Just in time for winter are the Chukka LX ‘Sierra’ from the Vans Vault camp.  I’m already sold by the finer details such as the metal eyelets, choice of laces and black toe cap.  But first and foremost, I love both colorways.  Currently, these are available or will be shortly at all Vans Vault accounts.  And for those that need the black ones asap, head over to Classic Kicks and place that phone order.

Image Source: Sneaker News

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:

• Too Hot Not To Cop’s Holiday Gift Guide
• Video Games and Films / TV Series
• Men’s clothing & accessories
• Women’s clothing, accessories & beauty products

Shoes

Hallie Valentine’s Top 5:

Heels Jimmy Choo

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

Angeline Shoe

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

Van’s Top 5:

Vael Project ‘Charles’

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

Alife Everybody Mono Hiker

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 Vault Chukka Peacoat LX

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.

Bloated Penguin’s Top 5:

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.

Lately, I’ve been really feeling crocodile anything.  After seeing a pair of black croc Vans Chukka, the croc patterned Applebum 59Fifty and even the Meat Guy’s crocodile claws for bbq’ing, I feel like its a texture missing in my life.  The void ends here.  I am or rather will find these Nike Terminator “un-HTM”.  The retro hi top may feature a simple one-two colorway of black and white.  But the texture makes up for what would just be a simple statement.  I absolutely love the metal grommets that hold up the round laces common in current day Nike Running sneakers.   Hopefully, we’ll be seeing these in the States soon, as they are only available at NOS currently.

On a different note, if I can secure these, I’ll be on a two-peat with the Nike “un-” series.

Image Source: NiceKicks.com

Heres another pack coming from the Vans Vault collection for Winter 2009 (possibly Fall).  The Vans Vault Wool lineup consists of a pair of Chukka, Sk8-Hi, Old Skool and Slip On’s.  Although wool and white contrast stitching are the common denominators for this pack, each shoe has its own individual textures.  Take for example the lining on the Old Skool, the image may be exceptionally small, but I think a houndstooth pattern can be spotted.  The Sk8-Hi and Slip On appear to have a pin striped or checkered lining.  As for the Chukka boots, the wool is treated with a flannel texture to give the sneaker personality.  This is another nice pack coming from Vans Vault.  Hopefully, we’ll get to see these hit shelves before the holidays.

Image Source: NiceKicks.com

Here’s another take on the timeless Chukka silhouette.  Opening Ceremony’s Classic Canvas Mids keeps detailing simple with an all canvas upper.  The brown piping creates a very nice contrast to the otherwise plain upper.  Although I’d like to classify these as holy grails, the sole makes me wonder about comfort.  Find out at Opening Ceremony NYC or if you’re completely sold on looks alone, try Tres Bien.

Image Source: Tres Bien Shop

Ever since I acquired a pair of Nike Considered Mowabbs, Chukka style boots have entered my radar.  And from there, I started appreciating more lifestyle footwear from brands like Vans to ALIFE.  My recently obsession is with a brand named F-Troupe.  Take a look at their Chukka boot.  The silhouette is minimal with only canvas and suede heel detailing for the upper.  Whether you fancy tonal layers or a bit of contrast, this is simply put a beautiful pair of Chukkas.  And $96 isn’t too bad for a pair of canvas midtops.  Oak currently carries both colorways and I need them in my life.

Image Source: Oak

ALIFE has just dropped their Summer 2009 collection and Standard ATL is one of the few boutiques to receive the entire lot.  I mean just look at the gallery lineup.  From the most popular silhouette, the Everybody (in both mid and high) to the Public Outrage all receive a revamp in colorway and materials.  Although, I’m really feeling the entire collection, my obvious purchases would have to be the Everybody Mid Parachute – Grid and the Chukka.  Both in gray of course.  What about y’all?

Image Source: STANDARD ATL

White and beige is a no brainer summer colorway combo.  And May is the perfect month for the Vans Vault “Lvevl” pack to drop.  I first fell in love with the half cabs back in late February when I snuck a peek at Oki-Ni.  But without knowledge of the pack’s name and what shoes made the cut put a halt to an earlier posting.  In addition to the Half Cab, the pack also includes a pair of Sk8-Hi and Era like 46.  Aside from the obvious “lux” style features, the outsole receives a texturized horizontal stripe pattern as well.  Look for these at your local Vans Vault account in May or you can pre-order them at Oki-ni right now.  On a different note, I kinda wish Vans added a pair of Chukka to the lineup.

Image Source: Sneaker News

Red plaid has become a staple pattern in streetwear and Surface 2 Air took notice.  The latest silhouette to receive the plaid treatment is a pair of American classic lifestyle shoes aka the Chukka boot.  The cut on these Chukka boots appear a bit higher than other Chukka boots.  But until you’ve tried these on, don’t knock them.  I wasn’t able to find a release on these boots, but I do know they go for roughly $160.  Until then, enjoy the gallery below.

