Like many people, I am revolted by Crocs.  I don’t need to get into that here.  If you have to ask why, you’re in trouble.  But… I must say, I have worn them against my will, and they are mighty comfy.  I’ve made recent note of the proliferation of synthetic materials in the vegan shoe universe.  Some companies try to replicate animal materials such as suede and nubuck leather.  Others are more forthcoming about it, and this isn’t really anything new.  Sneaker manufacturers have poured millions into designing new and fancy synthetics.

Native Shoes is a company that’s taking many of the design and manufacturing cues from Crocs and turning it into something much much better.  Founded by Damian van zyll de Jong, this company takes EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) and injects it into mold, making a shoe from a one piece unit.  The result is a light, soft, and durable shoe, some you can slip on… like, ahem, nevermind.

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Happy non-turkey day everyone!  Thanksgiving has become a strange holiday.  In today’s modern version, we take the day off (and usually the day after) to laze around, stuff our bellies, and go shopping.  I got a taste of this weirdness upon talking to a few of my co-workers.  One of them cooks two turkeys: one DEEP FRIED, and another the ole fashion way.  Another said her family starts DINNER at 11:00 AM!!!  Yet another gleefully proclaimed that she was looking forward to Black Friday.  I’m talking about the hardcore version where you wait on line (actually in front of the store, not the internet online) all night at Walmart and risk getting trampled to death when the doors open.  Apparently her kids really want to join her, she has to disappoint them with a night of sleep.

When I first started drafting this post, I wanted to started with a rant, like “WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?!”  Something about the way people spend the holiday just seems wrong.  I’m talking about the excess, gluttony, and sloth that has seemed to overshadow everything that Thanksgiving once stood for.  It can be depressing.  But this is who we are, for better or worse.  Alas, even I am susceptible to the couch and the amazing bargains.  Yes, I am a lazy consumerist.  So, with the risk of steeping myself in hypocritical self-righteousness, I am holding back.  I have to respect (or at least accept) what other people take joy in.  I suppose that’s what makes our holidays “American“: in a pluralistic society, we are free to interpret and evolve, and that applies to our holidays as well.

My Thanksgiving is slightly different, which brings me to the part of the post of things that I’m thankful for:

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Here’s another great look from Supra.  Using the classic profile of their Thunder Low, they matched it with navy chambray.  A great whatever, wherever sneaker.

Available at Karmaloop for $54.

Converse collabo with UNDFTD (pronounced undefeated) produces this awesome Poorman Weapon in gray.  This hi sports a bomber jacket inspired nylon and orange inner liner.  The Undefeated hash marks logo is spotted on the outer sole, right near the unmistakable chevron logo.  Will be released Black Friday!

Source: Nice Kicks.

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We know Nike doesn’t use animals in their glues, but their sneakers are predominantly leather.  This is especially true in their “retro” kicks – Dunks, Blazers, AF1, etc.  If you wanted some of those, you’d have to look exclusively for the canvas models.  These are rare, and even then, they usually include a leather swoosh or accent.  Or, you can go the route of the “performance” shoe.  I mainly find these in the running department.  You know what I’m talking about.  They look like spiderwebs, or some type of dressed up sock with a rubber patch underneath it for “cushioning.”  Not to take away from the technological feats embodied in these shoes, but they are overpriced, inappropriate for everyday, and I don’t need all those bells and whistles.

But, what is this?  We have a Nike Blazer in synthetic nubuck? With nylon panels?  Oh my.  Looks like someone is catching on to the demand for vegan shoos!  Or, more realistically, leather is getting pricey, or someone over there thought it looked cool.  Anyway, here we have it, something entirely synthetic, vegan 4 realz.  I know, I know, you say, “the swoosh and the black panels look leather.”  It’s hard to believe, I realize this.  But sometimes, you just have to believe, and dare I say, DO IT.

Source: Nice Kicks.

Available at the Nice Kicks store for $78.

Available at East Bay.  You can also zoom in super close on the shoe here for a close inspection.

I don’t know about you, but when I think about work boots, I think Timbs, as in Timberlands.  Their tan leather boot has been iconic and the style has endured.  A lot of brands have aped this look, and now we have our own.  Shudy makes one style of boot only (just called the “Boot“) out of injected plastic.  You can expect some quality though, since these are made in Italy.  And now’s the perfect time.  Here in the northeast, as many places around the country, the weather’s changing, and pretty soon there will be snow and slush everywhere.  Or maybe you actually work in construction!  Breathability might be an issue with these, but who cares when it’s freezing out? Also, it’s available in 12 different colors, something for everyone!

Available at a store near you?  Check the Shudy site to find out.

Source: Discerning Brute

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Adidas really does it proper with their Originals sub-brand.  Get yourself a tracksuit, some shell-toes with fat laces, and you’ll be straight.  You’ll feel like you were an extra in Wild Style!  Now if you could get your hands on a Kangol hat…

I had to blog about the Nizza Hi.  I had the original intent when I spotted a pair on Karmaloop, but I didn’t like the looks of those stripes.  They looked like leather.  Even the dude who helped me with the live chat couldn’t say for sure.  So I decided to put that idea on ice.  Lo and behold, a week later or so, PETA listed the Nizza Hi on their list for “vegan shoe of the month.”  I’LL TAKE THAT.  Then I came across them in light blue  on the Adidas site, plus they’re on sale for $35.  WOOT!  Only downside, mostly for the ladies and guys with small feet – it doesn’t look like they have any smaller sizes, under 9.5.

Don’t fret… if you are willing to shell out the regular price ($50), you can cop these in white with black stripes at Zappos.

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Hey everyone!  Sorry I haven’t updated this joint in a minute, but I was actually down in D.C. to attend the Rally to Restore Sanity.  I can’t say that we actually participated.   It was more like we showed up really late, couldn’t see or hear anything, and promptly left.  But still, I’d like to think we represented just by being there, or something.

But onto the shoes!  I am so happy that Converse has a skate line.  There was a very real possibility of a long list of Chuck Taylors in different colors all up and down this site.  That would have admittedly been terrible.  But thankfully, we have the CTS and the Star Player (ok, the CTS looks exactly like a Chuck Taylor, whatever).  Well, at least the Star Player is offered in black waxed canvas.  Of course, all Converse come with the big asterisk – not guaranteed vegan.  Just need to mention it.

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