10 Easy Ways Dedicated Sneakerheads Can Step Up Their Style

Image via Complex Original

Your shoe size is ingrained in the back of your head, you know how different brands fit and whether you should size up or down on something with a Lunar sole versus a Chuck Taylor. So you have no reason to not pay the same attention to your measurements either. It's not that hard, you can go to a tailor to do it for you, or just get a tape measure and do it yourself. The most important measurements will be your shoulders, chest, arm length, and waist. Armed with that knowledge, you'll be better equipped to get clothes that actually fit.

Here's the truth about your sneakers: They're the icing on the cake, not the main event. In the mid-2000s matching your shirt to your kicks got to the point where heads were holding ther sneakers up to their tees like they were paint chips to a wall about to get a make over. Quit that. "Matching" is not that serious, and nothing says you're trying too hard to be stylish more than agonizing over whether or not the red graphic on your white tee is closer to the Fire Reds or Toro Bravos. Not sure if stuff can be worn together? Ask yourself two things: 1) Are two colors too similar? 2) Does anything look "off" in your outift? Follow those quick guidelines before you leave the house and move on with your life.

One mistake too many sneakerheads make is wearing shorts that are way too big. Radio Raheem got it right with his above-the-knee, slim-fitting camo joints. Do the right thing and get a pair that fits similarly. The lowest a pair of shorts should go is just covering your kneecap when you're standing up. The shortest they should be is the midpoint of your thigh (Radio Raheem out here pushing limits). Basketball shorts can be cool, but they're not exactly appropriate for all occasions. Cargo shorts, however, need to be deaded immediately.

We're not saying go out and buy the entire Kanye West x APC collab, but there's more to looking dope than just rocking heat on your feet. Save some dough for investment pieces you can wear over and over, like a luxe hoodie or a really nice pair of denim, then wear it with all of your kicks. The key is to find something that you dig so much that you can't help but find excuses to wear it. That way, you'll get more "cost per wear" out of an item. Think about it: If you spend $250 on something you wear 20 days a month, that's $12.50 for each time. On the other hand, if you drop $30 on something you wear twice then forget about: that's $15 you wasted.

Expensive sneakers aren't just the ones with serious resale value. Designer kicks from Maison Martin Margiela, Balenciaga, Common Projects, Raf Simons, and Ato Matsumoto have long been popular with sneakerheads. Younger brands like ETQ Amsterdam (pictured above) and Svensson offer up luxe-looking kicks of their own. Unlike super-sporty kicks like Air Maxes or Jordan 8s, there's beauty in the simplicity of these subtle silhouettes, and the high-quality materials are made in countries like Italy by artisan shoemakers. Yes, the price of admission can range from $300-$600, but these are the type of kicks you can rock for like a week straight without having anyone bat an eye.

Sneakers and streetwear often complement each other with graphic tees making references to certain colorways and the like, but consider venturing into some spots you've never hit up before. For instance, did you know you could cop an ill Ikat-print M65 jacket and some slim-fitting digital camo chinos from Club Monaco? You'd be surprised at the dope stuff you'll find when broadening your shopping horizons.

Celebrities are good gauge of current trends and hot brands, but by no means should you go copying their personal style to a T. It's called "personal" style after all, so the point is know who you are and the image you want to project. The sneakers you rock already reflect that, so let the brands you wear complete your cypher. A well-dressed man doesn't always wear a suit, sometimes he just has a really on-point uniform, like Kid Cudi's penchant for skinny jeans, luxe leather jackets, and worn-in vintage tees.

Hip-hop and basketball have long informed how sneakerheads dress themselves as of late, but there are plenty of other subcultures who have willingly embraced Jordans, Nikes, and adidas. From rock bands to skateboard legends like Lance Mountain, it helps to look outside of your comfort zone and circle of friends for stylish inspiration. Develop an interest in men's fashion and look to designers like Patrik Ervell, who readily weave in sneakers like New Balance 574s into low-key cool outfits.

Speaking of trends, it's good to keep track of what's out there, but you should also know what'll actually look good on your body type. The whole OD leather thing might work for some, but plenty of guys simply can't pull it off (sorry Rob Kardashian). Remember: Classic and simple beats new and trendy any day of the week, so take any hot new brand or way of dressing with a grain of salt. That said, there's absolutely nothing wrong with taking a style risk. After all, the best way to find out how you want to dress is by making a few mistakes along the way.

A fly jacket or great fitting pair of jeans will make you look better than the hottest pair of kicks in the streets. Sad to say, but for the most part, only other sneakerheads will give you props for your shoe game. However, everyone can tell when a dude has serious style. It's all about putting things together. Mix designer brands with cheaper, well-fitting stuff from stores like Uniqlo with your mita x adidas kicks. Throw on a drapey Acne T-shirt with a pair of APC New Cure jeans and Jordan 3s. Start paying attention to your style beyond your feet, and the rest will eventually come together.