When we think of J. Crew we think of classic. They’re like a Manhattan in a sea of Fresh Fruit Caramel Appletinis. So, when they release a new sneaker we know it’s not going to have shocks, air pockets or any other bells and whistles to it - it’s just going to be something straightforward that we are going ... continue reading
The snow might finally be disappearing, but that doesn't mean you don't need a quality pair of boots. Boots can also be good for schlepping through the rain. They can also be used for hiking or even for working. Earthkeepers boots from Timberland aren't specially crafted for any of these things. They are, however, ... continue reading
For a no-frills flask that's perfect to toss in your bag when you're out camping or exploring, turn to Stanley. The classic brand has been crafting solid, well-made food and drink gear since 1913. Their latest flask is the first in the Adventure Series which is aimed at being both essential and rugged. With more grip ... continue reading
In September of 1965 (that's where the 9/65 in the name comes from), the San Francisco Examiner printed something about the city having a "hip hangout" for beatniks. Just like that, the hippie movement was legitimized with a printed story. The original "green" movement (yes, that green) possessed all the elements that ... continue reading
Collaborations have a specific recipe for success. Take one well established brand (Pointer / Aerosmith) and inject it with the flavor of newer and hipper brand (Wood Wood / Run DMC). Boom. Collaboration gold. Pointer took the classic Desert Khan silhouette, sole and upper and then Wood Wood spiced it up with a punched ... continue reading
You might officially be a grownup (with grownup tastes) with bills, a real job and responsibilities, but that just means you treasure the time you get to spend in sneakers even more. Nothing is quite as satisfying as coming home from work and slipping out of the khaki / polo / loafer uniform you're forced to wear 9-5 ... continue reading
Converse has become the Timbaland of the shoe world. Throw them into the mix in any collaboration and presto - instant hit. The latest in the long list of Converse success stories involves Jack Purcell, Aloha Rag and a healthy heaping of buffalo leather. Originally based on a pair of Converse Jack Purcell hi tops, ... continue reading
The problem with falling in love with concept anything is the fact that it rarely - if ever - gets produced. The Adidas SLVR Concepts are one of the few cases where the fairy tale never has to end. Like the best pair of stretchy pants after a big Thanksgiving dinner, the SLVRs are equipped to stretch in four different ... continue reading
In the most annunciated product release in recent history, Converse has introduced the Chuck Clean Crafted Collection - exclusively available at Saks. Fret not, you don't actually have to get out of your chair to strap on one of these exclusive pairs of high tops or oxfords because they're available through the Saks ... continue reading
Unless you're intimately involved with a dominatrix, or at a Criss Angel show or Batman, throwing more leather on anything isn't going to spice it up...or so we thought. Taking a page from the Bruce Wayne handbook, New Balance has leatherized a pair of their iconic sneakers. The deluxe upgrade of the iconic M577 model ... continue reading
While we certainly can't dismiss the fact that these shoes aren't exactly what we pictured when we thought of Lava Shoes, in this case it's not a bad thing. This Nike collaboration with renowned menswear guru Steven Alan looks a whole helluva lot better than the steel, iron, gypsy tear boot that we were picturing in ... continue reading
There was a time not all that long ago when everything was made by hand. No assembly lines, no mass production, no computer determining where things go and when it looks just right. Fortunately, there are a few companies still doing things the old-fashioned way - companies like Bugatti and Alden. But that handmade ... continue reading
We've talked about the oddity that is chukka boots on more than one occasion. Not quite shoes, not quite boots, chukkas are some weird amalgamation of the both. Much like mixing business and pleasure, these creative combinations can go horribly awry - or they can turn out awesome. The Fossil Santino Leather Canvas ... continue reading
We know you already own a pair of Vans. And a pair of Cons. And probably a pair of PF Flyers or Adidas. None of those are reasons not to own these Vans Vault Velocita Brown kicks. Normally we're not huge fans of understated elegance, but we'll make an exception in this case. These kicks are made with perforated suede ... continue reading
With a name like Ransom Valley, we can't fault you for thinking of a bad Mel Gibson movie you will ultimately be goaded into seeing through on-demand. Truth be told though, these Adidas kicks have at least one thing in common with the only actor more insane than Nicolas Cage - they're outspoken. The muted green colorway ... continue reading
Converse is the American shoe; Schott is the American jacket. A collaboration between the two powerhouses isn't surprising, it's expected. If anything, the only real question is why it took them more than a century to get there. Boys, the wait is over. Converse brought Chuck Taylor All Stars to the table. Schott brought ... continue reading