Folks, its that time again where we at Killahbeez list products we’ve posted about that would make great gifts to others as well as ourselves aka a Holiday guide. Kicking off things of course is the Top Ten Sneakers guide. Here goes…
Clarks revamps its mainstay line and gives silhouettes such as the Desert Trek sneaker aesthetics and feel. The above “Traxter” trades in the crepe sole for a lightweight sawtooth rubber one. While retaining its casual shoe form, more sneaker traits can be found in the purple neoprene lining thats matched with a pull tab and piping. Purist may or not may not embrace this fusional project. However, being a proud owner of the Tanners aka Wallabee sneakers, I gotta say I really love the Orthololite insole and ultra light build. Get the Traxters at Karmaloop.
CONVERSE CHUCK TAYLOR ALL STAR CLASSIC SAWTOOTH BOOT
Converse is really embracing the sneaker boot look with its more recent offerings. Take for example the above Chuck Taylor All Star Classic Sawtooth Boots. A leather upper, contrast stitching, metal lace eyelets and moccasin toe are enough to make us give a thumbs up to Nike err I mean Converse. But the vintage Nike Basketball fan boy in me is completely sold by the canvas strap along the heel. It may be just me, but I’m reminded of how to wear the Nike Vandals properly. Available at Karmaloop.
The Ace Hotel x Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Bosey in navy and black have been a favorite of mine since its Spring 2011 inception. They also mark the first time I’ve ever worn a pair of Chucks. The CT Bosey FS Hi is a complete boot makeover with a Vibram “Cristy” outsole and suede upper. Accented with rawhide lace, a tonal mudguard and toe cap, these are the Chucks that you can wear to the office any day of the week. Grow a Ron Swanson to complete the look. Available at Bodega.
CONVERSE X MISSONI AUCKLAND RACER OX
The partnership between Converse and Missoni have brought us plenty of covet-worthy products. But it wasn’t until the Auckland Racer’s that I really took notice and started gravitating towards Converse’s First String offerings. The intricately knitted upper over a crisp clean white foam sole breathes new life into the 40 year old silhouette. Personally, I’m glad the end product came out with a more subtle colorway combination. Available at Bodega.
NIKE FREE RUN+ 2 WOVEN LEATHER
Prior to my first pair of Lunarlon equipped shoes by way of the Cole Haan LunarGrand Wingtip, I swore by the Nike Free sole. With that stated, the preferred candidate was the Nike Free Run+ 2. Most recently Nike Sportswear has released the Nike Free Run+ 2 Woven Leather. The sneaker is treated to well a tonal woven leather upper all sitting on top of a speckled Free sole. Lightweight, well ventilated and mute in color, these are great for both lifestyle and casual running. Available at Nikestore.
If you’ve been following my sneaker raving all 2012, you’ll know I’m quite the advocate for the Roshe Run. For chukka boot wearers and ACG fan boys, Nike brings us the Roshe Run Trail. At $85 dollars a pop and four colorways to choose from I’m surprised these are not sold out yet. Available at Nikestore.
I’ve posted about these collaborative Nike Free Trail’s earlier last month. The obsidian and black colorway just sits so right with me and I’m sure they’re a hit with anyone that loves mute tones on their running/casual out and about shoes. Fortunately for those that still want this silhouette, Sneakersnstuff still has a full range of sizes available.
UK based Pointer Footwear is another brand that excels at fusing together sneaker and casual shoe styling cues for the perfect any occasion silhouette. The William is a low cut sneaker that blends suede, waxed canvas and leather along the upper. All of which sits nice and cozy on a vulcanized rubber sole. Available at Bodega as well as ASOS.
As mentioned last month, the Supra Owen’s really took me surprise as a solid pair of running sneakers. The Sneakersnstuff collaboration ups the ante with premium leather, an off white EVA SupraFoam and subtle signs of the partnership all around the sneaker. Available at Supra or Sneakersnstuff in an extremely low run of 365 pairs.
DIEMME BONITO WINGS CHUKKA ANTELOPE
So my cousin assigned me to list the top ten sneakers for our Holiday Guide 2012. Instead I listed nine I already own or have intention of buying. However, for the tenth “sneaker”, I’ve decided to go with the Bonito Wings Chukka Antelope by Diemme. To break down the name, this hybrid shoe is a mid cut chukka boot with antelope leather throughout the upper. Contrasting the antelope leather are brown accents in the form of the brogue detailing, round laces and heel tab. The very handsome hand made Bonito Wings are available at Tres bien shop.
