Cool Kicks for Large Feet.

Do people even call them kicks anymore? Am I showing my age?  Alright, I'd better get to the point.  Those of you who read the Blog regularly know I get much of my style inspiration from GQ.  It's a bit fashion forward so I always try to temper the advice for the "average" male.  The latest headline that caught my eye was their fall lookbook featuring "pumped up kicks" [I guess people do still call them that]!  The editors of GQ have this to say:

"Stylish guys are fetishizing sneakers like never before, and designers have stepped up big-time. There are futuristic neon running shoes you can wear with a suit. Retro-inspired sneaks in shocking new colors. And a bunch of exclusive releases you'll see here for the first time—all of them fly."

See the whole slideshow here.

I've always been a fan of cool sneakers (or tennis shoes--where you're from dictates what you call them!).  I think real "running shoes" belong in the gym and nowhere else.  But what do you wear when you want to be comfortable?  Surely not your dress shoes.  Enter a stylish sneaker not really meant to work out in.  Sneakers no longer have to be sloppy. No need to pair with a track suit.  You can easily wear sneakers with jeans, cords, or even dress slacks.  I know this flies in the face of most guys' philosophy on shoes.  Black/Dressy.  Brown/Dressy.  Sneakers.  Hopefully by the time you finish viewing these cool picks you'll add one more pair to your list.  Keep reading for cool kicks available in large sizes. Here goes:

Vans Chukka. Up to size 16.  They come in TWENTY colors and are currently on sale. 

Tweed/Texture:

Patagonia Maui Larry. Up to size 15 in two colors.

Creative Recreation Solano. Up to size 15 in two colors.

Cuttler Felt Wool Boots. Up to size 12- I know that's not very "large" for a man...but I couldn't help but include them!  

Hi-Tops

Ugg Brockman in Black Leather.  Up to size 18.  They also come in an awesome shade of rust called "grizzly leather." 

Puma Vettura Classico Mid. Up to size 14. 

Lacoste Newton Mid VY2. Up to size 14. 

Military Green

Impulse Men's 3/4 Canvas Boot. Up to size 15.

Clark's Desert Boot. Up to size 13.

Palladium Pampa Hi. Up to size 14.

Converse Men's All Star Clean Mid. Up to size 13.

Stay tuned for a few other trends including, look for less, retro runners, rock star kicks, and Chuck Taylors.

Merrell Shoes - Top Rated Brand for Men

Whether you need a comfortable pair of shoes for outdoor wear or just for your basic every day wear, you can't beat Merrell Shoes. They have some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings anywhere. I love the look of this Merrell Landpro Ultra-Sport shoe. Full grain leather maintains its durability against the harshest environments. The Air Cushion® Midsole creates a shock-absorbent foundation. Vibram® outsole welcomes a multitude of terrains, catering to your multi-sport ambition.
"These are some of the most comfortable shoes i have ever worn. Can't wait to try another pair of Merrells." -a reviewer
They are available up to men's size 15 shoes. $84.95

End Foot Pain

Lately, I've gotten many requests for help in finding comfortable shoes as many of you suffer from foot pain. I just came across a cool product that perhaps might be helpful. These are called "The Only Spring Loaded Insoles". Built with five springs that not only cushion and support the foot, these insoles return some of the energy of the downward footfall back up to the body for a "push off" with every stride. The suspension coils are only 1/4" thick, making them just as suitable for athletic shoes as for work boots, and undetectable until a step is taken. So perhaps you can turn any one of your shoes into comfortable shoes with these spring loaded insoles. They are available up to women's shoe size 14.5 and men's shoe size 13. $29.95