Tag / best men’s sneakers to buy now

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Buy a Pair of the Best Men’s Sneakers for Spring Right Now

It’s time to take stock of your collection of stylish men’s sneakers. We’re well into spring here, so if you don’t yet have a pair of versatile kicks on your feet or in your wardrobe, it’s time to start shopping. Coming from a guy who absolutely loves rugged leather boots, it can be a bit of a weird transition to stow those away and reach instead for lightweight sneakers. Fear not, though — we’ve got plenty of picks in today’s shopping roundup to tickle your fancy. Whether you seek old-school high-top sneakers,  classic white canvas sneakers or a modern pair of trainers, the right pair of sneakers is out there just waiting for you. I’d wager you’re going to need more than just one pair, though. Classic spring sneakers can (and should) be swapped in for dress shoes or leather loafers in plenty of spring style situations, including ones that are a bit more out-of-the-box (like at the office with a blue Oxford, tan chinos and a navy cotton blazer). That’s just the tip of the iceberg, really. Your sneakers are going to see a lot of work on casual weekend outings and spring brewery trips, too. And with something as straightforward as a slim pair of dark denim and a grey pocket tee? That’s where any one of these pairs of sneakers are going to excel. Read on and see for yourself, my friends.

#1. Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid in Khaki — $185

Classic design and classic construction makes a great pair of sneakers.

Rancourt & Co. stays in the game when it comes to quality sneakers — seriously, they’ve been making theirs using time-tested methods for decades on end. That approach has led to a sneaker with modern styling potential — the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid — to go along with classic construction. Done up in a spring-friendly khaki color (the ideal complement to light wash denim and a white henley), these are an upgraded take on your standard music festival kicks. But really, you can wear the Carson Mid wherever you want.

#2. SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll — $62.98

Easygoing and easy to style — SeaVees nails it.

That classic pair of white sneakers that every guys needs in his closet? The SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll fit the bill perfectly. Crafted with the sort of laidback California cool that SeaVees has down pat after more than five decades in the sneaker business, these are the type of sneakers you can wear on your flight … and then right to the beach. And provided you keep them in good enough shape, they can pull double-duty at the office, too.

#3. Oliver Cabell Renes Trainer — $198

A slightly futuristic (yet classic?) pair of leather trainers.

For every pair of easygoing white sneakers, it seems you can find something a little sharper. If that’s what you seek, the Oliver Cabell Renes Trainer is the way to go, easily. A recent entry into the sneaker market, Oliver Cabell is all about quality materials and streamlined design, hence the Italian rubber sole and use of beautiful Italian full-grain leather. The Renes Trainers also boast a slim profile, perfect for matching up with olive chinos, a white Oxford and a navy blazer any day of the work week.

#4. Levi’s Woods Canvas Sneakers — $60

Your favorite denim brand is making a pair of sneakers that are remarkably easy to wear alongside said jeans.

There are times when a guy just needs to wear, well, sneakers. You know. Just plain, simple, stylish sneakers that aren’t too fussy or expensive. That’s where I’d argue the Woods Canvas Sneakers come into play, folks. Made by arguably the most classic denim brand out there, the Woods Canvas Sneakers are an ideal set of casual kicks. Think muted colors, a wearable silhouette and the ability to be paired up with beat-up Levi’s jeans, a crisp heather grey tee and a bomber jacket. I think I just found your new favorite bar crawl outfit.

#5. SeaVees Monterey Sneaker — $68

A seasonally appropriate shade of green that’ll pop just enough against spring neutrals.

If you tire of wearing black, white or navy sneakers consistently and want to add a little color into the mix, the eye-catching SeaVees Monterey Sneakers are the right way to go about it. Available in a shade of green that’s spring-friendly but not too bright, the Monterey Sneakers are another casual option done right by SeaVees. Wear these with chino shorts and a grey cotton polo (plus a stylish casual watch) for a few rounds of patio or rooftop beers. At least, that’s what I’d do.

#6. YORK Athletics Mfg. Featherweight Sneakers — $115

Sporty sneakers that bring a lot of athletic-inspired style to the table.

Rounding out this list, we’ve got a pair of sneakers for the more athletically minded fellas among us. While the YORK Athletics Mfg. Featherweight Sneakers aren’t fully made for working out, they’ve got more sporty style than the rest of this batch. That works out nicely if you want a pair of sneakers that work for quick weekend outings or comfortable travel in equal measure. And hey, the Featherweight Sneakers live up to their billing when it comes to kicks that are both comfortable and stylish.

