Your life may not include running Hanalei Bay Beach in Kauai, but at least your feet will enjoy the experience. OluKai’s Kia’i Trainers include quick-drying air mesh, anti-microbial Dri-Lex lining, easy-off lace toggle & a durable, suede and sheet rubber toecap and heel-stay. A little toe-comfort, while navigating the rain-drenched streets after this summer’s soaker.

LA-based, Generic Surplus manufacturers some beautiful, classic, casual shoes. Can’t you picture them strewn by the back door… slightly dirty, a little ripped up, but so well-worn they could never hit the trash can? They have a story all their own. Summer personified.

I’ve had these for a few weeks now. Albeit a bit…bright, they are amazingly lightweight, fit like a glove and provide just-enough support to keep my pronating-feet happy. Complete with the proprietary New Balance laces, they are the perfect compliment to any athletic shoe collection. I wonder if that neon-mesh glows…I’ll take ‘em out for a night-run and get back to you on it.

Think for a moment. You buy a new pair of sneakers. They come tissue wrapped in a heavy-weight cardboard box. The cashier takes the box & stashes it in a plastic bag. You go home, pull the shoes out & discard everything (hopefully) in a recycle bin. See a problem? Puma did – and fixed it.

Bad-ass sneakers in Salt Lake? You heard it right. Utah-based, Zuriick borrows fast design in street wear & gives it their own signature styling. A little Mormon-edge to the classic sneaker.

Late British bad boy designer, Alexander McQueen, collaborated with Puma to craft these low canvas kicks. Design details are minimal, but include the designer’s signature contrast striping across the toe box & metal McQueen tongue plaque. A tribute, inspired by the bold sultry sounds of street music, in every step.

If anyone knows where to score the black version, let me know.

40+ years ago sneakers evolved from purely function to an intersection of art, fashion & design. If your kicks mean more to you than merely support through the concrete jungle’s daily rigors – showcase & protect with the Hupbox.

Blink 182 and Angels & Airwaves front man, Tom DeLonge, started Macbeth. Inspired by music and action-sports, the Brighton blends SoCal with the 1964 British riots. The result – a mod, vegan update to the classic t-toe jogger. Tough to find  – here is another option…and another.

These hard to find kicks are the shiznit. Introduced for the 1984 LA Olympics, Adidas’ cult classic is back with its retro toe box mesh, suede leather and grippy track sole…check out the insane color mixes. Get yours.

Here’s another store, if your size is out of stock.

The return to retro has not left trainers behind. The classic Nike Challenger circa 1979 has been reborn with its original features – synthetic suede, mesh & nylon upper and the iconic waffle sole.