Brand New Kicks #4: Nike Mayfly.

I bought these earlier on in the year but it was so hot during the summer that it is only recently I have been wearing these with any regularity and they are flipping amazing. I am seriously in love with these sneaks!

The Mayfly was originally designed by Nike as a shoe for marathon runners. The uppers are made of black suede and are perforated to increase airflow around the foot and keep feet cool. The perforations are threaded with a contrasting band of light grey suede and the shoe is lined with a breathable beige micromesh.

These shoes are ultra lightweight, they are so comfortable. The sole is flexible and bouncy yet still feels supportive. In the past I have had problems with the laces that Nike supply which have a tendency to slip and come undone but the flat waxed cotton laces in the Mayfly not only look stylish they also remain tied. Another design feature that I like about the Mayfly is that there isn't a Nike swoosh on the outside which I think updates them from being a trainer/sneaker to a casual shoe.

I have been wearing these a lot around town and can see that a repurchase will be in order when they wear out.

Nike Mayfly cost $120.00 and are also available in maroon suede with a red contrasting strip.

You can find them at barneys.com and netaporter.com

    

CDG Play Converse Chuck Taylor All Star 70's Low.

It's been some time since I have talked about shoes and while I have spent most of the summer in either flip flops or Birkenstocks I have had a couple of sneaker moments such as these playful beauties!

I had my eye on these Comme des Garcons Play Converse Chuck Taylor All Star 70's Low Tops for some time. 

They come in either black or white and it was the black ones that I originally coveted until I saw someone wearing a really, really beaten up white pair that looked incredibly cool. Instantly converted, I bought the first pair of white sneakers I have had since they were compulsory in school...

And do you know what? I am so pleased with them, they add a summery pop to jeans and make my outfit look fresh and crisp. I like them so much that I'm doing my best to keep them looking box fresh even though I know they look fab when they are beaten up.

Now for the design details... 

From Comme des Garcons there is the 'Play' heart emblem on the sides which is fun and eye catching,  along with a contrasting black vertical band on the heel. 

All Star 70's differ from regular Chucks in a couple of other ways (they are a modern remake of the original design produced in the, you've guessed it, 1970's). The canvas used is thicker than in the regular Converse sneaks so they feel more structured and supportive, the soles and the rubber that goes around it are also thicker and heavier. The rubber toe cap is also a little more heavy duty and in the CDG Play versions it is very shiny, all in all, they feel a lot more substantial and hard wearing than regular Chucks.

                                    

I'm very happy with these fancy sneakers. You can find them at Dover Street Market which if you find yourself in the vicinity of one are well worth exploring,whether you are sneaker shopping or not. Dover Street Market stores offer a whole new type of retail experience with items displayed almost as if in an exhibition, they are truly unique!

Play Converse All Star 70's come in Black and white (both with red hearts) and are available in both high and low tops for both men and women. They cost $125.00. You can find them here: doverstreetmarket.com