KNOW THIS BRAND: OAK STREET BOOTMAKERS
At last month’s Project Show in New York, one of the biggest stand outs was newcomer Oak Street Bootmakers out of Chicago. Although only a few years old, they’ve created a lasting brand identity that immediately evokes history and heritage. Crafted by hand in a small factory outside of Bangor, Maine, they’ve proven they are in it for the long haul by putting manufacturing first. For Spring, the Navy Camp Boot is an all around workhorse. A lighter (more…)
BENJO’S SHOE & BOOT LACES
Colored laces have been on just about every hipsters well-worn winter boots all season long but now that it’s almost Spring? Benjo’s out of Minneapolis makes a thinner lace that works perfectly for those heavy soled brogues, cap toe black lace ups and white classic sneakers. Adding a bold jolt of color can modernize an otherwise stuffy shoe silhouette and it’s an inexpensive way of changing up your footwear, without actually taking them off your feet. $8 per lace, available at Benjo’s.
THE RANCOURT SHOE FACTORY
This is an interesting and informative short film that shows the inner workings of Rancourt & Company, an American shoe manufacturer based in Lewiston, Maine. It’s a terrific look at a family-owned business with a staff of highly skilled workers who have been creating hand sewn footwear since 1964. Most of the techniques have remained steady over the years, with the exception of the addition of a tuck and a shank in the bottom of the shoe that provides more support.
GRENSON ENGLAND 1886
Grenson is a well respected shoe company founded in England 1886 by William Green. It is often a challenge to balance the rich history and heritage of a storied brand with the need to innovate and stay competitive. I spoke with the owner and creative director, Tim Little.
For the novice buyer, what should one look for when trying to find a well made dress shoe? What are the basics in good shoe construction?
Firstly find one that you like, don’t buy something just on quality. The easy way to tell is the upper leather. Look closely to see if you can see the grain of the leather. If it’s a shiny plastic-looking finish, it’s usually cheaper leather. Ask what the construction is. Many shoes that have stuck on soles have a fake stitch to make them look Goodyear Welted. It sounds obvious but look at the price, most brands work on the same profit margin so if its expensive its because it cost a lot to make. Finally, (more…)
NORSE PROJECTS + DIEMME
For rugged, All-American, mountain style, check out these great looking hiking boots and gloves from the Norse Projects website. Norse Projects “Peter” Fingerless Gloves, $36 & Diemme boots, handmade in Italy, with contrasting white leather Vibram sole, $335.
SOREL CARIBOU BOOT
There is nothing timid or reserved about the rugged Caribou boot from Sorel. While many top boot brands modify their collections to make them city appropriate, Sorel could care less about pavement. Add the Caribou boot to your holiday wish list if you need a workhorse that unabashedly plows forward in ice, sleet and snow. $130, available at Sorel.
THE JIMMY BY NATIVE SHOES
I came across these today on set for a Bonobos shoot and they really stood out amongst a sea of footwear. The Jimmy by Native shoes is a super-lightweight, lace up hunting boot, with a sole similar to what you would find on a pair of Crocs. I wrote about their summer sneakers in a previous post and was excited to see the winter collection. You can pick from 11 color options, but go with black, or brown for the most versatility. $89, available at Native Shoes. Here are some of the colors other options: (more…)
TIMBERLAND MOC BOOT
I’ve been wearing these boots from Timberland for about two weeks now and they are hands down one of the best pairs I’ve ever owned. What makes them different: 1) the whole white sole thing is pretty trendy at the moment but these are off-white, a subtle but important difference as they will fade quicker and keep an overall rugged aesthetic. 2) The shape of the sole is much like (more…)
NIKE AIR VENGEANCE
Continuing today’s obsession with Nike, this is one of their best laid-back sneakers, the Air Vengeance. For a subtle style, look for the Iguana/Black/Sable Green Color. $100.
MARK MCNAIRY LOAFERS
Penny loafers often look stodgy and uptight – think Nard Dog from the Office. It’s the white EVA sole and brown grain leather that make this pair from Mark McNairy modern and wearable on just about any occasion, including a last minute island getaway. $350, available at Mark McNairy. The details: EVA stands for “Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer,” a material used in the shoe manufacturing industry for many years. It provides comfort and flexibility for the shoe wearer and is extremely tough and durable, while also being lightweight.
NEW BALANCE 574′s
Just in time for the weekend. These retro, limited edition New Balance sneakers are perfect for a fall day in the park or heading out with the fellas. Just make sure it’s a Brooklyn laid-back and not Manhattan doorman night. $72, available at New Balance.
NOEL GALLAGHER + ADIDAS
This is an interesting partnership to be sure. To help promote the debut album of his new band, the High Flying Birds, Noel Gallagher, formerly of Oasis, collaborated with Adidas on a custom sneaker. It’s pretty sharp, but haven’t we seen it before? Gallagher went with a Trainer 72 in Adidas blue and white, with gummy soles. For your chance to win one of only 200 pairs being created, head over the Adidas facebook fanpage.
TIMBERLAND ABINGTON BOOT
Most outdoor-inspired boots come in every shade of brown but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a good black version. Timberland has three solid options as part of their Abington collection: the Hiker, the Farmer’s Boot and the 7-Eye Moc Boot. Our pick would be the bottom Moc Boot, as it’s just the right height and really feels like a utility boot. It will pair up nicely with navy and (more…)
ADIDAS CAMPUS KICKS
The Adidas “Campus” Original is a great option for fall. The suede fabric and darker, muted colors make them season appropriate. Ideal footwear, whether you’re running a meeting at a creative agency, or simply running to class. $65, available at Adidas.
TIMBERLAND SPECTATOR OXFORD
Heritage and history are big in menswear right now and these oxfords from Timberland certainly look the part. You can wear them with jeans, broken-in slim khakis, or even a sharp gray suit. If they start to get worn and distressed, all the better. $180, available at Timberland.
NEW BALANCE CUSTOM 574s
Check out my exclusive collaboration with New Balance that just launched! OK just kidding, that would be a dream. Anyone can do it – just go to the very cool New Balance site and design your own custom 574′s. Unlike other top brands, there are tons of color options and over 20 areas you can make the shoe your own. You can buy them at the end for $114, or save them to a gallery. There are about 600 styles currently in the gallery and it’s fun to flip through and spot the good ones. The only downside (more…)
J.CREW + TRETORN
It’s always fun to see the results of a collaboration between two storied brands. Take the above iconic Nylite tennis shoe from Swedish label Tretorn, and J.Crew, a fashion juggernaut that always gets it right. To say their design team has been on a roll (more…)
SPERRY SUEDE TOPSIDERS
These classic American shoes in soft, pliable suede are easy to slip-on and travel friendly. Gray is a versatile, year-round color. $85, available at Scoop NYC.
NEW BALANCE LAUNCHING NEW STORE
New Balance is launching a new retail store in New York City tomorrow, August 11th at 150 5th Avenue, on the corner of 20th Street. After many calls to the store went unanswered, a somewhat-knowledgeable employee kind-of-confirmed that they plan to carry all the styles we have grown to love over the years, from high performance trail runners to the more (more…)
TRETORN NYLITE
The Tretorn Nylite men’s tennis shoes first debuted back in 1967 and was widely regarded as the first luxury sports shoe. It still retains it’s effortless, laid back charm but can also function as a light running or tennis shoe once the inspiration grabs hold of you. It’s really the perfect shoe for a summer vacation and, along with (more…)
