words & images // Zac Dubasik
It doesn't seem to matter what part of the country I'm in lately - I can count on the weather being bad. And while the rain will likely continue, hopefully the last of the cold is over. That means I probably won't be wearing these Ann Demeulemeester double-zip combat boots much more for the next few months, so it was nice to pull them out one last time for the season. I picked them up a few months back, and couldn't be happier with them. They'll probably never be an every-day shoe, but I have a feeling they'll be part of my rotation for years.
I'm a sucker for anything with assymentical lacing. I also have an affinty for anything utilizing Free. That said, from the first second I saw the Footscape Free hit the blog, I knew I had to have a pair. This Safety Orange pair is the only one I have so far, but I'm planning on picking up many more.
While I've never liked them quite as much as the unreleased high-cut samples, the HTM2 Run Boot Low TZ is one of my favorite shoes of the past few years. I wasn't around on release day, but was able to stop at 21 Mercer shortly thereafter. I hadn't expected any to be left, but they just happend to have two pairs, both in size 13: This black pair which I got for myself, and the navy edition, which I grabbed for NDP.
I've been a big fan of PUMA's designer collaborations, like their Mihara and McQueen collections, for years. But their Hussain Chalayan-designed Urban Mobility line might be my favorite. While still new in comparison to the aforementioned lines, Chalayan's designs have quickly become some of the most innovative in all of sneakers. The Haast is a perfect example, with its super light weight and over-the-top materials.
I may love the way Foams look, but I've been a long-time hater of their comfort. If I go up a size though, like with these size 14 Eggplant samples, I can usually make it through a few hours of wearing them. I found these in the back seat of my car the other day, and was excited to put them on for a night to the Knicks and Cavs game. It's also pretty easy to talk to players in the locker room when you have Foams on and everyone else with a press pass is wearing black dress shoes.
This will probably be about the last time of the year for both the Foams and the Ann D boots. I'm glad I got to wear them one last time for the season, but I'm ready to break out some Prestos!
