best spring sneakers for guys

Editor’s note: Congrats to Jeff, our giveaway winner! Thanks to everyone for reading and participating!

Alright, loyal Style Guide readers — how are we doing today? I’ll tell you this — your day (and week) could be on the verge of getting a lot better? Why’s that? Today’s reader giveaway opportunity is all about the best spring sneakers you need now — one pair, to be more specific. And if you’re a fan of crisp white sneakers for warm weather, consider today your lucky day. As it were, you might recognize the Johnston and Murphy Allister Lace-up from an earlier Style Guide post on how to dress for a spring road trip. They’re a crisp, clean, simple and subtly stylish pair of sneakers from a brand that excels at making all sorts of excellent gear — from rugged leather boots to a waxed field jacket that proved crucial for my upstate New York road trip last fall. And if you’ve been in need of a spring footwear upgrade, consider that problem solved (if you’re fortunate enough to win, that is). Why exactly are these sneakers such a crucial pair to have in your rotation this season? From the slim profile to the textured upper and clean silhouette, it’s tough to top these guys — I’ve found them to be similarly versatile with other spring gear (including the neat Ministry of Supply Daystarter Band-Collar Shirt and the Going Places Short), and I think you’ll be just as pleased.

Crucially, I’d suggest you style these with a slim polo and classic tan chinos every chance you get — and know that they’ll work with slim chino shorts and a patterned short-sleeve shirt on weekends just as well as the weekday. And if you feel like keeping it simple — say, a slim heather grey pocket tee and olive chinos — the Johnston and Murphy Allister Lace-up works for that situation, too. So, those tips are all well and good — but how to win, ehh? To win these sneakers, leave a comment below telling me how you’d style them — that’s it! One winner will be chosen at random on midnight on May 13th. Yes indeed, that’s longer than our normal Style Guide giveaways — I’m excited about it, and I hope you are, too. Good luck out there, stay stylish and thanks for reading!

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.

A style swerve from classic white low-tops, crafted from outstanding Japanese indigo cotton denim.

Welcome, gents (and ladies) to another Style Pick of the Week feature. The right footwear for the spring season has definitely been on my mind these past few weeks — it seems like my fall & winter boots have seen far too much use into April, what with some colder-than-normal temperatures. But we’ve got some longer and sunnier days on the docket, and that means we should all hop to finding the perfect pair of spring sneakers (more on that next week). As you anxiously await our next Online Shopping Picks feature, let’s get right to a tremendous pair of kicks for all of us to covet … right now. The Hill-Side continues to (in the opinion of this writer) hit things out of the park with seasonal releases that merge the heritage and modern — whether it’s a striped cotton-linen tie or any number of pieces from its GQ for Gap capsule collection. Its latest offering of spring sneakers is no exception. The pale indigo washed denim sneaker you see here is a stunner that’s pricier than what you might fork over for a standard low-top pair, but it’s all the more worth it.

Made in Japan at a factory that values ethical construction — that’s not something you’d get from other sneaker brands.

If there’s one thing The Hill-Side does as well as anybody in the business, it’s the brand’s use of extraordinary fabrics, from chambray pocket squares to indigo plaid shirts. So, taking 100 percent pale indigo cotton denim and warping it into a sneaker just …. works. Having checked out a pair of these myself, the vulcanized construction feels durable and sturdy, and the textured toe cap and toe guard reinforce that notion. Even the herringbone tread on the bottom is a slight deviation from standard sneaker treads, and it’s another welcome touch from a brand that exemplifies quality. The pale indigo color breaks away from a classic white sneaker, and while that’s still a solid choice, this pair would offer a great shot of color beneath a slim plaid shirt and classic khaki chinos. They’re ethically made in Japan at one of the world’s oldest sneaker factories, so that’s an added bonus that you don’t often find brands delivering. Even if you feel like your sneaker arsenal is all set for the time being, a pair like this might make you think twice but how to cover your feet this spring.

Are you all set with spring sneakers? Or would you pick up this pair?

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Tag / best spring sneakers for guys

Reader Giveaway Opportunity: Johnston and Murphy Allister Lace-ups

Style Pick of the Week: The Hill-Side Indigo Denim Sneaker