The 2012 Summer Olympic Games are underway. Athletes have come to London to compete, and spectators from around the world have come to watch athletes in their favorite sports with hopes that they bring home the gold medal for their countries.

 Over 10,000 athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees are expected to compete in the 2012 games.

I love watching the Olympics. I always tune into watch some of my favorite sports like tennis, gymnastics, track and field  – the list goes on.  🙂 Oh! A few special notes about this year’s games: women’s boxing will be included for the first time ever, mixed doubles tennis will return for the first time since 1924, Sir Paul McCartney is slated to perform during the opening ceremonies, and the Spice Girls are reuniting for the first time since 2008 to perform during the closing ceremonies! I can’t wait to watch!

 No matter what the sport, every athlete knows they need the right footwear to get them to the finish line, or score the game-winning goal.  Are you on the lookout for the perfect athletic kicks? Whether you’re a runner, soccer player or just need a good pair of sneakers for long, energizing walks, I’ve found some great shoes that win the style and quality gold medal. 🙂

Top Athletic Sneakers: Men’s & Women’s Styles 

Skechers Women’s GOWalk-Nice Oxford

Shop: GOWalk-Nice Oxford

Your search for the perfect walking shoe ends here.  The GOWalk-Nice features an elastic-gored topline for an easy, stay-put fit, 360 Degree Responsive Flexibility that allows your foot to move naturally and Skechers’ custom GOimpulse pod sensors on the outsole for traction and durability. This is a shoe that will get you up and moving!

Reebok Women’s ZigLite Electrify-Bright Oxford

Shop: ZigLite Electrify-Bright Oxford

This lightweight runner is miles ahead of the competition. Leather and mesh combine with Reebok’s SmoothFit® and ZigTech design for comfort and ultimate energy-returning technology.

Asics Women’s Gel-Flashpoint™ Oxford

Shop: Gel-Flashpoint™ Oxford

You’re sure to win the match with this state-of-the-art volleyball shoe. You’ll be on top of your game thanks to Asics’ rear and forefoot Gel® Cushioning System and NC Rubber® Outsole for enhanced traction on the volleyball court. This high-performance shoe is a must-have for the serious v-ball athlete.

Reebok Men’s YourFlex Train Oxford

Shop: YourFlex Train Oxford

Top trainer. With a low-cut design, multi-directional flex nodes and removable polyurethane sockliner, this training oxford offers the best when it comes to comfort, traction and durability.

Saucony Men’s Kilkenny XC4 Cross Country Spike

Shop: Kilkenny XC4 Cross Country Spike

This lightweight cross-country racing shoe provides the best fit and features. What’s extra special about this oxford is that it features a 4-pin rubber spike configuration – sure to keep you connected to your terrain as you run.

New Balance Men’s BB907 Basketball Oxford

Shop: BB907 Basketball Oxford

Take control of the court with this specially designed shoe. This basketball shoe features New Balance’s custom ABZORB® forefoot cushioning, NB ZIP® controlled cushioning for enhanced response and a flexible New Balance Ndurance® Rubber outsole for court-to-casual traction.

Top Athletic Sneakers: Kids’ Styles

Reebok Boys’ Thermal Vibe II

Shop: Thermal Vibe II

Your little superstar will heat up the court with this durable basketball shoe. It features an easy-care synthetic upper, midcut design for added ankle support, VibeTech wave-inspired foam cushioning and high-abrasion rubber sole for ultimate durability. Don’t let your little one hit the court without ’em! 🙂

Puma Girls’ Attencio II FG JR

Shop: Attencio II FG JR

The perfect lightweight cleat for easy movement up and down the soccer field.

Puma Kids’ Powercat 4.12 FG JR Soccer Cleat

Shop: Powercat 4.12 FG JR

Arguably  one of the best soccer cleats around. The Powercat 4.12 features a lightweight midsole for cushioned comfort and durable outsole with DuoFlex technology and pointed stud configuration for traction. Your little one will want to go for the gold in this great cleat!

Photo Credit: 2012 Olympic Logo