So, do you have a favorite pair of sneakers from the above list? Are the athleisure-inspired YORK Athletics Mfg. Featherweight Sneakers your pick? Or perhaps you’d go with something like the SeaVees Monterey Sneakers are the ones to get — and wear with everything from a henley and light wash jeans to chino shorts and a slub polo. The streamlined Oliver Cabell Renes Trainer offers a bit more modern style alongside business casual combos like dark blue denim and a navy cotton blazer, while the Woods Canvas Sneakers from Levi’s are a unique offering from a lauded denim brand. If something even more classic tickles your fancy, the SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll ought to get the job done nicely. However, my personal favorite might be the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid, a classically constructed pair of sneakers with the versatility you can only get from high-top kicks. Let me know your favorites in the comments below, or on Twitter.

Happy spring sneaker shopping!

-Beau

 

 

 

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Upgrade Your Footwear with the Best Leather Sneakers to Buy Now

There are sneakers and then there are sneakers. The kind of stylish men’s sneakers that make you pause, perhaps do a double-take and then pull out your credit card. That’s what we’re talking about today on The Style Guide. We’re taking it up a notch from past Online Shopping Picks entries and getting a little bit more specific, too. Now, we talked earlier this year about the best men’s sneakers to buy for spring and summer, and today builds off that focus in a whole new way.

Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers

This pair right here … well, the Rambler Hi from Todd Snyder and P.F. Flyers could become a favorite. Read on to learn more.

Yes indeed, the right pair of leather sneakers offers something a little extra when compared to a pair of standard canvas sneakers, which are decidedly more casual. Equal parts durable and rugged, stylish leather sneakers can team with everything from light wash denim and a pocket tee during the last few weeks of summer to your favorite henley and a classic cardigan come fall. What’s more, I think you’ll find that the below picks hit the sweet spot in terms of style that can transition from August into September, October and heck … November. That’s particularly the case if we’re talking stylish leather high-top sneakers. So, shop on for your new favorite pair of leather sneakers, and feel free to follow me on Twitter for #menswear musings aplenty.

#1. Rancourt Carson Low in Natural Chromexcel — $300

Rancourt 7 Co.

A beautiful pair of leather sneakers that’ll only get better with age.

Let’s get this straight right off the bat — the kind of leather sneakers you’re looking for definitely bring a little something extra to the table. That something extra, that “Wow” factor … the handsome, stylish and investment-level Carson Low from Rancourt & Co. certainly has that extra something. Featuring made-in-Maine craftsmanship and beautiful Horween leather, the Carson Low is an absurdly beautiful pair of sneakers, practically begging to be worn right now with a slim white polo shirt and then worn later on this fall with a Todd Snyder crewneck sweater.

#2. GREATS The Royale in Blanco — $169

Before we get too carried away with brown Horween leather sneakers, let’s get back to the basics — and by the basics, I mean perhaps the most affordable pair of premium white leather sneakers on the market.  GREATS continues to make waves in the men’s sneaker market for mixing excellent quality with simple silhouettes — and the Royale in Blanco is certainly a silhouette that’s lifted the brand to new heights. Buy these classic leather sneakers now to wear with slim tan chinos and a navy polo, keep ’em handy to wear with a denim jacket and a rugged henley when you feel an early fall breeze.


#3.  GREATS Royale Vintage in Nero — $179

Let’s go with another pair of stylish GREATS sneakers, this time with some subtle updates to the brand’s tried-and-true Royale silhouette. The Royale Vintage updates that same silhouette with detailing like a back heel tab crafted from nubuck — and the cream Margom sole is a nice deparature from the Royale in Blanco, too. In short, the Royale Vintage is just different enough to justify the slightly higher price tag — and that means you should give it a shot alongside dark denim and a grey Oxford the next time you need to dress to work remotely.


#4. Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Rambler Hi Sneaker in Saddle Leather OR White Leather — $160 ($110 When Signing Up for Bespoke Post)

Ahh, yes. The lauded Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Rambler Hi — a past entry in our Style Pick of the Week series, and just as worthy of inclusion in today’s list of prime #menswear picks. The essential Rambler Hi might be the perfect leather high-top sneaker. It blends a durable, classic construction with two quality options — either the Saddle Leather Rambler or the White Leather Rambler are solid picks. Plus, you get the sort of style that really can carry over seamlessly into the fall; wear these on a weekend coffee date or a stroll through your favorite park.

