioxidant benefits. Whether you’re looking for immunity support, a gut-friendly snack, or a natural energy source, it fits the bill. Bonus: It’s the kind of snack I can toss in my bag and eat in two minutes flat—way better than the sad granola bar that’s been in my purse for the past three months.
And while Sumo Citrus is made to eat straight out of the peel, fans have gotten creative with how they use it. The fruit’s sweetness and juiciness make it an ideal addition to everything from bright citrus salads to zesty cocktails and refreshing desserts. Its bold flavor also complements savory dishes—think citrus-glazed salmon or a tangy dressing for roasted vegetables.
All of that creativity may be a result of the fact that Sumo Citrus is here for a good time, but not a long time. Unlike standard grocery store oranges that are available year-round, Sumo Citrus has a limited growing season, running only from January to April. This short window has created an almost cult-like following, with fans stocking up as soon as they see the signature purple sticker in stores.
I get it—now that I’ve experienced Sumo, I fully understand the impulse to grab them while they last. The anticipation is almost part of the appeal: Like cherry blossom season or holiday peppermint mochas, Sumo’s fleeting availability makes it even more special. And when the season ends? People (me) are already counting down the days until its return. Conclusion: Do yourself a favor and grab a few before they disappear for the year. Because once you’ve had a taste of this juicy citrus, there’s no going back.
Psst: Want a taste ASAP? The Sumo Tastemonial Tour is rolling into Belmont Park in San Diego from February 28 to March 1, Boreal Ski Resort in Tahoe from March 7 to 8, Craig Ranch Regional Park in Las Vegas from March 10 to 11, and La Encantada in Tuscon from March 14 to 15—or stop by House of Good in Venice Beach for the Ultimate Citrus Experience from February 21 to 23.
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