Fresh White Summer Sneaks

I've been on the prowl for some clean white canvas sneakers for this summer and my oh my, there are many options.  I spent a little time today perusing Zappos for some good choice footwear. This is what I came up with.  For the purposes of this post, I'm just rounding up the whitest, simplest shoes under $60. You can get pretty nutty with white sneakers upwards of $300 but I hardly find value in a canvas shoe you're going to trash anyway.  Also, this is by no means an exhaustive list, only what I found during a quick glance at Zappos.  In no particular order:

Vans Authentic Core Classics - $42.00

The gold standard according to some of the cool blogs and skater kids.  This shoe, in 'True White', features a flexible canvas upper with a gum rubber sole and one of the simplest designs you'll see.  The price is always right as well.

Vans Authentic Organic - $39.90

Just in time for Earth Day, feel good about the enivronment by getting a version of the before mentioned Authentic.  The upper is made of 100% organic canvas and the sole is made from 20% recycled rubber.  I actually really just love the colorway. They're on sale at Zappos but there are limited sizes available.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Slim Ox - $50.00

A lower-profile version of the classic Chucks, this sneak has a canvas upper and liner with a lightly padded footbed.  The standard rubber sole keeps you planted to the street and the red pinstripe sets you out from the crowd.

Tretorn Krona Linen - $58.50 

While not canvas, I figure linen is close enough in line with a summer shoe material that it can be reasonably included.  This shoe is pretty low, almost slipper-like.  The colorway may seem a bit subdued at first glance but make sure you check out the other side (WARNING: splash of wacky color). The Swedes did right by me with this one.

Adidas Originals P-Sole - $39.95

This offering from Adidas is low profile and lightweight (9.0 oz. per sz 8.5 shoe).  It features a vulcanized canvas upper, rubber sole, and a design based on the Eberhard Schöller table tennis shoe of old.  The association with Adidas and the three stripe detail makes this a bit of a sportier option.

Converse Jack Purcell CP - $55.00

A slightly modified version of the 1930's badminton classic, the Jack Purcell CP has got everything you need and more.  Canvas upper and rubber sole come standard along with Jack Purcell's signature on the heel and the signature "smile" on the toe.

Sperry Top-Sider Striper Lace - $59.95

This Sperry sneaker is like a luxury version of the Vans Authentic; it has more padding and cushioning than it's bare-bones younger brother.  It retains the razor-cut tread on the sole just like Sperry's deck shoes, for wet and dry traction.

Supra Thunder Lo - $52.00

I haven't even heard of Supra until yesterday, in fact, although they seem to have some nice footwear.  Direct from the product description, this is a "classic low top design".  No bones about this shoe, it is clean and simple and doesn't mess around with any adornments.

Pro-Keds Royal Lo Canvas - $44.95

If you're looking for a similar shoe to the Supra with a splash of color, the Pro-Keds are for you.  They have a rubber toe and sole with the requisite canvas upper.  They also feature a removable padded footbed, which is kind of nice.  I just wish Pro-Keds made their Royal CVO in white, but alas.  *Edit - They do!  Although they don't appear to be in production anymore. Thanks, Lawrence!

Have you got a go-to fresh white sneak that you want to share?  Drop me a line in the comments below.

Gym Style

Hey ya'll, sorry I've been off the radar for a while.  I took a much needed vacation.

One way to curse one's self with the affliction of thighs bigger than one's head is to exercise.  Cycling, rowing, and weightlifting (among other activities) will all make the muscles in your legs hypertrophy.  I happen to lift weights regularly (I am a follower of Stronglifts).  Since most discussion about style addresses times when you're out and about (work, school, weekend, beach, etc...), I wanted to see if you're on your game in the gym too.

I know that you're thinking, "Why should I care what I look like in the gym? I'm gonna be all sweaty anyway and plus you're there to put in work, not look good."  If you think about it, the gym is no different than any other place you might visit during the day.  There is a chance you'll meet a new friend and you don't want to risk looking like a bum and blowing a first impression out of the water.  Looking sharp while wearing functional clothing for exercise is not difficult to do, either.  My only bit of advice is to keep it simple.

For weightlifting, to the right is what I wear almost every day.  Nautica white cotton undershirt, Mizuno polyester volleyball shorts, low profile Nike Dri-fit socks (days when I deadlift I substitute Adidas knee-high soccer socks), and Adidas Sambas.  The whole outfit is simple and classic whilst retaining functionality.  The cotton t-shirt is what you want between a barbell and your skin while backsquating because it provides enough friction so that the bar doesn't slide.  Something like Under Armor will give you problems with slipping bars.  The above-the-knee polyester shorts are nice and breathable and don't get in the way of lifts where your knees are bending.  The Sambas are actually excellent weight lifting shoes due to their flat and incompressible sole, providing pure power transfer during squats and deadlifts.

Granted, this isn't anything fancy. But I don't want it to be.  Obviously you may need different threads for different activities.  Just keep it similar, classic, and functional and you'll look solid.  You know those cardio bunnies are watching; just stay away from the ones wearing makeup.