Image via Complex Original
It's not winter yet, but planning for snow and crappy weather is a sneakerhead's biggest nightmare. No one wants to wear sneakers that suck or be stuck wearing their beaters for months on end, but it doesn't have to be as bad as you think it is. There are plenty of reasons why those addicted to sneakers can shine even when the roads are covered in salt, snow, or slush.
You don't want to wear sneakerboots all winter? There are plenty of winterized sneakers that don't suck and you can always go to your trusty all-black sneakers. But think about it, the winter also simplifies things for you. You're not going to be wearing all of your sneakers in the middle of February, so picking out your kicks in the morning is going to be the easiest thing you do all day. But that's not all. Here are 10 Reasons Why Winter Isn't As Bad As Sneakerheads Think It Is.
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You can give your favorite sneakers a much-deserved rest.
You've found a couple pairs you really dig and they've been in constant rotation. There's no shame in giving them a rest. When it's shitty outside, you're not going to put on your favorite sneakers. This means you can give the sneakers you love breaking out a rest, and they'll still look clean when you want to wear them once the snow clears.
Black sneakers can be worn through anything.
White-on-white Air Force 1s aren't the best choice to wear during the winter, but all-black sneakers are. Black Cement IIIs look good whenever you wear them, even when they're trudging through a huge amount of slush. Trust us, they'll still be fresh when they come out on the other side, completely soaked. If you don't have Black Cements, you can wear a pair of black Ewings, which are more than capable of being your go-to winter sneakers.
Not all waterproof sneakers suck.
Some winter versions of sneakers are awful. But not all of them suck. New Balance released MT580s that had Gore-Tex uppers, and they were all dope. They didn't sacrifice the integrity of the 580s design, and the sneaker's chunky midsole made it as cool as a pair of boots with a more comfortable runner design. Basically, they could take on anything and didn't leave your feet feeling like shit.
Just wear your sneakers, they look better when they're beat.
We always say it: "Wear your sneakers." Even if it's snowing outside. In the end, some sneakers look better with wear and tear, so beat them into the ground. We can imagine it's a tough decision to break out our icy Air Jordan XIs when it just snowed, but if you have a pair of Air Force One His or Reebok Classic Leathers, this is your chance to give them a little extra character. And remember, they're just sneakers. If they get a crease or a stain, it's not the end of the world.
This is the time to wear dope boots and other leather footwear.
If you're a sneakerhead, you should be a lover of footwear in general. Take this opportunity to wear boots and leather shoes. You'll expand your horizons, and not make your kick game one dimensional. Grab yourself a pair of Mark McNairys, Trickers, or Aldens, and realize that they have the quality you've been searching for, and don't get scared when there's been a wintry mix the night before. Plus, you'll impress people with how diverse your knowledge has become beyond running and basketball sneakers. And if you're not feeling a pair of investment hardbottom shoes, you can always rock with your Wheat Timbs.
It doesn't snow every single day of the winter.
Unless you live near Canada, it's not going to snow all winter. We're no weathermen, but we're taking a guess that there will be days when there's not snow on the ground during winter. If so, you can wear whatever you want and only have to brush off minor salt stains—if that—when you get back to the crib.
It's easier to pick out sneakers in the morning when you don't have as many options.
If you only have a couple of sneakers you're going to wear during inclement weather, it makes picking out your daily kicks much easier. Gone are the early-morning hours of contemplation and trying to figure out what you're going to wear for the day. Your girlfriend will no longer clown you in the winter for taking longer than her to get dressed. You'll just throw on the kicks by the door and head out.
Believe it or not, waterproofer works.
There's probably a can of waterproofer laying around your apartment. If you've never actually used the stuff before and were just sold on it by a kid working at Foot Locker, here's your chance to get your money's worth. You just need to spray a decent coat on both of your sneakers, and the snow or any other precipitation will just roll off. Apply more waterproofer every week or so, and your kicks should make it through winter damage-free.
Stores that come from cold places have collaborations that are perfect for winter.
Not every sneaker boutique is located in a warm and sunny place, and they understand that sneakers need to be more rugged. Sweden's Sneakersnstuff has made Reeboks with Gore-Tex uppers and Stash and his New York City shop Nort/Recon even put a steel toe in a pair of Air Force 1 Mids. These are sneakers that are made for a tough time, but they don't sacrifice any of their style. It also doesn't hurt that both sneakers came in camo, which is dope to rock year-round, but looks best in the winter.
You'll be the only person brave enough to wear your heat.
A lot of the year's best sneaker releases happen in the winter. Most people are scared as shit to wear them in the snow. Don't be one of those people. You'll be more exclusive than everyone else. While everyone waits for the first day of spring to break out their new heat, you can say that you were the first person to stunt.
