The thing about me is that my love of shoes started from trainers. I used to have every Nike there ever was. At one point, I must have had about +30 Nikes, 7 or so Converse, 6 Vans, 5 Sperry boat shoes and a number of Adidas and Puma. Now, I have given about 95% of those away, stick with my Superga’s and a few things here and there for lazy Sunday’s. But I still appreciate minimalist trainers and would wear them too when the right mood presented itself. These ones shown, by Thorocraft, are right up my alley for what I would consider more of a ‘grown-up’ trainer, something that is still very casual but that could be worn in a semi-smart way if needed be. I don’t really like to show a brand if I can avoid it and think that the saddle inspired design of this derby sneaker is something quite intriguing for this style of shoe. And while 6 days a week, I am wearing something with a leather sole, there is no reason while Sundays and holidays can’t be graced with something a bit more on the casual side. After all, I am not that much of a snob! 😉
I’m fascinated by the growing popularity of $300-$600 (or more) designer “trainers” (sneakers, tennis shoes, etc.) and I cannot help but think that the businesses making and selling those must be laughing all the way to the bank. It’s funny how we all rationalize the price we pay (or might pay) for certain products. I am happy to spend money on well made men’s Goodyear welted dress shoes and other high quality loafers and I aspire to trying out the best brands in those categories. For me, that means moving up from Alden, Allen Edmonds, and Ferragamo (for loafers) shoes up to something like J. Fitzpatrick, then on up to G&G and Edward Green. Meanwhile, people I know would probably think I’m stupid to spend more than they do for their Cole Haan oxfords they bought at the discount shoe store. Getting back to the expensive trainers — I think the people that buy those are fools. Nike, Adidas, Converse, etc. are just fine for me and I doubt very much there is any real quality difference between those and a $500 pair of designer tennis shoes.
hey justin,
that’s a good accounting of the number of trainers you’ve owned! now, i wont be embarrassed when my pals make fun of me about how many shoes i own. to my defence, i have Imelda Marcos to blame so let’s just say it’s in my genes and culture.
apart from the brands you listed, i also have onitsuka tiger. like you, i’ve given up most of my trainers except for my chuck taylors, vans slip ons, sperry boat shoes and onitsuka tigers. i cant let go of them mostly because of sentimental value.
i do agree about ‘grown up’ trainers. Most of the time, you’ll see me wearing derby boots but i’d go for minimalist black or white grown up trainers if the occasion calls for it – or at least if im in the mood.
i do admit that i feel guilty if i spend money on designer trainers (i.e. common projects) but i dont even have second thoughts when buying Goodyear welted dress shoes. is it just me or some guys have similar thoughts?
until the next trend takes over!
The only trainers i own are those i used for exercise so these are not for me.
I second Blondrealist in that the very idea of spending in excess of 100 dollars/pounds on a pair of trainers holds no truck with me.
Then again, they probably consider me silly for spending so much on my shoes.
Call me a curmudgeon – and I freely admit that I can be – but I am of the view that outside of sporting activities, there really is no such thing as sneakers for grown ups. It’s not that these look bad – they are quite nice in fact – but the list of better options for weekend casual wear is long indeed. With so many quality chukkas, derbies, loafers and the like on offer, I just can’t see myself ever choosing sneakers even to pair with jeans. Assuming I actually wore jeans.
For me sneakers are generally more comfortable to wear than chukkas, derbies and loafers. Glad to see a post on sneakers, it will probably appeal to a broader audience. I was actually looking for brands that combine the design and quality of ‘proper’ shoes (e.g. loafers, brogues, and bluchers) with the comfort of sneakers.
and also Hender Scheme from Japan brilliant leather sneakers
I am happy to spend money on well made leather shoes, this is really hight quality shoes.thanks