Shoes Of The Day

There are shoes that are designed for all occasions. There are shoes that are designed for all-terrains. And then there are shoes that aim at accomplishing the impossible: combining both concepts in an all-around shoe that will only look out-of-place at a wedding or funeral.

The Oboz Men’s Arete is designed to be that all-around shoe, the one you consistently reach for on any given weekday even before you know which errands you have to run or what adventures lay in your path. With a clean, attractive exterior kept together by Nubuck leather up top and a high friction carbon rubber on bottom, those adventures don’t have to wait whether they take place in the sunshine or the rain.

Of course, just by looking at the Arete, you’ll get an idea of where its bias slants: it’s an outdoor shoe. It’s great to bring around when hiking or fishing, particularly because its rubber exoskeleton does such a good job of staying intact for outdoor activities. A molded rubber toe round in the front also places a front bumper that should keep your toes pretty well clear of any collision you might expose them to.

As for its wearability in more social endeavors, the Arete makes no qualms about the fact that it is not a loafer, an oxford, or even a chukka boot. It’s a bit utilitarian. But it’s an upgrade over the too-casual tennis shoe look because it does such a good job at integrating its more technical accomplishments with a sleek and settled design. Essentially, the Arete is able to accomplish its most stylish feats by melding into the background; it’s great for casual occasions but might not stand the test of your more formal requirements. Ultimately, at $120, it does all that you ask of it – and just a little bit more.

For the shoe enthusiast, combining those two timeless foot needs – comfort and casual style – is a vexing challenge. Slippers might be comfortable, but they don’t even make appropriate grocery store wear. Dress shoes look the best, but you wouldn’t wear them for comfort.

The Aalto Chukka shoe, named for its designer Alvar Aalto, is one of the best shoes you’ll find capable of meeting the two needs equally. The brown (optional) suede leather gives the entire hull a classic, casual, and rustic look while the inside is lined with an anti-microbial sockliner that is far more comfortable than a shoe like this should feel.

You should have no problem slipping on this Chukka in the morning for a variety of needs throughout the day – you’ll feel just as appropriate at the grocery store as you do at a casual work environment or even a late-evening soiree. Because the comfort is built to last all day, there’s no reason you can’t, either.

The beauty of the Aalto Chukka, however, is in the details – ranging from built-in heel support to an eco-friendly outsole. The outside, however, conceals all of the little things going on inside the shoe to make it look more stylish and less comfortable than it really is. The sockliner that comprises the shoe’s comfy interior is perhaps the best part of the product, customizing its fit to your foot and offering the support you’ll need in case you decide to take a walk without changing into athletic shoes. The overall effect is a shoe so versatile that you’ll start to wonder what you ever did before slipping it on.

Available in both Rust Brown and Sandstorm-Cub – both equally effective color schemes – the Aalto Chukka should be top on your list for a casual multi-seasonal shoe. At a price of around $110, it’s a solid investment –but one that will be well worth it on a day-to-day basis.  Check out kurufootwear.com for more.

Ariat Rambler

The search for an authentic cowboy-style boot capable of handling just about any kind of demands you place on it has come to an end. At least that’s the case if you’ve come across the Ariat Rambler, a square toe cowboy boot that mixes a classic design with durability that might just have you wondering where the Rambler has been all your life.

The durability is achieved with a solid rubber outsole construction known as Duratread™. This tread lives up to its name as previous customers have reported using their Ramblers in every kind of situation imaginable – from inside bars and dance halls to outside in the snow. This makes the Rambler ideal for any type of climate, from dry and hot to humid or snowy.

The Rambler will arrive at your doorstep already broken in and won’t wear far beyond that until you’ve put a lot of miles in them. That won’t be difficult, as slipping into these 11”-high boots will show you just how comfortable cowboy boots can be when constructed right. The contoured arch and heel construction affords you as much comfort as possible while retaining the classic look and feel of a legitimate cowboy boot.

That’s not hard to do, of course, when you are a legitimate cowboy boot. That’s exactly what the Ariat Rambler is able to achieve without getting too flashy or in-your-face. The color options range from as dark as black to as light as khaki, but we recommend the classic dark brown  if you’re looking for a cowboy boot for all seasons.

