The Obtainer - 9/30/22, Friday
↦ We Can't Stop Talking About These
Friday,September 30th Edition
From golf shoes that can be worn off the fairway to a pair of hiker boots, it’s time to hit a footwear refresh for Fall. And we’re also checking in with one of my favorite stores to see what’s new for the season.
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
The New Shoes on Our Radar
Fall is officially here and that means it’s time for a footwear refresh. Want to give your sweaty canvas sneakers a break for the season? 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 golf shoe that can be worn off the fairway and a pair of ethically sourced trainers to a sought-after chukka boot collaboration, these are the shoes our team can't stop talking about.
On Our Radar
Goatlane is a Swedish golf shoe brand that combines PGA Tour-level performance with Scandinavian minimalist style. The brand's sneakers are developed with golf pro Henrik Norlander, who has worn Goatlane's Tour range on the course all year. They're spikeless and waterproof and made from high-quality Italian leather. Handcrafted in Portugal with a hidden traction outsole, padded interior for comfort and a removable cushioned footbed, these shoes will have you looking great on the back nine or at the office.
$235 by Goatlane
A responsibly made trainer with classic good looks that's also super comfortable—what's not to like? The ripstop fabric is woven from 100% recycled polyester, so it's not only incredibly strong but also impressively light. The color is perfect as we lean into Fall, and the fabric will keep your feet dry from all the cold and rainy weather. The throwback style looks great with everything from some vintage Champion sweats to a nice wide-leg chino.
$145 by Veja
Noah and British footwear brand Solovair knock it out of the park once again for this seasonal collaboration. The supple tobacco suede will give your outfit the added texture it needs to complete a fit, and the chunky sole will defeat any terrain it encounters. There's a reason why these were seen all over Noah's lookbook. Sport them with a corduroy suit to emulate your favorite professor, or dress these down with some cargo pants or your favorite denim.
$298 by Noah x Solovair
Don't have your go-to boots for the season yet? These derbies will allow you to forgo heavy footwear options thanks to their rugged yet comfortable lug soles. Handsewn in Wisconsin, these lace-ups are made from durable European calfskin leather uppers, with 360-degree bench welt construction. They're grounded by the brand's original hot cork injected footbed, which provides stability and comfort that molds to your feet, so they get more comfortable after each wear. The shoes are timeless, durable and make for a modern alternative to standard dress shoes.
$395 by Allen Edmonds
Diemme has been making shoes for a long time, and they've just added this modern hiker sneaker to their footwear family. Based on the brand's classic mountaineering boot, the Civetta, they crafted a low-cut hiking boot that offers more durability during the colder months. The Sympatex lining provides a water-resistant option, while the Vibram New Winkler sole ensures there's the perfect balance between stability and traction. A mix of quality suede and sturdy Cordura rounds out the shoe. This hiking sneaker connects active city life with the appreciation of strolling down a countryside trail.
$382 by Diemme
Checking in With ...
Independence Chicago
A shop that I frequently check on is Midwest retailer Independence Chicago. They do an excellent job of carrying unique items that are hard to find anywhere else while also offering core essentials that can integrate into anyone’s wardrobe. Some notable brands on their shelves are Drake’s, Crescent Down Works, Kapital, Nanamica, and their sister-company, Oak Street Bootmakers. They’re not new to this but true to this. Each season, they team up with select brands to collaborate on an exclusive product that's only at their store—hence a Gitman Vintage shirt called the Independence work shirt. Besides offering some of the most sought-after items in menswear, they have a killer selection of Japanese magazines that’ll give you tips on your style or just look great on your coffee table.
We caught up with the crew to talk shop. I wanted to see what items are selling at the moment, some staff favorites and what exciting trends we can look forward to for the Fall.
Century denim 5P, $423 by Kapital
What items are you guys most excited about at the moment?
Every new season from Kapital is a cause for celebration. We’re excited about the whole FW22 collection, and in particular, the fleeces and century denim. Kapital has a way of marrying traditional manufacturing with wild creativity that puts them in their own league.
Any new collaborations?
Absolutely. For Fall, we worked with Gitman Bros. to create an exclusive design called the Independence work shirt. It’s a button-down featuring two chest pockets with flaps, a button under the collar and a regular fit. We offer it in heavy-duty, hard-wearing fabrics like 8 oz. denim, 8.1 oz. corduroy and brown cotton tweed.
Independence work shirt, $208 by Gitman Vintage
What are some current staff favorites?
On any given day, at least one of us will wear a Bedford jacket or fatigue pants from Engineered Garments. The Bedfords are versatile—you can dress them up or down.
Of course, we love hoodies, too. Nobody makes them quite like Lady White Co. Their super weighted hoodie has serious heft, but is also comfortable. We love the new bright green colorway, but they’re all great.
Shawl sweater coat, $425 by Dehen 1920
When it's cold, we reach for Dehen 1920's heavyweight knits. Dehen has been making heirloom-quality sweaters in Portland for over 100 years. They’re almost overbuilt; when you put on a Dehen sweater, you feel like you’re wearing armor. Hard to pick a favorite though, but let’s go with the shawl sweater coat in loden.
2-pocket knit anorak, $355 by All We Remember
Any trends on the horizon that you all are excited about?
We’ve always subscribed to the “buy less, buy better” philosophy, and it’s been exciting to watch that idea become more mainstream. Why purchase a shirt that’s going to lose its shape in a month? Our customers want clothes that’ll last for years. I know that’s not a trend per se, but you know what I mean.
We certainly welcome the shift toward roomier silhouettes. As fans of 20th-century workwear, we tend to prefer pants with a more generous cut and chore coats that can accommodate layers. Or maybe we grew tired of skinny jeans like everyone else.
As far as cold weather gear goes, Nanamica makes a mohair fleece pullover that catches everybody’s attention. It’s so good. And our newest brand, All We Remember, just delivered a 2-pocket knit anorak that’s a stunner. Plus, they’re from Chicago, so we’ve got to shout them out.
What have you been noticing guys wearing these days?
Until recently, you couldn’t walk around Chicago without breaking a sweat. But now that it’s Fall, our customers have been wearing fatigue pants, heavyweight flannels, selvedge denim and beanies. In other words, a whole lot of Engineered Garments and orSlow.
Who is the “Independence” customer?
We serve people from all over Chicago, and our customers appreciate quality. Whether they’re tapped into Japanese streetwear or able to identify a pair of old Levi’s by the rivets, they know that quality clothes are worth the investment. Also, this city throws a lot of weather at us, so you’ve got to get your wardrobe right.
What’s really been selling lately?
Lady White two-packs, orSlow fatigues, Gitman shirts and Kapital bandanas. Independence is also the flagship retailer of Oak Street Bootmakers. We’re always down to help guys find a killer pair of boots.
T-shirts, $99 (for two-pack) by Lady White Co.
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
This robe offers a luxe blend of jaspe and ringspun cotton in a waffle weave pattern for maximum softness and quality. And for less than $100 it will be your go-to loungewear for morning and night.
$128 / $96 by Upstate
One of the brand's best-selling shirts is now 50% off. Made from 100% Tencel lyocell (a soft, sustainably produced fiber) this shirt will look great tucked into high-waisted pants or paired with a khaki-colored suit.
$198 / $89.10 by Wythe
Pick up a khaki trucker jacket that's just as versatile as a denim one. Especially when it’s half off. Stitched in the U.S. and finished with a single patch pocket, it’s a handsome outerwear layer for Fall.
$409 / $185 by Engineered Garments
Officine Générale partnered with Los Angeles based Garrett Leight California Optical to launch its first sunglass.Available online and in stores
September 22