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Affordable Men's Style

From the Mailbag: What to buy with a Footlocker Giftcard

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From the Mailbag – What can you get with a $100 Footlocker giftcard?

Hey Joe,

Before I became a more stylish dresser I wore a lot of sports clothes and sweatshirts.  Although I have made the transition to a nicer wardrobe, some of the relatives I never see still think I shop at sports stores, so I got a $100 gift card to Footlocker.com.  Got any ideas on what a stylish dresser could pick up at Footlocker?  Thanks!

– Chris

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That’s a good one.  First though, I think it’s fair to point out that style really is in the eye of the beholder.  Chris’s tastes might have changed, but don’t forget that guys who do still shop at Footlocker might find his new look not as stylish as what they choose to wear.  But on the other more realistic and less politically correct hand… you’ll never be taken all that seriously in sweats.  Here’s what I got:
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The Casual Jacket Alternative: PUMA Generic Jacket – $89.99

Biker looking without any poser feel

Like a biker jacket for those who don’t have a bike.  It’s not leather, but instead water resistant (so says the review) nylon.  Great cut, & the PUMA leaping logo is as city casual cool as it gets.  Subtle epaulets and a great looking cut.
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The Timeless Desert Boot:  Clark’s Original Desert Boot – $94.99

Free for Chris, $94 for you.

A lot of guys swear by the Clark’s Desert Boot.  They’re not everyone’s style, and can be had for cheaper if you catch a sale on BananaRepublic.com… but if Chris wants to burn almost his entire giftcard in one purchase?  This is a pretty safe play.
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The Other Converse:  Converse All Star Clean CVO Ox – $44.99-$59.99

Almost as good as the Jack Purcell

Instead of the standard court shoe look of the Chuck Taylor or hard to beat Jack Purcell, the CVO is a plimsoll.  It can work in all the same ways.  Nice color selection too.
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The Retro Track Jacket – Puma Archive Edition – $109.99

For lounging or heading to the gym only.

I’m not anti-track jacket.  It’s all about where you wear them.  As in, to the gym… or after you get up and you’re still in your pajamas.  Never on an airplane.  An upgrade from a bulky hooded sweatshirt.
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The huge boot:  Eastland MOC Steady – $89.99

Rugged for sure.

Seems like the light sole lumberjack boot trend is starting to fizzle.  So these are a safer play.  Huge moc toe, big… big sole, and a leather upper.  An all around mud stomper of a boot.

Any other suggestions for Chris?  Take a spin around Footlocker.com, and leave your additions below…

Comments

  1. Like Chris, I too was heavily into the athletic look before switching over to the GQ side of things.

    Still though, I always see plenty of stuff I like at Foot Locker. The long sleeve thermals, for instance, are a staple in my wardrobe. I wear them around the house on cold days – or layer them under dressier stuff when I go out.

    I also still have those sneakerhead genes in me, so at least once a year I pick up a pair of retro sneakers to play basketball in. Check out the Air Jordan XIII, they were just re-released in November and December. IMO they look great on the court or even dressed down with jeans! I bought both pairs at Foot Locker.

    http://images.sneakernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/air-jordan-xiii-13-flint-detailed-images-012.jpg
    http://theshoegame.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/air-jordan-13-xiii-white-red-retro.jpg

  2. I think the clarks or the converse are your best options. What about a new pair of running shoes for the gym? Staying in shape is never out of style. My personal favorites are the New Balance 993 for a more classic look, asics gel kayano, or the brooks adrenaline. All are great running shoes with a good combination of of comfort and support.