7 Luxury Sneakers You Should Be Wearing Right Now
When it comes to walking through life on the busy streets of a big city, or just catching a break from them somewhere a little different, what’s on your feet tends to matter more and more to men these days. Spring, Summer, and Autumn are prime times to show off what you’re walking with, and here are a few of the luxury sneaker game’s favorites that we have our feet set on (when they aren’t set on sandals). From the currently popular court shoe to masterfully crafted leather tribute pieces, this list will have you thinking about where that next ‘rainy day’ cash-out is going. Let’s see what’s underfoot.
SPALWART COURT
Silent-but-deadly Swedish designers, Spalwart snuck in with a sophisticated, all the while casual court shoe. It just so happens to be called The Court and is crafted from super smooth Nappa leather with a soft, but sturdy calfskin inner. Spalwart finished the shoe with a seamless ribbon of fresh rubber outsole, which when paired with the vintage-inspired toe detail gives the shoe a clean-shaven, timeless aesthetic. The Court is available in a more utilitarian nubuck, and they haven’t put out a color that doesn’t look superb on this shoe yet. Careful, for around the $300-$400 range, this versatile sneaker could become that everyday go-to you need in two pairs. Retail: $390
MARNI SCUBA HIGH
Never satisfied with blending, Marni has done it again with their Scuba High Top sneaker. Made with modern technologies and fabrics, this is one for the tech-heads who want to stand out from the crowd that is modern knit/neoprene tech runners. The poly/cotton construction hugs the foot while supplying just the right amount of breathability, and the two outspoken sole offerings provide an adventurous turning point for any outfit accompanying this quirky little sneaker. The Marni Scuba is a must have item for those looking for something sleek, chic and relevant; perfect for those athleisure ensembles, or just traipsing around a brand new city on an out of town excursion. Retail: $345
COMMON PROJECT ACHILLES
The one and only; a classic – The Common Projects Achilles. The heel for many a modern minimalist, but who’s saying they blame them, us, you? It only makes sense that we give a respectful nod to such a timeless New York staple and native. Common Project has given us a sneaker completely stripped from tail to tip and left with only the best bits. You simply cannot go wrong with the flawless Nappa leather and the unwavering monochrome match between the leather upper and rubber sole. There’s a reason they’ve been sported by all walks of life, from the everyday Joe to infamous style icons the world over! Whether for shaking up that office look, or smartening up that casual one, the $350- $400 Achilles is a more-than-understandable choice. Hell, you might say it’s respectable. Retail: $410
FEIT HAND SEWN LOW
The Price brothers founded Feit, an Australian New York-based company, and they’ve been putting out quality products since the beginning. Every pair of shoes is built entirely by hand around an Italian master’s set of custom cornerstone-lasts, out of completely natural materials. The Hand Sewn Low is the stunning low-top version of perhaps their best seller. Available in a few monochrome hues, the upper of each shoe is a single, exquisite piece of leather which allows for a truly personal fit, often truer than the multi-panel shoes with which most people are familiar. The $540 price tag makes this the smart, minimal ‘sneaker’ for a nice night out on the city, or a relaxing afternoon on the terrace (if you have access to one of those). Retail: $540
HENDER SCHEME MANUAL INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTs 10
Yes, we’re well aware that initially this shoe seems like a slimmed down, upscaled (most famous basketball shoe) 4, but upon second glance there is so much more to this artful shoe that we had to feature it. The Industrial Products 10 from Hender Scheme is quite literally completely covered in leather (from the laces right down to the sole). Three different kinds to be exact, which admittedly give it a more polished look than its basketball-ready counterpart. You’d think resembling such an icon wouldn’t give much room for individuality, but Hender Scheme has personalized this easily identifiable silhouette with a few subtle nuances of their own, including the leather wrapped outsole, slightly overhung heel shaping, and texturally contrasting suede panels interspersed throughout the shoe. With a price tag of $1K this is one for our wish list, but a beauty nonetheless. Retail: $1,000
NEW BALANCE 997 SPECIAL BEIGE/GREY
Massachusetts-based New Balance has refined the classic runner with this one-off, the 997 Beige/Grey. The quality of the Horween leather, calculated execution of the muted palette, and the undeniable authenticity of this 997 are most certainly the factors sold us on this quintessential American running shoe. A slightly elevated heel encourages a healthier step during a brisk walk through that morning foot traffic or a quick transportation switch. For $340, the New Balance 997 B/G has day-to-day written all over it. Retail: $340
GOLDEN GOOSE SUPERSTAR
Duck, Duck, Golden Goose? Sure, why not. Having been created by two skilled Venetian designers, it comes as no surprise that Golden Goose is accustomed to the standard of quality in footwear. With this classic silhouette, The Superstar, they’ve successfully combined the best aspects of a skate shoe and an indoor court shoe while seriously upholding the level of luxury known by Italian sneakers. Each pair is worn just enough, aesthetically, to issue the feel of those already-loved brand new kicks. The combination of the natural gum outsole and almost ‘wet cement’ grey is the perfect color to cut up the monotony of just about anything you throw at this Superstar. This particular pair costs just under $500 making it the one skate shoe to maybe not skate, but we aren’t here to say what anyone can or cannot do. Retail: $495
Words by: Gerard Barwell
If you liked this story, check out more in our Urban Transplants issue.
