It’s getting colder, but you still don’t want to break out the Timbs just yet. You want a sneaker that can survive the cold weather, but isn’t just another plain white pair of tennis shoes. Maybe you’re married, or maybe this is your first date. You want your partner to check you out from head to toe, get to your sneakers and say, “I like those.” If you’re a more mature sneaker fan, you know that a pair of Jordans might scream, “I’m trying to look young.” If you’re a younger sneaker enthusiast, you want something that will say, “This isn’t your everyday guy who thinks J’s are a sign of good taste.”
This list will consist of shoes that may not be in your rotation, and you may not have heard of some of these, but they are definitely worth your dimes and they will most definitely tell the person you’re picking up that you actually thought seriously about your appearance.
1. Karhu Trampas Pelican
Source: trampas – pelican / pelican F809016 – Karhu US
Price: 140.00
Description: The Trampas was originally created as a running shoe in the 60s. I own the goldenrod version of this shoe, so I can vouch for its comfort. This colorway though is subtle fire. The off white outsole syncs with the shoestrings and that slight pop of emerald and aqua at the heel may be a difficult thing to pull off. If you roll with a white shirt and denim, the sneakers will pop even more. I’m definitely rolling with a waxed canvas olive or burnt orange jacket to be a bit more bold.
2. Onitsuka Ultimate 81 MP
Source: Unisex ULTIMATE 81 MP | Pale Beige/Leaf Beige | Shoes | Onitsuka Tiger
Price: 190.00
Description: When I see something similar to a shoe I designed, it automatically attracts me. When I was deciding to stop making shoes, my last design featured a medial and lateral suede section like the 81 MP. This shoe is a bit bolder in design than the Trampas, but equally as dope and different. “Launched in 1981, the “ULTIMATE” style was originally designed as high-performance sport shoe, incorporating advanced technology. In celebration of its 40th anniversary, we introduce the ULTIMATE 81® MP style as part of our MonsterPieceTM series. The new ULTIMATE 81® MP shoe’s characteristic design pays homage to the original, while updating the style to suit a modern lifestyle. A specially developed bi-layered midsole gives this shoe comfort and an on trend silhouette.”
3. CLAE Monterey Doe Suede
Source: https://www.clae.com/collections/new-collection-2021/products/monterey-1
Price: 170.00
Description: I began wearing CLAE in 2008. The shoes that were originally made for skate, originated athleisure as they labeled their shoes casual athletic. I had never seen the term before. The brand was carried in a local store that did a horrible job of displaying the shoes. They didn’t RTV the models. They instead placed those shoes on a deep discount. I bought every pair. When I launched arch as a sneaker company, I tried to recreate that flavor with my shoe The Allen. I could never match the quality. Thank goodness CLAE has persevered and continues to drop timeless, clean classics.
4. ECCO Astir Vetiver/Sea Tangle/Bright White/Calendula
Source: https://us.ecco.com/ecco-astir-mens-sneaker-523244.html?dwvar_523244_color=60197
Price: 180.00
Description: When I roll out an ECCO sneaker I always have to explain that this isn’t the streetwear brand with the rhino logo. ECCO is a premium footwear maker with some of the best leather in the entire industry. You might have a hard to finding them locally and will most certainly have to order them and try them on, but they are worth the price. Nothing looks like an ECCO shoe and this design, as retro as it looks, feels like it’s a step into the future.
5. Wolf and Shepherd Crossover Hiker Maple/White
Source: https://wolfandshepherd.com/collections/featured/products/crossover-hiker
Price: 275.00
Description: Arriving in three colors and hitting the pockets as one of the most expensive sneakers on this list, is a shoe worn by Gronkowski? Seriously Gronk is an endorser of the brand… which does very little for a brother, but it’s cool to see a newer brand going big. The brand has had Steve Nash as an endorser as well. Wolf & Shepherd is known for their dress shoes with an athletic feel. The brand is built on the legacy of Cole Haan, but tends to one up what Cole Haan introduced with a more premium look. This shoe, on date night, will turn every head in the joint. It’s a beautiful pair.
6. Clarks Caravan Black Interest
Source: https://www.clarksusa.com/c/Caravan/p/26163852
Price: 220.00
Description: It’s starting to feel like date night is expensive with these last two. Clarks arrives with a classic modern vibe with a mosaic, Native tapestry. The name of the shoe I don’t quite understand, if someone can help with this that would be great… But whatever it’s called, you can dress down with a more subdued look and your kicks will do all of the talking for you. The ability to wear burgundy somewhere in your outfit with these makes it worth the price and when you arrive with for your date, don’t do a chain restaurant with these on.
7. Brandblack Milspec White
Source: https://brandblack.com/collections/men/products/mens-milspec-white
Price: 248.00
Description: Never wear white after Labor Day. Break the rules. I first saw this sneaker in a photoshoot where the model was in the desert on a motorcycle. A white shoe, in the desert, on a motorcycle… and it fit. White in the fall is hard to pull off, but when you have a model as aggressively designed as the Milspec, you don’t need to worry about social norms. This is shoe that allows you to ramp up your look for those “all white” themed parties. It’s been treated with a water resistant layer to help you in the elements. I’m thinking this one should be higher on the list.
8. Filling Pieces Low Top Plain 683 in Organic White
Source: https://www.fillingpieces.com/collections/all/products/low-top-plain-683-organic-white
Price: 244.00
Description: High end? Check. White after Labor Day? Check. Sustainably Made? Check. CLAE and Clarks both look towards a sustainable method of make for their shoes and Filling Pieces announced their 683 concept in 2020 and followed it up with a documentary discussing the process and the importance of building better shoes. This model influenced my TR-114 shoes I made for arch. I love the tongue of this shoe and actually made my casual trainer with a similar shaped tongue. This is more of a dress shoe than it is a sneaker and when we talk sustainability the shoe, like Allbirds, features a sugarcane based EVA.
9. Deckers Lab X-Scape Wool Mid Camo
Source: Men’s X-SCAPE Mid Sneaker Boot – Deckers X Lab
Price: 200.00
Description: There is always going to be a couple bold enough to do a city hike of some type when the weather is cold. I’m not saying the other shoes on this list aren’t comfortable, but the team behind the Deckers X Lab are the same people behind the Hoka One One brand. They make one of the most comfortable shoes in running and walking and this model is much more flashy than anything else on this list, but it’s definitely going to be a conversation piece and I’m willing to bet your date is going to want a pair. They aren’t built for the trail, but the wool and suede combo will have your feet feeling toasty. Quick note, take a second to click through and look at the interior of the shoe in the video included.
10. Salomon Fell Raiser for GR10K Bleached Sand / Kangaroo / Vanilla Ice
Source: FELL RAISER FOR GR10K – Intersections – Shoes – Sportstyle (salomon.com)
Price: 190.00
Description: Keeping with our crew that wants to tackle the elements on date night, I said I didn’t want to go Timberland, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want a true outdoor model. This is only 10 in placement. It should easily be higher, but Salomon is one of the few brands that actually sells out quickly. It could be the constant placement on fashion sites like Highsnobiety and Uncrate, or it’s just a loyal fanbase… It’s probably the collab with GR10K and the limited number available. Whatever it is, they have a true standout in this sneaker. We can excuse the color name option of Vanilla Ice right?