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Essential Tips: Footwear

Whether you’re in the market for a pair of polished Oxfords for the office, a set of solid boots for outdoor pursuits or some sandals for an escapade to warmer climes, our ultimate footwear guide will ensure you are well-shod in all situations.

LACE-UPS

The Brogue

With their distinctive punched and wingtip detailing, the brogue is one of most traditional lace-up styles in the modern man’s shoe compilation. The decorative punched details are the key to shoe’s name: they were originally perforations to allow drainage when crossing damp bogs – ‘brogue’ is derived directly from this. Sturdy, versatile and striking the perfect balance between smart and casual, the brogue makes an easy pairing with tailored trousers, denim and chinos, making it a suitable style companion to most outfits. With a marked return to heritage dressing in menswear, the brogue has become an indispensible footwear investment.

The Oxford

Developed from a short boot with side slits popular at Oxford University in the 1800s, the Oxford shoe is the most formal footwear style today. Simple and clean-cut, they feature a ‘closed lace’ design, where the bottom of the lacing panel has been stitched to the front of the shoe (the vamp). Oxfords tend to be constructed from smooth leather and feature a simple toe-cap design, although variations in suede and other materials are common. The shoe of choice for city gents on office-bound days or formal functions, the classic Oxford is best styled with tailoring.

The Derby

A more casual and multi-faceted take on the Oxford, Derby shoes feature an open-lace construction, (in contrast to Oxfords) where the bottom of the eyelet lace panels have not been stitched to front of the front of the shoe (the vamp). Suitable for wearing in both casual and dressier situations, the Derby shoe can be crafted from leather or suede and usually sports a simple clean-cut design, but can also feature a toe cap.

Best foot forward: Heavier-soled lace-ups tend to look better on well-built men. If you have a slimmer profile, opt for a less chunky construction. Extend the lifespan of your leather shoes by investing in a good wax-based shoe cream and giving them a good polish and buff once a fortnight. With suede shoes, use a quality suede brush and a waterproof protector spray to keep them in order.

BOOTS

The Hiking and Work Boot

Inspired by the footwear of explorers and working-class labourers of yesteryear, these heavy-duty designs have come to dominate the men’s boot market in recent seasons – largely due to designer’s proclivity for mountaineering gear and heritage dressing. No longer the preserve of the intrepid country rambler, this type of boot has found its way from the country to an urban setting and is ideal for tackling city pavements in challenging weather. With a lace-up front and a solid grip-sole, these study boots afford superb support for keen walkers and will also lend a rugged finish to any look. Wear them year-round with jeans and chinos, lightweight sporty jackets, textured knits and woollen peat coats.

The Chelsea Boot

Since their rise to popularity in the Sixties, Chelsea boots have earned cult status. Identified by their slip-on design featuring elasticised ankle inserts and a round or slightly pointed toe, Chelsea boots are ideal for the gent who wants to introduce a hint of rock ‘n’ roll attitude into his aesthetic. Designs are traditionally in leather or suede, with contemporary styles featuring details such as colour-pop inserts and metallic embellishments. Chelsea boots look their best when worn with slim or skinny jeans, or close-fitting trousers.

The Desert Boot

Also known as the Chukka boot, the style owes its name to the footwear worn by British troops engaged in the Western Desert Campaign during the Second World War. Typically made of suede or leather, these softly constructed boots feature a simple open-lace construction, a crepe sole and round toe. Comfortable and lightweight, Desert boots are a smart choice for the warmer months and will easily pair with all your casual apparel. Opt for a colour-pop or pastel hue to put a contemporary spin on your summer footwear.

Best foot forward: Boots are by nature are more casual than shoes, so pair them with your weekend looks unless you work in a more creative office where the dress code is more relaxed. Invest in a few pairs that will see you through the seasons: hiking and work boots will help you keep a firm footing in inclement conditions, whilst desert and Chelsea boots are an astute choice for the warmer months.

LOAFERS & MONK STRAP SHOES

The Penny Loafer

This classic style, usually crafted from leather or suede is defined by its simple slip-on design which features a cut-out detail on the front of the shoe. The smartest type of loafer, it’s easily adapted to wearing with tailored trousers and denim alike.  Opt for classic tan, black and navy colours in the cooler months, swapping for jewel-tone or pastel-hued suede designs in the summer season.

The Tassel Loafer

A more casual style than the Penny loafer, this shoe is guaranteed to lend a dash of natty charm to your aesthetic. Featuring signature tassel fringing on the front, this preppy design can trace its origins to the colleges of 1950s America. Try them with lean dark-hued denim or tweed trousers for a sophisticated nod to vintage mode.

The Driving Loafer

These softly-constructed loafers feature a heelless sole, with leather lace detailing around the upper and front and a bobble-grip sole designed to provide firm traction on the pedals of a car. An easy summer style, they can be worn with almost any casual leg wear option.

The Monk Strap Shoe

A stylish alternative to lace-ups, monk straps have a decidedly elegant edge over other traditional shoes, and strike a well-executed balance between a formal Oxford and the more casual Derby. Defined by their buckle and strap fastenings (single or double straps are the norm), these shoes evolved from the footwear worn by 11th century monks, who appreciated the hard-wearing and practical design. Simply team them with a suit in the week or with your tailored chinos and knits at the weekend and they’ll earn you instant style credibility.

