Boat shoes. Drivers. Loafers. Espadrilles. Each summer shoe has its merits, no doubt (just be careful with the sandals, please). But this is America — and in the US of A, summer will always belong to the sneaker. Below, our recs for the five pairs to keep your eye on and the NYC footwear emporiums where you can grab ’em.
The Leather Canvas: Greats Kent
This brand-new silhouette from Brooklyn outfit Greats is reminiscent of a pair Dogtown-era Vans, but done in a handsomely versatile unfinished cream leather. Casual enough to pair well with shorts, churched up enough for when those shorts are being worn to the country club.
Available tomorrow at:
Greats Williamsburg
240 Kent Ave.
b/t Grand and N. 1st St.
The Beachcomber: K-Swiss for Billy Reid
Southern-fried menswear designer Billy Reid’s latest collab with K-Swiss features a sturdy canvas outer with brass eyelets, calfskin footbed and “convertible” leather heelcup that transforms the sneaker into an easy breezy slipper when the time calls for it. Best color: the awesomely pastel “Blue Surf.”
Available at:
Billy Reid
54 Bond St.
b/t Bowery and Lafayette
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The Texture Play: Adidas Originals Stan Smith “Mid Summer Weave“
In your correspondent’s opinion, the Stan Smith is the pinnacle of minimalist sneakerwear — a clean, streamlined pop of white to pair with just about anything. Adidas has traded the leather upper for a two-tone textile weave that gives you all the versatility of the classic and a healthy blast of texture to boot.
Available starting Monday at:
Adidas Originals
136 Wooster St.
b/t Houston and Prince
The Suit Pairing: Barker Black Hi Top
Very simple: take any suit with which you would wear black dress shoes, pair it with these instead, and ditch your tie. Instant cool-guy suit. Barker’s sneaks even feature their signature crowned skull and crossbones broguing on the toe for a touch of class.
Available at:
Barker Black
198 Elizabeth St.
b/t Price and Spring
The Updated Trainer: To Boot NYC Sheridan Cognac
Trainers have been enjoying their moment with everything from suits to selvedge denim, and luxury shoemaker To Boot New York has given them a dressier update. Handmade in Italy from buttery calfskin burnished to a high shine. Pair with your best jeans, a white T-shirt and shawl collar sweater. Done.
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