2009 - BEST OF THE BEST SNEAKERS

KARI CRUZ - NYC
UNDRCRWN

My friends will tell you that I was born in either adias Shelltoes or Conductor Highs. Well, they would be absolutely right, until recently. I got tired of seeing all of the really cool men's shoes offered in every size, but mine. I wanted a pair of the winged Jeremy Scotts just as badly as the next guy, but guess what? They never made them for my tiny feet.

That's when I started falling in love with Vans. I was a little late on the allure of the Sk8-Hi and Chukka (those were never really poppin' in the Bronx). However, I've grown to love their vast array of styles for both men and women. So when I discovered the Vans Mecca – Classic Kicks NYC – it was as if someone opened up the gates of sneaker heaven. They carry every style, size and colour Vans imaginable. When I'm there, I feel like a kid in Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory.

Vans has consistently had some of the dopest collaborations throughout 2009 – even their non-collaborative pieces are sensational. The Pastel Chukka Lows, Vault Wool Pack and Sk8-Hi Division 1 kicks are all clean and classic. While I'm normally a colour fiend, there was one shoe in particular that caught my attention this summer. When I first set my eyes on the Supercorsa in all white, I knew I had to own them.

The shoes were inspired by bicycle racing, but you'd never get that impression by just looking at them. They are definitely one of Vans' sexiest styles to date but their true beauty lies in the simplicity of their design. These kicks mix different sized perforations to achieve a unique eye-popping effect. The perf is also a major plus in hot weather. The butter soft white leather is perfect and the shoes are so clean that they can easily pair up with anything in your wardrobe. The white colourway is further complemented by a neon green ‘Italianized' Vans tag. The small tag adds just the perfect pop of colour and a small dose of edge. They also happen to come with beautiful leather laces, making them ultra chic. These kicks are luxe, fashionable and most importantly comfortable enough for trekking in NYC. They get my vote for best of ‘09. I think my shoes are actually ripping at the seams from wearing them so much, but it is all worth it!