January 24, 2012

Brand New Spring Summer 2012 Cruyff Classics Trainers

One of the first top footwear brands to appear this season is the very premium and vintage Dutch brand Cruyff Classics. Founded and originally designed by the great man himself Johan Cruyff the brand is getting stronger season by season and for spring summer 2012. Priced between £90 and £110 the range carries with it the signature ‘C Flash’ logo on the outstep as well as gold embossed Johan Cruyff autographs and small metal or leather panels that indicate the style of shoe be it a classic such as Recopa or Vanenburg or a new style for this season, early styles have been launched as Pep, Velasco or Vicenzo. With the summer season also upon us within the next few months (hopefully) we can see superb colours such as white, grey, navy and black which are ready to be matched with shorts, chinos or tapered jeans this year.

The designs have remained fairly classic looking with thin rubber sole units, large metal rimmed eyelets for the laces and a large tongue which was standard among football boots and shoes of the eighties and early nineties. The use of suede, leather and patent is evident throughout while the Velasco are the first pair of Cruyff Classics to mimick common designs of football boots by placing (or hiding) the laces underneath a panel, which in this case is patent leather. These shoes aren’t in the same ilk at the other designer sportswear brands such as Adidas Originals or Nike, but easily hold their own as fashion footwear with the Diesel, G Star and Lacoste style of brands.

Perfect for the coming summer a pair of Cruyff Classics should be high on your shopping list alongside some chino shorts, polo shirts and tapered jeans. Be the first to wear the shoes and show your mates that you’re ahead of the fashion with these amazing Cruyff Classics trainers.

January 17, 2012

Big For 2012 – Flossy Shoes

Flossy Canvas Plimsolls Advert Showing Multiple Colours of their Footwear and Shoes

Around 25 years ago in the Mediterranean Flossy plimsolls were first launched, offering an amazing range of canvas shoes to sailing enthusiasts and street artists in Spain and the Bealerics. These lightweight and inexpensive shoes were perfect daytime wear and the craze soon took off. Fastforward a few years to 2010 and Flossy really began to take off as it was adopted in Ibiza and was a popular choice among the club goers and nightlife. With over 2 million pairs sold that year the footwear brand soon began to expand across Europe and after a small appearance towards the end of 2011 Flossy is here in 2012 with the main aim of competing alongside the mighty Toms for the popular choice of summer canvas shoe. Much more basic than a bestselling Toms espadrille these slip on shoes have a thin brown rubber sole unit, elastic either side of the bridge of the foot to allow for movement and getting the foot in and out and a tab on the back to help the Flossy wearer get the shoe on. As seems customary with every canvas shoe at the moment they have a branded square on the back that shows the ‘Flossy Style’ branding.

Priced at around the £20 mark for adults canvas and denim plimsolls Flossy also have ranges of espadrilles and sandals, however if you’re looking for colour and something to slip on to be out and about in then the Flossy plimsolls are the choice for you in summer 2012. Mix and match these shoes with last years favourites such as chinos, cuff bottom or tapered jeans or shorts that include the denim, cotton or cargo designs. Either way you’ll be able to keep cool, and look casual this summer with a colourful pair of Flossy plimsolls. Check out your favourite retailers now, and maybe even drop them an e-mail to see who will be stocking Flossy plimsolls in 2012.

November 29, 2011

Timberland Relaunch Earthkeepers Advert in Winter 2011

Timberland are fast becoming popular for their eco-friendliness with the brown Timberland boxes now being made from recycled card and their bestselling boots being made from recycled leather and rubber, making the Timberland Earthkeepers range some of the most eco-friendly and ‘green’ boots ever made. With the climate as it currently is this is proving popular with men around the UK and Europe, who need a pair of boots for the winter, but also like to feel as they’re doing their bit to help with recycling and reusing.

The amazing Timberland ‘Nature Needs Heroes’ advert from last winter is back on TV screens in the UK, and is highlighting their amazing lightweight 6 inch premium earthkeepers which are available in light brown leather, 50% recycled white rubber soles and even organic cotton laces. These possibly are the most eco-friendly boots available at the moment, and I am really looking for a pair before the snow comes!

If you’re thinking of investing in a pair of the superb earthkeepers then do so now as the winter weather is on its way, and these will be perfect for the snow and rain as they’re comfortable, lightweight and hard wearing – so seek out your eco-friendly boots now (but watch the advert below first!)

