Prada Dress Sneakers?

idfnl · Apr 30, 2010

Originally Posted by MetroStyles

FWIW, I think that Italian high-branded sneakers are perhaps the silliest thing ever, but to each his own.
Although this was posted much earlier, I am going to DOUBLE AGREE. In fact, this fashion sneaker crap is destroying the sports shoe industry... go try and find good quality pair of shoes to do REAL SPORTS in and you'll see. Not saying that its impossible, but its not as easy as it used to be. And by the way... when did adult men start using the word 'sneakers'?

clockwise · Apr 30, 2010

Originally Posted by FPMBAT

Thank you clockwise, I have not yet seen anything that fits what I am looking for like the Prada sneakers I just feel that they are very overpriced for a sneaker.

Does Puma/Nike/Addidas make anything similar? What about the other designers?

I understand the tech definition of a sneaker might be those dress shoes posted- but I am really more looking for dress sneakers. Thanks

There are some "dress sneakers" among the offerings from all of those standard sports shoe brands but hardly anything that looka as nice as Prada.

Here are a few models from Paul Smith that look good to me.

clockwise · Apr 30, 2010

Originally Posted by idfnl

Although this was posted much earlier, I am going to DOUBLE AGREE.

In fact, this fashion sneaker crap is destroying the sports shoe industry... go try and find good quality pair of shoes to do REAL SPORTS in and you'll see. Not saying that its impossible, but its not as easy as it used to be.

And by the way... when did adult men start using the word 'sneakers'?

OP asked for "dress sneakers" not for REAL SPORTS shoes. So, whether it is to the detriment of the sports shoe industry or not, there is certainly a market for these products. I see it as just a casual type of shoe to wear with jeans, dressier than your typical Nikes.

What is the adult word for sneakers, if you please?

idfnl · Apr 30, 2010

Originally Posted by clockwise

OP asked for "dress sneakers" not for REAL SPORTS shoes. So, whether it is to the detriment of the sports shoe industry or not, there is certainly a market for these products. I see it as just a casual type of shoe to wear with jeans, dressier than your typical Nikes.

What is the adult word for sneakers, if you please?

I guess I recall a pair of KSwiss (originals), Stan Smiths, Nike Cortez, Reebok Classic, or Simple Puma's being used for this purpose.

I'm not sure how this devolved into these wierd looking "dress sneakers" that you see people wearing today. Hopefully we've reached the logical extreme with this crap and it will die away as a fashion trend.

If anyone at Nike is listening, please go back to designing shoes for performance. I havent bought a decent pair of basketball shoes since '97. I'd take a pair of '89 Air Force III's over anything available today.

I'd say the adult word is trainers.

FPMBAT · Apr 30, 2010

I can't understand the opposition to really nice dress sneakers with thin soles. I am new to this having only come from basketball sneakers but now I see how my "air force ones" don't really fit with my nicer dress jeans or cotton incotex, but a pair of prada sneakers would. If I was going to an lunch/dinner/event I would wear my nice loafers but if there is lots of walking I think that dressy sneakers are the most dress-casual appropriate attire. It seams that the prada sneakers have the best designs, but I was hoping to find out that there were cheaper ones with as great designs but no designer name. Any suggestions?

idfnl · Apr 30, 2010

Originally Posted by FPMBAT

I can't understand the opposition to really nice dress sneakers with thin soles. I am new to this having only come from basketball sneakers but now I see how my "air force ones" don't really fit with my nicer dress jeans or cotton incotex, but a pair of prada sneakers would. If I was going to an lunch/dinner/event I would wear my nice loafers but if there is lots of walking I think that dressy sneakers are the most dress-casual appropriate attire. It seams that the prada sneakers have the best designs, but I was hoping to find out that there were cheaper ones with as great designs but no designer name. Any suggestions?

I just dont get it. Why cant a pair of Stan Smith's serve this purpose?

FPMBAT · Apr 30, 2010

Thank you- I was not familiar with these. They look great like they may be just what I was looking for. I will show my wife when she gets home.

FPMBAT · Apr 30, 2010

Now come on .........- you know that stuff is not authentic. $42 for prada sneakers that are normally $400.

Icehawk · Apr 30, 2010

I know what you mean - spending $400 for dress-type shoes I can stomache since they can be rehealed/soled as needed but sneakers usually last me a year of daily wear...

I've had my eye on two different pairs of Y-3s, one at $200 and one at $370 and even though the more expensive ones are exactly the shoe I want I don't think I can do it.

JohnGalt · Apr 30, 2010

I'm wearing these today: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/ca...0550cat3260731

I bought them because they are low-key enough to wear into the office with jeans or on the weekends. That being said, the quality is crap compared to some older pairs of Prada sneakers I've had. These are made in Vietnam - the made in Italy sneakers of years past were built like tanks.

Icehawk · Apr 30, 2010

Originally Posted by JohnGalt

I'm wearing these today: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/ca...0550cat3260731

I bought them because they are low-key enough to wear into the office with jeans or on the weekends. That being said, the quality is crap compared to some older pairs of Prada sneakers I've had. These are made in Vietnam - the made in Italy sneakers of years past were built like tanks.

John, how would they compare them to your typical Nike, Adidas, etc in terms of build quality & longevity? I'm trying to wrap my head (IOW convince myself) around spending 3-4x more than usual.

FPMBAT · Apr 30, 2010

Icehawk- what are Y-3s?

John Galt- See those are exactly what I was looking for. The Stan Smith still look more like basketball sneakers. The Prada ones even though expensive seem to be the only thing that looks like that. It almost like Prada just got it right and that is what they are charging you for.

slappy · Apr 30, 2010

Originally Posted by JohnGalt

I'm wearing these today: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/ca...0550cat3260731

I bought them because they are low-key enough to wear into the office with jeans or on the weekends. That being said, the quality is crap compared to some older pairs of Prada sneakers I've had. These are made in Vietnam - the made in Italy sneakers of years past were built like tanks.
Those are hideous. No offense

JohnGalt · Apr 30, 2010

Originally Posted by Icehawk

John, how would they compare them to your typical Nike, Adidas, etc in terms of build quality & longevity? I'm trying to wrap my head (IOW convince myself) around spending 3-4x more than usual.

For these, I'm guessing that the build quality and longevity are no better than your typical Nike, Adidas, etc. I can't say that for certain because I've only had them a few months, but the construction compared to "how they used to be" is a world of difference. I've beaten the hell out of others over years and they are still wearable.

Icehawk · Apr 30, 2010

Originally Posted by FPMBAT

Icehawk- what are Y-3s?

A collaboration between Adidas & Yohji Yamamoto - http://y-3store.adidas.com/browse.cfm/2,230.html

If you look in the Outlet section there are still some nice, simple black sneakers there for sale. They actually have the shoe I'd kill for at a great price but 1sz too big!

Y-3 is definitely more on the fashion/sports side though vs the Prada's John posted for example (which look perfect for what you want).

Prada Dress Sneakers?

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