Let me say this outright: I hate, hate, hate clothes shopping. I really do not enjoy going to a mall, walking around, trying on various clothes, and then walking out three hours later empty handed.

Shoe shopping, on the other hand, is a little easier to like. Not sure whether it's because trying on shoes is a quick process, or the fact that DSW keeps sending me coupons and stuff… but shoe shopping is significantly less painful than clothes shopping.

That being said, I realize I want to buy a pair of red sneakers to wear to next year's DC United games. DSW doesn't really stock scores of red athletic shoes, so I headed online to see what I could come up with.

First contestant is from Zappos, one of my favorite (but albeit more expensive) online shoe stores. This is Puma "The Suede."

Next up, also from Zappos: Converse All Star Core OX.

At this point, I ran out of plausible options in the Women's section, so let's head over to the Men's dept.

Contestant #3:Gola Harrier - 40th anniversary. (Never heard of Gola before, but I certainly have heard of Harrier. Yes, that plane is hovering.)

Another site I particularly enjoy (save for their search engine) is 6pm.com. I think Zappos actually owns 6pm, and it's essentially their outlet store. Really cheap prices, but the tradeoff is no free return shipping. Meet Adidas TOP Sala VIII.

Sadly, this particular pair is only available in mens sizes 4.5 (I didn't even know they went that low), 10, and 13. Cross this pair off the list.

Thankfully, THESE guys come in my size: Reebok Superkick.

The Superkicks are my favorite so far… my only little quibble about those is the black heel. If I actually had any readers on this blog, I'd put a poll up or something to see what everyone else thought. (Then again, if I based my decision on what everyone else chose, what kind of person would that make me?)