And now to the Mens Selection. I think we’ve definitely seen mens kicks come into a new light over the las few years. Sneaker, or Nike Culture has definitely brought collectable kicks into the mainstream consciousness. I think what’s even more interesting than the endless stream of slightly varying colorways and collabos (hot mess) coming from the big shoe manufacturers are the design and innovation driving sales in the smaller, and higher-end mens shoe brands. Let’s take a look at how I squandered my 401K this year – or as I like to call it – My Top 10 mens kicks for 2008 !
1. Yves Saint Laurent
Designed by famed parisian fashion house Yves Saint Laurent these hi-tops are undoubtedly some of the most classic and iconic shoes I’ve ever seen. The rolling hi-top is patterned after Italian army athletics shoes from the 60’s with influence also taken from 80’s sportswear. There’s just something about these kicks that are as timeless as a pair of Jordans whilst still being wholly unique and refined. These shoes handily take the crown for my top pick of 08. Oh and full-disclosure * I own these joints… and if one has to ask how much ? you’re asking the wrong question.
2. Yohji Yamamoto Y-3
Y-3 has become my favorite overall mens footwear brand. They’ve steadily come out with classic yet innovative silhouettes perfect for the modern day Ninja/Gentleman. I bought these kicks earlier this year and have been practicing my axe-kicks so that when fools in the club scuff them up i can use the spiked backs to show them how brooklyn ninjas do !
3. Lanvin
Designed by Lucas Ossendrijver for parisian house Lanvin these zip-up hi-tops push the limits of quality in mens kicks. Super high quality materials and crazy construction makes for a crazy expensive pair of kicks…
4. Opening Ceremony
The only dress shoe in my top ten, and the only leather-soled shoe I’d actually rock – Opening Ceremony created an amazing pair of chukka-boot inspired leather woven shoes for their spring collection. The dopest thing besides the weave is the fact that they aren’t heeled. Sorry y’all ! I’m not into heeled kicks – these are dope since you can dress it up a bit without looking like your going to court.
5. GRAM Shoes
Swedish company GRAM has been making some unique and inspiring kicks for the last year or so. They’ve been known for their use of Oil-Cloth uppers and are now making strikingly unique leather hi-top boot hybrids.
6. Kris Van Aasche
The new designer of DIOR Homme has his own eponymous line – and the kicks he produces for his collection are extremely dope and hard to find. Trust me – I’ve tried.
7. Raf Simons
I’m a big fan of shiny objects. That is all.
8. Rogues Gallery
For every dude with a beard and a plaid shirt who wants to holler at Girls but maintain all that Grizzly Adams swagger. These deck boots by Maine based Rogues Gallery are definitely unique and unexpectedly ill.
9. Bottega Veneta
Simple, but what can I say – I like weaves. Pause ! Plus these match my wallet…
10. VAEL
I never saw these in person – but looks like the perfect shoe to go hiking on Mars with. I’m gonna make that happen some day – Outer Space is what’s really good for the 2K30 y’all !
Thanks for reading my recap of the top kicks of 2K8, I’ll see all y’all on the other side of 2009!
Check Lex’s Fave Ladie’s Shoes of 2008 >>>
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