The line of acceptability once dictated that a man only wear anything with a rubber sole to the gym. Sneakerheads everywhere can rejoice that the functionality lines of footwear are blurred these days. The modern explorer plays by their own rules. Of course, we’re habitual rule benders at CYTIES, so take our advice with a grain of salt and a shot of your finest tequila. Hey, we’re nothing, if not consistent.
GYM
The right trainer for your no-nonsense workout is lightweight, breathable, and crafted to bear the load, while you put in work. For the fitness geeks, that translates to lateral and medial support to keep you primed to pivot, jump, sidestep, and sprint without abandon. NOBULL: The name says it all.
SUMMER
Ah, D.J. drop that Bieber/Quavo beat. Shorts, floral shirts, bandanas, straw fedoras, and long stretches of 90 degree days—it must be summer. Keep it breezy with these crisp white monochrome leather slip-ons from UNIV. You’re welcome.
RUNNERS
Allbirds wins the award for designing the perfect hybrid lifestyle/running sneaker. They are light, made of renewal material, machine washable, comfortable as hell, and look great with jeans or running shorts. Do your heart, mind, and gut a solid and put in a few miles.
CLASSIC
Since we’re giving out awards, New Balance gets the next one for timeless design. Box up the Fresh Foam X-70s for 10 years and your wardrobe wouldn’t skip a beat. These suede and mesh beauties don’t disappoint.
EVERYDAY
No kick collection is complete (you feeling that alliteration?) without a hightop. Our rules: if you own one pair, keep the color scheme simple. Enter Japan-based Shoes Like Pottery, who craft a built-to-last sneaker with flair. The rubber soles are fired in a kiln through a process called ‘ka-ryu’. Walk it Out.
NIGHT OUT
Sunset is no excuse to neglect your style. The Italian leather Bradley Calfornia from CLAE eases the transition from the boardwalk to late-night bar hopping. We also wouldn’t be mad if you threw on a grey blazer and dark wash jeans to set off that pop of Carolina blue.
HOOP
Kobe might be gone, but the Mamba Mentality is immortal. These shoes are proof that Kobe’s artistry was equally impressive off the hardwood. While there’s no substitute for holding your breath as Bryant slashed through the paint or drains a fadeaway game-winner from the corner, these will have to do. R.I.P. friend: the world misses you.