October 21, 2011

Sperry x Penfield – New England Collaboration For Fashion

I’ve been away from the whole blogging scene for a week or two again, and the whole time I’ve been reading about some of the hot topics of the time, and viewing some of the best footwear collections I think I’ve ever seen. Visits to some of the biggest shopping centres around the country has led me to amazing collections of winter boots, and for fear of being ignored, or having you leave I’ve been in search of something else. As a fashionable male, or a blogger that has an enthusiasm in shoes and footwear you can’t help but champion the boots and brogues for the winter months as the shift away from canvas or white trainers is a must due to the weather that we’re set to experience.

This may excite many of you, or bore you in equal measure, so for something a little different I’ve been window shopping, researching and even cheekily picking up the phone on occasion and trying to get through to the buyers of some of the best fashion sites and shops at the moment. Many failed or led to confused people hanging up on me, however a couple didn’t and we’re happy to pass a tip or two across. Possibly to get rid of me, but I’m hoping that it was because they saw the sheer enthusiasm I have for the gear that they buy – unfortunately I’ll never know!

One tip that I received from someone who prefers to remain anonymous is the amazing Sperry x Penfield footwear collaboration. Now I know that you’re scratching your head wondering how Penfield have become involved with this, and when you know its actually quite obvious and simple. Both Sperry Topsider and Penfield are brands from New England in America and are both enjoying something of a boom in the UK at the moment. Penfield are kitting out the fashionable male in a casual yet fashion led range of outdoor clothing and winter warmers while Sperry are fast becoming known for their quality lightweight deck shoes and their variations of this key design and sole unit such as their chukka boots, bahama shoes, loafers and rigger boots.

So for this amazing collaboration Sperry have given the sole unit and general design features while Penfield have delved into their fabric archive and provided an array of materials and fabrics that match key pieces of their outerwear ranges. So for example Penfield have launched a beautiful Stapleton camouflage padded gilet for the winter 11 range, and the collaboration sees a waxed canvas camouflage pair of Sperry soled penny loafers that sit perfectly with a pair of beige chinos. Another is Penfield’s Kasson jacket in tweed and polyester/cotton mix in black and grey. The jacket is matched with a pair of khaki green chinos and some chunky grey knitwear, and the chinos are tucked into a pair of the popular Sperry Topsider Shipyard Rigger boots in black herringbone. This means that across the range you can mix Penfield winter outwear with a limited edition pair of Sperry shoes – what more does the fashionable guy need for winter 2011?

So, as a tip that’s very unique and different to the rest of the footwear world that’s out there at the moment how do you think this fares? All I know is that I’m going to grab a piece of this amazing collaboration history the second that it’s launched, as after all that’s what owning limited edition footwear is all about surely? As of yet there aren’t many stockists that are listed as carrying this amazing collaboration, however after e-mailing Sperry Topsider I can tell you that Mainline Menswear, Triads and End Clothing are among the 8-10 stockists that will be carrying the four men’s designs of shoes that include boots, deck shoes and loafers.

October 7, 2011

Sperry Topsider – Deck Shoe Inspired Shoes and Boots for Winter 2011

Sperry Topsider has been a top deck shoe brand for many years now after being first designed by Paul Sperry back in 1935. His major input was to add ‘sipping’ to the bottom of the rubber sole of the shoe which allowed the wearer to stick or grip to the deck that bit better when it was wet. Deck shoes have since become a major part of the fashion world, and Sperry Topsider now has a fashion arm to their brand that provides deck shoes, chukka boots, boots and bahama soles on a seasonal basis for men around the world. For the autumn winter 2011 season there are some amazing styles available for the wet weather that will suit the smart casual style perfectly. Read on if smart casual fashion is your thing!

Sperry Topsider have taken the deck shoe sole for the winter season and built other footwear styles around them. It may sound a little strange but their amazing Shipyard Rigger boot is a Sperry rubber sole, leather upper with deck shoe styling and then upwards into a classic boot with full lace front and canvas panels. Similarly the Chukka Wool boot is exactly that. Rubber sole unit, leather deck shoe upper with a single wool panel that gives the shoe height and shape and moulds it into a chukka boot. What more do you need for winter than Sperry Topsider quality and autumn winter fashion? The boots weight next to nothing given the lightweight materials used and follow in the footsteps of their classic summer deck shoe in feeling like you’re not actually wearing anything like a pair of boots on your feet.

