The winter to spring shift is a time for rebirth, especially this year. When it comes to the wardrobe, it’s all about having the right tools in place to adapt to changing weather and conditions. Our Spring Style Toolkit is here to help.
We’ve already sung the praises for spring when it comes to sneakers. But, believe it or not, there are people who aren’t that into them. And those that just need a little break. Much like with a white mesh sneaker, you don’t want to step out in a pair of Nappa leather loafers if there’s even a ten percent chance of rain and snow. Enter — spring, and the chance of wearing real shoes again.
As we reach something near terminal velocity in the world of sneakers, many of us are turning our attention to the next logical step: the post-sneaker world. Just a few days ago, Nike VP Ann Hebert left the company after Bloomberg released evidence of her family tie with famous reseller “West Coast Joe”, prompting many to confront the issues in the world of sneakers as a whole. But as the sneaker kingdom shows cracks, the fort of timeless leather shoes holds strong.
Picking the right pair of shoes for spring is actually really easy. Spring is a forgiving month because a high-quality pair of leather shoes is always the right choice. You’re not in danger of overheating in them, but you’re also not in too much danger of scuffing the leather or waterlogging them. So, in the spirit of an elevated, post-sneaker spring season, we’ve rounded up the best shoes for spring.
Diemme’s heritage clashes beautifully with modern technical style in the Asiago desert boots. Soft suede uppers meet a rubberized mudguard and a rugged Vibram sole. Versatility on 100.
King of New York City style, Aimé Leon Dore recently linked up with Clarks Originals to give the classic Wallabee a new look. Uppers made from Italian Casentino wool combine with tonal suede trims for an understated finish that centers around the materials.
The Dr. Martens Black Mono Derby is unchanged since its introduction in 1960. That’s testament to the timelessness and durability of the style. High-quality buffed leather forms the upper and the all-black stitching keeps the profile low.
Spring is a good time to start showing out again. You can start easing yourself back into the world of colors with this pair of eye-catching G.H. Bass Weejuns. A two-tone palette is the retro lift your spring wardrobe is begging for.
After a year of life spent indoors, we’re guessing that a healthy portion of our readers has already invested in a pair of Birkenstocks. For those who haven’t, they’re the perfect transitional shoe with a soft cork midsole, beaten leather upper, and rubber outsole.
Achilles Ion Gabriel’s appointment as creative lead at CAMPERLAB has breathed a new life into the label. This pair of rugged deck shoes presents a prime example of a classic subverted by Gabriel’s eye for detail. Calfskin leather uppers feature a buffed effect for a worn-in look.
From Japan to Morrocco, the Maison Margiela Babouche Sippers are a truly international design. In classic Margiela style, the pair references multiple styles with its luxury Italian construction, Japanese split-toe, and North-African babouche silhouette.
Suicoke’s creations sit between shoes and sandals. Neoprene uppers sit atop a Vibram sole unit while a velcro strap secures the foot. They’re wildly comfortable and surprisingly easy to style in an all-grey colorway.
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