Gear Patrol

For a completely different idea on winning in Afghanistan, take a look at the brain child of two former Army Rangers and a friend. Working from the idea that we can’t kill our way to victory in a counter-insurgency conflict and from the inspired slogan, “Business, not bullets”, Combat Flip Flops ($65) promotes a strong Afghan economy to sustain and build on the successes of the past 10 years.

Bright colored accents have become a trademark for Mark McNairy, and this time it’s in the form of yellow inserts on a pair of classic navy suede Chelsea boots. Enjoy living the lace-free life in contemporary style with these on your feet, and unless you’ve got Elvis levels of cash, make sure to keep ‘em out of the rain.

Your back isn’t what it used to be, but simply being old an adult shouldn’t condemn you to losing that “king-of-the-slopes” hipness you once exuded. The snowboard-inspired ECCO Roxton GTX Snowboard boot ($200) helps you look the part (without disclosing how many times you’ve really hit the mountain this winter). Oiled leather and textile uppers…

After nearly five years of design and numerous prototypes, designer George Vlagos of Oak Street Bootmakers has created what may just be his finest boot yet, the Trench Boot ($426). First, a little background on the humble Trench Boot. With American wartime roots, the Trench Boot first came into service as a replacement for the…

Nike’s Flyknit technology that shook the sneaker world earlier this year has now migrated onto a chukka. This particular versions boasts an understated knitted black upper, highlighted by neo turquoise flywire and a white Lunarlon sole. Like many great releases from Beaverton, though, this shoe will only only be available in limited quantities at select retail outlets. German shop Inflammable is one online retailer that’s at least posted a product page and a waiting list notifying hungry fans when they’ll go on sale. Start practicing your “bitte schon” now.

When Nike released the first Air Max in 1987, its Tinker Hatfield design became an instant icon. The first set of sneaks to visibly feature Nike’s synonymous air bubble had kids of all ages clamoring to walk on clouds (and others poking them with pins for proof). The Nike Air Max+ 2013 (available in January)…

Nothing sets the teeth to rattling like the task of gift buying for a style zealot (except maybe an in-law’s icy glare). Rolled or cuffed? four-in-hand or windsor? Double breasted or single? Brown or black? Personal style is, well, personal; a faux pas can have lasting consequences. That’s why we’re throwing you a life line:…

The classic hiking boot never grows old, but sometimes a bit of fashion-driven change is welcomed. After all, you sport most of your woodsy fashion flair at the coffee shop, dontcha? Less a couple inches of leather than your standard hiking boot, the Olukai Mauna Lalo ($225) hiking shoe is just the right combination of…

When the snowing gets tough, the tough go running. But stepping out for a few dozen miles in the crunchy or slushy white stuff isn’t for the faint of heart — you have to be prepared. Solomon can help you do just that with their Snowcross CS ($200) lightweight winter trail running shoe. It looks…

Bond is as British as they come, and so are Crockett & Jones. The 5th-generation shoemaking family has been going strong since 1879 (that’s 30 years older than MI6). Their footwear works damn well together with 007 in Skyfall, where Bond sports the Alex, Highbury, Tetbury and Islay styles. Being worn in a Bond film…

Boot technology has come a long way since the days of Sir Edmund Hillary, but some things, like a vintage-style hiking boot, should never change. Danner, in collaboration with Tanner Goods, has made an exemplary modern classic in the Danner Mountain Trail Left Bank boot ($350). Made in the Portland, Oregon Danner factory, this special…

Allen Edmonds makes some of the finest American footwear around, and they’re certainly introducing more stylish designs that depart from purely traditional looks these days. Case in point: Eagle County boots ($350), which look one part classic cap toe and one part modern lace-up boot. They’re outdoorsy without being overly rugged, including Goodyear welted construction,…

Italian shoemaker Diemme has been crafting fine footwear for mountaineering, trekking, military, safety applications and hunting since 1992. But a tradition of practicality doesn’t mean their products aren’t stylish. The Diemme Roccia Vet Vesuvio Suede boot ($400) is evidence to that effect. Originally created as part of their hunting line, the Roccia Vet Vesuvio is…

Nike has always pushed limits in the innovation department and their latest Nike Free Inneva Woven shoe is no exception. The “woven” brand was originally introduced in 2000, and this iteration is defined by a new 360-degree hand-woven system that unifies the laces with a nylon webbing upper made from various strand widths — to…

