Creative Recreation Dicoco Review

So, it's been some while, and I've worn the Dicoco's about 3 times since I purchased them. Honestly, I find it difficult to walk with them strapped. It's almost impossible to not use the straps, because the shoestrings end just before your ankles. With that said, I believe that I can get used to it with consistent wearing. Some creases appeared in the toe box after my 2nd wear, but I just stuffed them with the paper it came with so the creases won't be as visible. This is a good shoe, it's just that you shouldn't have them prioritized as your main white shoe. These are more like luxury kicks, only bring them out if you want to make a good impression, or are going somewhere important. I would give them a 3 out of 5 rating. Peace.

Creative Recreation Dicoco Sneakers Preview

What up readers. Been away for awhile, haven't had much time to post. I did a post about new brands being considered when buying shoes, and here is what I've done. Keep in mind this is just the beginning, there's much more to come.

Okay, I purchased these from KarmaLoop last week, and they got here today. These are the Diococo Sneakers in white by Creative Recreation. I haven't really worn these yet, just once to see if they fit well. So, this'll be a preview.



The box they were in really impressed me, I think that the box is really the defining aspect of any sneaker. This box could be used as a bag. There was a little drawstring on the side opposite the opening, and you could just carry the box around with the sneakers inside. To actually get to the sneakers, I had to lift a flap and slide them out of the cardboard casing. Very good presentation.

Now the sneakers theirselves are just all white all around, nothing too flashy. They are mostly patent leather, with a glossy finish around the toe box and on the two straps. The leather is of good quality, and may require careful watch. I like the way the sneaker slims as you get to the toe box, I feel like that will make the creasing that you sometimes see on the toe box will be minimal. The sole is made of rubber, but not the rubber you get with canvas sneakers. This rubber feels tougher, and thicker. That's a good thing, it makes you feel good knowing that the sole isn't made of weak material.

All in all, my first impressions of this shoe are pretty good. I plan to wear them sometime next week, then I will put up a What I'm Rockin' post. Peace.

The Shoe Game Pt. 2

What up, what up! To quote Casey Veggies, I'm "Back for Another One". The school year has finally ended, so that means it's summer, which in turn means I have more time to do posts. This is a continuation to the 'Shoe Game' posts, and this one will center on the subject of brands and styles.

Too many times I see one brand of footwear worn by the majority of people I'm around. For example, a lot of people wear Nike. There's nothing wrong with that, but we've become too comfortable with it. We're all guilty of going to cop some new kicks, and then coming home with another orange box with a swoosh on the lid. I don't know about you, but I feel like that is really boring. Truly, it should feel right to wake up and be like, 'Well, what sneaks am I putting on today?', and actually know that the statement has meaning behind it. Let's stop turning to the shoeboxes stacked against the wall and see nothing but orange. By the end of the summer, I want to be able to look at my shoeboxes and see brands like: Polo Ralph Lauren; ALIFE; Supreme; Creative Recreation; PRADA!

On the real, all my people that's reading this, and know damn well they have nothing but orange boxes in their closet, next time you go out to cop some new kicks, look at a new brand for a change. Give your collection a refreshing new look. Peace.

Note: Nike was just used as a symbol, don't take it to the heart ya'll.

Boat Shoes

Pat over at VG asked for this, so here it is.
Pat, you expressed some concern over the relativity of boat shoes. You wanted to know whether or not people still wear them. I don't own a pair, but I can honestly say that they are a great summer shoe. So, the first stop I made was the Ralph Lauren site. It wasn't long until I found a pair that I really liked (they actually were the only pair) and I think you'll like them as well.

Polo Ralph Lauren Lander Canvas Deck Shoes



Okay, as of lately, I've fallen in love with plaid. It's a really abstract choice, you don't see too many people wearing plaid these days, and when they do, it's always over the top. However, when wearing these, your clothes have to draw the attention to your feet. So, when someone sees you, their eyes should directly go to your feet. So, wear something like a solid color polo, or tee. Shorts should be khaki cargos, and go with the no sock look with these shoes. If you want to wear socks with these, they should be low ankle white ones. Try to picture it in your mind. Solid colors all the way down, and then BAM! Hit em with the plaid! It's a very conservative look, it's telling everyone around you that you aren't scared to wear plaid, and you know how to wear it. It's Ralph Lauren as well, so it's also a very mature look. As for the price, drumroll please.....$55.00!!!

