capsule show: Yuketen

this pic courtesy of streetetiquette

The Yuketen company wasn't really a surprise in terms of quality or presentation. All the gear is hand made in the U.S.A. and looks great. From moccasins, to boat shoes, to backpacks, the boys at Yuketen have got you covered. Now if they could just get some U.S. buyers to pick up more than just one or two styles. From the booth itself, it seems as if the boat shoe will be around for a few more seasons to come. And really, if you're gonna get some, why not a hand made pair?

It's no secret here that I love all things moccasin and crepe sole. So when I spotted these guys underneath the main table, I had to take a second look.

The Yuketen guys (who were really nice and more than willing to let me chat their ears off) told me these were the first model ever made at Yuketen.

I love the over sized sole and overall roughness of the shoe. They are lightweight while still feeling solid as hell. I could see myself wearing these until they completely disintegrated on my feet.

For me, these are the perfect compromise between a boat shoe and moccasin. I heard Steven Alan was looking at them, but no one could confirm whether or not they'll actually be available here in the U.S.. So if you see a pair, cop me an eleven and I'll be your best friend.

Your thoughts? Too goofy looking? Too much crepe sole?

a few words of advice

I'm always fascinated by the differences in perspective between men and women. Especially when it comes to fashion. I love hearing what girls like to wear and what they think is cool and then hearing the male reaction. I think a great divide may exist at points, although the evidence is entirely anecdotal.

Whenever I stumble upon an interview with a women in regards to guys and fashion they almost inevitably bring up footwear and their disdain at some of our choices. So why not go right to the source and ask a few actual girls? I figure I could talk to you guys until I'm blue in the face, but the moment a cool girl tells you, you'll listen. I asked the coolest girls in Atlanta for their take on boys and their kicks.

So, for your weekend enjoyment, a few words of advice from Lauren:

I know men get a lot of flack for their footwear, but I think, like women, men can get away with anything: gold fashion sneakers, faux-ostrich skin cowboy boots (not a personal favorite) ... you get the idea. If you are confident wearing an outlandish shoe and feel good, man, I salute you. The Sartorialist features a lot of men who do this successfully (exhibit A).

That said, I know not everyone is as fashion-obsessed as Mr. Purple Suede Loafer, so I think there are some simple guidelines you can follow:

The Good:

• Casual Shoes: desert boots, toms shoes, vans (a good alternative to loafers), boots (with long pants), oxfords/tie-ons (brown or tan) and flip-flops (if they aren't dirty and beat). I know some women would really disagree with the last one, but I for one am not scared by manly feet. In fact, I like them. If a man's toes were pedicured (i.e. prettier than mine) I would be completely weirded out. Men need their toes to breathe in the summer just like ladies and you don't have a lot of options for that (see "The Bad"). (exhibit B- you in your Clarks, Jon ;)

• Fancy dress: Keep it classic. Black with ties. Not too pointy or too blunt. An elongated, rounded toe with a matte leather or pleather can look very Cary Grant (swoon).

• Styling: For fancy dress, your pants should hit the top of your shoes without folding/creasing much at the ankle. For casual wear, in the winter make sure your pants cover your socks. In the summer, shorts go with all of your casual wear options, but (and this is a big but), your feet must be sock-less. You must go sock-less. If you don't, socks can be cruel to a man who isn't going for that professor-at-the-beach look. Socks cut off your line (shirt, shorts, leg, sock, shoe= bad) and kind of makes you look overdressed. Go sock-less with pants too. A man's ankles peeking out from under rolled pants or shorter pants is dapper- really. (exhibit C and D).

The Bad:
• Grubby old flip-flops, Birkenstocks or other leather sandals (the gladiator look only worked on men when they were being eaten by lions in a Roman coliseum), black socks with brown shoes.

The Ugly:
These are personal dislikes that some girls might be okay with. I have a strong aversion against the following: Crocs (unless you are a chef in the kitchen or watering your lawn), boat shoes and/or loafers (just looks plain pretentious to me). The worse offender? Sandals with socks. That is never okay. Are your toes cold? Wear shoes. Tevas should be hidden in the recesses of your closet until you go camping. Tevas are another reason I don't like camping.

Many thanks to the AsianCajuns for helping me out with this. Check out the photo shoot they recently styled for further proof of how much cooler they are than you.

nice shoes

I love Clarks. There is nothing more comfortable than a crepe sole for walking through the city or taking a quick hike in the park. I have owned a lot of shoes, but I always go back to Clarks. 

I started with the wu-wallabee. Everyone in the day rocked these, kids in catholic school to the guys that kicked in the brewsters. I blew out my last pair, so I don't currently own a pair, but whenever I get around to it, they will be in this color. 

I owned a pair of luggers once. Every time I find a store that carries them, they aren't in my size. Everyone's been on the whole mocassin tip lately, but I like these more than quoddys. 

Desert Treks are my favorite. I've been wearing my pair off and on for the past few years. The beeswax leather just gets better looking the more you wear it. Unlined and at a nice height, perfect for the summer. I plan on taking these to China at the end of this summer. 

nice shoes

I've been looking for a good pair of brogues for a little while now. Although I've publicly drooled over these for long enough, really they're a poor replacement for my dad's. He's had these shoes forever (at least as long as I've been alive). There are few objects that always will remind me of my dad and these are two of them. 

I love the way these shoes have worn. You might be able to buy pre-distressed leather, but it'll never look this cool.  Nothing goes better with a beautiful date than a grey suit and brown brogues. 

nice shoes

I saw these Mihara Yasuhiro shoes over at selectism.  They are perfect if you already have a few pairs of nice dress shoes and are looking for something new. The half-brogue is an amazing touch. You could wear these with jeans or a suit. I could see these becoming everyday shoes...

nice shoes

Now I know sneakers are all the rage and the real hipsters are rocking boots with their jeans tucked in...but I just can't get away from the classics. I've worn Wu-Wallabees since forever. You can wear them to that snuffy club that your girl wants to go to. And your boys won't hate on you for them. Plus, if it's good enough for the Rza, the Gza, Old Dirty Bastard, U-god, Masta Killa, Inspectah Deck, Raekwon, Ghostface Killer, and Method Man, then it's good enough for you.

Clarks, get them here.