2006 - BEST OF THE BEST SNEAKERS

Lori Lobentstine_Femalesneakerfiend.com_Boston
Undercrown Lay Up

When I'm looking for a favorite, I usually look back. Who re-released some sweetness from the ‘70s or ‘80s? Recently I picked up some old blue suede Pumas that hit such a soft spot in my heart I almost cried. But to answer Woody's question here, I thought I'd look at what was actually NEW. It's harder than it sounds to create something fresh in sneaker culture these days, and if you doubt me, just look at all the brands biting off the AF1!

So my pick for freshness and style in 2006 goes to the folks over at Under Crown. Their Lay Up is an act of beauty. It’s handsome, high quality, innovative, and pays homage to my favorite sport – basketball. We saw adidas try to put some hardwood into their T-Macs – UGLY! But these guys just got the basketball touches perfect with a few hints of pure roundball texture and color. (You can almost smell the ball!) Surrounding the basketball ‘stripe’ is classy, perforated white leather, and some lovely off-white suede. Tell me these guys aren't remembering the white-off-white high tops of the eighties? I love it! The sole is a classic herringbone, and my only complaint is the visible air in the midsole. So Nike-esque, it seems unnecessary on this unique shoe.

Last but not least, even for us sneaker fiends, the Lay Up is a super comfortable shoe, right out of the box! Let’s hope it will stay in the collection from now on, I can't wait to get me a new pair!
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