SOLE COLLECTOR: Sneakers

words_Nick DePaula

First things first - I absolutely hate white shoes. Hate them. I’m a black-base fan, or if color is involved, tend to side with purple or navy suede or patent uppers. That’s why I surprised myself when I saw the latest of the adidas Clean theme, because I liked them. A ton. As an alternate to my harsh-thus-far Yeeesh of the Month “winner,” I’ll conversely pick out a shoe each month that captures my attention for good reason, this time around being the adidas BW Army Clean.

This is a HOT shoe, rooted in a traditional army sneaker look, but with a unique cut and high quality materials perfect for casual wear. Ideal for the current sleek sole climate, the BW Army is also a good alternative if you’re like me and not a fan of over-branding. I hate big swooshes on the side of a shoe (see: Huarache 2K4), and seeing adidas take a departure from their stripes-laden silhouettes offered around the clock is also a welcome change. I’d much rather let the design of the shoe stand out as the reason for my affection rather than succumb to a giant logo emblazoned across the entirety of the upper. The stark white upper may be a little on the plain side for some, but when you’re in the mood for being low-key for a night out, these will do just fine.