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It’s not yet time to bust out the suede sandals, but, with spring style already halfway out the door, it’s the proper moment to consider your footwear choices for the upcoming season. Are you committed to sneakers? Feeling the call of a new loafer? Or maybe you, like us, are bullish on buckles and the blessings they bring.
All the Style Drops You Should Care About This Week
Including knit jerseys and leather boat shoesIf you fear you might need some guidance, don’t fret — we’ve tracked down the biggest trends and hottest styles you can expect to see (and hopefully wear) this summer. They run the gamut, from preppy moc-style boat shoes to sophisticated penny loafer cousins you won’t mind wearing on the beach to slimmed-down, ’90s-inspired Nike sneakers. Read on for all the footwear to consider this summer.
Beefy, Buckled Beauties
We foresee something shiny in your near future. That’s right: one of the trends of the summer is indeed buckled footwear, in all its various capacities. The spectrum of shoes is fairly sweeping, with performance and outdoor styles, like the beefed-up Birkenstock London Nova, on one end and luxurious leather peasant footwear from Aurora Shoe Company on the other. However you choose to buckle, know that you are the coolest man in the room.
The Thinking Man’s Boat Shoe
The boat shoe is so back. And there’s nothing wrong with a Sperry. But for the man who’s trying to take his sartorial swag up a notch, consider a style in the Moccasin variety. Typically cut from a deerskin or high-quality pebbled leather and more relaxed than a canvas boat shoe (the lacing system is slightly different, too), they add a hint of intrigue to an otherwise all-time classic summer shoe.
Sneakers, Slimmed Down and Retroed Up
You’re probably aware by now that sneakers are shrinking, but that doesn’t mean the Adidas Samba — versatile as it may be — is the end-all be-all when it comes to summer sneakers. The recent batch of releases draw heavily from iconic retro silos, with clear military and sport influences and a ton of character you won’t get with a pair of Common Projects. In particular, Nike’s revamped footy styles, the Gato chief among them, stand out in a crowded market, as does this beautiful GAT-style leather trainer from Lady White Co and ROF.
Vacay-Ready Venetian Loafers
Somewhere between the buttoned-up penny loafer and highfalutin Belgian loafer lies the Venetian, a one-piece loafer style, predominantly made from a supple, soft leather and perfect for packing into your next getaway. They’re inherently casual and easier to wear with a pair of trunks, but won’t raise any eyebrows on the destination wedding dance floor, either. You could go full Amalfi colonizer scumbag and purchase a pair from Aimé Leon Dore…or maybe stick to sensible offerings from COS and J.Crew.
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