Ever find yourself squinting at the TV during the 8:00 AM hour of the Today Show, wondering exactly what sneakers Hoda Kotb or Al Roker are wearing? You aren't alone. It’s basically a national pastime at this point.
NBC has become a weirdly influential runway for footwear. Between the "NBC Select" shopping segments and the casual outfits worn by the anchors, certain brands have started dominating the screen. If you've been tracking the new shoes on NBC lately, you’ve likely noticed a massive shift away from traditional gym shoes toward what experts are calling "maximalist" comfort and some truly bizarre hybrid styles.
The Viral Sneaker Loafer: Why Is This a Thing?
Honestly, the most shocking thing to hit the NBC airwaves this season isn't a news headline—it’s the sneaker loafer. NBC Select recently highlighted this trend, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. Imagine the bottom of a high-tech running shoe fused with the top of a formal penny loafer.
It sounds like a disaster. Somehow, it’s selling out.
The New Balance 1906L is the one leading the charge here. It’s got that chunky, metallic 2000s runner aesthetic on the sole but looks like something you’d wear to a business-casual lunch on top. According to NBC’s commerce editors, brands like Hoka and Puma are also jumping in. Hoka just released the Speed Loafer, which brings that signature thick foam to a slip-on silhouette. It’s weird. You’ve probably seen it during a "Start TODAY" fitness segment and wondered if the guest forgot to change their shoes.
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Stability and "Super Foam" are Winning 2026
If you’re watching NBC for actual athletic advice, the focus has shifted toward injury prevention and specific foot types.
A big topic lately has been the Hoka Gaviota 6. It just launched this month, and it’s a beast of a stability shoe. If you have flat feet, this is usually what the experts on the show are pointing to. It uses something called "H-Frame" technology. Basically, it’s a hidden bracket inside the foam that keeps your foot from rolling inward.
But it’s not just Hoka. Brooks is everywhere on NBC right now.
The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 has been a frequent guest in shopping segments. It uses nitrogen-infused foam. Yes, nitrogen. The idea is to make the shoe lighter without losing that "walking on a cloud" feeling. It’s a massive shoe with a $200 price tag, but for people who are on their feet all day—like the camera crews and producers behind the scenes at 30 Rock—it’s becoming the unofficial uniform.
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What to Look for Based on the NBC Experts
- For High Arches: The Hoka Bondi 9 is the current gold standard for maximum cushion.
- For Flat Feet: The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 (a perennial NBC favorite) is the top recommendation for stability.
- For Commuting: The Hoka Transport has been featured for its "vibe"—it looks less like a neon running shoe and more like something you can wear with jeans.
The Michael Jordan NBC Era
There’s a bit of nostalgia fueling the new shoes on NBC hype as well. With the NBA returning to NBC and Peacock this season, Michael Jordan himself has been making appearances.
When MJ sits down for an interview with Mike Tirico, the "sneakerhead" world loses its mind. Recently, he was spotted in a pair of clean, all-white Air Jordan 1 Lows. It’s a classic move. But keep an eye out for the Air Jordan 40, which Trae Young has been debuting. The "NBA on NBC" partnership means we’re going to see a lot more high-end basketball tech being discussed during primetime, moving beyond just walking shoes and into performance gear.
Nike’s "Neuroscience" Move
One of the more "out there" features on NBC recently involved Nike’s new Mind Footwear line.
This isn't just about cushioning. It’s about focus. Nike launched the Mind 001 and Mind 002 sneakers this January, claiming they use "neuroscience-backed" design to help with mental priming. Whether that’s marketing fluff or actual science is up for debate, but NBC’s tech reporters have been fascinated by it. They’re basically mules and sneakers designed for "low-impact" movement and mental clarity.
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High-Tech and High-Fashion Collisions
We can’t talk about shoes on NBC without mentioning the collaborations.
Nike is currently working on a Swarovski partnership for crystal-embellished running shoes. You might see these in a "Lifestyle" segment soon. Also, the anticipation for the Caitlin Clark signature shoe is reaching a fever pitch. While it’s expected to drop later this spring, NBC Sports has already been dissecting her Nike deal, which is reportedly worth eight figures.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Purchase
If you're ready to buy based on what you've seen on TV, don't just grab the flashiest pair.
First, figure out your arch type. NBC’s health contributors often suggest the "wet feet test." Wet your foot, step on a piece of cardboard, and look at the print. If you see the whole foot, you’re flat-footed and need stability shoes like the Brooks Adrenaline. If you only see the heel and ball of your foot, you have high arches and need neutral, cushioned shoes like the Asics Gel-Kayano 32.
Second, check for deals. NBC Select frequently runs "Deal of the Day" segments where the Brooks Glycerin or Nike Motiva go on sale for 20-30% off.
Lastly, replace your shoes every 300 to 500 miles. If you’re a daily walker, that’s about every six months. If the tread on the bottom is smooth, or if you’re starting to feel new aches in your shins or knees, it’s time to move on to the next pair. Whether you go for the high-tech nitrogen foam or a weird sneaker loafer is up to you. Just make sure they actually fit.