The TRUE Essential Item in Every Man’s Closet
by Sam Adebisi
In 2016 men care about fashion more than ever compared to previous eras where noblemen, revered public figures, or men with a moderate amount of wealth could indulge in fashion.
Menswear’s burgeoning rise as a $460-billion-dollar industry is in direct correlation to the male dominated market of sneaker culture. Sneakers first were seen as an athletic tool to be worn on men’s’ feet to merely aid in athletic activities starting in the late 1960s going into the 70s. With the iconic use of Adidas sneakers worn and first seen on pro basketball player, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar then sneakers started to carry a subtle cool.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Image courtesy of Kicksologists.com.
Their presence has helped grow men’s fashion especially contemporary high fashion. Sneakers when combined correctly with the right fit as seen on celebrities such as Kanye West, Jerry Seinfeld, or Justin Timberlake can create a sleek, understated and refined look that a debonair gentleman can carry with confidence to any outing where casual wear may not always be permitted.
Justin Timberlake & Kanye West. Images courtesy of GQ.com & Houston Hip-Hop Fix.com
HYPE’s picks for the best sneakers for our young readers wanting to look during the school year are: red or brown Vans, black All-Star Chuck Taylors, white Fred Perry’s on the lower price range for under $200 that will resonate with an ultra-casual look. White Common Projects, any colored Filling Pieces, and primarily white hued Adidas Stan Smiths at a higher price range of over $200 will create an understated and refined look.
(Starting clockwise from Bottom Left to Right) Black Filling Pieces sneakers, Red Vans, Black All-Star Chuck Taylors, White Common Projects, and White and Green Stan Smith Adidas.
Images courtesy of High Snobiety, Muria Boiler, Factcodesign.com, Opumo, & Jon Wexler.
Top image of Kevin Hart and Jerry Seinfeld courtesy of The Source.com.
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