Prices for the shoes and boots vary, and with the weight and style of these boots you could easily wear them pretty much all year round, especially with the British weather the way it is. So why not pick yourself up a pair of the superb wool chukka boots or rigger boots today and enjoy showing off the mix of deck shoe and winter trend among your mates. American footwear brand Sperry is available at some of the best high street and online retailers in the UK and Europe.

September 30, 2011

Ralph Lauren Shoes

I know that I first found Ralph Lauren shoes around two months ago, but i’m really into their styles and designs at the moment. As their range of shoes moves closer to winter and the poor weather the more great styles appear and winter weather fashion really starts to appear and be browsed, mulled over and bought by the fashionable men of the UK. A couple of months back the sun was still shining, the weather was warm and there was still a safe use for canvas shoes and trainers. With this canvas obssesion still evident the key styles such as the ‘Harold’ and ‘Vaughn’ were bestselling canvas shoes as men around the world snapped these fantastic shoes up. Then came the hurricanes and wet weather came and the boots and leather shoes began to appear. Now with the weather set to be in full flow within the next few weeks retailers are getting their Ralph Lauren boots, wellies and other winter styled fashion shoes ready to be snapped up by the prepared, and the not so prepared impulse shoppers!

The ‘Ackworth’ hiking boot is set to be probably the most sought after style of boots available this season due to their premium leather, large chunky sole unit and embossed Ralph Lauren logo on the ankle. After this the ‘Radbourne’ calf boot and the ‘Landon’ all weather boot that is a range strange mix between a wellington boot foot with a leather ankle panel and a fleece and quilted lining. This may not appeal to everyone, however the fashionable male that needs that little bit more will have his eye caught by these. Caterpillar and Timberland have also produced something similar this season, so there must be something in the design, and as an added bonus, they’re REALLY comfy (speaking from experience!). If you’re looking for some Ralph Lauren shoes this winter, they’ll range from around the £60 for trainers right through to over £200 for the boots but you will be getting some serious quality from one of the most famous designer clothing brands in the world.

September 23, 2011

Winter Brogue Collections Available in UK

I’ve been doing some browsing around the online retailers this week, mainly because its a week until payday, but also as I was looking for some great inspiration for some new footwear. This season seems pretty standard, and looking around there really is nothing out of the ordinary available, so its all about how you wear what you already have. A couple of weeks ago we looked at the brogue boot that will be perfect for the winter months and general British wetness and snow, and can be worn for business or smart casual occasions or just as a general fashionable male about town.

I’ve looked at H by Hudson over the course of the past few months, and know all about their brogues, and have also briefly mentioned Grenson and Trickers in posts, however i’ve recently spotted some Ted Baker brogues that look absolutely beautiful. With a variety of brogue boots, rounded toe oxford brogues and pointed toe brogues there is something for everyone among their range in two key colours, black or tan brown. The Oxford brogues look particularly striking as they have an eye catching brown ‘wooden layered’ effect chunky rubber sole with either the tan or black leather upper. I’ve seen the prices vary depending on which style you want, but expect to pay between £100 and £175 for the shoes and boots available in the usual adult male sizes.

With the brogues you can wear them with rolled up jeans or chinos, business suit trousers, or simply like the good old days with a straight leg pair of dark indigo jeans and a shirt or some chunky winter knitwear from a variety of designer mens clothing brands. Sorry to keep banging on about brogues on Designer Shoes and Trainers but I firmly believe that these are THE smart shoe of autumn winter 2011.

September 2, 2011

Smart Summer Shoe Crossed With Winter Boot – Brogue Boots!

In terms of smarter shoes the summer was all about the brogue. The brogue can originally be traced back to Scotland and Ireland and were originally used as outdoor shoes or for rambling. Over time the perception of how a brogue should be worn has changed and now it is seen as quite a high end fashionable piece that until recently was seen as a well to do thing to have in business. A brogue has four different ‘toe caps’ or in lehmanns terms the designs towards the end of the toe, these are defined on Wikipedia as:

Brogues are most commonly found in one of four toe cap styles (full or “wingtip” brogues, semi-brogues, quarter brogues and longwing brogues) and four closure styles (oxford, derby, ghillie and monk strap). Most commonly offered as a leather dress shoe, brogues may also come in the form of boots, canvas or leather sneakers or any other shoe type that includes or evokes the multi-piece construction and perforated, serrated edges characteristic of brogues.

