The Obtainer - 12/2/22, Friday
↦ Why Does Buying Shoes Feel so Good?
Friday, December 2nd Edition
When was the last time you upgraded your shower grooming products? It’s great to smell like patchouli and sandalwood, but have you ever gotten rid of dead skin?
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
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 is so much great footwear dropping these days, we thought we would pull a few of our current favorites to showcase. From a technical training shoe that can be worn away from the gym and a pair of suede sneakers to a strapped mule, these are the shoes our team can’t stop talking about.
On Our Radar
Technical trainers have been enjoying their moment in the sun recently, and it doesn't seem to be slowing down. Hoka has been one of the brands at the forefront, and it's easy to see why—their Clifton sneakers are designed to take on trails, but they're cool enough for everyday. This casual take features a suede upper with a 3M reflective stripe, lightweight no-sew SpeedFrame construction and an EVA footbed, intended for all-day wear. Throw these on with an oatmeal-toned sweatsuit or your regular beat-up denim.
$170 by Hoka
Knickerbocker has teamed up with century-old Italian boot maker, Fracap, to produce this hiking shoe for the winter season. Yes, they're rugged, but they're also handsome and comfortable thanks to the chunky Vibram sole. The insole and lining are made from Italian calf leather for breathability and the Goodyear welt construction ensures a sturdy and durable shoe that can survive inclement weather. Let these be your daily drivers—take them to your next skiing trip over the holidays or just down to your local bookshop—either way, your feet will stay dry and stylish.
$325 by Knickerbocker x Fracap
An elevated unbranded sneaker looks great with anything from dark denim and chinos to a wool-flannel suit. Sneakers with a suit is not just for breezy summer weddings—a sharp suede pair like these from Sunspel will turn those naysayers into believers. Made in Portugal from a rich moss green suede, the brand has updated the tennis shoe for better comfort. Finished with a lightweight sole, cushioned insole and extra padding around the upper, it makes for a versatile shoe that's great for boardroom meetings or traveling.
$295 by Sunspel
Pilgrim and Vans Vault have collaborated again and the standout is this chukka style cut from a hefty suede and grounded with the usual Vans vulcanized rubber outsole. The collection is inspired by the color gradients found in altering ocean temperatures, and the shop says the “subtle shifts in hue and tone reflect the seasonal changes.” These would pair perfectly with an all-black outfit or all-white—the two-toned shoe is subtly eye-catching, so your outfit should let the sneaker shine.
$105 by Pilgrim x Vans Vault
I fully endorse that a mule has now become part of our regular footwear rotation. This pair can be worn year-round, especially with the right socks (preferably wool). Vinny's strapped mules will get more comfortable over time as the tumbled leather forms to the shape of your foot, and a cushioned footbed with an adjustable strap will give you the feeling of a well-secured sneaker. The outsole is a solid crepe sole, so they're as comfy and grippy as your favorite desert boots.
$241 by Vinny's
Stuff We Swear by
The Best Shower Duo
My time in the shower is truly my “me time”. I spend about two minutes washing and scrubbing my body and then at least another eight just letting the water run over me, contemplating the day while slowly waking up. I’m not sure if you’re a morning or nighttime shower person, but that rush of steamy water just hits differently in the AM. Because my skin gets dry and is sensitive, I need to be cautious of what I put on it—both in the shower and after I dry off.
The podcast, How Long Gone, isn’t where I’d imagine getting skincare tips, but that’s where I first discovered Soft Services. The hosts did an ad-read for the brand’s famous buffing bar (and later interviewed the brand’s co-founder), which led me down the rabbit hole of becoming more familiar with the brand—turns out my fellow Valet. staffers are fans too. Unlike most face-focused skincare brands, they specialize in body care below the neck.
I recently got their ultra soothing shower gel, and it is some of the best shower gel I’ve used in a long time. It’s fragrance-free and the consistency is lightweight, but cleans sufficiently, leaving no soap residue that’ll cause your skin to dry out throughout the day. The anti-irritating, hydrating gel cleanser is formulated with one-quarter glycerin. I take about three pumps, lather up and rinse—when I towel off my body feels clean and hydrated but not stripped.
After I get done with my showering rituals, the post-shower prep begins. The Carea Cream is a “toning lotion” that has turned into my daily driver. The cream’s main ingredient is urea, a workhorse compound that moisturizes while mildly exfoliating dead skin—but it’s also got powerful calming agents that create a protective barrier preventing moisture loss. The body balm hydrates like a dense cream, but is surprisingly lightweight and absorbs quick enough so you can get dressed immediately. I’ve tried my fair share of lotions—everything from Aveeno and Lubriderm to my go-to CeraVe—but this one has proven worthy of a slightly higher price point.
I get buying both items will set you back about $72 (before tax), but think of it as investing in your skin. What’s more important than that? If you’re like me and have a crazy amount of clothes and shoes—the next best thing to spend on is what you wear all day, every day. Whenever you have slight skin issues like I do, trying different products can be helpful but also hurtful, depending on the ingredients. I’m happy that I found a shower duo that’s responsibly made and fragrance-free to help keep me stay moisturized throughout the colder months.
Comfort Cleanse shower gel, $32 by Soft Services
Carea Cream lotion, $40 by Soft Services
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
There's nothing easier to throw on during fall than a sturdy half-zip sweater. This one is made from a 12 ounce organic and recycled cotton blend to create a comfortable sweater.
$190 / $108 by Palmes
When you want the best noise-cancelling headphones, Bose is still the leader in the field. And it’s rare to find them for nearly $100 off. Whether you’re buying for yourself or a gift, now’s the time to grab a pair.
$329 / $249 by Bose
Don't sleep on a hefty long-sleeve tee for the season. This one is manufactured just like the one J.Crew used to make in the ’90s. Which means it will only get better the more you wear it.
$42.99 / $21.49(w/code WARMUP)by J.Crew
The three best stories from around the web.
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Stone Island focused on fabric innovation and extreme functionality, often inspired by military and outdoorsy clothing. This level of geeky detail means it is a brand that attracts obsessives.”
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He would use this once-in-a-generation disruption to build an entirely different retail experience outside of an urban setting.”
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Comfortable and relaxed, but with a really high taste level, they seem a long way from both the hype-driven and overly tight looks elsewhere.”
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Cozy season is hereTime to shop some warm coats & knitwear !Fortela’s look today made by the iconic cardigan worn by Steve MqQueen in Alpaca over the WORK shirt in cotton and layered, of course, with the Japan White Tee
November 17