Priced from between $160-170, you’ll find that these affordable boots might just be your best investment this year; that is, of course, if you can find enough snow, heat, and terrain to fully challenge them. When that’s the hardest thing about wearing your boot, you know you’ve made the right purchase.

Most people who’ve tried them will acknowledge that there’s something about Chukka boots that gives you an instant sense of taste and style – you feel like you’ve finally found a casual shoe that is versatile enough to be appropriate for most situations. Oliberte’s Adibo Black/Red Pullup is a Chukka boot that certainly falls under that category, but also successfully achieves another distinction: it’s a shoe that practically asks to be noticed – and complimented.

First, consider the fact that these shoes are hand-crafted in Africa – Ethiopia, to be exact. The shoe is then constructed out of local materials – even the rubber, which somehow comes from trees, though don’t ask us to explain the process to you. Despite the localization of the shoes, they’re somehow available in some of the most enticing casual color combinations that you’ve ever seen. Even if you weren’t looking for a Chukka boot in the Adibo style before, we can pretty much guarantee that this is the look you’re now looking for.

The 100% goat leather comprises a majority of the structure, giving the Adibo an authentic feel that really can’t be replaced by anything overly synthetic. Your shoes will arrive on your feet already looking like they’ve accompanied Indiana Jones on an exotic adventure – and that’s before you even lace them up. No matter which color you pick – though we don’t think the Black/Red combination is a bad choice – you’ll likely be pleased with how your feet look.

The prices on the Adibo vary. The Black/Red combination is $150, but other colors have a reduced price as low as $90. For the kind of hand-made quality you’re receiving for your dollar, there’s really no way to go wrong. In fact, we dare you to experience any kind of buyer’s remorse after buying these shoes.

A Tale of Two Reviews: Ecco’s BIOM B

Using a fitness shoe means that you need a shoe that doesn’t only hold up to the test of time – but it holds your feet comfortable while also offering support. That’s exactly what you get in the case of Ecco’s BIOM B, a shoe that looks unique and is unique. Heck, it’s such a well-fitted and well-feeling running shoe that we’ll have to recommend you going to any of the big corporations for your running shoes again.

We’d start explaining why, but there are two shoes to cover here: the leather and the textile version. So let’s pay attention to both and consider why you might want to buy either one.

Leather

This is the running-shoe-from-outer-space that you’ve been waiting for. Not only is the shoe well-contoured to fit the unique shape of your feet, but the leather actually makes for a durable and moisture-resistant way to declare an end to all “rainy days.” In essence, you’ll never have an excuse not to go out for a jog when you’re wearing these because they’ll do so much of the work for you. The rounded heal also makes the run feel like you’re running on a treadmill, while the strong rubber sole ensures that you’re able to run on everything the real world has to offer.

Textile

These look quite a bit different than the leather versions, but the textile version is no slouch. It’s comfortable, well-contoured, and has a low sole that doesn’t make you feel like you’re clopping by on your morning jog like a Clydesdale. In fact, the shoe is such a high quality that you might want to view purchasing them as a commitment, because you won’t be able to resist heading out for a run once you buy them.

The textile version costs about $170 while the leather version is $220, but the truth is that you can’t go wrong no matter which Ecco’s BIOM B you opt for. But if you’re looking to buy this kind of shoe, chances are you weren’t afraid of that kind of thing, either.

TrekSta Men’s Evolution II: What a Great Fit Can Do for a Shoe

Going out on the trail with a pair of clunky old boots will make you feel like you’re doing twice the work you need to be doing. And there’s a reason for that: it’s because you’re doing twice the work you need to be doing. TrekSta Men’s Evolution II is designed to eliminate that problem by contouring to your feet so well – in essence, fitting – that you’ll hardly notice the thing is there. You’ll get all the support, traction, and stability you need from an outdoor shoe without any of the weight or chunkiness.

Does the Evolution II succeed in its ambition to be one of the best-fitting outdoor shoes on the market? The fit will depend on your individual experience, of course, but there’s no doubt that TrekSta took a variety of feet types and sizes into account when designing this shoe. It advertises its own system as NestFIT and claims that “Upper, insole, midsole, and outsole come together like never before.”

