SIX SHOES TO LIVE BY
October 29, 2024
Caleb Empig
Shoes. Sneakerhead. Hypebeast. Oftentimes, these terms evoke images of BAPE-adorned nonchalant individuals who wear UNC Blue Jordan 1 highs with the tongue out and the laces undone. To be fair, sneaker culture has often got a bad rep. Resellers and scalpers use bots and unfair tactics to get as much stock of new shoes as possible, from the New Mambacitas to the Olive Travis lows (which I didn’t even try to cop). But if you break through this initial–and admittedly obnoxious–barrier, you’ll find a culture rich with history that is ingrained in the very soul of American street style. Jordan’s were all the rage back in the 90s and still are today. New Balances have had their time (they’re becoming increasingly less relevant) and so did Golden Gooses (which I personally think are atrocious). Shoes are arguably one of, if not the most important piece of a fit. It truly says a lot about an individual based on their shoe game. As such, I’ve decided to dedicate this article to exploring my own personal shoe collection. To keep it short, I’m limiting it to the shoes I’ve brought with me to school.
1. ASICS Gel Kayano “Oyster Grey”
These are a classic shoe, presented in a tasteful shade of light bluish-gray. ASICs are a part of the still-ongoing “Chunky Dad Shoe” aesthetic, with their over-the-top presentation that still remains subtly done. Not to mention, these shoes are extremely comfortable. I’ve done multiple 5k runs down by the river in these shoes and they still hold up great. They’re also extremely versatile, working with almost any fit. They do however go best with clean light blue jeans and a simple tee.
2. Doc Martens Smooth Leather Oxford Shoes
These shoes definitely help me when I’m planning a fit that’s a bit more out of the ordinary. I like to pair these with some paint-splattered jeans or some baggy parachute pants. They have a great, unique look that really can’t be matched with any of my other shoes at all. One down side: they are my most uncomfortable shoes by far. I used to play basketball in them during lunch in high school, and these shoes are still not completely broken in. They do however work great for an alternative fit type of day.
3. Off-White "Out of Office" Sneakers, Grey
These are my statement shoes that I love to bring out when I’m wearing a minimal streetwear fit. What I love about these shoes is that they are very subtle in their silhouette–they have the outline of an oversized Nike Dunk, but still display the Off-White logo which is genuinely so sick. I have however committed a cardinal sin and removed the tag because I hate how it looks. Please don’t hate me, Virgil!
4. Walmart Snow Shoes
I bought these shoes when I was on a Spring Break trip to New Hampshire. These shoes are exactly what they sound like and look incredibly ugly, clunky, and large. On the plus side, they’ll keep your feet nice and dry in the rain or snow, and isn’t that really all that matters? I know I appreciate these little ugly bricks when I safewalk (Monday, Thursday 9-11!!) - they keep my feet nice and dry. They unfortunately do not help with my feet becoming dead after walking around for 2 hours straight on uneven cobblestones.
5. Devin Booker 1's "Barely Grape"
These are my basketball shoes. They’re great for indoor/outdoor use and are perfect for quick stops, crossovers, and stepback treys. They also are great for adding a little shock to an all-black or monochrome fit.
6. Air Max 97's Triple White
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Last but not least, the super clean Air Max 97s. These bad boys have a futuristic look that really completes a fit. They’re a bit redundant with my ASICs, but I’ve actually started to wear them more ever since I made the mistake of wearing my ASICs while safewalking in the great rainstorm of September 26, 2024.
And that’s it! Those are the 6 shoes I’m sticking with this year. I’m still keeping my eye out for more, but truly all you need is a running shoe, a statement shoe, a chunky shoe, and an everyday shoe. Everything else is supplemental, to be honest. Except the Big Red Boots. Everyone needs those.
Sources:
https://www.nike.com/id/w/air-max-97-shoes-77f38zy7ok
https://www.ebay.com/itm/405041651509
https://www.lapstoneandhammer.com/products/fj4249_500
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Men-s-Snow-Boots/987752384
https://www.drmartens.com/us/en/1461-smooth-leather-oxford-shoes-black/p/11838002
https://www.goat.com/sneakers/off-white-out-of-office-grey-white-omia189s22lea001-0109