Help My Feet Look Pretty.

April 21, 2008 11:50 AM

Help me find a couple pairs of shoes for the summer. I'm a guy who's not a big fan of sandals or loafers/boat shoes.

I usually just wear jeans or shorts in the summer and like to keep it casual. Help me out! I'm open to anything aside from the aforementioned styles.

posted by PFL to clothing, beauty, & fashion (15 comments total)

Driving shoes might work. A lot of the ones pictured may be too moccasin-y for you, and some are really over the top, but there are some good options there. Probably better with jeans than shorts, though.

Low-profile sneakers with nice details are always good for summer.
posted by peachfuzz at 12:26 PM on April 21 [2 favorites]

Get a pair of Chuck Taylors. You can wear them without socks if you want.
posted by backseatpilot at 12:38 PM on April 21

Peachfuzz, I really dig the white version of the Geox shoes in your second link.
posted by PFL at 1:03 PM on April 21

... but I'd still like to see what everyone else comes up with!
posted by PFL at 1:03 PM on April 21

Canvas sneakers are your summertime friend.

Converse Chuck Taylors or Jack Purcells, Vans classics (in slip-on or lace-up).
posted by dersins at 1:12 PM on April 21

i have to say im partial to the asics onitsuka tigers, and a ton of colors to boot.

get it?
posted by wackoacko at 1:52 PM on April 21

Keens are awesome; I've also converted my husband into a non-sandal-hater with this brand. They don't have that Jesus-shoe look. Link includes all, though, out of respect for your request.
posted by theredpen at 1:58 PM on April 21

What don't you like about sandals? I am completely respectful of your thoughts, whether rational ("they hurt/they don't work at my job/I have icky toes") or irrational ("I do not want to look like that homeless guy downtown with the dirty purple flip flops"), but as someone who has seen several male sandal-haters turn into believers, I am convinced that you can find something a little more breathable while still keeping true to your sense of style.
posted by Madamina at 2:07 PM on April 21

If you have a sense of style, please do not wear sport sandals.

I echo the sentiments of those above: canvas sneakers. Slip-ons or lace-ups, keep them simple and preferably white or unbleached white, and you'll look fine.
posted by YoungAmerican at 2:10 PM on April 21

Honestly, I just never liked the look of sandals. I have a pair and wear them from time to time but I prefer to wear something else 99% of the time.
posted by PFL at 2:23 PM on April 21

I wear Chuck Taylors, Vans slip-ons, and Onitsuka Tigers, and I love these shoes. They're attractive, safe choices. But I want to point out that all three types of shoes offer very little support and will leave you sore if you need to walk or stand in them for extended lengths of time.

Surprisingly, the Onitsuka Tigers are the worst in this regard, possibly because the soles are so skinny. I can wear them to work, but the damn things will hurt me if I take them out for a walk around the neighborhood. I suffer because I hate sandals, too.
posted by cobra libre at 2:46 PM on April 21

How about fisherman's sandals? They don't have that sandal look at all, they look much nicer than the Keens, and they're hella comfortable. I bought a very comfortable pair from Bata for about $25 USD, and have received several compliments on them - and that's a footwear first for me.
posted by me & my monkey at 3:48 PM on April 21

onitsuka tigers are awesome, as are chucks and vans slip-ons. those also happen to be the 3 kinds of shoes that i own. i'm currently looking into getting a pair of sidewalk surfers for the summer, but i'm not sold on their durability.
posted by ncc1701d at 8:06 PM on April 21

I know they're ugly and ubiquitous, and therefore very popular to hate, but I've yet to find a more comfortable shoe than Crocs. For hot weather they're awesome, just avoid using them on a rainy day--your feet tend to slip around a lot. Again, not stylish in the least, but so goddamn comfy.
posted by zardoz at 11:50 PM on April 21

chatfilter: I ordered the geox shoes pimped by peachfuzz. Free overnight shipping even. Sweet. I am saved from having to trudge through the mall yet again!
posted by MillMan at 11:58 PM on April 21