Now you've got me thinking about a chap who lives locally to me. He is American, from Ohio, and he is Ivy in the way I think only Americans can be, which is to say he is relaxed, comfortable and seemingly non-neurotic about what he wears. Typical look - nice winter tan (has a small place on a Greek island..), steel grey hair and beard, white b/d, navy cashmere crewneck, loose off-white khakis, no socks and white Jack Purcells. Always the Jacks. He just looks great, and he's cool in his manner too. And he knows all about Ivy and JS etc.. Sometimes I'm walking down the road and I'll hear "hey fella! nice Bass Weejuns!". He is an expert calligrapher and writes out invitations for Royal events. Has a little studio in a mews nearby. Some people are just, well, cool.

Yes I'm a big fan of New Balance. Made in USA or UK except for my running shoes. I've been wearing the walking type shoes since about 1978. They just so happen to fit me well. In recent years NB seem to have become more fashionable as casual wear amongst younger people. I also used to run in the NB shorts, running jackets and vests. First stand I used to visit at the London Marathon expo.
NB may not be old old school ivy but they do for me

Another thing about NB is they do or used to do width fittings. Never owned a pair, came close during my visits to NY in the early noughties, but I'm a 3 stripe man always have been ever since my Nan bought me my first pair of trainers more than 50 years ago. They've never been worn casually only for running, football, gym etc.

Last edited by Runninggeez (2021-12-15 11:38:25)

Checkout Rancourt for minimalist sneakers made in USA. The Carson low is their most classic and best looking model.

Last edited by oxford cloth button down (2021-12-15 05:36:34)

I've bought NB 990s in the past but looking at the latest model it seems as if they have added USA stamp to the back of the shoe whereas it used to be just on the shoe tongue. What do they think they are doing?

The ones I have tried on seem to be on the narrow side, if they do widths I would be very interested.

I rarely wear trainers nowadays but occasionally - and as the years pass more frequently - needs must when my feet want a rest... For the last 25 years or so I've been picking up the odd pair from Norman Walsh. Made in their factory in Bolton I'm greatly impressed with the quality and comfort. https://www.normanwalshuk.com/ 
Sneakers wise it's Sperry CVOs, Spring Court, Superga and Novestas (good for the wide-footed gentlemen out there). Quite liking the look of those Rancourts, though.   
Anybody in/or going to Wembley New Balance have an outlet store in the London Designer Outlet. Not been for a few years but there used to be bargains galore to be had with their Made in the UK and Made in the USA models.

Any politician or member of SAGE thinking of knocking on my door had better ensure they're wearing well-fitting running shoes.

TRS, you would have to stand in line.  Hancock, however, would be my prime target.  My naturally anti-authoritarian instincts came roaring into play last year when that clown began dishing out instructions about whether you could hug your grandma, shag the Turkish waitress etc. or not.  As the case may be.  Then - the Ferguson legover and the Cummings eye-clearing.  Genii out of bottle.

I've given in and bought a pair of New Balance.  Mid-blue, made in Indonesia, they're exceptionally comfortable.  I did a mile or so in them this morning - my daily exercise circuit.  I would not, however, consider them for everyday, casual wear, switching to Jack Purcell or Pro-Keds for any activity other than street-pounding.