A quick preview of what the runway models at Richard Chai’s Autumn/Winter 2012 show will be shuffling in. Chai worked with Palladium Boots, who have outfitted the likes of Neil Barrett runways in the past. Richard Chai chose two Palladium boots, the Pampa Hi and the Pampa Tactical to layer his own custom fabrics on, including corduroy and felted wool, which pull from classic suiting elements. While the Palladium boots will be exclusive to Chai’s runway show, the looks will eventually be offered through boutique. Keep an eye out.

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Two smitten-worthy outfits come together to bring us this sleek, utilitarian boot. Denim purveyor Self Edge describes their niche in the world this way: “We don’t see a pair of jeans as just a pair of jeans. We see them as part of your life—something that ages with you and, like you, only becomes better with time.”

We couldn’t agree more, and, in the case of a quality piece of footwear, the same rules apply, which is something Leather Soul seems aware of by their own credo: “Aloha, our passion is for craftsmanship, style, the perfect fit and uncompromising service.”

One hundred pairs of the Alden boot were produced in each of two colors—black and Horween chromexcel (tan)—both bearing the telltale detail of a stitched mock toecap. You can pick them up starting February 18 at either Leather Sole location (Beverly Hills and Waikiki). In addition, Self Edge will be releasing an Iron Heart collaboration jean as part of the package.

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The Generic Man enlisted Aaron Rose for their new film, “Words of Advice,” starring Chris Johanson to promote their latest collaboration with Comme des Garcons SHIRT for Spring/Summer 2012. The simplicities of life, as explained by Johanson, help tell the GM x CdG sneaker story. Tip to Purple.fr for the flick.

Hidden laces remind of skate shoes, and they tend to work well when the rest of a shoe bearing them hews to the pragmatic styling of something built to resist griptape. These Lacava’s from Creative Recreation have the proper balance of familiarity (classic vulcanized sole; low-profile silhouette) and surprise (those lace covers look like a crisp popped collar and who knows how your pants will react to the heel tab). Pulling inspiration from the more expensive Turino model (leather; made in Italy), these canvas floats retail for $62 with eight more color schemes in the wings, though it’s hard to imagine anything more eye-catching than the red and blue colorway. -jt

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Danner introduces Spring 2012 styles. Vertigo (above) and Vertigo Crosby, popular amongst their Japanese fanbase, are available striaght out of the US factory with Vibram sole, leather lining and 5mm footbed. Danner Light Heathman and the Rain Forest Heathman are offered in a lighter, spring friendly weight and the Mountain Trail Barlow is remade in new leather with royal blue laces and Gore-Tex lining for the spring. If the warmer months aren’t enough to get you out of your stomping boots then these relatively warm weather friendly Danner’s are an option.

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Simplicity is god. Or, in the case of Norse Projects’ collaboration with Pro-Keds: simplicity is Odin. Minimalism certainly wins out in their reworking the Royal Master sneaker. Here, NP delivers three colorways inspired by their Copenhagen environs: specifically the ocean, the beach and old town. Pigskin suede, a cork inner sole and leather lining make for a classic look and feel indeed. The aniline dyed leather heel tab is just a nice little touch on a solid understated piece of fancy footwear that we’d like to wear in the old town and on the beach; but not in the ocean. -jt

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Artisan, handmade shoes are everywhere these days, but we cannot pinpoint much of a downside to the saturation. You only get one pair of feet, so why not sheath them in at least one pair of something durable built with serious attention to detail? Jockeying for your attention in this regard is n.d.c. (nome de code; translates to “code name”). This outfitter of men and women takes a humbler approach than some others—as the story goes, the creative mind behind the footwear, Enrique Corbi, presented a pair of n.d.c. brogues at their first trade show appearance only after he’d thrown them into a washing machine to beat them up a bit.

An allegiance to “subtle humor” shows in their newest lookbook. Alongside shots of the alluring goods—re-imagined deck shoes, patterned espadrilles, soft chukkas, weathered oxfords and things with monk straps—at the end of lithe young legs, are pictures of jolly old gents enjoying the wares. Being headquarted in Belgium—a nation home to the Underpants Museum—certainly adds to the lighthearted allure. Beyond all of that, these are definitely some fetching designs. -jt

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We chased this one down after Mr. Day teased them on his column. The new range of sneakers from Generic Surplus for the Spring/Summer 2012 N. Hoolywood menswear collection are splatter-approved. “Embodying the season theme “Title Back” with it’s upper construction and vulcanized sole, the shoe displays a particular attention to small details with its thick cushioned insole and application of wax-treatment on the laces.”

Available in grey and purple/blue – we’ll take both. These work. Available only through N. Hoolywood retailers (good luck).

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We take a look at some 80’s adidas Olympic-wear making its way back in a big sporting year for Team Great Britain. 6 pieces of kit and four styles of footwear, this collection is heavy on nostalgia. Perfect for any child of the 80’s. If you hear the name ‘Fatima Whitbread’ and don’t immediately think of ‘I’m a celebrity get me out of here’ then this might be one for you.

“Los Angeles 1984 and Daley Thompson, Sebastian Coe and Tessa Sanderson all took Olympic gold for their country. In a nostalgic nod to the past, adidas Originals present an Archive collection that takes direct inspiration from the original pieces worn by those heroes, with Daley Thompson’s decathlon-winning #398 jersey the centre-piece.” Available from February

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Veja meet French Trotters once again with a selection of men’s footwear. We previewed the collection a while back and this addition of a black hi-top is a welcome one. Veja don’t bang on too much about their eco credentials but it’s worth noting that each pair is made with the environment and the workers who produce them in mind. “The leather used has been tanned naturally using acacia extracts. The soles are made of wild rubber originating from the Amazonian rainforest. ” Take a look below for a little background into this time heavy process. Polished and waxed leather with a contrast tan stripe running up the back, these are sure to age perfectly. Find them here.

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