Cool Hunting

Vans Vault, Spring 06
Brighton based One40Five Store has posted a preview of the Spring 06 Vault Line from Vans. For those not familiar with this line, it's a higher quality construction with limited distribution. The bright patterns here are just one of the many directions coming this Spring. There will also be Wallys, plaids, bright leather perforateds, camo printed tweed and moccasins that look like they might...

Converse 1HUND(RED) x Wood Wood All Star Hi-Top
As the 26th artist to work with Converse's current creative initiative, the 1HUND(RED) Artists' footwear collaboration for PRODUCT (RED), CH favorites Wood Wood designed a stylish monochromatic rendition of the classic Chuck Taylor. A minimalist take on the All Star Hi-Top, the Danish group used a smooth suede upper, laces and sole — all in a matching powdery grayish purple. The perforated upper reveals...

Number Nine Shearling Lined High Top
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but before you know it we'll be stomping around in the cold ice and snow again. Luckily, Japanese label Number Nine recently released the Shearling Lined High Top Sneaker to help keep your feet warm and looking good during the colder months. In what seems to be a variation on the VisVim Kiefer silhouette, Number...

Tretorn NY Store and Gullwing Collection
Along with the recent opening of Tretorn's first NYC store, their recently announced Autumn/Winter 2008 collection, called Gullwing, is full of shoes riffing on the preppy classic in ways we can get behind. The Skymra, for example, swaps out laces for asymmetrical elastic bands, transforming the classic silhouette of the tennis shoe into an avant-slip-on. The canvas version ($70) in bright yellow with a...

Clae Summer 2008
Due to belatedly launch in the next week, Clae's Summer 2008 collection is further testament to the flawless level of detail that the brand strives for. We love the bright, perfectly-hued monotones and contrasts in texture this season. But what struck us this time is how impressive it is for such a young label to consistently come up with shoes that stay true to...

Rittenhouse
Named for a famous square in Philadelphia, the Australian brand Rittenhouse often grabs my attention as I fumble through racks at local shops. The label is the work of designer Sally McDonald and graphic artist Micah Handorf, both of who worked for PAM and Stussy—the aesthetic bent is evident in the Rittenhouse designs. Using quality fabrics and subtle details (that still pack a punch),...