Summer Kicks 2010

The sun is starting to shine (finally) and for all of you footwear freaks out there that means sneaker season has officially arrived. With so many styles, colors and brands to choose from, it can get a bit hectic trying to pick out the freshest pair of kicks to match the occasion. Regardless if you’re a men’s sneakers purist hell-bent on rocking the crispiest kicks around town, a fashion connoisseur seeking the next big designer collab or just another average Joe seeking a new pair of casual runners, we have you covered from ankle down with summer 2010’s best styles.

Jordan Retro 6

A classic style cherished by sneaker-heads around the world, the Jordan 6 is one of the most popular editions from the Jordan footwear franchise. Originally released back in 1991 when Michael Jordan was running the show on the court, the Jordan 6 single-handedly took this signature shoe family in a completely different direction. It’s jam-packed with unique attributes including a pull-tab tongue, internal bootie and visible air unit.

Adding a touch of history to this retro style, in honor of Michael’s MVP performance in which he lead the Chicago Bulls to victory over the rival Los Angeles Lakers, the latest version of these men’s sneakers flips the script with a special Lakers colorway combining black with purple-and-yellow color pops. Partner these gems up with a pair of flat-front shorts and you’re good to go on the court.

Price: $149.99
Retail: FootLocker.com

adidas Stan Smith 2

The summer heat is never complete without a fresh pair of all-white court classics. Keeping things ultra-clean since 1971, this reissued Stan Smith 2 model by adidas Originals has been an affordable men’s sneaker style of choice cherished by just about everyone ranging from sneaker enthusiasts to the casual consumer seeking a versatile pair of kicks.

The minimalist design attributes injected into this signature style include a perforated version of the adidas “3- Stripe” logo running down the sides, with a touch of green on the heel tab and tongue. These work with just about everything in your wardrobe, including shorts, khakis and denim.

Price: $90
Retail: Adidas.com

Converse by John Varvatos – Chuck Taylor Vintage Slip-On

Convenient when you need to kick back and relax this summer — while looking sharp — these Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Vintage Slip-Ons combine simplicity with loads of style thanks to the design direction provided by John Varvatos. Adding a unique fashion twist to the trademark Chuck Taylor model, these slip-ons lose the laces while maintaining the signature metal eyelet appeal, giving these classics a laid-back look and feel. Made with a tinted wax-coated canvas upper, the All Star Vintage Slip sneaker works wonders with a pair of shorts or denim, dressed up for a night on the town, or while keeping it calm, cool and casual.
 $95
Retail: JohnVarvatos.com

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Gourmet Uno

Feel the need to dress a bit more mature, yet can’t quite let go of your deeply rooted men’s sneaker addiction? Gourmet serves up the perfect recipe that’ll keep you satisfied on both fronts with the Gourmet Uno high-top sneaker. Drawing some serious design inspiration from cult sneaker culture classics, Gourmet mixes things up perfectly to keep you looking refined with an athletic edge.

Blending a full-grain textured leather upper with a cotton canvas liner and waxed cotton laces, the Uno will make your designer denim and button-down seem that much cooler.

Price: $120
Retail: GourmetInYourFace.com

Reebok The Pump Omni Lite

Originally introduced to hoop fans back in the early ‘90s, The Pump by Reebok goes down in the sneaker culture book of history as a true piece of originality when it comes to performance footwear design. Made popular back in the day by NBA stars Dominique Wilkins and Dee Brown, as well as tennis phenomenon Michael Chang, The Pump has made a comeback in the past couple of years with loads of interesting color combinations and material updates. One of the original styles from the Reebok range of on-court classics, The Pump Omni Lite returns for summer 2010 with this fresh colorway combining a light-gray leather upper with peach and purple highlights. Staying true to its basketball roots, these men’s sneakers will have you running the show on outdoor courts all summer long.

Price: $119.99
Retail: KarmaLoop.com

Nike Air Zoom Toki TZ sneakers

If you’re a fan of chukka boots or ankle boots, but are looking for something a little bit more casual and not in the traditional suede or leather, Nike has a fantastic chukka silhouette sneaker dubbed the Air Zoom Toki TZ. Available in charcoal gray or summer-yellow with fresh lime accents, they feature canvas uppers, a contrasting white rubber sole and as an even further departure from the usual chukka, they feature a Zoom Air heel.

Available at The Glade for $170.

Lanvin High Top Sneakers

For those who like a little extra attention on their heels, these high top sneakers by Lucas Ossendrijver and Lanvin have enough swagger and style to  have everyone jocking. To its core, it’s still Lanvin’s classic laced high trainer, only in a combination of jersey felt and suede, and equipped with the usual Lanvin rubber sole and calf skin lining. You either love it or hate it. Available here.

I thought about adding Air Force 1′s but lets face it, we’ve been wearing those classic white kicks for a years and they aren’t going out of style anytime soon. Do yourself a favor and diversify your footwear collection so that you’re fully equipped come any occasion. Always remember: Shoes do say a lot about your personal style. Add some of these classic kicks to your athletic footwear arsenal and you’ll be way ahead of the game.