3 spring-friendly sneakers to invest in (and how to style them)
From sports-luxe to premium leather, here’s what to lace up
Words: Josh Lee
Though the current chill may suggest otherwise, spring is soon to bloom, with a feeling of lightness and brightness (and the act of shedding a few heavy layers) long overdue. With such a shift in the seasons, you’ll most certainly revise a few facets of your daily routine – new grooming items, a change of diet, perhaps a shake up to your social calendar, and, of course, a slightly revamped direction for your wardrobe.
Though deep-dives into the best jackets, trousers and t-shirts for the new season will come in due time, we thought it’d be best to start off with the firm foundation of your sartorial ensemble: footwear – and in particular, given the sunnier days ahead, sneakers.
For a triumvirate of the finest laces that’ll put your best foot forward – and advice on how to best style them – we encourage you to seek out the below…
Go for a sports-luxe feel, with Unseen Footwear
Among the many benefits of spring, the longer nights and fine weather are perhaps the most warmly welcomed. What’s more, when the puddles dry up, you can start lacing up some lighter-fabric sneakers once again. From Unseen Footwear, these subtle grey designs make an understated but stylish statement due to their unbranded style. The sporty construction, which comes courtesy of a part-mesh build and a springy Vibram sole, will also help you traverse the terrains with ease during Sunday morning park walks or long weekends away to the coast.
To round out the off-duty, athletic-inspired look, reach for Uniform Standard’s navy sweatpants whose straight fit keeps everything streamlined and well cut. Up top, try the ‘Bath’ t-shirt from Benedict Raven, a super-soft, barely embellished essential crafted from Supima cotton.
Go back to basics, with North-89
Spring, with its fair weather and feeling of optimism, may be an excellent time to make a bold statement — but don’t underestimate the perks of versatility. North-89 has produced this minimal-fuss pair, handmade by Portuguese artisans and featuring a two-tone design that draws upon those most classic of colours: black and white. With April showers in mind, the water-resistant uppers make them functional, too.
To match the grained texture of the sneakers, &SONS’ ‘Brandon’ jeans, made with a slight taper, will imbue a rugged look, and as the denim will fade gently over wears, it’ll give off a worn-in feel, too. (We’re also fans of the barely-there red-stitch detailing.) Peregrine’s ‘Skiddaw’ waffle jumper, a fan favourite on the Gentleman’s Journal Shop, completes the utilitarian ethos, with its water-repellent British wool construction.
Double down on the sophistication, with Uniform Standard
Just because you’re going for something casual doesn’t mean you have to do away with refined, premium styles altogether. Take Uniform Standard’s do-it-all ‘Series 8’ offerings, for instance. Though conventionally considered wardrobe basics, these elegant essentials are anything but, as they’re handcrafted in premium Italian leather; designed with a recycled-rubber wedge outsole; and made with a moulded footbed that provides optimal support and comfort. Well-made and flexible enough, style-wise, to lace up beyond the spring period, they’ll also work for both off-duty leisure and business lunches.
For an ensemble that keeps things within the blue-hued spectrum, go for the navy ‘Barcombe’ chino, courtesy of Aubin and made with a single pleat; then tie things up with the brand’s equally timeless ‘Martin’ ribbed jumper, which is midweight and vibrant in colour, ideal for the brighter days ahead.
Want more style advice? These British brands are flying the flag for homegrown fashion…
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