Image Source: Bee:WEBZINE

Immaculate is not a powerful enough adjective to describe these Clarks Originals.  Quite often there are sneakers here and there that speak to me.  Stirring enough emotion for me to travel or drop more cheddar for overseas shipping costs.  These Desert Boots, however, may be all time favorite shoe for 2009.  I love the pairing up between a chukka boot upper with the crepe sole found normally in Wallabies.  Currently they can be found at Atmos from sizes 6 – 9.5.  But those with friends in the UK can cop them for you directly at Clarks online with a more extensive range of sizes.

Image Source: Sneaker News

Plaid is a textile that can be worn in pretty much any season.  Specifically for Spring 2009, Vans is dropping a pair of Chukka and Era in a black, grey and white plaid pattern.  I must say the Chukka and Era are the perfect silhouette for plaid treatment.  However, I wouldn’t mind seeing the Half Cab receive some plaid action either.  If you can’t wait for your local Vans account to start stocking these, they are readily available at Essence.

Image Source: mashKULTURE via ESSENCE

The pea coat is by far one of the best investments for surviving old man winter.  The silhouette is timeless and of course it does a damn good job of keeping one warm.  Everyone that keeps up with my entries knows I’ve fell head over heels for Vans not too long ago.  My love for Nike Air is still strong, but I’ve been diversifying the collection a bit.  Recently, the Vans Vault line have revealed a Chukka to be released in Winter 2009 with the pea coat as inspiration.  Three colorways to include black, navy and grey with an all wool upper and black sole will be available.  The laces appear to be slightly waxed and the big button furthers the pea coat theme.  My only question is when will Palace5ive and Elite receive them?

Image Source: Sneaker News

Dropping this Friday are Nike’s latest lifestyle shoe which combines the silhouette of the Nike Blazer and the Nike Zoom Sabaku with a hint of Vans Chukka.  Details are very subtle, but sophisticated with one eyelet in sail blue which matches up with the midsole piping.  But whats going to pursuade buyers are the perforated leather upper and selection of mature colorways to include black, gum medium brown and blur.  The first two colorways will drop at the below retailers.  However, the blur colorway will only offered at 21 Mercer Street.

ALIFE, New York City
Bodega, Boston
Darkside, San Francisco
Dave’s Quality Meat, NYC
Goods, Seattle
Huf, San Francisco
Nike Sportswear @ 21 Mercer, New York City
Nike Sportswear @ The Montalban, Los Angeles
Shoe Gallery, Miami
UNDTFD, Santa Monica
UNDFTD, Los Angeles
UNDFTD, Las Vegas

Image/text Source: Nike Sportswear

Vans recently released a new pack called the Stripe Pack.  Consisting of a pair of Chukka and Authentic, this pack is muy bueno.  First off, I’m a huge fan of the black midsole complemented with contrasting piping.  The piping along with the outersole receives a light khaki treatment.  And of course the highlight of this pack are the angled stripes that make up the rest of the upper.  The Chukka goes for $73 while the Authentic retails at $60 and are available at ripe.  However, if you’re like me, you’re probably wondering if Active or any stateside Vans account will carrying them as well.

Image Source: NiceKicks.com

2009 is around the corner and Vans Vault has us already sweating and waiting for the ‘Schaffers’ Pack.  I have no idea when they come out.  But from viewing the material used, it may be safe to assume a winter release.  In no particular order, I am in need of the Eras and Chukkas.  Maybe even the Slip Ons for once.

Image Source: Off The Wall Site

I am in love with the mature and clean look these Chukkas have going on.  Recently, there have been a lot of appealing Vans Syndicate and Vault releases.  However, with details such as the plaid lining, premium laces and of course the luxury nubuck leather, these set the standard for a Fall motifed sneaker.  Be on the look out for these at your local Vans Vault dealer.  But if you can’t wait, Caliroots has them in stock now.

Meanwhile, make the leap for more photos.

Image Source: Sneaker News

Coming out this Fall are two pairs of Vans Classics Chukkas in a two tone tweed pattern.  One colorway being blue/brown and the other, grey/black.  Considering these aren’t part of the Syndicate or Vault line, they should be available at any Vans account.  I believe these are even available at Barney’s at the moment.  Although, the run may not be limited, I still wouldn’t sleep on them.

Image Source: Sneaker Files

My heart normally goes out to the Half Cab in the entire line of Vans sneakers.  But with this recent Supreme collabo, I’d have to say go with the Chukka in off-white.  The collection drops in the LA/NY store on May 22nd and online May 23rd.  May 24th is when Supreme Japan fan boys and fan girls can get their fix.

Image/text Source: Supreme

Perforated leather is a good look and so is all white.  Especially as a summer sneaker.  The above Sk8-Hi LX, Chukka LX, and Half Cab LX are now available at your local Vans account.  Meanwhile on the backside is the “Perforated Collection” in a black and electric blue colorway.  I’m a bit torn between which color way I like better.

Image Source: TheShoeGame.com via Proper