Pat, I hope your happy with this. I'm kinda pressed for time now, so I am only able to put one pair out for disscussion. Sorry for the lateness as well, and if you want any more of my input, just ask.

TO MY READERS: Soon I will be doing a Q&A segment. So, send the emails, comments, messages in with your questions...and look for the Q&A post soon! Peace.

I'm NOT a collector.

So, I was on KarmaLoop, and saw a shirt that said something to the effect of, "10 pairs don't make you a collector." And I was like, "Oh wow, I have less than 10 pairs, so I'm really not a collector!" Note, I thought that in the most sarcastic way possible. I don't even call myself a collector. I'm just like everyone else. This should be like my mission statement post or something. Like, this is what I stand for. The people who just go and buy sneakers when they need them, the people who pay attention to what they wear on their feet, but don't make it their life's business. I am a collector in a sense. I'm a selective collector. I buy what appeals to me. Generally, collectors (I'll refer to them as mainstream collectors) cop whatever the mass population of mainstream collectors are copping. I, on the the other hand have an unique taste that differs from a mainstreamer. So, I believe that the purpose of this post was to establish to myself what I'm doing this blog for, because that shirt really got me thinking. Ha.

Dress Shoes

So, I'm doing this one on a request from a VG member, bk1998. Basically, he wanted me to do a post on dress shoes, preferably ones that compliment a grey suit. I hope I'm not too late on this one.

What to look for.

1. Black shoes.


2. Shoes with laces.


3. Leather, no shine.

Black is the color that goes with anything. With footwear, it's neutral. Dirt or scuff marks on black shoes are visible more than any other color shoes. Dress shoes with laces are a more mature look to me. Leather without a shiny, glossy look is a good look as well. Now, the brands that I believe make good quality dress shoes are:

1. Stacy Adams - Very good price, for exceptional quality of shoes. Provides a diverse variety of shoes to choose from.


2. Polo Ralph Lauren - High priced, but well worth it. I admire the design of the shoes, and possibly the only brand I would wear slip ons from.


3. Rockport - Prices suit the design. Great for those like me, who don't frequently wear dress shoes.

Examples

Stacy Adams Mens Nova

Okay these have a little old school look to them. If you've read Malcolm X's autobiography, you'll know what I'm talking about when I say that I can envision these being the type of shoes you wear with a zoot suit. Anyway, a great simple choice for a suit of any kind, peep the Stacy Adams Site.

Rockport Peyroux Dress Shoe Mens



The design on these truly prove that no gloss is needed in order for people to be drawn to your footwear. I love the design, and these are an all around great pick for dress footwear.Visit the Rockport site.

So, bk and other readers, there you have it. Any questions/comments/anything, just hit me up. Peace.

The Shoe Game Pt.1

So, the Ralph Lauren post has got me inspired. "Inspired to do what?", you may ask. Why, I was inspired to do a post on the shoe game and its many, many aspects. I don't want this to be a history lesson, so most of this will center on the shoe game today, mainly men's shoe game, as I am a male, and have little say in what women should be wearing. So, let's get to it.

Where we are Now.
Alright, I'm walking down the street and see an unique variety of kicks, some good, some bad. All of this in my head, I would have to say that many men dress immaturely when it comes to kicks. I see too many wearing basketball shoes as if they are to be worn casually. No. No Brons, no Kobes, NO basketball sneaks as everyday kicks at ALL. They are meant for the concrete and hardwood courts ONLY. Also, something about Air Force Ones (AF1) just ticks me off. They seem outdated, and I will only pardon you if they are high tops. Mid or low tops are a NO. Why? Well, they just seem tacky. I mean, they are a basic choice for someone who is just starting to pay attention to what they wear on their feet, like a 12 year old. Beyond that, no grown man should be wearing white on white low or mid top AF1's. Period. If you want to go for a younger look, AF1's are a too young look for a grown man, or a teen who is semi-concious about footwear. So, I'd say where we are at as men in the shoe game, we are at a C+. Don't worry, I have some tips on raising that grade.

