Photo by Jones Crow.
Half of the sneaker game is knowing what kicks are out when, and which shops have them. Our Shelf Space column looks at what shops around the country are stocking in a given week, and gives a quick glimpse into the mind of the buyer/manager/owner who put them there.
As we continue our mission of bringing you the insides of the best sneaker spots from around the U.S., we headed to a newbie but a goodie — BNIB (Brand New In Box), located in Los Angeles, California. The store's owner, Jamie Fowler, gave us a look at 10 of the newest sneakers currently sitting on the store shelves. Hit the thumbnails and arrows above to see his picks, and to read what he has to say about each one.
New Balance x K-Way U420KW1
New Balance x K-Way U420KW1, $75
BNIB says: "When we found out that New Balance had teamed up with Canadian outerwear company K-Way on a collaborative project, and that we would have the chance to be one of 10 retailers in the country to stock them, we immediately jumped at the chance. Four colorways of this retro 420 model (along with four matching K-Way windjackets) are some of our favorite shoes on the market right now. We love these shoes for their low-profile silhouette, classic retro coloring and quality material use. If we had to pick from the four colors, yellow would take the cake."
Sebago x Filson Brattle
Sebago x Filson Brattle, $145
BNIB says: "From its Vibram outsole to the hint of Filson duck canvas on the toe, this shoe is easily one of the best at BNIB. We have seen a recent revival of the wingtip, and we think that Sebago has really hit the nail on the head with the Brattle. We picked the Filson version of this silhouette over the three we currently have in the shop because the subtle addition of canvas really took this shoe to the next level."
Sebago Campside Saddle
Sebago Campside Saddle, $120
BNIB says: "This shoe brought back childhood memories for us with its saddle shoe inspired coloring, but it is not these emotions that put this Sebago Campside on our top 10 list. Not only are we suckers for an 'eraser' sole, but we also fall pretty hard for a pair of pulled-suede shoes. All that mixed with the black/white colorway made for one clean pair."
Pro-Keds Royal CVO Canvas
Pro-Keds Royal CVO Canvas, $45
BNIB says: "BNIB believes firmly in the importance of having your classic footwear game on point. In order to do so, one must own a pair of the all-black Pro-Keds Royal CVO Canvas. We also believe in taking your classic game to the next level with a set of leather laces. Here we went with the navy blue, which plays nicely off the branding on the midsole. We also preach Pro-Keds over other brands with the same silhouette due to their better production, odor-resistant insole and classier branding."
Keds Champion Seersucker
Keds Champion Seersucker, $55
BNIB says: "With Memorial Day now behind us, out comes the white and seersucker. We picked the seersucker Keds Champion in our top 10 because it does not get any more summer than this. Blue and white stripes on this low-profile sneaker just screams out summer days on the boardwalk or trips to our friends' country club swimming pools. Preppy? Yes, but isn't that okay in a season filled with sunshine and color? To really dress this pair up, we threw on a Cougar Leather lace."
Tsubo Wexler II
Tsubo Wexler II, $240
BNIB says: "Tsubo footwear has come a long way in the past few years and we did not hesitate to carry this brand when we first opened our doors here at BNIB. The attention to detail and comfort, quality of materials and super-rad renditions of classic designs are what really stood out to us. This casual-yet-dressy men's shoe features a mesh lining for increased breathability, a foam footbed brings a whole new meaning of comfort to the world of dress shoes, and the rubber-meets-leather outsole gives the feeling of walking in a sneaker. Elephant Grey is a versatile color for the summer months. Roll up a pair of chinos or throw on a pair of dress slacks. Either way, you're killing the game in these brogues."
Tsubo Hesperia
Tsubo Hesperia, $200
BNIB says: "Yet another hit from the Tsubo Spring/Summer line-up comes in the form of the Hesperia. This shoe features all the same comforts as other Tsubos, only this pair features a crepe sole and a very subtle longwing design on the all-leather upper. This shoe is flirting around the idea of a 'Creeper,' but stays classic enough for a more mass-market appeal; and, for that, we like this shoe."
SWIMS Penny Loafer
SWIMS Penny Loafer, $120
BNIB says: "A fairly new brand from Norway by the name of SWIMS jumped out at us at the Vegas tradeshows last August. When we laid eyes on their water loafers, we knew we had to have them. These shoes rock a classic penny loafer silhouette, but the highlights lie within the materials and functionality. This loafer is made from a SWIMS signature rubber and anti-bacterial mesh, which is why we like them so much. It is their grown-man aesthetic, as well as their ability to take on water and other liquids, muds, and foods without damage, that put them on our list. So go ahead and wear these to a backyard BBQ and you won't have to beat up your buddy for spilling his PBR on them."
TOMS Classic Slip-On
TOMS Classic Slip-On, $54
BNIB says: "BNIB has been strong supporters for TOMS shoes, in main part due to their 'One for One' campaign. Being offered the opportunity to give back with every pair you purchase makes slipping on that new pair that much more special, but it is not only the socially conscious efforts that peaked our interest in the brand. It is also the timeless sense of style that comes out of so many of their designs, and none more timeless than an all-black burlap slip-on. We picked this pair over their other colors and materials because the burlap adds an improved sense of quality over the classic canvas and the all black can be dressed up or down. Nothing beats a pair you can kick around the house in and still go out to the store without feeling like you are in your house slippers."
Pro-Keds x Louisville Slugger Royal Hi
Pro-Keds x Louisville Slugger Royal Hi, $95
BNIB says: "This is hands-down one of the coolest collaborative sneakers we have seen in a long time. The Louisville Slugger is a staple part of America's history and to have this properly captured into a shoe is a very exciting concept. The Pro-Keds Royal Hi is a high-top silhouette that has seen many material and color make-ups, but none as killer as this. A high-grade leather upper with 'Louisville Slugger' branded into the side is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to reasons why you should buy these shoes. Cross-branding can be found on everything from the shoe to the tissue paper, box and key chain that come with every pair."