#5.  GREATS Royale in Perforated Sand — $179

One more pair of essential GREATS sneakers for your shopping list, ehh? It’s a treat to see how GREATS takes a silhouette like the Royale and continues to update it. In this case, the Royale in Perforated Sand blends a transitional color with perforated leather detailing — a touch that means these are fit to wear into October and November as the leaves start to fall. Pair them up with your favorite pair of dark blue denim and a classic chambray shirt — oh, and sidle up to the bar and get us another round, will ya?

#6.  Nisolo Diego Low — $129

A handsomely crafted pair of sneakers made with top-notch attention to detail.

For those of us who like a sneaker that’s got the quality and craftsmanship of a pair of essential leather boots, there’s the Nisolo Diego Low. Made with the same attention to detail as the brand’s handsome leather loafers and Oxfords, the Diego Low has a rugged-yet-sporty vibe that’s tough to come by these days — the Vibram sole and vegetable-tanned leather on the Diego Low are but two quality components of these kicks. They’re perfect for teaming with a rugged field jacket and slim black denim this fall — trust me on that.

Honorable Mention: JAK Royal in Taupe — $102.98

JAK sneakers

A clean and simple set of kicks for wearing with versatile high-low style combos.

You didn’t think we’d leave out a pair of sneakers that run just over $100, did you? The JAK Royal in Taupe is a recent addition to the Huckberry offering of stylish men’s sneakers. What’s more, it’s an absolutely great set of kicks for a great price. Handcrafted in Portugal, the  JAK Royal in Taupe blends comfortable Vibram construction with flat wax cotton laces — these are certainly sneakers to wear with a blazer or an upgraded T-shirt this summer and into fall.

Well, we’re really just scratching the surface when it comes to stylish leather sneakers that you can wear now and into the fall. Consider this list a good starting point — the right pair of leathr sneakers should blend quality, craftmanship and serious style. I personally think the Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Rambler Hi is a heck of a pair of sneakers to wear now with rolled denim, and wear later with a thick cardigan.

If you’re more of a low-top sneakers guy, then the JAK Royal in Taupe could be the right pick for you — or maybe even the Carson Low from Rancourt & Co., a pair that’s as handsome and rugged as anything you’ll find on the market. We’d be remiss not to mention the work being done by GREATS , too. Notably, the Royale in Perforated Sand and the uniquely detailed Royale Vintage are winners in my book for their blend of crisp details and versatile style. What’s your favorite pair from this list? Drop a note in the comments — oh, and get back to shopping!

Thanks so much for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Orwells, Canvas Jackets and Abercrombie & Fitch

Editor’s note: Expect these posts once a week on Fridays — consider this a jumpstart on reading for your weekend downtime. Expect a mix of style and non-style content. For more entries, click here.

There are weeks that, despite flying by in a blur, make you grateful for what you do and where you live. This week was definitely one of them. But first things first — how did you celebrate Valentine’s Day? Happily in love or happily alone? Hopefully, you found our Valentine’s Day style suggestion helpful. As for me, I kept quite busy this week with pursuits both #menswear and music-related — as seems to be the case these days. And luckily, there’s perhaps no better place to pursue both of these ends than NYC. Yes indeed, there’s probably nothing I love more than a great live show — and this week’s been full of them. It’s always an honor and a treat to check out a show at the legendary Mercury Lounge — a former home to bands (and personal favorites) like The Strokes and The National — and seeing an upcoming band like upbeat, powerful Aussie rockers Gang of Youths  gives me hope for the spirit of the genre. So, that kickstarted the week — and of course, I rocked my JackThreads Munro Leather Biker Jacket for the occasion. But, that’s not all. If you haven’t yet plugged your headphones into the high-voltage, no-holds-barred rock of Chicago natives The Orwells, look out. It was a treat to attend their album release show at hallowed Brooklyn venue/record shop Rough Trade NYC, and the group’s brand-new album, “Terrible Human Beings,” is one you’re going to want to spin if you appreciate a simpler era in rock. Oh, and last but not least …. it’s time for show no. 3 tonight! Again, some weeks fly by in a blur, but I’m beyond excited to see the fun, positive and infectious rock of Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls, supported by another amazing band in their own right, Canada’s Arkells. Who’s ready? Now, before you dash out to your own slate of concerts and weekend activities, catch up with what you missed in men’s style (and yes, music) this week. Keep up in the meantime via Instagram and Twitter — TGIF and cheers!

