The Obtainer - 7/21/23, Friday
↦ Time for New Shoes?
Friday, July 21st Edition
What’s everyone’s snack situation looking like this weekend if you’re going to see Barbie and Oppenheimer? Call me a basic Ken, but my go-to order is a Coke, Raisinets and popcorn with extra salt.
- 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 are so many great options dropping these days, we thought we would pull a few of our current favorites to showcase. From a K-Swiss collaboration and recovery clogs to some classic derbies, these are the shoes our team can’t stop talking about.
Our Picks
If you don't know already, recovery slides have been a growing segment of the slip-on market and they happen to make for the ultimate house shoe. Why? They're sturdier than the ones you receive from a distant relative during the holidays and way more acceptable to wear out on quick errands. Whenever you're home, the limbs should be on linguine, right? So why not rock a pair of clogs that reduces pressure on your feet, knees and back? The brand's patented footbed contours to your feet and is so good for you, it's actually endorsed by the American Podiatric Medical Association. Genuinely orthopedic and cool looking? You can't lose.
$79.95 by OOFOS
The campus sneaker by adidas is one of the brand's most popular styles, but if you want to break away from the pack, upgrade to the premium version made with Norse Projects. The tonal green colorway is subtle and stylish—it looks like a gunmetal grey from afar, and the uppers are cut from C.F. Stead “Repello” suede—renowned for its exceptional quality, luxurious feel and weather resistance. The stripes and heel overlay are constructed with recycled materials, and a perforated EVA tongue enhances breathability. Sport these with an all-black fit for an even more sophisticated yet understated look.
$190 by adidas x Norse Projects
The return of loafers have clearly paved the way for drivers—no pun intended. But they're back in a fresh, new way. Think of wearing them with more relaxed silhouettes and less tight jeans. We don't want you looking like a Formula 1 racecar driver (unless you actually are one). Direct-to-consumer brand Morjas is leading the resurgence with a high-quality pair made in Italy for an extremely reasonable price. Although this pair has seen some updates, there are still the familiar attributes of the trusty summer shoe. Case in point: the signature rubber-dotted soles and buttery calf leather lining—no socks needed.
$299 by MORJAS
This is my personal sneaker of the year so far, and it's very slept on. K-Swiss has been killing the collabs this year, first with Corridor, and now Engineered Garments. Daiki Suzuki and the EG team reinterpret the classic GT sneaker, one of the brand's oldest styles that debuted back in 1966. The asymmetrical upper materials are made of smooth leather on one side and a nubby suede on the other. The three-piece toe construction is hand-sewn, and there's a lace toggle to loosen or tighten your shoes with ease. The light whiskey “chipmunk” colorway is rich and looks excellent with any olive drab pant or a full-navy linen suit.
$115 by K-Swiss x Engineered Garments
Quality derbies should be a wardrobe staple for any man. Kleman and Knickerbocker partnered on these, and they're influenced by old time-y workwear styles from the military, postal service and firefighters. The rough-hewn leather upper is a beautiful tobacco color and the outsole is rubber, which allows these to be comfortable to wear right from the jump. These will go with everything in your closet, and the color is a nice break from black or brown and is versatile enough to look great with cream, olive, navy, grey or black.
$250 by Kleman x Knickerbocker
Checking in With …
s.k. manor hill
I came across s.k. manor hill one night while perusing through Canadian retailer Wallace Mercantile’s site, and I’ve been following it ever since. Founded in 2015 by designer Dominic Sondag, the brand is the perfect blend of outdoor functionality with classic menswear and vintage military wear. Working under the tutelage of Daiki Suzuki at Engineered Garments, Dominic was able to fine-tune and find his own design identity while learning from the master. “The most valuable thing I learned while working with Daiki was attention to detail,” he says. “Everything is consistent, meticulous, and being involved in that type of work environment and the results achieved made me want to emulate that approach.” Conveniently nestled in NYC’s garment district, Dominic is able to see everything from beginning ideation to final production—designing his eye-catching trapper vest or linen T-shirt with natural fibers and eco-friendly recycled fabrics. We caught up with him to see what’s selling and what the staff is stoked about at the moment.
What items are you guys most excited about at the moment in the shop?
That’s a pretty tough question. It's like asking a parent, “Which one’s your favorite kid?” But if you were to press me for an answer, I’ll give you my current top three: the wading jacket, the M100 pant and the open-knit sweater.
Wading jacket, $575 by s.k. manor hill
Who is the “s.k. manor hill” customer?
Someone who knows what they like and comes to that conclusion on their own—without external influence. Someone who has their own opinions based on their own experiences. Finally, the s.k. manor hill customer is someone who appreciates quality fabrics, timeless silhouettes, and subtle details and or appreciates design, art, fashion and works in a creative field.
And what have they been wearing lately?
In the current season, I’ve been getting a lot of favorable responses to the Warrick shirt, my reversible ball short and the MT short.
Reversible ball short, $195 by s.k. manor hill
How would you sum up the brand ethos?
I am probably most driven by the desire to create comfortable and functional clothing, with a keen eye on construction and unique details emphasizing natural fibers and eco-friendly recycled fabrics.
Linen tank-top, $215 by s.k. manor hill
What are some current staff favorites?
My staff are fans of the big bronco pant, the aloha shirt, the linen tank-top, and the mushroom keychain and necklace.
Linen tank-top, $215 by s.k. manor hill
What weren’t you seeing in the fashion space that made you want to create your own brand?
It was having a vision of a particular combination of—first and foremost—the fit, the use of natural materials and fabrics, and being made locally in the U.S.A. But also, the simple matter of my desire to create the best products and designs (of course, in my humble opinion) rather than something that was not present in the fashion space that propelled me to create my brand.
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
This short-sleeve poplin is an easy-wearing summer shirt. An excellent lightweight option to wear poolside and sophisticated enough to tuck into a pair of pleated chinos for dinner.
$88 / $70.40(w/code TAKE20)by Noah
A pair of linen trousers that can be worn on the beach or in the office is a luxury. These are made from 100% linen, include an elasticated waist and are a wide fit for breathability whenever the temperature gets too hot.
$165 / $115by Percival
The active short from Sunspel is made from a Drirelease fabric, which is softer than most activewear and a better sweat-absorbing material. The drawcord helps tighten the shorts whenever exercising, and the back pocket keeps your EDC secure while working out.
$220 / $110by Sunspel
The three best stories from around the web.
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Rolex debuted a number of playful watches this year, but this one is the life of the party … and has already earned an unofficial nickname: Bubbles.”
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Despite training as a tailor in the UK for over a decade, Gonzalez has developed a decidedly American house style.”
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So what’s the secret to his staying power? 'I think the reason I’m still here is that I was never enough in fashion that I had to be replaced by something new. I’m like old shoes. I’ve never been hip.’”
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Summer linen suit by @morrisstockholm, an easy and sophisticated way to explore Istanbul.
May 31