Danner, the famed Portland, Oregon bootmaker, has been manufacturing some of the finest boots made for hunting, hiking, work and law enforcement since 1932, but their new Tektite Plain Toe 3″ Boots ($115+) throw pomp and tradition aside. In the pursuit of melding sneaker fit with work boot toughness, Tektites use both a lighter platform…

The Stewart Plaintoe Oxford is new Wisconsin-centric collaboration between Allen Edmonds and Lands’ End, who both call the state home. This exclusive edition to the Canvas line mixes traditional blucher design with a modern navy suede exterior and green laces to create a versatile shoe that’s perfect for late nights at the office followed by…

First issued in 1982 as training shoes for German soccer star Franz Beckenbauer (who’s now almost 67), the Adidas Originals Beckenbauer ($85) have been resurrected in Adidas’ Originals line with modern colors, full grain leather uppers and a grippy white rubber sole and toe bumper. We love the classic three stripes in gold on gray…

How old were you when you started working, let alone take over a company? Probably not as young as William Green who — with the help of his mother — took over the reigns of his father’s shoemaking business in 1839. Moving out of his home in 1866, Green established his company under the name…

Vancouver-based Reigning Champ partnered with Converse, to release a customized version of the sneaker that started it all. The limited run Chuck Taylor features R.C’s iconic fleece as a base fabric in classic heather gray or navy blue. A blue Oxford inner lining completes the casual sportswear styling. Your shopping list for new fall sneakers…

Chicago-based Oak Street Bootmakers has continually wowed us with their classic, made in America footwear. The company’s new line up for 2012 again puts craftsmanship at the forefront — even in areas no one but the wearer will see. Specifically, the company has upgraded the entire line with full length vegetable tanned Horween leather insoles,…

Sports companies often turn to the animal kingdom for inspiration, and while most brands look to the African plains for their muse, Reebok decided to focus on a far older predator. The Reebok Zigtech Shark ($100) takes much from its namesake. Its base — meant to resemble shark teeth — has been reengineered from the…

As summer fast approaches, your choice of footwear will no doubt migrate toward sockless loafers, canvas sneakers and the ubiquitous flip flop. That’s why now’s the time to plan and think about finally getting yourself a pair of all-weather footwear that you’ll be thankful for once the chill of fall and sloppiness of winter set…

Wingtips have always been on the casual side of the dress shoe spectrum, but footwear legend Allen Edmonds has nudged the style into more aggressive territory with their Special Edition Kasmuk ($300). The striking blue denim uppers are definitely a step outside of the company’s typical brogue comfort zone. Their risk, however, is your fashionable…

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for some new casual kicks for the summer, the Nike Rosche Run has you covered. They’re lightweight and breathable for logging those warm weather miles, but cushioned and protective to keep you straight and sturdy — equally important for pounding the pavement or kicking back a few…

To celebrate the centennial anniversary of their iconic boot line, L.L. Bean recently introduced the Men’s 100th Anniversary Main Hunting Shoe ($140), a special 12-inch edition of the sturdy footwear that first made them famous. Available only in limited quantities, the boot is an almost exact replica of the ones invented and worn by the…

Men’s fashion authority Allen Edmonds knows a moneyball when it sees one. The Fastball Boat Shoe ($115) adroitly struts the tightrope between gimmicks and licensed apparel to create a unique set of boaters for fans of America’s favorite pastime. Each pair is made from a white unlined distressed leather upper with red baseball stitchings on…

It’s safe to say that winter is finally over, which means it’s time to put some color back into your wardrobe. Swathed in a bold blue, the New Balance MS620BL will have you diving into spring, feet first. And with its traditional mesh and suede construction, this classic foot holder is equipped for everything from…

Seize Sur Vingt’s newest line of shoes come in a rainbow of colors sure to add pop to your wardrobe. Seven choices, ranging from bright navy with a contrasting red rubber sole to a more muted tan (SSV calls it “Milkshake” shown above) matched to a blue bottom, give the discerning dresser many options. The…

While traditional boat shoes have long been a mainstay of summer wardrobes, few ever see the deck of a 12-meter yacht, nor are they suited for that environment. Leather uppers and laces stay soaked and chafe your feet, and slip-on shoes don’t inspire confidence when you’re headed up high in the bosun’s chair. So leave…

Building off an undeniable lineage — Tod’s is still synonymous with the driver — the Greg Moccasin proves the weekend clog can do both back road or boardroom without any fuss. A formal twist on the traditional moc, Tod’s has imbued the Greg with a coat & tie treatment: structured, hand-crafted leather, a lightweight full-rubber…