IN CONTEXT | NIKE AIR ROYAL MID QS 'WORKBOOT' SNEAKER

The Nike Air Royal Mid comes in two colorways, black & wine each with leather uppers, white contrast stitching & white mid-soles. A perforated Swoosh marks them as Nikes. $150 at sneakerhead.com.

Sure, this post is kind of apropos of nothing and yes, I am more than a bit behind the game on these considering they debuted in 2009. But who cares. Look at them. They're spectacular. They need to be revisited.

I found these these while doing my sneaker homework on sneakerhead.com, and realized I was looking at a perfect love child of classic and street. And I so here I stand, seduced. While they're definitely not snow ready, they'll do the trick for the dry times of a colder season and, if the customer reviews are true, they get points for durability.  Also, they're Nikes? Who knew?

Both have black outsoles &
burgundy patterned laces held by gold eyelets
on the wine pair and silver on the black.

Quick aside: The cult of the sneaker has recently peaked my curiosity. I find it to be the antithesis of what usually attracts me - functional, classic, sustainable, small brand - which is probably why I'm intrigued. The whole 'buy a pair of $300+ kicks and keep them in a plastic box in your closet for 20 years' thing? Mystifying, yet I'm fascinated.  As sneakers go, this pair is decidedly more subdued, but they've whet my appetite none the less.

Anyway, below you'll find a freshly inspired [In Context] and pics after the jump. I could definitely get the hang of this sneaker thing...  - M



PS. I don't profess to know much (read: anything) in the way of Nikes, but if you do, I'd love some impressions from an aficionado's perspective.

[IN CONTEXT]

Nike Air Royal Mid QS + Other choice things

Nike Air Royal Mid QS
Mackintosh x Kitsuné London Jacket
Tellason John Graham Mellor Selvedge Denim
Fred Segal Bd Baggies Foundry Button Down
Henry Vibskov V-Scarf in Green
Need Supply Chunky Knit Cap
Wings + Horns Black Cashmere Cardigan
Uniform Wares 200 Series Calendar Wristwatch
Makr Canvas Fold Weekender Bag

Click 'Jump' for more pics

ASSORTED | BOOTS FIT FOR THE SNOWPOCALYPSE

Stockbrokers in the blizzard of 1888

Look out the window. Now down at your loafers. Now back at the six foot snow drifts. Now back at your sopping feet. Now up at this post. Sadly, none of these boots are on your feet but they probably should be, given the 5' of snow that was just dumped on the East Coast.

There are plenty of attractive, well-made boots out there (read: Alden anything), but when it comes to actually trooping through snow, traipsing across black ice, hiking up slushy subway stairs who wants to risk it? In the name of preserving of your Indy boot and your pinky toe, I've collected a handful boots that are made expressly for Winter. Not just some pansy urban winter. An actual, shovel-yourself-out-your-front-door-like-a-big-boy Winter.

I also need to get this rant off my chest: HUNTER GALOSHES ARE NOT MEANT FOR THE SNOW. OR COLD WEATHER. THEY ARE RAIN BOOTS NOT SNOW BOOTS.  DO NOT WEAR THEM AS SUCH. I DON'T CARE HOW GOOD THEY LOOK. YOU WILL BE COLD AND SAD. Good news is, I have an awesome, cheap alternative below! Check them out, you'll be happy and warm, I promise.

Anyway, from my couch in Vermont to your iPad in some coffee shop enjoy this list of tried and true kickers to weather the storm. Nor'easterrific. - M

 BAFFIN HUNTER

As promised, this is the winter-ready alternative to Hunter brand galoshes, (ironically the style is called 'hunter'). They are created to stay comfortable up to -40C/-40F temperatures and with a removable liner they double as -yes!- spring rain boots. Details:  8mm 3-component felt liner designed to wick moisture away, EVA and Thermatuf insole, Premium Polar Rubber outsole, TPR/Rubber/PU base. $50 at Zappos

VIBERG 110 CRUIZER

I've blogged about Viberg before but they deserve another mention. Made for loggers, hunters and woodsmen, these are virtually indestructible. Plus, in extreme conditions they'll be just fine with a wool suit. Details: 10" Black full grain oiltan upper stock, double leather vamps, full snag proof seams, hard toes, solid brass stud hooks and eyelets, leather insoles and heavy leather counters, 12 iron loggers oak midsole, urethane outsole. See more and order direct at workboot.com

SORREL KINGSTON PEAK

Sorel says, "Modeled after our classic Caribou boot, the Kingston Peak features a waterproof, seam-sealed upper for total protection from the elements and a warm felt lining to insulate feet from the cold." Details:  Waterproof leather upper, felt collar, rubber outsole with herringbone design, rubber sidewall protection, durable welted toe rand. $180 at sorel.com

DANNER MOUNTAIN LIGHT II

Like Viberg, Danner has been well known with American workers for generations.  This boot is a classic hiker model, and one done right. I like these specifically because the buttery leather and contrast laces take down the logger-man factor and make them more versatile for an urban guy.  Details:  GORE-TEX® liner, Full-grain one-piece leather upper, Vibram® Kletterlift outsol. $250 at danner.com

NATIVE FITZSIMMONS

Sartorially Inclined reviewed these and made a good point: if you don't want to risk spending the big bucks on Danners these are a great starter option. I've been oogling these for months now so I'm really excited to have them in here (and will be finally purchasing a pair for myself thankyouverymuch). They're super light and, thanks to a removable liner, nice an cushy. If you don't like the brown color above, they come in an awesome range of colorways that make me want 10 pairs.  Details: Synthetic upper, neoprene liner, metallic D-ring eyelets. $70 at zappos.com

L.L. BEAN BOOTS 10" SHEARLING LINING

Classic made warmer. Yep. It's that simple. Details: waterproof full-grain leather,  steel shank and our original rubber chain-tread bottom. Top boot lined in shealing, Boot bottom  lined with 200-gram Thinsulate™ Insulation. $149 at llbean.com

OBSESSED | ZURIICK NICO BOOT

I've been stalking these boots for about a month now so it's absurd that I haven't blogged about them yet. I first saw them online, oogled over them at Shoe Market in Williamsburg, and have steered many a gent in their direction. This boot embodies why I first admired Zuriick - a minimalist take on classic silhouettes, modern details, and unusual color ways, (like this Eggplant/Turquoise combo). The Nico is a slimmer, sleeker boot making it a good alternative when a heftier boot just isn't quite right for travel, warmer fall weather, or your style. The black version also earns high marks – not bad for a dressed down suit. Plus, they're easy on the wallet so you don't have to feel bad about buy two pairs. ;)

My co-worker recently bought a pair and allowed me the pleasure of snapping a few pics before the workday began, see them below and shop Zuriick here. - M