Customize your sneakers to match your game with the Air Jordan 2012 ($180-$225). Expanding on the modular system seen in the 2011 model, the Air Jordan 2012 offers up two interchangeable inner sleeves — one for maximum mobility, one for maximum protection — as well three interchangeable midsoles that offer a mix of Zoom and Air cushioning to match your needs. All of this goodness goes inside a stylish exterior, which includes Flywire technology and full-grain leather in the upper and a midfoot plate made from glass and carbon fiber for optimal support.
They don't look quite like typical wing tips, but if it weren't for their colorful outsoles, you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference. Unless, of course, you're wearing them. Designed to tackle the tough streets of NYC, the Cole Haan LunarGrand Wingtip ($250) weds Nike's ultra-lightweight Lunarlon cushioning system to a classic Cole Haan last with leather welt details and premium suede uppers to create a dress show for those who consider jeans, a button down, and a jacket to be way dressy. Other features include a wider forefoot, slimmer rounded toe, partial lining, and a micro-diamond tread texture on the bottom for maximum traction.
The tennis season — pro tennis, anyway — has already started, so best to start gearing up for the upcoming year — and you can start with the Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour ($130). Developed in collaboration with Roger Federer, the Vapor 9 features a finger-like system on the outside that works to mold the top of the shoe to the shape of your foot, mesh throughout to keep you dry, a TPU foot-frame for added stability and protection, rubber overlays in high-wear areas for added durability, and Lunar cushioning — in addition to a Nike Zoom unit — for unbeatable comfort. See them in action later this week when Federer meets his nemesis Nadal in the Australian Open semis.
Stomping through the snow in sneakers isn't much fun, what with the cold wet feet, ruined leather, and potential for life-threatening sickness. Avoid that mess with the Cole Haan Air Rhone Boot ($250). Apart from the obvious Nike Air cushioning for comfort, the full-height Rhone features a waterproof leather and waxed canvas upper, textile lining, a durable rubber sole with a tread bottom for added traction, and your choice of green and brown or black and gray colorways.
Behold the awesome old school goodness of these vintage-printed, buttery-soft Homage T-Shirts. They turn back the clock with shout outs to eclectic moments and personalities in sports, music, politics and popular culture. From Bruce Lee to Larry Bird, the tees tell stories of triumph, individualism and hustle. Pay Homage.
Kick it '70s style — literally — in the Nike Cortez Sneaker ($70). Originally debuted in 1972, this classic running shoe features contrast laces and Nike Swoosh detailing, a textured rubber sole, a dual-density EVA midsole for comfort, and a simple nylon upper with suede trim, available in a rainbow of colors. Only the bold need apply.
Hardwood style meets the country club in the Nike Dunk NG Golf Shoe ($130). Based on Nike's classic Dunk basketball shoe, this course-ready shoe features a waterproof upper, Scorpion Stinger Spikes for excellent traction, and one of two colorways, each of which is far more interesting than your average FootJoy fare.
You might as well get in line now, because when the Air Jordan 11 ($180) hits the streets in two days, it'll sell out instantaneously. Arriving in the iconic black/white/concord colorway, it offers the white nylon upper, black patent leather mid and toebox, carbon fiber plate, and concord purple bottom of the original, only 16 years after its release. Like we said, line up early.
If you want a pair of these, you're going to have to roll yourself off the couch, put on some pants, and battle the Black Friday hordes. Dropping today (and mostly likely selling out today) nationwide, the re-released Air Jordan 3 ($160) was originally worn by his Airness in 1988, the season in which all he did was win the dunk title, Defensive Player of the Year, and league MVP. These swoosh-less Jordans sport the iconic elephant print and Jumpman logo, and were the first to feature the visible Nike Air units.
"Chuck, meet Boots. Boots, meet Chuck." Okay, so that's probably not how these Converse All Star Coated Canvas Sneakers ($70-$80) came to be, but the concept isn't far off. Available in tall and normal varieties, these kicks combine the classic Chuck outline with coated canvas uppers, D-Ring eyelets, leather ankle patches, and rounded boot laces. Just the thing for pairing with jeans and a hoodie on a gloomy winter day.
Trail-ready ruggedness meets city-friendly looks in the Rockport x Barbour Breaktrail Boot ($275). Built in collaboration with Rockport, Barbour, and Adidas, the Breaktrail features handcrafted suede leather from CF Stead, waxed canvas details, a cap-toe design, and adiPrene cushioning for all-day comfort. Whether you wear them hunting, working, or just drinking is completely up to you.
Tackle the most rugged of terrain with ease in the Nike ACG Air Max Conquer Boot ($145). Sporting a leather upper with WaterShield waterproofing, a Grind outsole with big rubber lugs for maximum traction, a Max Air unit in the heel and a Phylon midsole for maximum comfort, and a simple, understated all-black or black-and-gray design for maximum compatibility with your wardrobe.
Planning on spending part of this summer off the beaten path? Protect your feet and ankles with the New Balance 710 Heritage Trail Shoe ($90). Sporting a retro look that makes them equally well suited to more urban pursuits, the 710 also features a rugged outsole for maximum traction, a d-ring lacing system, a nearly indestructible nubuck/mesh upper, and a striped sock-friendly mid-cut build. For added credibility, pair with well-worn cargo shorts and a plaid shirt (rolled up sleeves optional).