The right shoes/sneakers for a tropical, beachy professional setting

[CoolandCazh]

Good afternoon gents, I need your help. I sell real estate in an affluent, tropical, laid back beach town in Costa Rica. I don't like/wear flip-flops because I want something sturdy, in case I have to run, ride an ATV, or just be prepared. My style is a bit more NY urban, so I've been wearing Nike basketball sneakers for years. But now I'm 41 and I just feel they are juvenile and out of touch with the beach scene. Desert boots seem too heavy, espadrilles too elegant, and Vans are just a bit too hippie/alternative for my vibe. Looking for some decent sneakers - and white is not an option as they will get muddy and filthy real quick. Thanks a ton for your help and suggestions!

 

[Duke Santos]

A good pair of minimalist sneakers. Hit them with some protectant, and they should be fine. Here are two Allen Edmonds options in grain leather and in suede. If you want to go a bit dressier than sneakers, a nice pair of loafers would work. Bottom pic are Bostons from C&J.

 

[breakaway01]

Not a fan of “dress sneakers”. Curious why you think espadrilles are too elegant? They are pretty casual in my book and would have been my recommendation.

Alternatively, check out some of Aurelien’s offerings—a knock off of Loro Piana’s Summer Walk style but a much lower price.

https://aurelien-online.com/collections/city-loafers

 

[maxalex]

Turkish Modern sells nice handmade yemeni slippers (which they call rafiks) that are a bit smarter than espadrilles but still casual and beachy. I’ve bought a few. I’ve had issues with the thin rubberized outer sole delaminating at the toe from the leather insole, but it’s easily repaired with contact cement. (The leather insole itself is stitched to the upper.) You wouldn’t wear these shoes trekking, but nice enough for light use.

Cow Hollow | turkishmodern

To learn more about these shoes and the ancient shoemaking tradition behind Rafiks, please visit our About Rafiks page.

www.turkishmodern.com

 

[CoolandCazh]

Not a fan of “dress sneakers”. Curious why you think espadrilles are too elegant? They are pretty casual in my book and would have been my recommendation.

Alternatively, check out some of Aurelien’s offerings—a knock off of Loro Piana’s Summer Walk style but a much lower price.

https://aurelien-online.com/collections/city-loafers

Hey there, I’m trying to stick to my
NY roots. A bit of streetwear style tied in to the classy, relaxed beach vibe here. Espadrilles are too dainty for me. Loafers and boat shoes are also too stuffy. My basketball shoes are too juvenile. Some minimalist sneakers and a few of the suggestions above are viable.

 

[rjc149]

This is interesting, because I'm largely in the same boat as you. New Yorker approaching your age. I also think espadrilles are too dainty and "Euro." Boat shoes are for WASPs, loafers are a bit too dressy for a casual look, and basketball shoes/Converse/Vans are too youthful/hipster.

However, I consider the minimalist leather dress sneakers to also be too dainty. They're just a little too self-conscious and trendy for me. They scream 'middle-aged man needing to appear current.' Especially if you're talking about a $200+ pair of sneakers that will not age well or last very long.

I think if you're going to spend that kind of money on quality leather footwear, get proper leather shoes. If you're going to wear sneakers, just wear sneakers. They don't have to be gym sneakers. Basic New Balance, Adidas, Nike etc. are fine. I think striking a balance between casual streetwear and classy/elevated is elusive. It almost always looks incongruent. It's one or the other.