Tag / tretorn nylite

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Sneakers to Buy for Spring and Summer

Do you have your pair of spring and summer kicks sorted out? Better yet, do you have any of the best sneakers to buy for spring and summer? If not, we’re setting out to change that in a big way today — and I think you’ll be mighty pleased with the #menswear picks we’ve got on tap.  Whereas in the past, sneakers might have meant athletic shoes stamped with a large logo, you need not fear — today’s breed of kicks are essential, clean and crisp. They’re fit for wearing with everything from slim light wash denim to chino shorts and a heathered pocket tee. And yes, the right pair of spring sneakers can even work with a lightweight navy blazer (not to mention a standout leather jacket at your next spring bar crawl or casual weekend outing).  So, where exactly are we getting these sneakers from? You’ll notice picks from Style Guide favorites like SeaVees and Abercrombie & Fitch, among others. I’ll leave the rest to your imagination, though. Read on, shop away and chime in with any questions on Twitter — I’ll respond just as quick as I can (even if I’m getting another cup of coffee).

#1. Abercrombie & Fitch x Tretorn Nylite Sneakers — $70

A classic silhouette updated for today’s modern man — at a low price and in a neat fabric.

We here in The Style Guide’s crowded fashion department of one have always loved the pleasingly streamlined, easy to wear, versatile Tretorn Nylite Sneaker. The style is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, in fact — that means it’s a classic primed for an update. Who better to do it than the new head of design at A&F, Mr. Aaron Levine? Levine’s work at Abercrombie — including heritage-inspired pieces like the Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Shirt — riffs on the classics in modern ways, and these garment-dyed sneakers are certainly modern enough for the rest of us. Buy ’em now and wear ’em out, especially with rolled light wash denim and a patterned shirt.

#2. House of Future Original Sneaker — $76.98

House of Future Original Sneaker

A classic-looking sneaker available at an attainable price — nothing gets better.

Want the look of a modern-day classic like the Common Projects Achilles — as clean of a white leather sneaker as it gets — for way less cash? Enter the House of Future Original Sneaker, currently available now for a downright steal via Huckberry — for that price, we’ll let the red heel accent slide. These are the sneakers to wear with an unlined navy blazer and chambray trousers on a breezy Friday, and you could even team them up with casual linen trousers and an indigo pocket tee for an extra-long weekend brunch. The fact that you get a super-clean silhouette and excellent quality? Well … what are you waiting for?

Sutro Shoes Inc.

#3. SeaVees Maslon Desert Boot — $84.98

SeaVees

The cut of a chukka and the weight (and good looks) of a sneaker.

Did you think we’d make it through a post on the best men’s sneakers without covering off on a Style Guide favorite? Surely not. The laidback cool, clean design and easygoing style potential of SeaVees sneakers makes the brand a consistent winner — not to mention the attainable pricing and spring break-ready style.  That’s why the Maslon Desert Boot is a choice pick for your next spring or summer sneaker upgrade.  Blending the DNA of a boot and a sneaker with a poplin twill upper in a head-turning shade of deep navy, these are the sneakers you should wear with a striped tee and classic khaki chinos.

#4. Johnston and Murphy Allister Lace-up — $145

Johnston and Murphy

A simple court-style shoe with neat styling details.

We’re back to discussing cleanly crafted, sharp-looking white sneakers here for option number four — and with plenty good reason. Johnston and Murphy has taken the same approach that makes its stylish leather boots so good, and translated that to sharp low-top white sneakers. With a textured leather upper and the styling to mimic a classic court shoe, the Allister Lace-up is the sneaker to wear with olive chinos and a heather grey polo for a Casual Friday look that’s a significant (yes, significant) style upgrade.

Oxfords under $50 CAD_125x125

#5. Pikolinos Vic Trainers — $200

Pikolinos

Rich craftsmanship and distinctive leather set these apart.

We’re all about reaching for unexpected sneaker styles with a touch of flair — provided they’re made with proper craftsmanship, that is. And in this case, the Pikolinos Vic Trainers  blend the feel of a pair of retro runner sneakers with the rich leather and comfort for which Pikolinos is known. If ever you’ve wanted to try out the navy blazer-light wash denim-leather sneakers combo that I so love, these are the ones to do it with — the brown leather makes them feel a bit more like a dress shoe (just a bit).

Honorable Mention: SeaVees Mariner Boot — $178

SeaVees Mariner Boot

A high-top sneaker crafted with durable fabric for winning style throughout spring and summer.

If you follow along with ye olde Style Guide, you’re aware that we love the SeaVees Mariner Boot for its blend of durability, rain-ready style and clean looks. In a cool and unique shade of olive, they’re a neat pairing with light grey or navy chinos and a white henley for a mix of high and low. Plus, they’ll work nicely whether you’re stomping around a summer music festival or working your away from coffee shop to coffee shop.

And that’ll nicely finish up our runthrough of the best men’s sneakers for spring. From the uniquely durable and weather-ready SeaVees Mariner Boot to the smart, retro-yet-modern Pikolinos Vic Trainers, your closet should be filled with options for the season ahead. A clean and classic pair of sneakers like the House of Future Original Sneaker are suitable for occasions both slightly dressier and laidback, and the Johnston and Murphy Allister Lace-up is similarly versatile for work or play. And as we covered above, the Maslon Desert Boot can pull double-duty on a spring road trip or a weekend coffee run. Round out your rotation with the Abercrombie & Fitch x Tretorn Nylite Sneakers, and you should be set this season! What do you think of the above picks? Feel free to hop on over to The Style Guide Facebook page or leave a missive in the comments.

