BRAND: Rachel Comey
SINCE: 2001
FOUNDED BY: Rachel Comey
HOME BASE: New York
WHY WE CO SIGN: Despite the name, dress shoes shouldn’t automatically be thought of as formal footwear. Now more than ever, hard bottoms have moved more into the casual and street wear world. So as we said before when we told you how to buy ‘em, if you haven’t already, it’s time to start incorporating some grown-up shoes into your repertoire. A good brand to start with is Rachel Comey footwear. Before she got into women’s wear, Comey found fame with her mens footwear line that was inspired by the “young music scene in New York.” Her newest collection features her signature handcrafted oxfords as well as spins on everyday classics like moccasins, and desert boots. Basically all the staple footwear pieces. The prices are a bit steep, but we guarantee you’ll get more wear out of them than your Yeezy’s.
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In what he says is an effort to pursue a global image, NBA star Dwayne Wade has left Converse and is moving forward with Jordan Brand, ending a relationship he’s had since 2005. Good for him. Hopefully this means no more lame commercials and much better looking sneakers (no shots). Plus, it’s still all Nike money at the end of the day. The announcement got the sneaker world buzzing this morning, but D-Wade isn’t the first baller to shake things up on the endorsement side. Keep reading to check out eight more NBA players who switched sneaker companies…
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Image courtesy of Kristin Perers
If you didn’t catch the trend in our April/May issue, then you’ve surely been noticing it on the streets—the spread of hard bottoms (a.k.a. dress shoes) among the Complex generation. Yup, hard-bottom shoes are no longer just for corporate jobs and weddings (and court dates, you miscreants): If you’re still wearing sneakers 24/7/365 and you’re not in high school, it’s time to start incorporating some grown-up shoes into your repertoire.
Look, we’re not suggesting you go Gordon Gekko overnight. One solid pair of proper footwear may cost the price of an Air Jordan Pack, but it’ll last you many, many (many) years longer. So what follows is an easy introduction to the different types of dress shoes, how to buy a pair, and when (and with what) to wear them. We’re gonna ease you into some hard bottoms, my dudes. Pause infinity!
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If you’re not really into the “News” you may have missed this clip of an Iraqi journalist throwing his shoes at lame duck-president George W. Bush over the weekend. In Arab culture, throwing one’s shoes is the ultimate insult and expression of hatred, but Dubs shrugged it off basically saying “Hey, I get the middle finger all the time, and this a-hole couldn’t even hit me.” Ha. Wow.
Dear Iraqi journalist: what’s up with the brown slip-ons? If this was a pre-meditated event, which we are guessing it was, why didn’t you think about the footwear you were going to be throwing? You got global media coverage on this, homie! Next time, don’t let our President get the upper hand. Read on for our suggestions on shoes that are well-suited for chucking at politicians…
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They represent the final step in your evolution to advanced streetwear: hard-bottom shoes. It’s easy to wean yourself off baggy jeans and allover prints, but incorporating proper footwear into your ensemble requires a little more thought. For those ready to take the Nestea plunge, we recommend shoes by n.d.c. (nom de code/codename), which handcrafts fine-leather footwear. The brand is known for producing shoes that are timeless and trend-proof'perfect for those looking to take it to the next level.
The pictured n.d.c. Ballards Hollywood Caco Shoes are ankle-height with a wooden heel and an extended rounded toe. For more pictures of the shoes and Buy It Now information, see below…
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Photo: Jason Wallace
Nothing says “Big Pimpin’” better than a pair of boat shoes. Instead of jacking Jay-Z’s mandal style, your best bet during the summer months is a pair of Top-Siders. They’re lighter than sneakers, and have a look that straddles the line between casual and fancy. See how this week’s West Coast “Street Detail” rep rocks his after the jump.
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Chuck English (left) and Mikey Rocks (right) kick off the sneaker-heavy publication’s fifth issue. They are joined by the white-hot Floral Supra Skytop, and Nike Air Vandal Supreme. Pick it up on newsstands now.
