frye sneakers | The Style Guide

It seems that anything goes these days in the menswear world — well, not just anything, but there are more options out there for stylish guys than ever before, and that certainly includes the availability and wearability of the best sneakers for men across the board.

Think of it this way: While dressy occasions were once only the domain of, well, dress shoes and perhaps loafers in the summer months, there are options aplenty for the guy who wants an elevated pair of sneakers he can wear with business casual looks, and Frye (Northeast-based footwear purveyors for well over a century) certainly delivers.

Learn more and shop men’s shoes now at Frye

Yes, that’s correct, my friends: When done the right way, a pair of leather sneakers like the Frye Astor Leather Sneakers can get the job done with chinos and a lightweight blazer as readily as they can pair with linen lounge shorts and a breezy short-sleeve polo. Let’s dive in further, shall we?

Best known for rugged lace-up boots for spring (as well as stylish shoes for fall and winter), the brand’s sneakers are worth a closer look — particularly given the fact that they blend form and dressy appeal with comfort.

The Frye Astor Leather Sneakers use a classic court sneaker design, swapping out canvas for rich tumbled leather in handsome shades like Caramel seen above. The leather itself should patina nicely over time, but these fashionable men’s leather sneakers also come in shades like crisp White — the ultimate pair of leather dress sneakers, if you will, especially when worn with olive chinos and a white Oxford shirt, for example.

With a sturdy contrasting rubber outsole and a leather lining that should mold nicely to your foot over time, the Frye Astor Leather Sneakers blend luxury with an accessible price (try $148 on for size right now, ehh?). Other pairs of the Frye Astor Leather Sneakers, especially sleek Black atop a white outsole, are on sale for as low as $99 as well — not bad at all for sneakers you can (repeat after me!) dress up or dress down.

When your casual canvas sneakers aren’t quite the right move and when you want the comfort of sneakers at the office blended with the casually cool look of the right pair of lace-up kicks, I’d suggest — wholeheartedly — that you give the Frye Astor Leather Sneakers a shot this season.

Editor’s note: To check out past Christmas Wish List posts, click here.

Alright, folks — you know the drill. In just a little over two weeks, Santa’s coming to town (yes, Santa!). And that hopefully means some stylish gifts for us menswear aficionados out there — but more importantly, some great time spent with loved ones. However, it can be pretty sweet undoubtedly to get just what you want under the tree. As to your humble style blogger over here — well, I’ve got my eye on some nice gear as well (just look at my Wish List Pinterest board for starters). Budgetary constraints definitely put some limits on these things the rest of the year, but a guy can dream … right? What’s on your Christmas Wish List?

#1. FRYE Company Grand Tall Lace Sneaker — $288

Antiqued leather and rawhide laces put these sneakers a cut above the rest.

If you follow this blog, you’re probably well-acquainted with the fact that I love me a great sneaker (particularly from Brooklyn’s own, uh, GREATS). And throughout the fall and winter, I find myself always on the hunt for a terrific high-top leather sneaker — the style just seems to go well with the heartier textures and colder weather of the season. FRYE is normally known for its rough-and-tumble boots, yet these sneakers look absolutely superb. The rich cognac color would pair well with black, grey or blue denim, and they look dressy enough to wear with a navy blazer and some burgundy cords, too. Alas, they’ll have to stay on the wish list for now.

#2. Apolis Wool Chore Jacket — $328

A versatile color and an updated take on a classic silhouette make this item worthy of the Holiday Wish List.

A versatile color and an updated take on a classic silhouette make this item worthy of the Christmas Wish List.

Yet another item that’s pricey yet drool-worthy, and that’s why it fills out the second spot on this list. Apolis has done a great job combining quality product and an emphasis on doing business the right way. They don’t lose any style points in the process — its outerwear across the board represents updated takes on classic workwear styles, and versatile options ike this olive chore jacket provide great styling potential. That goes for blue or black denim, or even light grey chinos. Its indigo jackets are frequent hot sellers as well, but I think this colorway would be just as versatile — can you hear me, Santa?

#3. Shinola Runwell 41mm Watch — $550

A football leather strap and a crisp dial are excellent finishing touches for a stellar timepiece.

A Shinola Runwell watch made my Christmas Wish List last year too, and a new Shinola Runwell watch from the American-made brand is more than worthy of inclusion in this year’s edition. Shinola has a penchant for watches of exceptional quality, on top of subtle design touches that create a pleasing overall package. The dark camel football leather strap is one such feature here. The black dial and gold numerals build off the crisp style for which the brand is known, and that 41mm case diameter hits the sweet spot. Again, taking notes Santa?

#4. JackThreads The Bomber — $149.50

Just one of the many Wish List-worthy items from JackThreads’ new menswear line.

Two jackets on one Christmas Wish List? Yes, sir — they’re both that great-looking. While this bomber jacket certainly isn’t as cost-prohibitive as the other items on this list, a buck-fifty is still a good chunk of change to throw down — and this is coming from a guy who loves his jackets. JackThreads has done a tremendous job launching its new menswear line, and it’s filled with modern updates on stylish essentials; one such example can definitely be seen here. This is the kind of jacket I might wear with a great henley and some slim denim on the weekends, or over a knit tie and chambray shirt to work.

#5. Todd Snyder Great Lakes Sweatshirt — $198

A touch of home in a stylish (and expensive) sweatshirt.

Just as Shinola nabbed a spot on this list for the second year in a row, so too does Todd Snyder. There’s something about the noted American menswear designer and his penchant for mixing heritage sportswear and contemporary fits, as he continually does with his collaborations with Champion. I have a soft spot for the Great Lakes Sweatshirt in particular, as I love visiting my home state of Michigan. The piece on its own is the epitome of a casual weekend sweater — stylish, versatile and made with what looks to be high-quality washed cotton. Can you ask for much more in a crewneck sweater?

So that about wraps up my Christmas Wish List for this year, although I can say in advance that I’ll certainly be looking forward to spending plenty of high-quality time with my family in sunny Florida in a few weeks’ time. And if in the meantime, one of these gifts ends up under the tree, I certainly wouldn’t be mad about it!

What’s on your Christmas Wish List? Any of the above picks?

The Style Guide

All the best men's style essentials you need, every day.

Tag / frye sneakers

The Thursday Buy: These Frye Leather Sneakers are a Refined Set of Summer Sneakers for All Occasions

Men’s Style Christmas Wish List 2015