This post's shoe alphabet goes from Alden, Buttero, and Pierre Hardy to Sperry, Supra, Undercover, and Visvim.
These
Alden Greenwich boots are just a taste of what
Leffot has on offer. The pair is a collaboration between the shoemaker Alden and the downtown New York store (10 Christopher Street, NY, NY). First read about Leffot on
The Sartorialist. Then (circa 2008), as now, the shop's shoe selection is impeccable. Take a look for yourself, but of course, after you have scrolled down to the end of this post.
First thing I noticed about this pair was the deep navy color, which is somewhat greenish, and the almost slippery look of the oiled nubuc is just plain sinful. Reminded me first of
brogue boots by Tricker's, but I think these look a lot more delectable.
The uppers are made of Horween Chamois, "a fat liquored, mill dyed leather, that is incredibly soft and supple". I love how the different layers of the sole and the stitched provide an array of colors, all perfectly complementing the leather. More info on this:
We [Leffot] built these boots on Flex Welt soles, which are oil soaked for flexibility but also have a high degree of water resistance and often referred to as double water-lock soles. We then requested a mid tan pre-stitch reverse welt (storm welt) to give it some muscle, and had the welt continue around the back of the heel rather than stop at the breast (a term that refers to the front edge of the heel). 
The agatine eyelets add a subtle and unobtrusive touch, and the flat, waxed laces are in a color interesting enough to get noticed but still subdued as to avoid being dominant.
These
Buttero hiking boots, on the other hand, are in the mood to roughen things up, with fuller leather laces caught by hooks.
Chocolate brown in monochrome suits this pair, which is serious, casual, durable, not to mention very comfortable.
Buttero uses vegetable tanned leather for the uppers, with full leather lining, and metal eyelets.
The even color resulting from the dye gives it a tinge of sophistication, albeit grounded (extra grip) by thick Vibram soles.
Combining chic, urban, and street sleek is
Pierre Hardy, with its cuff boots that have yellow crepe soles and a conjoined heel that gives the look of a wedge.
The adjusting strap that forms a Union Jack at the back is not typical as well.
I love the contour of the boots, which look straightforward from the front. Nothing beats unexpected drama.
The same goes for
Visvim's new take on its Paine Moc-Folk slip-ons, which from the side and front look half-formal and half-sporty.
But from above (except for the intentional tag), the pair looks very work-appropriate, tassels and all.
Finally we move to the sneakers section of this post! First up are these
Undercover x Zozovilla Open Limited pairs in black, navy, and beige.
I just love how the leather warps. So much better without laces. Just like lazy slip-ons!
Leather and canvas combination.
White toe cap.
Again, a Japanese label displays product details, tagline in tow, on the exterior of the shoe. The best thing after the wrinkled leather is the band of brown at the back, with white stitches!
If you'd designed something like this, you'd also brag about it right on the product.
Oh, there are even grommets!
How do you spell obsession?
Again, I rejoice at a good pair of slip-ons. This time from
Supra. This Belay model is in gray waxed fleece.
Another item you must feel with your hand before wearing on your feet.
Even if they're really just slip-ons modified with laces that need no tying, the addition is fun and quirky.
Last but not the least are
Sperry's Bahama Chukka Boots in gray and navy.
Love the color and the lining.
There's really no arguing how there is always room for Sperries in your life.
For weekends. (Of course for school, when sneakers are your life.)
For trips to the grocery.
The country or the coast.
Or even just your neighborhood.
You may like this chukka incarnation or not.
But trust me, there are days that you simply want to go incognito.
Even if you're not a celebrity with I'm-dodging-the-paparazzi-sunglasses, we all need peace — and the proper pair to ease you in it.
