Gear Patrol

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.

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)…

If you’re more inspired than awed (it’s ok to be both — we are) by our Jeremy Berger’s recent Ironman quest, we’ve got your shoe: the Salomon S-Lab Sense ($200). Developed through collaboration between designers and world-class trail runners, the Sense is laden with top performance features specifically designed to enable forefoot running: lightweight construction…

The idealism of commuting by bike meets reality in the upper latitudes, where induced wind chill can quickly turn digits into frostbitten pink popsicles. 45Nrth, denizens of the great white north (Minnesota), enshroud your feet in veritable toasters with their Wolvhammer Cycling Boots ($325), allowing you to hammer winter rides like a Minneapolis metal band….

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…

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…

KEEN is the master of versatile footwear (though they have yet to make a killer pair of wingtips), shoes that effortlessly go from trailhead to casual Friday to happy hour. And just when we thought they couldn’t possibly make another cool day hiker, they come out with a new one – the Ambler. Rather than…

Red Wing is a classic American brand, and we’ve always been fans of their footwear. Today, the company has launched a new collection, hand sewn in Lewiston, Maine. Other fans of the brand are bound to enjoy the video above released to explain the collection, but even if fashion isn’t your thing, it’s still interesting…

At the start of the last century, mountain climbers wore what essentially amounted to wooden clogs on their feet. Soon, the first “tricounis” climbing shoe was developed, which featured a leather sole outfitted with steel cleats that improved traction on ice, but did little for rock climbers. To learn about how Vibram changed the footwear…

Admittedly, it’s been a pretty wimpy winter everywhere from Colorado to the Alps, causing renewed grumblings about global warming from skiers, both Alpine and Nordic. Getting out on the boards anywhere but in the high country has required either the nimbleness to dodge the bald patches of dirt and grass or a pair of rock…

While we prefer the warmer, sockless months, the colder ones are just a fact of life. And as such, the right socks are critical. You want to look good, maybe show some ankle flair, and most importantly keep your feet dry. Wicking moisture away from your feet actually keeps them warm in the winter, or…

Sometimes footwear should just be simple, comfortable, relaxed (still without Velcro) but versatile. KEEN has come up with a solution to this need in their new KEEN Timmons Slip-On ($90), a grown up version of the casual canvas numbers that are ubiquitous when the weather turns warm. Well, the Timmons Slip-Ons we tried recently proved…

Sperry’s Cloud Logo brand puts a trendier spin on American originals. The shipyard rigger boot features genuine handsewn construction, a removable, full length molded footbed, and Sperry’s own Wave Comfort System for added cushioning and air circulation. $140 | Sperry Top-Sider

$55 | tretorn.com The Tretorn Nylite men’s tennis shoes, born in 1967, were regarded as the first luxury sports shoe. Natural canvas upper. Classic Gullwing logo. Textile lining and sockliner, Eco OrthoLite insole. Rubber cupsole.

The Jason Markk Premium Sneaker Solution Set ($20) was created to help sneakerheads keep their prized pairs looking just as clean as they day they were bought. The kit includes an 8 oz. bottle of premium sneaker solution, good for cleaning up to 200 pairs of kicks. The solution’s 98% natural formula is void of…

$220 | thathobo.com

The new Puma Faas 500′s ($100) are designed to be the go to shoe for everyday runners. Tipping the scales at 9.7 oz, the sneaks are inspired from the brand’s old school RS1 runner and include notable features like a rocker shape that enhances stride efficiency while an EverRide and EverTrack outsole provides the cushioning…

So-called minimalist running has quickly developed a following among endorphin-addicts around the world for several reasons. Practically speaking, training with less padding has been shown to increase foot strength and muscle tone. The feeling of running nearly barefoot is also a major draw. To capitalize on this movement, Somnio has created the Nada to serve…

Fall and winter may be prime boot season, but if you love the feel of sneakers then these new for 2010 Supra Belay Slip Ons ($65) should work for casual occasions. Thanks to their slim low-profile and lace detailing, they’ve got a noticeably different look from the majority of sneakers found on every mannequin you…

If you hadn’t noticed, we have a penchant for shoes made in the US here at Gear Patrol. So, when Oak Street Bootmakers hit the web with yesterday announcement it was a perfect storm to win our lustful eye. Based out of Chicago, Oak Street was founded by George Vlagos to carry on the shoe…

The Allen Edmonds Shoe Company has been making quality shoes since 1922 and our own experience with a pair of Allen Edmonds McAllister Wing Tips has certainly proven that. First becoming popular after outfitting the Army and Navy during World War II, Allen Edmonds has since moved on to style thousands of influential men, including…

Brand collaborations are taking over the world of men’s fashion and boutique label Opening Ceremony is leading the charge. In this latest tag-team effort, the brand has combined their detailing flair with Timberland to create a versatile shoe that should do good-by your feet on nearly any surface — including those that are submerged. Made…

Clarks Original fans know just how comfortable their shoes can become after a few wears. So the real decision that has to be considered when buying a pair is which style suits your look. These new Pilton Town Shoes ($77) are fresh for Spring/Summer 2010 and we love just how well they combine aspects of…

These Nike Air Max Skyline SI’s ($89) in orange blaze or lucky green are a good counter balance to the more neutral sneakers we’ve suggested for summer before. There are actually 8 other color options available in this style, but considering their darker looks we weren’t too thrilled with the thought of wearing them under…

Every man should at some point or another purchase himself a pair of well made, welted dress shoes. Doesn’t matter what kind, we each have our preference. Regardless of what you choose, they probably won’t be inexpensive, but they’ll return in spades over the longevity of their life. A good pair of shoes that you…

Charities, non profits, and governmental aid are some ways countries around the world and their citizens can be helped back on their feet. We don’t want to undermine the noble work and impact of these forces of good, but the reality is nothing really helps a struggling country like developing a strong economy and successful…

Horween Leather has been around since 1905 and is located in Chicago, IL. They produce leathers for a myriad of uses and companies. Their offerings run the gamut from all the NFL and NBA game balls, to those Shell Cordovan Allen Edmonds you wish you had (Shell leather accounts for only 10% of Horween’s production)….

Since 1935, Warrior Footwear has been a household name in China. Known as one of the original sporting shoe brands for Chinese athletes, not much has changed with these shoes despite the years that have passed, except that American’s now too have the chance to call a pair their own. That’s because two American exchange…

For some reason or another, the yachting life-look is back with a vengeance in men’s fashion. If you aren’t really inclined, though, to throw on a pink polo shirt over a navy polo and pop both collars (and we don’t blame you), these latest sailorized editions of Converse’s renowned Jack Purcell might help you keep…