What sneakers would Baron or Berlin Report wear (if any)?

[Mbogo]

Here's why I picked these two guys (sorry to both of you if you don't appreciate being singled out).

1. They both have great taste in a style that I aspire to.

2. They both have a sophisticated, grown-up look that is more appropriate to my age range than the younger kids here who can get away with Chucks for just about anything.

3. Berlin Report may have some insight on what works in Europe, where I see a lot of sneakers, but they look cooler there than here in the US, it seems.

My look, thanks to what I've picked up here, tends to be: good denim, a good quality, well-fitting work shirt, nice LGC belt. Kind of "Indy" light. Although, since I work in a creative field (photographer), a little bit of a funky edge is OK, as long as I don't appear like I'm trying to look like a kid.

I need sneakers because for work I often do a lot of walking (several miles) etc, often while lugging equipment, and no shoe or boot I've found has the combination of cushioney comfort, support, and grip that my New Balance hiking shoes have (but they are a really clumsy style). I also need decent sneakers for casual everyday use around town and casual outdoor activities. I'm a big 40ish guy, so I want to avoid looking like a big dork if I try something that looks too young. I can't give up sneakers altogether, though.

If either Baron or BR would care to contribute, it would be great. I don't recall seeing either of you in sneakers on WAYWT. Any suggestions from anyone else who has a feel for what I'm looking for appreciated as well.

Thanks!

David

 

[Baron]

The only sneakers I wear is a pair of white Jack Purcells and a pair of white canvas Tretorns. I used to have a pair of old school New Balance running shoes in solid blue leather. I wouldn't mind another pair of those - maybe in red this time.

 

[Mbogo]

Thanks for the reply, Baron.

Those Tretorns look pretty nice, although so many sneakers appear to me to be cousins of Chucks. Those seem pretty simple and classic, though, and maybe a bit more mature than Chucks. I'll have to give a pair of those a try.

I also wouldn't mind having something a little more rugged and workwear-inspired, which isn't really your style, which seems a bit dressier. Hiking shoes/sneakers, like Merrells, for instance, offer great utility, but are just ugly. If I could find something cool in that category, that would be great.

One of my big concerns is to avoid looking like I'm trying to look like a kid.

Any other suggestions appreciated!

David

 

[mr bunbury]

Black common projects court shoes fill this niche for me.

 

[whodini]

Originally Posted by mrjosh

Black common projects court shoes fill this niche for me.
I just can't imagine my Bruder wearing CP's. Funny that you only have a pair of JP's, Baron. I was going to make a joke earlier that one of the only sneakers worn by Craig in "Casino" was a brown pair of JP's.

 

[modual]

Op you mentioned New Balance. Have you looked at the NB 574 / 576. These look good with the right get up imo. Also some of the classic adidas.

 

[robertorex]

Originally Posted by modual

Op you mentioned New Balance. Have you looked at the NB 574 / 576. These look good with the right get up imo. Also some of the classic adidas.

cosign. NB 574s are honest to goodness the most comfortable sneakers I've ever put on.

 

[Mbogo]

I took a look at those 574s, and I would look totally dorky in them. (IMO, I mean. If you like them, good for you.

) They are so 80's, and remind me of something the "40 Year Old Virgin" guy might wear, and not out of a sense of nostalgic homage or irony.

At my age, trying to pull off retro stuff, that isn't retro enough, can really flop.

David

 

[Kregg]

Sambas?

 

[LA Guy]

Berlin has actually posted a number of outfits with sneakers, usually pretty classic design Nikes - I think that I remember a pair of red and white Dunks.

 

[Baron]

I actually have a pair of white slip-on Vans that I've worn out - that might work for you.

As to the notion that NB's would be too 80's and make you look like the 40 yo virgin - that wouldn't be true at all if the rest of your clothes fit you well. Especially if your jeans were relatively slim at the cuff. If you don't like them or feel comfortable in them then that's another story.

A good pair of rubber soled chukka boots would probably work if you're looking for a comfortable pair of grippy shoes to wear to work. I can walk all day in most of my shoes - even leather soled dress shoes - becuase they're good shoes and they fit me well. Maybe a pair of Alden chukkas with a commando sole would fill a niche for you.

 

[Superb0bo]

As you mention the "indy light"/work wear inspiration I really can recommend some PF Flyers in the most classic styles. They are sorts of a chucks cousin, but with a good padded insole ("posture fountation&quot, and several styles have a really cool 30s-40s look.

 

[berlin report]

I have three pairs that I wear: Nike Tennis Classics in white, Nike dunks in red/green/brown, and leather Chucks in vintage brown. I have around 10 other pairs which never get worn mainly due to colors I thought was a good idea at the time I bought them but couldn't really get myself to wear.

 

[pridecake]

I would have assumed German Army Sneakers?

 

[berlin report]

^^^They're actually a good choice but I've somehow never tried one on nor had the urge to. Strange.