Huckberry

  • Let’s get your weekend started with a nice #menswear deal — shall we? You might recall Johnnie-O from a few past entries on this site, namely as part of my packing for a November trip upstate. And if you need a stylish, luxurious cashmere sweater or a new spring polo to get ready for the season ahead — ‘cuz it’s coming — do we have a deal for you. Now through February 25th,  use the code ‘GENTS17’ to get 10 percent off your Johnnie-O order! Yes indeed, that goes for the classic Player’s Blazer and the shirt that I myself picked up (and featured on Instagram) — the Dustin Denim Sport Shirt.
  • Need a new pair of spring footwear? Of course you do. Check out Esquire’s recent roundup of the best men’s sneakers to buy now.
  • It was a real treat to write about an essential outerwear item — that’d be a waxed canvas jacket — for GearMoose. Yes indeed, check out my roundup of the best men’s waxed jackets, folks.
  • Alright, because it’s Friday, let’s get down to business — The Manual teaches you how to make a Boilermaker this weekend. Cheers!
  • Lastly — we’ll be back with a new Style Pick of the Week tomorrow, but keep yourself occupied for now by reading about the essential, rugged Abercrombie & Fitch Chamois Shirt.

And with that, I’m off to another show — how about yourself? If that’s the case, learn all about how to dress for your next rock concert. See you in the front row!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Danner x New Balance miUSA 585 Sneakers

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

bs-jacket-photo-1-edited

Contemplating the weekend in NYC’s Bryant Park — during a Friday lunch break. miUSA 585 Sneakers from the Danner x New Balance collab. Cole Bomber Jacket by Beckett Simonon. Cove Shirt by Life/After/Denim. Slim black selvedge by Todd Shelton. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage. Colorblocked socks by Richer Poorer. Glasses by Frameri.

Perhaps it’s been the slightly breezy, fall-esque weather in Brooklyn, but durable, premium footwear is certainly something that’s been on the mind of your Style Guide publisher, editor and writer as of late. Although we just covered the excellent SeaVees Huckberry Chukka in last week’s Style Pick of the Week post, we’re back at it here with a pair of footwear that’s every bit as perfect for fall style — and quite a bit pricier, if we’re being honest.  Yes indeed, the Danner x New Balance miUSA 585 is quite the sneaker, blending the ingenuity and technology of New Balance with the quality and craftsmanship of Danner. Oh, and it’s made in America at New Balance’s Maine factory. Sounds too good to be true, ehh? Not so fast, my friend. Having tested out these sneakers, I can tell you that they’re the real deal — and then some. The Danner x New Balance miUSA 585 takes advantage of the best of the best that these two Portland-based companies have to offer (that would be New Balance’s roots in Maine, and Danner’s home base in Oregon). It’s part of the American Pioneer Project, and that partnership also features the Danner x New Balance Light, an outdoor boot that merges hybrid style and performance. The 585 is a bit of a different look from your classic boot or sneaker, though. The 585 takes New Balance’s traditional outdoor trail silhouette, and merges it with the sort of durable touches found on Danner boots, like rich Horween leather. Boot laces give these sneakers a sporty-yet-versatile look, and ballistic nylon found on the upper also gives it a ton of durability, as does So is it a sneaker? A boot? How do you wear it? All crucial questions given the price tag ($359.99 ain’t exactly cheap, fellas).

The answer to the first of those two questions would be that, yes — it’s a sneaker. But it can wear like a boot. The higher heel prevents you from rolling your ankle, critical whether you’re dashing to the subway or the plane — or stepping out of your favorite pub (right? Right??). It’s fit for casual Friday pairings aplenty, as you can see above — try it with a beautiful Beckett Simonon suede bomber jacket, a patterned shirt (the one at the top is from Life/After/Denim), and slim black Todd Shelton selvedge. Now, you’ll have to wait for that bomber jacket, but the good news is that you can pick up these sneakers, and wear them, right away. The rich Horween leather gives the Danner x New Balance miUSA 585 a dressier feel than most kicks — given the price tag, you’re going to want to get as much wear out of them as you can. Just be sure to keep them nice and cleaned up (soap and water on a cloth is a quick way to keep the heel and sole scuff-free). The Horween leather should develop a nice patina over time, too. And lest we forget, the combination between sporty and casual style means you can team them up with a lightweight navy blazer and dark blue denim at the office, and they’re absolutely perfect to wear with a slim cardigan and a classic Taylor Stitch chambray shirt for a sharp weekend coffee run. The difficult thing is going to be resisting the urge to wear them into winter — these are sneakers that should be stored for a  bit, then broken back out in the spring. In the meantime, the Danner x New Balance miUSA 585 will look plenty handsome on your shelf.

While you mull that sneaker purchase, follow along with The Style Guide on Facebook.