The five pairs our team can’t stop talking about
Inspired by the colors and textures of your neighborhood coffee shop, New Balance’s classic 1982 sneaker ($130) returns in hairy suede.
Published
October 29, 2026
Published
October 29, 2026
Photography
Courtesy
Note
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When’s the last time you bought yourself some shoes? Let this be your sign that it’s time. There are so many great styles dropping these days, we thought we would pull a few of our current favorites to showcase. From a pair of suede sneakers to some rugged hiker hybrids, these are the kicks our team can’t stop talking about.
Need some boots you can wear all fall and winter? The rugged Australian bootmaker reached into its 155-year history for the new Heritage collection, giving its famously utilitarian Chelsea boot a dressier, more traditional construction. The brown #157 is cut from premium full-grain leather with a Goodyear welt, leather outsole and rubber tread. There’s even a cork layer beneath the footbed that gradually molds to your feet. The result is sleeker than the classic Blundstone but every bit as versatile. Wear them with cords, dark denim or tailored trousers. And unlike most dress boots, these are designed to look better once they’ve been properly worn in.
Heritage #157 boot,
It seems the Samba isn’t done surprising us yet. Australian label Song for the Mute takes adidas’ ubiquitous sneaker somewhere considerably more interesting, dressing it in mossy green suede with black stripes and an intentionally worn-in finish. The real twist is the gathered, elasticated collar, which gives the familiar low-top an almost deconstructed look. There’s even a collapsible heel for a more relaxed feel. Wear them with baggy chinos, faded black denim or a pair of roomy wool trousers. It’s a refreshing reminder that even the most recognizable sneaker in the world can still benefit from a little experimentation.
SAMBA OG SFTM low-top sneaker,
Huckberry’s in-house footwear label LUCA has a knack for making familiar styles feel fresh, and this moc-toe chukka is a particularly good example. The ankle-high silhouette borrows the rugged stitching of a traditional work boot but keeps the proportions easygoing enough for everyday wear. Handcrafted in Portugal, the ligh-hued chukka is the sort of boot that slips naturally into your fall rotation without requiring a wardrobe overhaul. It’s hard-wearing and handsome without looking overly outdoorsy and polished without feeling precious.
LUCA Moc-toe chukka boot,
Todd Snyder reunites with New Balance to reimagine the archival T500 tennis shoe as part of the new Café Pack. The Toasted Almond colorway trades traditional canvas for richly textured, hairy suede in a warm espresso-inspired shade, complemented by a pebbled leather tongue and classic gum sole. Originally introduced in 1982, the low-profile T500 has the easy proportions that make vintage court sneakers so appealing. Wear these with washed denim, cream-colored chinos or grey flannel trousers. They’re understated, a little luxurious and just the thing to wear on your next coffee run.
Todd Snyder x New Balance T500 sneaker,
Spanish shoemaker Morjas takes the rugged functionality of traditional alpine footwear and gives it a decidedly sophisticated makeover. The Hybrid Hiker is handcrafted from black full-grain leather with a low-cut silhouette, water-resistant mudguards and substantial lug soles. Storm-welted construction adds durability, while cushioned padding keeps things comfortable when you’re on your feet all day. They’re tough enough for wet sidewalks and uneven terrain, but the sleek, monochromatic finish makes them equally appealing with tailored wool trousers, wide-leg denim or heavy cords. Think of them as the perfect middle ground between a dress shoe and a serious hiking boot.
Morjas Hybrid hiker boot,
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