Vans Sk8-Hi
Leopard
Spring 2011
There are very few sneakers (please do forgive the American-ism) that come close to the effortless cool of a pair of Chucks. Unfortunately I am in the minority unable to wear Converse trainers, because, to be blunt - they hurt like hell. I have owned three pairs, ranging from a plain black canvas, to a nice thick wool tartan, however all were an ill-advised foray into a world of classic American cool I had no business being in. I wore the first pair to the ground in the hopes I would break them in and they would become comfortable, ignoring the grating of that hard piece of rubber against my heel and how I seemed to shred them without a second thought. In my naïve folly I bought two pairs thereafter, however quickly got rid of them once I remembered how painful they were. I realize that some people are able to skateboard comfortably in plain Chucks, despite the absence of any padding - not me. I just do not have the feet for them, even though I still think they can look amazing on the right outfit. I suppose it is one of those instances where I like the look of something but leave it to others because it looks better on them (Levi's 501 jeans come to mind).
I was and always will be a sneakerhead, however in truth I seldom wear trainers these days. Indeed I actually sold the majority of my footwear recently, not to mention the majority of my clothing (a process I am still undergoing). An oddly cathartic experience, it has been curiously liberating in truth, and I suppose it was a subconscious way of creating some sort of personal sense of wabi. That being said the only pair of shoes I currently own, aside from Dr Martens and a pair of creepers, are a pair of navy blue vulcanized Vans 106, which have rather large holes developing through the toebox and heel. I have been on the fence about replacing them, mainly because a pair of leather shoes or boots seem to be the better investment, were I to even buy new footwear anyway (I may just wear boots and creepers for the near foreseeable future).
A childhood dream of mine was actually to one day own a pair of black Air Jordan IV's. I can imagine them looking rather nice on a pair of grey Max jeans from Acne, a navy blue Silent by Damir Doma sweatshirt and a lambskin Rick Owens jacket (throw in an Ann Demeulemeester feather necklace for good measure). Part of me does however think simplicity is perhaps the way forward, and indeed I do find myself drawn towards a pair of low cut Spring Courts. Being the first ever tennis shoe they have a fascinating history and their simple design is beautifully versatile. It is the grown-up tennis shoe, so to speak, and there certainly is something to be said for their elegance. However when I think about needing a pair of trainers to take a beating I come back to Vans. They are in fit and comfort what I wish Converse were. This season a few animal-inspired versions are up for release which have taken my interest. I was initially drawn towards the leopard print, however various associations make me lean towards the subtle zebra print. There is something about the texture that I really like, especially the shading of the barely-there print against the ageing of the leather.
Vans Sk8-Hi
Zebra
Spring 2011
Currently playing: Pet Grief - The Radio Dept.
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Awesome!
ReplyDeleteƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ
They are remarkable..and you'd looked fab in that outfit you mentioned!
ReplyDeleteI love those leopard sneakers. Great post!
ReplyDeleteWow, I like that other thing you mentioned too..I am so not organized.
ReplyDeleteI love to wear sneaker too.
ReplyDeletei always found converse quite comfy so that's a shame. admittedly you can feel every damn stone you cross. wearing cream ones today actually. i have some vans authenics in blue that i've had for about 5 years and theyre still going strong. see, i have loads of shoes and about 3 pairs of trainers, my favs actually being some green and grey new balance(can't beat for comfort, ever thought about then? you either love or hate the design).
ReplyDeletelovely shoes <3
ReplyDeletelovely shoes <3
ReplyDeleteThey are really wonderful....love sneakers!
ReplyDeleteAs an American (hehe!) I can say that I prefer Vans over Chucks as well ;) In fact I'm wearing Old Skools right now. Converse also hurt my feet. They seem to wear really easily at the heel.
ReplyDeleteso cool!! haha i forgive the american-ism.
ReplyDeletehow are you doing?? i miss bloggunicating (blog communicating) with you.
i want the zebra ones
ReplyDeleteIf there was anything to tempt me away from my Air Jordans, Nike Uptowns or Nike Airs it would be a kick like this!
ReplyDeleteI love the first pair. I'm a fan of converse and luckily find them really comfortable...apart from my first ever pair which really hurt!
ReplyDeleteLove that you referred to 'wabi' I remember watching a programme on 'Wabi Sabi' during the Japan season on Channel 4. So interesting!
they are really fab <3
ReplyDeletelove that first one!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2136495/crystal-glamour?claim=7y43aga8ugh
Im feeling the sneakers on the bottom
ReplyDeleteFresh
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