Best Foot Forward: A Sneaker Series (Part 15)

August is finally here, which means cool breezes, fall outfits, and the end of blisteringly hot summer days are almost upon us. In 2022, I decided to focus on refining and maximizing my sneaker collection’s potential by placing an emphasis on quality over quantity when considering my next purchases. To do so, I’ve carefully considered how each pair corresponds to the rest of my collection and wardrobe, while also taking into considering Atlanta’s often unforgiving climate. Luckily, the hottest days of the year are now behind us, and each pair of sneakers highlighted in this post will be able to complement sweaters, coats, and jeans to create the best fits possible very soon. This has been a very fortunate year for my sneaker collection, and as always, I’m grateful to be able to share some of the highlights on “Best Foot Forward.”

Pair 1 (Upper Left): Rick Owens Ramones in Natural

After I initially purchased a black pair of this iconic Rick Owens silhouette, I assumed that I wouldn’t eventually add another pair of this model to the rotation. Objectively a bulky, unconventional pair of sneakers, the Ramone silhouette has always appealed to me because of how well it pairs with the oversized streetwear aesthetic. This pair’s cream colorway, pentagram accent logo, and slightly more structured materials than on my other pair made these a necessary pickup when I found them on sale on EndClothing.com.

Pair 2 (Lower Left): Birkenstock Boston in Taupe Suede

I’m always looking to add variety and practicality to my rotation, which is exactly why I recently purchased a pair of Birkenstock’s iconic Bostons. Extremely easy to slip on, this pair can be either dressed up or down and worn year round. They’ll primarily be used for everyday activities like walking the dog or taking out the trash for me, but I also have some fall outfits planned that center around this simple yet effective style.

Pair 3 (Upper Right) Maison Margiela GAT in Black Splatter

The Maison Margiela GAT has quickly become one of my favorite designer sneakers. Its simple design can easily be made eccentric via its artistic and eye-catching colorways, often channeling Jackson Pollock’s abstract paint-splatter techniques, which are some of the greatest pieces of all-time. This black pair serves as a canvas for vibrant red, blue, and yellow paint spatterings that pair perfectly with its brown gum sole. While not for everyone, I love this pair and often let this be the statement piece that defines whatever fit it’s in.

Pair 4 (Lower Right): Adidas Yeezy Boost 700 “Wave Runner”

Instantly recognizable, the Yeezy Boost 700 is one of the controversial artist’s most iconic pairs of sneakers released to date. Utilizing a unique color palette of neon orange and yellow with many shades of blue and gray, this pair really shouldn’t work on paper. But in practice, the “Wave Runner” 700 is an alluring and eclectic pair of sneakers, made only more appealing by their incredibly comfortable structure. Politics and controversies aside, Kanye West’s style and music will always have a special place in my heart, and these shoes are no exception.

I feel incredibly privileged to be able to explore an interest of mine while curating and building a collection of sneakers that allows me to express myself and connect with a community of people with the same passion for shoes that I have. Even though every pair can’t be worn as often as I’d like, owning pieces of history that help encompass the entire sneaker culture is such a fantastic feeling. With the hottest days of the year behind us, I’m looking forward to doing these pairs justice with proper outfits as soon as possible.