Footwear in the Northwest

Portland, Or
      Home of the Nike World Headquarters and Adidas US Headquarters, I am uniquely close to two amazing Athletic apparel & footwear companies. Around Portland, fashion is what the majority make of it. Portland is full of business casual beings mixed amongst "hipsters". Aside from your flannel, Levis, & Chuck Taylor folk, people are usually wearing some sort of sports brand like Adidas or Nike. Some people are wearing outdoor brands such as Columbia, Merrell, North Face, or Vibram. From my friends to family, here are some shots I snagged with whatever device I had on hand at the time. From my Droid, Blackberry, Nikon 1, or Fujifilm 5 MP.

Adidas white ballet flats Jeremy Scott Wings

Cole Haan Lunargrand Chukka Pristine Nubuck

Nike Tiempos Nike CTRs 2x

New Nike Flyknits & Air Max 90 in baby blue

Cole Haan Lunargrand Wingtip color: original Charcoal Grey

Toddler Reef slip thong sandles

Nike Roshi Runs

2011 Koston SB & Nike Trainers

The Desert Boot

Illustration by: Brittany Fields

Clark originally brought the idea of the desert boot to young American men in the 1940's. Gaining inspiration from South African soldiers in the two wars he served, Nathan Clark's love for the design got initially turned down by his family's shoe company. Working independently he discovered the boot's unique characteristics and functionality. By 1949, Nathan's side project became an instant success among men of the 50's. The desert boot was cheap, care free, and had a sort of european flavor to it that made it desirable among young men in Chicago. Nathan even added 'of England' to the shoe's slogan in the print advertisements.

From Clark's to Nike, the desert boot has made it on men's fashion essentials list all around the world. The boot has kept it's original function but footwear manufacturers are continually adding their own twists each season. Some have recycled rubber soles with suede uppers while others have a gum sole and smooth leather finish. The eyelets may go from 3 hole - 4 hole, the laces may be leather or cotton waxed. No matter what the change, credit goes to the American soldier than was 'shoe shopping' while at war, Nathan Clark.

Here are some standout designs that I absolutely agree Nathan would enjoy

  

My inspiration: http://www.gq.com/style/blogs/the-gq-eye/2012/08/dropping-knowledge-the-desert-boot.html

The Lunargrand

Lunargrand

Sketches Credit: Cole Haan's Innovation designer Salehe Bembury

Reviews will tell you why the Lunargrand is so damn comfortable and why it is the hottest non sneaker in the United States. The Lunargrand sketches seen below are the actual designs and reasonings behind is extraordinary comfort. The sketches remind me of Tinker Hatfields work on the Air Jordans. The footwear has evolved from a traditional wingtip with exagerated brogue details to a chukka desert boot for the Fall. A Lunargrand Penny Loafer is already surfacing. Just last week, Cole Haan released a set of 2 special edition Lunargrands along with 2 limited Cooper Square Wingtips (see below). Since the last pair that I actually purchased were the original grey with volt bottoms back last year, I had to snag the $288 Lunargrand Waterproof editions in the Pink, Grey, and White colorway. Since I currently reside in Portland, Oregon I had to choose the waterproof editions over the reflectives. Although clubbing and photos would have made me look like a star, I think the pink waterproof are equally amazing. Salehe deserves much credit and hopefully we will be able to see the Lunargrand have a long and successful run.