Best foot forward: Loafers are a superb smarter footwear option for the warmer months. Try wearing them sockless (or with invisible socks) and roll up your chinos or jeans a few centimetres for a fresh, contemporary look.

SANDALS & SLIP-ONS

The Fisherman Sandal

Fisherman-style leather sandals, which owe their origins to the ancient coastal communities of the Mediterranean, have made a big comeback in recent seasons. Designed so that water could easily drain out (essential when working on a fishing vessel), these traditional shoes will lend a dash of heritage charm to your feet. They’re versatile too, pairing equally well with both shorts and smarter trousers.

The Modern Sandal

Designed with a solid platform and an easy slip-on, slip-off design, these are ideal for wearing in exotic lands where removing your shoes before going indoors is customary. The airy open-toed construction of these styles gives your feet a chance to breathe after being incarcerated in darkness for the best part of the year.

The Espadrille

With their jute sole, lightweight construction and breathable canvas upper, espadrilles are great for gents that want put a summery spin on their footwear, without exposing their toes. They make the perfect style partner to a striped Breton tee and tailored shorts.

The Flip-flop

Best confined to the pool, the humble flip-flop serves the wearer well in situations where water is a constant feature. Remember to pack a pair in your suitcase to wear with your favourite poolside apparel.

The Boat Shoe

This instantly recognisable style is crafted from leather or suede and sports signature lacing around the upper, and a leather lace-up front. First emerging in the 1930s with the rise of maritime pursuits amongst the leisured classes, these shoes are designed to have a firm grip on wet surfaces, making them ideal for wearing in places where water may come into the mix.

Best foot forward: Sandals were previously viewed as strictly holiday-wear only; this is no longer the case. A pair of minimalist sandals will look great worn in the city on a hot summer’s day with a pair of tailored shorts.

Words by Shane Kurup

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adidas Originals Unbox Some Of Their Most Iconic Stories

Throughout this summer 2019 adidas is launching a variety of Home of Classics. At StylePilot we really like footwear. So, we couldn’t be more excited to try the Superstar 80s from the three stripes brand.

In adidas own words: “Viewed as a whole, Home of Classics is a documentation of some of adidas Originals’ most influential designs, and a true testament to the timelessness of the brand’s craftsmanship that provides longevity for the wearer, regardless of their choice of experience or expression”.

Inspiration

The Home of Classics collection is inspired by the brand’s 50 years of experience in craftsmanship, sport, and culture. You cannot avoid feeling the nostalgia browsing this collection.

Home of Classics is led by the Stan Smith, Continental 80 and the Superstar 80s. The lineup also features the Supercourt, Torsion Comp, S.C. Premiere and A.R. Trainer.

The collection is made up of 10 timeless, court-inspired silhouettes. adidas Originals is paying tribute to its lineage of classic white leather sneakers that has now transcended several generations.

The perfect spot

Finding a location to photoshoot the Superstar 80s was the next mission.

As the pair of Superstar 80s is black (and white), we decided to choose a surrounding to match them. We did find the perfect building a few meters away from London Bridge train station and the iconic Shard.

These shoes keep the look classic with a coated leather upper. They feature all the authentic details, including zigzag edging on the 3-Stripes and the signature rubber shell toe.

A discreet ‘Superstar’ signature above the famous three stripes!

A bit of history

This ’70s sneaker began life as a court-dominating B-ball shoe.

It wasn’t long before it was infiltrating the worlds of skateboarding and street style (not to mention the hip-hop main stage).

For decades, global creatives have regarded each sneaker as a blank canvas that carries them through experiences, granting the shoes greater meaning with every step. Symbolic of different stories and adventures, the Home of Classics collection has evolved through athletes, musicians, designers, style icons, and youth cultures alike that have re-interpreted each style to fit their lifestyle. Embracing how far people have taken, and will take, the brand’s timeless designs, the pack presents a line for the next generation of creators.

The sneakers are styled here with some black denim trousers from Belstaff, a leather jacket from Superdry and a white shirt from boohooMAN.

Specifications

  • Full grain leather upper for comfort and soft feel
  • Rubber cupsole; Synthetic leather lining
  • Logo on heel patch
  • Herringbone-pattern rubber outsole
  • Product code: C77124
Superstar Shoes: the sneaker with the shell toe!
A timeless design!
Zoom on the Night Nevil watch by Triwa: a 42 mm, all black, limited edition of Triwa’s most popular watch model Nevil. The Nevil is their interpretation of the classic chronograph.
£229 RRP. Shop at www.triwa.com.
One can never get tired of this perspective from More London Place!

Home of Classics collection available globally and online at www.adidas.com/homeofclassics

Superstar 80s: $80 or £79,95 RRP. Shop Superstar 80s

About adidas

Adi Dassler started adidas on August 18, 1949 because he wanted to make a difference in athlete performance. 70 years later, adidas has made an impact not only on sport and athletes, but on fashion, music, culture, sustainability and beyond. Travel through time and discover the history of adidas and the styles that have influenced where we are today.

@adidasOriginals #HomeofClassics