Thank you for the idea and post title, Bill. This blog post is your fault. 😁
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, running shoes are for running, not for wearing on a date, not for shopping, not with your jeans...or your khakis. Definitely not with your suit. That fad came and went...and it went for a reason. So when you want to wear a comfortable pair of sneakers out, what’s a person to do? Go classy and timeless.
Certain articles of clothing are always classy and timeless, they never go out of style. A navy blue or grey suit, a white linen shirt, a fedora, a quality pair of jeans or a wool overcoat to name a few. Crocs? No. They were intentionally left off the list. So what sneaker would be on the list? A sweet pair of Vans.
Add a pair of Vans to your wardrobe...or two...or three...or more. They’ll add an instant touch of relaxed class and a subtle coolness.
Of the many styles they make, both high and low tops, I stick with three “go-to’s”. The classic slip-on, the “authentic” (a basic lace-up) and the “era” - which is basically the “authentic” with a little padding added around the ankles.
Vans, known for their iconic checkerboard pattern (the sneaker of choice for Spicoli in the movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High) has, over the years, expanded to a wide variety of colors, patterns and styles along with many unique limited-edition collaborations with big names tied to them like The Beatles Yellow Submarine, The Simpsons, The Museum of Modern Art, Star Wars, Harry Potter and many more.
For a long time if a guy wanted to add some color or liven up his outfit he was limited, for the most part, to colorful ties with his suits. That’s changed dramatically over the years. Today there are a lot of ways to add color to an outfit and a stylish pair of Vans is the perfect way to do it. Go with the OG - solid or stripes, a perfect start. The checkerboard pattern (introduced in the 70’s) is available in many colors besides the basic black and white and at least one pair should be included in any Vans owners collection. Add a solid. A distinctive pattern and a collaboration (usually a limited-edition signified by a name like “Vans X MOMA” or “Vans X Nightmare Before Christmas”).
Vans started making their sneakers in 1966. This year, which is their 55th anniversary, Vans continues to make the quintessential sneaker with the unique waffle sole known for providing a snug, comfortable fit and excellent traction. Only now they do it with an eye on the environment using sustainable manufacturing and responsibly sourced materials like cotton and leather.
Aloha, Mr. Hand.
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