015 ALL IN GOOD TIME
THE SHOE-DOWN: Are Sneakers Any Good?
Every few months my head goes through an internal debate about sneakers. Are sneakers any good? Do I even like them? I want to, but other than my loyalty to summer Vans Authentics, I never gravitate to any of them. When I work out I wear Salomons, but that’s not what I’m talking about. I mean getting dressed for the day, an outfit, a look. Part of the issue is that I truly believe loafers are the perfect shoe for any occasion. Walking all day (up to 10ish miles)? Loafers. Traveling by air, sea or car? Loafers. The downfall is that, over time, my feet have taken a beating, and I’d do well to make arch support and cushion work for me.
I have spent a good while looking for loafers with a rubber bottom that don’t scream rubber bottom. Most made me nauseous. One or two sneaker/loafer hybrids were great, but at $300-$600 it seems silly. Most have too much rubber sole, but are neither sneaker nor loafer, and the price tag confuses me.
In terms of a dream do-everything utilitarian shoe, Baudoin & Lange makes a great version with the silhouette of a traditional stacked heel shoe, but with a solid rubber sole/heel, (the Stride Loafer). A few years ago I bought myself a pair (Blanc Casse Deerskin)-- a special release and I couldn’t say no, but after two dozen or so wears, the soles came unglued from the leather. Baudoin & Lange *kindly* suggested I take them to my regular cobbler to simply re-glue the shoe, which I found largely unhelpful as A) they were $600, and B) I’d only owned them for about a month. However, this was early in the lifetime of the Stride; the customer service team and the factory shoemakers seemed totally stumped on how to handle it, so I’m willing to forgive and forget at this point. After that, I downgraded them to a “sometime shoe” instead of my original intention, which was to be my everyday go-to.
Do most people actually rotate their shoes daily, rather than wear the same two damn pairs every week, maybe integrating some on-occasion options? In lieu of wearing a good pair of shoes to absolute death, this seems fair, but that means I need multiple all-purpose options I can wear with jeans, trousers, khakis, blazers, sweaters, jackets… and a suit.
It’s a tall order, but I landed on some great options. And while I will never be a sneaker guy, for days when only a (sigh) truly athletic shoe will do, a few of these would make good in my rotation. Reasonably priced only, please. No $500 sneakers for me.
BAUDOIN & LANGE
Baudoin & Lange - Sagan Classic Loafers in Lusitanias Dark Brown Asteria Suede with Rubber Sole
These are brand new last month. I currently own a pair of the Stride, and previously owned the leather soled Sagan (sadly bought half a size too big at the Barneys closing sale and eventually had to let them go). I welcome many more pairs into my collection, especially these rubber soled Sagans.
MORJAS
Black or Brown? They’re both so good– simple, elegant. One of my best friends just bought two pairs, and gave them a wholehearted endorsement. Another good buddy, Robert Spangle, has worked with Morjas and gives them a 5-star rating. Both men are daily very active, and equally particular about their pieces. In this case, their word is bond, and I’m looking forward to getting my hands on a pair soon.
ALDEN
Alden - Unlined Leisure Handsewn Penny Loafer LHS (Snuff Suede)
Yep, Alden again. They are one of the best shoemakers in the world. I’m lucky enough to own a pair of LHS (white suede) from an Alden and Leffot collab, and well, I’d love another. My pair is two years old (I snagged them on eBay NOS!), I wear them into the ground all summer long, (even in white suede) and they look like the shoe you should have on, no matter the occasion. The Snuff Suede is next to buy.
AUTRY
Autry Reelwind Low Leather-Trimmed Suede and Shell Sneakers
Two years back Autry was a relatively unknown American sneaker company (relaunched in 2019 after years of dormancy). Fast forward, and they’re now on Mr. Porter, as well as feet all over Manhattan. You can catch them periodically on sale for around $120.
PUMA
PUMA Black Palermo Players Lane Sneakers
Puma has been on my mind. As memory serves from when I was 12, these are pretty comfortable, and still great.
SALOMON
Salomon Beige XT-6 Expanse Leather Sneakers
I currently own a pair of XT-6s in a mint green. I bought them during a SSENSE sale a year ago and they’re as close to a true sports sneaker as I’ve ever owned. They mostly live upstate now, where I reserve them for the mud and hiking, but Beige feels more luxe and might fare better for cold concrete dressing. I still don’t know if I would wear them to a meeting, but maybe? Depends on the meeting.