The Obtainer - 10/20/23, Friday
↦ Time for Some New Shoes?
Friday, October 20th Edition
You made it to the end of the week, treat yourself to some new shoes. The team here is always hearing about or checking out new styles, so today we’ve pulled together the five we’re most excited about. And we check in with one of our favorite West Coast shops.
- Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief ⋯ @coryohlendorf
The New Shoes on Our Radar
Is it time to re-evaluate the shoes in your closet? Maybe this list will help get you going in the right direction. There are so many great shoes dropping these days, we thought we would pull a few of our current favorites to showcase. From a pair of handmade boots and sneakers to some rugged moccasins. These are the shoes our team can’t stop talking about.
Our Picks
These are serious work boots, built to last and offer all-day comfort and protection from the elements. Nicks has been crafting solid footwear and other leather goods in a wide range of styles, from their factory in Spokane, Washington since 1964. The brand's Aldert Strider is a rugged chukka boot, available in Horween or Seidel leather, with a lightweight yet hardwearing Vibram sole.
$539 by Nicks Handmade Boots
If you don't have a pair of moc-style shoes for fall, what are you waiting for? Nothing looks better with jeans or cords or fatigue pants, or pairs as easily with sweaters, than some rugged mocs with a speckled lug sole. SVIG actually introduced that grippy sole to commemorate the 1956 Winter Games in Cortina, Italy. And now it grounds a pair of slip-ons that are handsewn with genuine moccasin construction from long-lasting Horween Chromexcel leather and finished with brass eyelets and leather laces. Are these the last pair you'll ever have to buy? Perhaps.
$378 / $226.80 by Oak Street Bootmakers
A cozier take on a classic. Korean brand CATCHBALL's shoes are inspired by mid-century styles, the European military-issue sneakers and the canvas pairs worn on American playgrounds in the 1950s. Then they update the silhouette just slightly to make it feel fresh. These here are cut from a cushy corduroy—the perfect way to loosen up a suit or add some texture to a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt. And fun fact: CATCHBALL manufactures their soles in one of Korea's few remaining vulcanized rubber factories.
$135 by CATCHBALL
Checking in With …
Eames NW
Eames NW is an independent men's shop in Seattle that toes the line between modern/minimalist style and classic/timeless goods built the old-fashioned way. They've curated a thoughtful and coveted selection of clothing, accessories and unique lifestyle pieces that suits their Pacific Northwest roots. Where else can you get cult European brands and American-made denim mixed with wind-blocking gloves or water-resistant hats and bags? We caught up with founder Adrian Eames to see what he (and the shop's staff) is into at the moment.
What items are you guys most excited about in the shop for fall?
We brought on some new brands this season including Kestin and Folk. They're both UK brands and we're really stoked to be working with them. Kestin makes amazing fleece goods like this undyed wool sweater that we love. Folk, on the other hand, produces contemporary staples with unique twists like a nylon chore jacket that's been getting a lot of attention in the shop.
Durness marl fleece sweatshirt, $205 by Kestin
What’s the vibe of the customer these days?
Our customer is probably what you would expect from Seattle—tech guys who could use a little help with their wardrobe. We're here to elevate their look a bit, hopefully get them out of zip hoodies and into something more stylish, but just as comfortable, like an overshirt or a chore jacket.
Okoni Trail sneaker, $165 by Karhu
Current staff favorites?
When it comes to the staff, we tend to lean towards simple and comfortable at work—sweatshirts from Håndværk or Sunray Sportswear, Hiroshi Kato denim or supportive footwear from Karhu. We're all kind of obsessed with the Ikoni Trail sneaker due to the insane comfort level and unique styling.
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
Boots with this many bells and whistles shouldn't be under $200, but thankfully they are. Rhodes crafts rugged footwear from quality leather and finishes them Goodyear welted Vibram soles.
$250 / $187 byRhodes Footwear
Nanga's tech-forward cardigan is like a streamlined jacket, made of a nylon ripstop fabric and filled with down for added insulation.
$260 / $195(w/code FW2023)by Nanga
Some cozy lounge pants are essential for cooler temperatures. This pair from Sleepy Jones is cut from a soft cotton and features a back patch pocket and elastic waistband for maximum comfort.
$98 / $59 bySleepy Jones
The three best stories from around the web.
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They believe everyone should enjoy clothing, everyone should take risks with it and everyone should know the prickle of excitement that comes from wearing something outside their comfort zone.”
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Ruscha, who started making his name as an American artist in the 1960s, has been perfecting his California-casual meets Americana-Western fashion style from the beginning of his career.”
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Some argue that the fair has shed its once-edgy, original character, shifting toward more commercially appealing and collectible artworks … price points have surged to unprecedented heights.”
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On the surface with a New Diver. @OMEGA #Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M
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