2006 - BEST OF THE BEST SNEAKERS

Steven Vogel_Burton_Berlin
There really aren't that many sneakers that I really like but at the same time I cannot stop buying them. To me the most important thing is the shape followed closely by design, and I don’t mean a new colour way, I am talking about actual design; the materials, shapes, technical applications and then colours. My problem is that I have size 12s, they’re wide-ass hobbit-style footers, which automatically disqualifies me from some shoes. On top of that, thanks to years of skating I have pretty mangled ankles which require constant support. Slip-ons and Chucks are just no good for me. Naturally, when Nike SB released the Dunk Hi I was pretty stoked, and quite honestly, it is still one of my favourite shoes along with the Court Force HI and the AirMax 90. Anyway, here’s my three favourite shoes of this year!

Vans Syndicate Half Cab's Green Hemp
What can you say about this shoe that hasn't been said already? Vans Syndicate is to me one of the gnarliest things to happen in sneakers in a long time, and I am always looking out for whatever Vans release in this line. This particular shoe is everything it’s meant to be, from the comfort to the ripped back.

Pointer Mathieson
Pointer comes out of London, being the brainchild of Gareth Skewis. He previously used to work for Silas and Maria and since 2004 has been re-defining sneakers in my book. Pointer are one of the few independent footwear companies that don't follow, but lead and do as they please. They make classic shoes with a nice skate touch to them, kind of where Callous left off, but they have taken it to a whole new level. Their Mathieson model is one of the best winter shoes to drop in a long time. From the rubber sole to the brown leather uppers, it's got the right height and it's slimline enough without being fashion slim, wannabe cowboy boots. Beautiful.

Madfoot x Invisible:Man * i:mad
Madfoot is slept on too many times, especially out here in Europe. When I was told that invisible:man was going to do another collab with them I knew it would be off the hook. There was also an unreleased beer model of the same shoe a little earlier, but this little bad boy was released in late summer 2006, predominantly in Japan (although obviously but a few made it over here too). Classic shape, bit hard on the ankles, but for the occasional stroll it's perfect!