What’s up everyone! By the time you read this I’ll be in the air on my way to Japan. Last few weeks have been exceptionally busy with random sidequests, trip logistics, moving to the new Teste space — something we’ll have to talk about later — and of course, writing to you.
Anyway, all I’m trying to say is, I’m excited to dive into the articles I have planned for October for us. There have been a lot of things happening behind the curtains, so today’s letter is a little bit lighter because I just need a moment of rest and recovery after a very busy few weeks.
Because of this and the wave of support from the new readers, today’s letter is free for everyone. I’m ecstatic about the continued support from you, it allows me to do this blog full-time, and hopefully I can use the resources given to me to expand this project even further.
I’ve recently been looking around at new hiking-style shoes because the rainy season has finally arrived, and it’s making me want to put away my summer rotation. Weather like this makes me want to jump straight into performance gear, something I usually stay away from in the summer, so I’m excited to get the tech out of my closet again.
When that happens I start looking for new shoes. At this point, I’m looking for something a bit more technical in design, something stylish, of course, and something that’s high in quality.
MY RECENT SHOE PURCHASE
If we’re being honest I haven’t bought a new pair of shoes in a minute. Nothing was jumping out at me that I didn’t already have, but when I saw the Ontario by Creek in collaboration with Quiet Mountain Cafe, and Blue in Green, I knew I found my next target.
I’ve been keeping these on ice, but I’m looking forward to applying some serious mileage this coming month.
So far, the first impressions have been great.
The finishing details are solid, comfort is great right out of the box because the upper doesn’t sit tight around the foot, which gives you a little bit more room for your foot to breathe in.
There are no half sizes so I sized .5 down with a size 10US. I’m usually a 10.5 in most sneakers and boots, and these ended up fitting great.
They are available over at the Blue in Green website here.
DIEMME IS ON A GENERATIONAL RUN
Diemme came in strong this fall. Lots of new styles, collabs, and even a new women’s collection called Donna, are all available on their site here.
Some of my favorites are above, but I recommend doing your own digging to see what they have. Lots of different colorways and models available. Some of my favorites are shown above.
TARVAS AW26
Tarvas makes some of the best IYKYK footwear that is favorited amongst the cultural movers in menswear. Tarvas is an independent brand making high-level leather footwear in Helsinki. There isn’t a big head office, it’s just a few people that are trying to make great shoes that don’t like everything else out there.
I’ll support that any day.
The Wanderer got some new styles with soft Italian leather upper that I like a lot, but you should check out their full selection on their site.
ROA FW26
It’s been years and I still go back to the first Cingino that I ever bought from ROA years ago. Didn’t have a single issue wearing these through multiple Canadian winters, and to me that’s the ultimate test of any shoe. I’ve also always enjoyed the shape and how these look on foot — especially with some nice denim, believe it or not.
They’ve been redeveloped since, with upgrades through higher quality uppers that feel softer, and that makes these more comfortable and lighter on foot, which is always a plus.
They just dropped a bunch of new versions of them on their site here, and even though my first pair is still holding on better than ever, I still want some of the new stuff.
They also have a couple of other models available in other colors here.
THREE FROM RANRA
I love owning shoes that nobody around me is going to have. Having something like that just makes it more yours, and I find that the new shoes from Ranra scratches that itch for me.
I also just really different design approach they took with these. Still has those similar hiking details but finished in a completely unique way.
Ranra footwear is available over at Colbo here.
PARACIA AW26
Last but not least is, Paracia, a Madrid-based footwear brand that’s throwing in technical Vibram soles on classic oxford and loafer uppers. Honestly, all the shoes they have are great in their own way, but my focus is on the Non-Safety Shoe and Slip-on.
Finished in various high-quality leathers, these shoes are meant for any daily life activity, and I think this hybrid take is done very tastefully.