A quick look at the shoe itself will convince you that the shoe does indeed look like form-fitting superhero armor for your feet – in other words, the Evolution II definitely passes the eyeball test. And the quality of the material itself is enough to make you wonder if more outdoor trail shoes shouldn’t handle their fit this way. There is indeed a lightness to this shoe that you might not expect at first glance thanks to a nice weaving in of appropriate materials that keep your feet dry while allowing sweat to dissipate. And the traction of the shoe is exactly what you need if you’re going to give this shoe a good test in some adverse conditions.

At $115, this is an outdoor shoe that actually comes at a bargain price compared to many similar shoes you’ll see out there on the market.

The Adventurer’s Casual Shoe: 5Ten Spitfire

Having a casual shoe that suggests a hint of adventurism is a prime motivation for those people who need comfortable shoes for skateboarding – or just about any type of activity, for that matter. The shoe needs to be light and yet supportive, and certainly requires an element of style that can’t be found in your father’s closet.

Enter the 5Ten Spitfire, a “classic skate profile” shoe designed for the inner skateboarder in you: it’s ideally suited not only for pavement and a quick trip to the grocery store via skateboard, but is ready for the dirt bike as well. But once you reach a certain level of comfort for a shoe like this, it’s all about the style. And a close-up look at the Spitfire will tell you exactly what you need to know about it.

That’s because the Spitfire’s construction – simple yet sturdy laces, a few foldovers, attention to detail – makes this a stylish shoe for just about any skateboarder or general urban adventurer to wear. And at a price of just $99 or so, the shoe is going to last you long enough to more than justify its place in your wardrobe.

That is, of course, if you plan on actually storing this shoe away in your wardrobe. But our guess is that you’ll actually want to wear it in just about every situation – grocery store, walking down the street, bicycling to work – because it’s such a versatile and comfortable shoe. The one-piece outsole will make sure that you have enough traction on the pavement to try all sorts of tricks on the skateboard and will also provide a comprehensive coverage for the shoe itself, helping to prevent short-term damage while you give your feet all you’ve got.

We recommend this shoe for anyone who wants a youthful style and needs a shoe that works well on pavement – in essence, anyone who’s out on the pavement enough to require a casual shoe with kick.

Sanuk’s Pick Pocket: A Hoodie on Your Feet?

One look at Sanuk’s Pick Pocket casualwear shoes and you’ll agree with them: they were able to take the look and feel of a hoodie and put it on your feet. That’s probably what inspired the Pick Pocket’s name, considering the somewhat suspect appearance some people have when wearing hoodies. But that doesn’t mean you have to submit to a life of crime in order to enjoy these shoes as casual wear. In fact, you might even feel inspired to do a few good deeds after you slap these on. Here’s why.

First, even though the look and feel of a hoodie is replicated to a fine degree by the Pick Pocket, they’re not actually going to feel like a hoodie. And that’s a good thing, because hoodies don’t provide a lot of foot protection or stability. A single sole runs the entire length of the Pick Pocket to give you protection running down the stairs or heading out to run a few errands.

Of course, if you’re buying Sanuk’s Pick Pocket for casual wear, you do want to know that it’s comfortable. And it is. All of the vegan-friendly materials are soft and friendly to your feet, helping you to feel like you can wear this shoe like a sock around the house if need be. But there’s also a versatility there that ensures you can simply slip this shoe on once you’ve got to head out to pick up a friend or twelve-pack of soda. (We’re assuming, of course, that you’re not actually heading out to pick pockets.)

Sure, we could use more colors than the charcoal, but that’s okay. The low price of $65 for this shoe make it a “steal” – forgive the Pick Pocket pun – and virtually ensure that you’ll be happy with your purchase. Now, if they could just figure out how to make a hoodie for your hands…

Baffin’s PUR Gobi Men Shoe: Ideal Casualwear?

It’s difficult to find a casual shoe that has enough stylistic versatility to be considered just as good for going to pick up groceries as it is in a business-casual setting.  But that’s exactly what Baffin’s Pure Gobi Men Shoe accomplishes with a simple and classic look that’s bound to leave anyone staring at it jealous.  Not that anyone should really be staring at your feet.