Stay stylish,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s High-Top Sneakers for Fall

Editor’s note: Click this link for more essential menswear shopping picks.
Seasonal style transitions can be awfully fun, right? There’s something exciting (at least for your Style Guide author) about stowing away certain #menswear pieces — like lightweight summer shorts or a short-sleeve chambray shirt — for more durable, rugged and hard-wearing items. However, there are still four-season pieces that you can make work in chiller temps — like the ever-crucial, ever-stylish, ever-so-retro high-top sneaker. Just like with a tough pair of chukka boots, the higher cut of a … high-top sneaker (get it?) lends itself to a look and feel that fits right in with fall. The right pair of high-top sneakers can be worn just as you would wear fall boots — so, think selvedge denim and henleys galore (plus, a classic crewneck sweater wouldn’t go amiss). It can be fun to keep high-tops in your footwear rotation before switching over to hard-wearing winter boots, too. And if you live in a warmer climate? High-top sneakers are still something you should have you in your rotation. Are you with me on that? I sure hope so, because what follows is — dare I say it — a rundown of the best high-top sneakers for fall. Chime in with more suggestions on Facebook, and get high-top sneaker styling tips from time to time on Instagram.
A much-needed way to ease the transition from summer to fall -- a great-looking chukka sneaker.

A much-needed way to ease the transition from summer to fall — a great-looking chukka sneaker.

If you needed another reminder that fall is perhaps the best time for menswear fans, look no further than these sneakers. A comfortable gum rubber outsole blends seamlessly with durable duck canvas and a classic SeaVees chukka silhouette for an immensely wearable fall sneaker. It’s the ideal blend of business-casual and well, regular casual in a sneaker — pair ’em with a fall blazer and a merino long-sleeve tee for high-low office style, or rock them with a tough chore coat for weekend explorations. Plus, the price ain’t half-bad either.
A very durable, stylish take on the high-top from an excellent collaboration.

A very durable, stylish take on the high-top from an excellent collaboration.

Who better to take on the classic high-top sneaker than a designer who constantly supplies great takes on heritage menswear? The latest iteration in the Todd Snyder and P.F. Flyers collaboration is a heck of a sneaker to buy now, wear now and keep in your rotation as long as you can. Featuring P.F. Flyers’ trademark approach to comfort and a durable 14oz. military-spec canvas upper, they’re easily wearable with everything from grey chinos and a twill shirt to dark blue denim — add a blazer or denim jacket as you please.
A touch of sports-inspired style mixed with premium materials -- you can't beat that combo for the price.

A touch of sports-inspired style mixed with premium materials — you can’t beat that combo for the price.

Brooklyn’s own GREATS has long been a Style Guide favorite for their premium approach to footwear that’s equally inspired by sports and tailored style. The GREATS Royale Court blends a bit of both, with full-grain leather in a stylish Graphite color atop a Margom rubber outsole. The result is a durable sneaker in a surprisingly sleek silhouette –they’re fit for wearing with a classic blue Oxford and dark denim, or an elbow-patch cardigan and slim tan chinos through the chillier months. And you might not get a better price for the quality, either.
 
#4. SeaVees Maslon Desert Boots — $108 (Available via East Dane)
A unique color for fall, with plenty of wearability in other seasons, too.

A unique color for fall, with plenty of wearability in other seasons, too.

Just as with the SeaVees Huckberry Chukka, this brand is one that can do more than just classic warm-weather kicks like the SeaVees Legend Sneaker. In this instance, the Maslon Desert Boot merges the brand’s laidback California cool with classic fall styling potential thanks to the higher chukka cut. The rich Army Green suede plays nicely off the contrasting leather heel cap, resulting in a sneaker that could team with everything from slim dark denim to navy chinos.  When cared for properly, you’re also looking at sneakers that could be worn through spring and summer with breezy linen chinos. Again, if price is a factor, these sneakers are also a great steal in that regard.

#5. Tretorn Leather Nylite Hi 2 Sneakers — $100 (Available via East Dane)

Super-crisp black sneakers for all sorts of style situations.

Super-crisp black sneakers for all sorts of style situations.

Tretorn is another brand that might turn some heads when it comes to fall sneakers — after all, they’re perhaps most well-known for classic styles like the Tretorn Nylite Canvas. However, the Tretorn Nylite Hi 2 is every bit as ready for fall as any of the other picks on this list, with a  sleek black color and an even sleeker silhouette to boot. A terrycloth sock liner should add to the extreme comfort of these sneakers, which you could seamlessly team up with black denim and a chambray shirt to wear to your next rock concert — or to the office with garment-dyed chinos and a slim crewneck sweater.

Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.

In the way of high-top sneakers, as long as you emphasize affordability, durability and style, you should be well-set for the season ahead. When paired up with similar cold-weather style staples — particularly items from your Fall Style Wish List — sneakers are every bit as versatile as your favorite pair of fall boots. And given that plenty of designers are emphasizing tough materials like canvas in their uppers, plus thick rubber outsoles, the right pair of high-top sneakers should last you through this season and into next spring … and summer … and fall. Whether you reach for a pair from a more established designer like Mr. Snyder, or a classic warm-weather brand like SeaVees, you should be set for any #menswear situation you can think of. Got questions or additions to this list? Drop a note in the comments, or catch up with yours truly via Twitter.
Until we meet again — stay stylish,
-Beau