Where do we go from here?
Okay, with the faults pointed out, we must capitalize and make some good out of them. Alright, for the dudes who don't want to lose the AF1 look, don't worry, I got you. I see AF1's as a young look, and they typically are for the younger crowd. However, there are two alternatives for them.


1. Nike Dunk Hi


What's not to like about these? First introduced in '85, these have that old school look to it. They were first designed for the hardwood, but since have become a street phenomenon, gaining it's way into skate culture. To me, these are the perfect replacement for AF1's. They even have a little AF1 look to them, they just come off more mature. Just pick a pair up, and tell me what happens.

2. Nike Blazer Hi


Ya'll already saw my Blazers. I got some negative feedback on them, I guess because they didn't have a 'contemporary' colorway. I don't care. These have a very young look to them, but you can tell they were made for basketball. George Gervin anyone? Yeah, you do the background check on these, and see if you don't cop a pair. They even come in three different material choices for ya'll picky dudes; leather, canvas, and suede.

Alright this is the end of part 1 of 3 in this "series". Uhhh, I really don't know what my next post'll be about, probably about branching out into other brands or something..Until then, "Live long and prosper." Naaaah, peace!!!!

What I'm Rockin': Polo Ralph Lauren Gardener Slip-On

What up. Haven't been on in a minute, but I'm here, and that's what matters. Now, this entry brings up something I feel like noting. I actually have had some new kicks to post about, I jsut haven't been able to, or felt like it. I had some Adidas and Polo Ralph Lauren Boots to post on, but that was back in January. I may do a review on the boots, the Adidas are all scuffed up on the toe box now, so it's no point in that. So, to the new post.

Well, these came in the mail yesterday, courtesy of Journeys and my mama. I had my eyes on these since word first dropped on them earlier this year. At first, I wanted the green/white colorway, but I settled on the navy plaid colorway instead.

Now, this is a slip on sneaker, and most slip ons are of canvas material. These have the look, but not exactly the feel. I feel that because they are Ralph Lauren, the material quality is a bit better than most canvas skate slip ons. The outersole is rubber, similar to how Chucks feel in the front, and have a skate shoe material along the sides. The front and back of the outersole are what demand the most attention, cleaning wise, because once it gets dirty, it kinda remains there, unless you can clean at the moment they get dirty. Be wary of the sides getting brown with dirt, it's something you can't control, you just have to maintain it by cleaning often, and not wearing them a lot. Now, I haven't had much dirt problems, as I have only wore them once. The toebox demands daily cleaning, because everyone accidently brushes the toe box on stairs while going up, and the toe box is what gets stepped on if someone steps on your sneaker most of the time. The material of the toe box is that of Chucks, and because it is white, daily cleaning is a must.

I am not a major Polo fan. ATM, it seems as if it's the hot thing right now, Polo strap caps, Polo shirts, Polo footwear. I just got a summer job yesterday, so I guess I will buy somemore Polo footwear. The reason is, Polo footwear has a mature look and feel to it. These are not your average slip ons, these are not Vans. These have a bit of finesse to them, and just looking at them gets you thinking about summer. The plaid design and colorway is subtle, yet it stands out somehow. Overall, I give these a 5 out of 5, and recommend that if you are looking to mature in your kick game, Polo Ralph Lauren is the way to go. Peace.

What I'm Rockin': Supra Vaider Purple Patent Shoe

Check these kicks out. They are the Supra Vaider Purple Patent Shoe from Supra Footwear. Supra Footwear is a division of Supra, a skateboarding company. I had my eyes on these for a while, and for good reason. The purple and gold colorway is B-A-N-A-N-A-S!!!!!! Now, these kicks were specifically designed for skateboarding, but I have yet to see someone skating with them on, and I doubt I ever will. The only problem I have with these is the suede around the toe box, heel patch and side panels, ankle collar, eystays, and tounge. Suede is easy to get dirty, and you have to watch where you walk with these on. I copped these at ZUMIES for $95.94. I give these a 4.8 out of 5. Peace.