So in short any shoe that has a perforated or serrated design on the upper can be classed as some form of brogue. The last couple of summers and seasons have seen the brogue evolve from being worn with trousers and business suits to appearing as a fashion piece with a variety of colours and materials such as suede, leather and canvas being used to create the upper. Matching a pair of blue suede uppers with a rolled up pair of chinos or jeans was seen an increased amount this past season, so now that winter is on its way, with wet weather and snow the fashion has evolved slightly. The brogue boot has made a bit of an appearance alongside the fashion hiking boot for winter 2011 and with top shoe brands H by Hudson, Trickers, Grenson, Ted Baker and Paul Smith to name a few offering a brogue boot for the winter, that is set to be a must have.

There will be two ways to wear the brogue boot to keep in with the winter trend, either with the rolled up jeans or chinos, ensuring that they don’t get wet in puddles or the snow. The other option is to go really outdoor and wear your boots with thick wool socks and tuck your jeans and chinos into these. This will not only keep your feet warm and dry, but will look really on trend. I’ve picked out a couple of great examples below for your winter fashion, and if they don’t quite appeal to you the boots can be worn with the trusty straight leg jeans, trousers or suit, the difference being that you’re wearing a boot opposed to a shoe!

August 26, 2011

Mens Designer Wellies, Yes Wellington Boots!

No, i’m not going crazy and yes I am talking about designer wellies! This winter to complete the designer ‘outdoor’ look the wellington boots are back, and as they’re designer we’re not talking a bit of green rubber and a gum sole. Plenty of thought and time has been put into the design of the boots and now you’ll find constructed sole units, similar to those that you find on a pair of trainers, with the rubber outer built around them. You’ll find fleece lining, pull loops and designer branding throughout, so these aren’t just your normal pair of wellington boots. Designer brands currently on the path to offering more wellies include Lacoste, Havaianas, Hunter, Ralph Lauren and Paul Smith with prices varying between £45 and £200 depending on which design and brand you are looking for.

In terms of commercial designs i have seen some Lacoste wellies that look as though they’ll fit like a glove (as opposed to a pair of wellies!) and be possibly be the most comfortable wellington boots you’ll have ever worn. Fleece lined, constructed on a trainer sole unit these look a little more fashion orientated than Hunters, and cost a fraction of the price at £70. You might not find any zips or heels on the Lacoste or Havaianas wellington boots but you will find comfort and ease of use. Wellies for men will be one of the most sought after pieces of footwear this winter alongside the hiking and military boots that will keep feet dry and warm away from the wind, rain and snow that is bound to appear over the next few months. Green or black wellies, with chinos or jeans tucked into the top and a quilted or padded jacket to keep you warm will leave you looking good, and hopefully as dry and warm as possible. This winter will be a bad one, so make sure that you’re in early and prepare your designer wardrobe to match the weather, wellys or boots will be your best friend this winter 2011!

August 19, 2011

Hiking Boots – Fashionable Ramblers This Winter

Yes you read the title right, designer hiking boots are in fashion this winter as the whole ‘outdoor’ look expands further this year. Last winter saw fashion forward brands and retailers dip their toes into the world of outdoor clothing, with quilted jackets, gilets, padded outerwear and boots appearing on bestselling lists for a variety of online retailers, with the high street suffering slightly due to the bad weather and limited transport in certain areas. Anyone who pays attention to their fashion has seen this theme coming for quite some time now, and will have been prepared with their beige chinos, chunky knitwear, macs, bodywarmers and hiking boots. A couple of articles back I reviewed the new Ralph Lauren shoes and attached some pictures of the boots with rolled up jeans and the above clothing in a couple of alternatives showing the way to dress this season is quickly hitting screens of blogs and forums around the UK and Europe.

Hiking boots are going to be huge for the brands this winter with Timberland, Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, Native, Marshall Artist, H by Hudson and Red Wing to name but a few all producing brown, tan and black boots with varying soles and quality leather uppers. Prices will vary depending on the brand, or what you’re looking for, but in short the hiking boot will be an affordable footwear addition to your shoe rack this winter, and if cared for properly will still be in fashion next year and able to be worn with the trend next year. In the recent GQ magazine the hiking boot was featured in its fashion shoot pages and looked really well alongside some beautiful chinos and jeans, thick knitted jumpers, scarves and hats, and not forgetting the winter coats and autumn macs. This winter is going to be an amazing trend, with some really tonal brown, green and khaki colours used for the clothing and footwear. Sadly its time to retire the espadrilles to the confines of your cupboard for next summer and start getting your boots and wellies sorted, with the wellies being featured here soon…