The beauty of the Gobi Men’s shoe is that it’s simple – there are no extra frills or un-necessities that typically plague shoes of this kind and make them unbuyable.  The leather is smooth and folded over itself only as many times as is necessary in order to create something that will stay on your foot.  And the shoe’s so easy to slip on that it can definitely be regarded as the most casual of casual shoes; in essence, it’s nearly a slip-on.

That’s not to say that the Gobi Men’s isn’t versatile enough to suit a more ambitious wardrobe.  In fact, its leather laces help assert its value in formal settings, and the three available classic colors are vivid yet subtle enough to make just about any type of outfit come together.  If you’re looking for a casual shoe that’s able to deliver comfort and versatility on a daily basis, look no further than the Gobi Men shoe.

At a price of around $150, the shoe is of course not exactly a slip-on.  But it will last longer than your slip-on and it will be able to pair with more outfits than your slip-on.  The net result? A shoe that’s as comfortable as it looks – for once.  If that’s what you’re looking for in a casual shoe that can pull off just about any look, Baffin’s Pure Gobi Men shoe is where your feet need to be.

The What
This shoe is called: Gobi by Baffin PUR
Color tested: Worn brown

The Why
Buy them if: your mind tells you that your footwear should have a conscience too.
Forget them if: you’re into complicated shoes that use WAY too many materials and processes.
Tested on: date night.
Highest and best use: any outfit will do.

Tip: these shoes are made of vegetable tanned low-impact leathers.  Instantly broken in, so be prepared and be careful because your feet might be shocked.

*Disclosure: shoes provided by Baffin (MSRP $150). If you have a pair of shoes that need to be featured on shoesoftheday.com, contact us at reviews (at) shoesoftheday.com

Milo has a friend named Otis, and so do I, thanks to Chaco.

While most shoes aim to provide a combination of both comfort and style, the role of the boot is a little more complicated.  Sure, it has to look good and it has to fit right, but it also has to be durable enough to handle rougher terrain and rustic enough to look like it was meant to do just that.  Chaco does all of that and more with this boot.  Choconians, you already know what I am talking about – for everyone else, keep reading.

Chaco’s Otis Boots are a perfect example of a boot that handles every variable to the “T”.  A suede leather upper portion provides the exact look of stylish elegance that you would want for a boot – unless, of course, you think wearing snow boots everywhere will get you in every exclusive joint around.  Also, a pigskin lining doesn’t only provide durability and moisture resistance, but a level of support and comfort that’s unusual for a boot.

Combine this with a Vibram® outsole destined for handling the outdoors, and you’re left with a boot that is capable of handling just about every social situation, whether it’s outdoors or indoors.  The additional arch support is also a feature we can’t neglect to mention; rarely do boots feel this well-contoured to the foot.  Right out of the box these boots feel like they are already “broken in”.  Eventually you may just come to view the Otis Boots as another casual shoe – that’s how comfortable and durable they are.  The result of the entire boot’s construction is a strong-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside combination that’s irresistible to many boot lovers who never seem to find a boot that handles both so well.

The Chocolate Brown and “Regular” colors (“Regular” resembles somewhat of a pale teal), these boots do a good job of fading into the background while still communicating a basic sense of style.  At $140, the price is reasonable enough for you to consider making this your everyday boot.  Of course, you may just feel tempted to make this an everyday shoe.

The What
This boot is called: Otis by Chaco
Color tested: Bungee.  Not jumping, just the color.

The Why
Buy them if: you are wearing your Chaco sandals year round.  (Your feet will be much warmer in these.)
Forget them if: um……..
Tested on: my feet, and they were really, really happy.
Highest and best use: business, pleasure, anytime and anywhere.

Tip: The arch support is extraordinary! These boots fit true to size and right out of the box comfort!

*Disclosure: shoes provided by Chaco (MSRP $140). If you have a pair of shoes that need to be featured on shoesoftheday.com, contact us at reviews (at) shoesoftheday.com.  Photo copyright shoesoftheday.com