Alright so here’s the wrap-up for our holiday guide. If you missed any of the guides, we’ve nicely laid out the links below for you. In this guide, our very own Hallie Valentine kindly breaks down what her favorite shoes are for the ladies, while Van and Bloated Penguin throw down their top 5 sneakers.
Previously:
OK ladies, this is for your inner wild child. These Jimmy Choo heels are hot enough to funk up any outfit but not so wild that you couldn’t pull them out any old time if you really wanted. These would spice up the ubiquitous little black dress, and also be awesome with jeans. Love the peep toe, love the zebra print leather and the silver trim. But most of all I love the hot pink lightning bolt on the heel. Knock ‘em dead.
Image source: www.-net-a-porter.com
I stumbled across Angeline Tournier while schlepping around on the Internet and found these wonderfully light-hearted trainers. The metallic silver leather, the whimsical red heart bursting off the side. What’s not to love? Well, shipping for one thing. Angeline Tournier is a UK based designer and a quick look at her website did not reveal any North American outlets. But with magazines like Marie-Clair promoting the products, that could change. One more thing to love for all of you who can’t mash your foot into a size 6.5: Tournier herself wears a size nine, and strives to make all her shoes look smaller than they really are. And if you want something serious, look elsewhere. Tournier deals in whimsy, glam and fun.
Image source: www.angelinetournier.com
Christian Shoe
There is truly nothing like the black, high-heeled classic. And nobody does it better that Christian Louboutin, whose red sole sets the shiny black off oh, so nicely. These are sexy, but functional in the sense they are a real classic that will go with almost anything. As my black stilettos are wearing out, you can bet I’ll be wishing for these. The Decoltissimo pumps also come in bubblegum pink, white and tan.
Image source: www.net-a-porter.com
Boots Hush Puppies
Hush Puppies have come a long way. I purchased a pair of riding style Hush Puppies last winter after a surprise snowfall and a desperate compulsion for dry, warm feet. I found the quality of the boots to be quite excellent and so comfortable. But, the riding boots are flat and they just don’t quite do it in all circumstances. Since then, I’ve been on the lookout for a pair of heeled Hush Puppies, because, lets face it, having dry feet is pretty awesome. Plus, Hush Puppies will at least give you form and function. I tried on this boot, called Hattie, but it didn’t come in my size. However, it was super comfortable, and also comes in a very nice grey suede. And it’s a nice looking boot too. So if you live on the wet West Coast, you might want to consider all the benefits of waterproof boots.
Image source: www.hushpuppies.ca
Stella Shoe
I’ve long been a proponent (and a covetous one at that) about the Stella McCartney and adidas line, wishing and hoping that a pair of the collab’s shoes would magically appear in my closet. No such luck, so I’m hoping these, the LOYDI runner, appear under my tree this year. Now, these are allegedly a runner boasting women specific tooling, according to Shop adidas. It also has the 3-D Formotion technology. Not sure what that all means, but it’s supposed to improve handling and stability. In any case, I wouldn’t be wearing these to the gym because they just look too damn good.
Image source: www.shopadidas.ca
2009 marks the year I really got into Chukka boots. Recently released by Vael Project is their take on tried and truth silhouette. I must say I love the non-traditional metal lace grommets. Taking cues from recent mid top boat shoes and a hint of Clarks Wallabee’s, the ‘Charles’ boot is a must have this winter. Buy Here
You can almost never go wrong with a pair of ALIFEs. With its boot like facade, ALIFE Everybody Mono Hiker is my favorite to date. Key features include an all black upper with orange lining, checkered orange laces and metal eyelets. Unlike previous Mono’s, these don’t have the ALIFE branding, but are compensated with stitching details. If you like what you see, head over to Karmaloop to cop a pair. Buy Here
Vans never ceases to amaze with their line of lifestyle sneakers ranging from the classic Era to the Sk8 Hi’s. One particular pair I’ve been dying to own is the Peacoat inspired Vans Chukka boot featuring the strap and button. 3 colorways from navy, heather grey to black are available. Ubiq was one of the first online retailers I’ve seen to carry them. But due to its popularity, sizes and color are limited as of right now. Your best bet is to check with your local Vans Vault account. As far as DC goes, Palace5ive should have them shortly.
Timberland Abington – Work Boot
When it comes to boots, Timberland is the authority. 2009 is the year I’ve taken notice of Timberland’s Abington Collection which reintroduce classic designs. My favorite of the bunch is the “Work Boot.” I’m biased by this silhouette due to its mid-top cut and heel tab. And I just love the clean simple lines.
Nike Air Zoom Toki Rustic/Sail
Ok so I’m stuck on the baroque brown and other earthy colors yet again. Nike’s take on the Chukka boot features a perforated swoosh, two tone piping and a vulcanized sole. All minor details that make a classic even better. They should be available now at any retailer that has a Nike Sportswear account.
Nike Air Max 1
First up, you gotta go classic; and what’s more classic than the original Nike Air Max 1? The revolutionary running show debuted in 1987 and gave runners the ability to “walk on air.” As one of the very first Nike styles to feature the exposed air bubble in the sole, the Air Max 1 stands for more than just running performance now. The historic kick shows people around you that your knowledge of the history of kicks is worth noting. Although extremely difficult to find an original pair from back in 87, Nike has re-released the show for collectors and sneaker aficionados.
Reebok Miami Vice Court Victory
Normally I’m not a huge fan of kicks that focus on geographical location. Sure I appreciate the fact that people like to show their national/state pride, but I think I’m just getting a little tired of a lot of shoe companies shoveling out NYC Editions or something. Anyways, because of this, I was a little surprised at how much I really like the Reebok Miami Vice Court Victory. Complete with a retro 80’s feel and a 90’s pump, the Miami Vice actually has some original style. Check the flamingo on the back and the original orange pump on the tongue. Not bad if you wanna sport something a little bit louder than usual. Buy Here
Nike Patta Air Max 1
Alright alright, I know what you’re thinking. “This fool gets off on his AM1’s,” which I guess is kind of true, but also pretty gross so I’ll stop there. The Nike Patta Air Max 1 debute in Amsterdam earlier this year and has finally hit North American sneaker shops. The tennis ball green finish and Patta branded tongue enhance the classic shoe design. If you’re an AM1 fan, the Patta is the limited edition style you’ve been waiting for all year.
Nike Star Classics
Whoa whoa whoa, what makes these kicks so special? Well for starters they are comfy as Hell. The low-cut Nike Star Classics are exactly what the name says. They are the All-Stars of classic kicks. Everyone and their pint sized purse living dog has a pair of Chucks these days so if you’re looking for some original style with a similar comfort level, the Star Classics are a the way to go. Also, the kick plays a special homage to a sport we all love and never knew there was a shoe for – Table Tennis.
Jordan IV Retro (Black and White Edition)
To round out this holiday list of sneaker goodies I’m going back in time again. The Air Jordan IV has always been my favorite of all time. I know the XI has a Twilight-sized following but for me, the quintessential Jordan kick has always been the IV. Jordan himself actually didn’t win a championship in these kicks, but this was the very first internationally distributed Air Jordan shoe. People all over the world were finally able to purchase, wear and be like Mike. This particular color scheme was released as a retro classic back in 1999. A lot of sneaker-heads felt Nike had gone too far with the minimal changes to the logo, but I for one quite like the black and white with cement.
November 30th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
OMG the choos!
Shoe websites are like porn to me.
December 13th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Christmas is comming soon, I start usually in the summer, to be sure to get a good deals. I want to make happy my familly this year. I would like to buy a tiffany