Nova Clutch

The Generic Man 'Driver' Shoe

The Generic Man was initially a New York based company, but is now run from Los Angeles, with a small office in Milan, Italy. The Italian office was set up mainly to source the finest materials & craftsmanship around to produce their shoes.
This style is called 'Driver' the upper is made from black suede with an over sized leather detail that runs all the way round the shoe & the inner is in tan leather - the insole is removable (& really comfy) The sole is made with a textured rubber.
I visited 'OAK' in Williamsburg yesterday & I naturally gravitated towards this particular style for their simplicity, & I like the fact that they can be worn as a shoe or as a sneaker.

Jil Sander Shoes

I don't know too much about Jil Sander apart from that she is German, has a really minimal design ethic & uses only the finest materials in the world to realize this. These shoes belong to my other half & are breathtaking in person. The leather is soft & luxurious, with a pebbled texture. The soles & heel are wooden & the toe part of the shoe is slightly pronounced. One of the finest pairs of shoes I've come across......... unfortunately I cant wear them.
Beneath the humble exterior lies a really dark price tag, thankfully we didn't have to shell out any cash for these....we just swapped them for our mattress!

Buddhahood Shoes

These Buddhahood shoes are quite difficult to wear as they are just a little too fancy for my feet. A friend of mine got them for me from the B Store in London around 18 months ago & have worn them only a handful of times. I've kept them as they are really nice to look at, I like the fact that they look vintage but if you look closer they have a very contemporary feel due to their well refined construction. Made from Grey Suede, Natural Leather that looks like it has been painted sporadically with household emulsion & the sole is made with wood & rubber. Some of the more simple, classic looking Buddhahood shoes are available from Opening Ceremony & The 'Oliver Spencer' store in Manhattan.

Paul Smith Shoes

I was rummaging around in the basement the other day & I found these beautiful Paul Smith shoes, memories came flooding back. I bought these back in May 2002 from the Paul Smith Floral Street store in London. I specifically got them for a trip I was taking to the ICFF show in NY at the time. As you can see they have aged splendidly considering that I wore them to death for 4 years - they've been in storage for the last year but it's great to have rediscovered them.

Red Wing Chukka Boot

These Red Wing Chukka Boots were the first birthday gift that I received this year. I turned a year older last week and my missus purchased them for me.
It took a bit of arm twisting and mental disintegration to change her mind from buying me a pocket atlas instead of these? I mean the pocket atlas is made by Smythson, only one of the finest in the world and I love atlases, so I see where she was going with this, however, I don't see myself walking around Brooklyn checking my atlas with a magnifying glass for directions, I'd get my head kicked in, especially if my atlas was made from the finest leather that money can buy. I'll just use my pocket GPS system to get me to and fro, and with these on my feet, I'll be kicking in heads myself. And those of you who think I'm ungrateful for not accepting the atlas, you should see what she's making me buy her for our 5 year wedding anniversary.

Red Wing is a bit of a U.S. success story, started in 1905 by Charles H. Beckman as a corner store in the town of Red Wing, Minnesota, is now one of the most respected shoe manufacturers in the world. I searched high & low for this particular style but they are not available in the USA, so had to call on my friends in Manchester to help out.
I was pretty shocked when I opened the box, don't think I've come across anything this well made in a while, except say the Rabbit Pappardelle at Locanda Vini & Oli. Actually, comparing shoes with food is a little stupid so I'll stop right here.

Tricker's Monkey Boots

In my very first post I see that I was coveting a pair of Tan Tricker's Brogues. I've moved on since then and these Grey Tricker's Monkey Boots are the way forward. No poncey decoration, a moodier color way and maybe a little intimidating too.

photograph courtesy of C.Point

A.P.C. Boat Shoes

In terms of quality, these A.P.C. boat shoes blow my 'Tod's' away.
The natural tan leather is thick & soft, the laces & sole, bright white. The detailing & finishing is impeccable throughout – these are going to age with grace.
Understated to say the least.

We've just got to come to terms with the socks versus no socks issue as one is not into ankle socks. Now I like Tommy's all or nothing attitude - let's heed this advice – it's either cheesy feet, or tall white cotton socks like the good old days – no half measures.

Discocopenhagen

Prompted by Refinery 29, I just discovered Discocopenhagen (love that alliteration, try saying that sentence quickly).

Their line of silver shoes is a little bit early 2007 granted, but hey, I don't care. They will look perfect this summer with those skinny jeans that are oh-so two years ago. Hold your chin high, those skinny jeans are all you got now. But look at your silver shoes!

Melissa: Black rubber shoes

Black rubber shoes with a spiked heel. Need I say more?

They are the epitome of S & M, but the slightly rounded toe takes them into Betty Boop territory, making them semiotically a little confusing. Which is why I like them. They're also very comfortable because the rubber gives more than leather does. I've been asked several times whether the rubber shoes make your feet sweat. The answer is absolutely. But who cares? Just walk slowly.

Tod's

I would never have purchased a pair of Tod's for myself, I'm just not that kind of person, however if someone were to buy them for me I may give them a go. This is exactly what happened yesterday........I got home from work around 6.30pm & my missus threw these boat shoes down on my lap, I popped them on & the rest is very recent history. They are a combination of Navy, Tan & White Leather, with thick Tan leather laces (which I had to soak in water to make them pliable)
Must be worn sock-less, unless you want to look like an idiot.

Really well made....from the posh eyelets to the bright  white stitching, there is also a subtle embossed branding detail on the outer edge of each tongue.
A cross between a boat shoe & driving Moc..........................................Very Nice!