Cool Hunting

Vans Lacey
A hybrid slip-on/boat shoe, you get the best of both worlds with the Vans Lacey. Although I haven't yet tried them on, they look super-comfortable like most Vans. The easy-on and off is always a big attraction and I like that if I need more security, the wrap-around laces can be tightened up with a quick pull—for outrunning the fuzz or what have you....

Classickicks Vans
Made using a 100% wool fabric that features a pattern by textile designer Liora Manné (like the Classickicks Reversible Hoodie), these new Classickicks Vans are set to drop tomorrow 13 January 2007. Limited to an edition of 200 pairs each, both Slip-ons and Chukkas have a Classickicks logo on the heel and sockliner, come in a custom box and are available in sizes 4.5...

Sneaker Freaker, the Book
Culling the best of the first six editions of the bi-annual Sneaker Freaker, the book version is a convenient alternative to shelling out more than seven times the cover price for original back issues (if you can even find them) on Ebay. Following the same tried-and-true mix of interviews, profiles, and other editorial tidbits accompanied by drool-inducing images and printed on matte stock, the...

Sinko Trace by Seth Brau
Sinko Trace. The white on black design is a move toward simplicity from his original Five Three fiesta. They're still distinctively Seth, though, with an abstract pattern spanning the toe boxes and pin stripes on the side. Each pair is finished off with the Sinko Trace mark on the heels. And simplicity affords economy-- a pair of Sinko Trace are $85 compared to $175...

Stüssy XXV Anniversary Limited Edition Vans
Celebrating their 25th year, Stüssy unveiled these Vans Skate Hi Sneakers last week. (Vans, by the way, have been around since 1966 and, like Stüssy, are Southern California O.G.s.) Sean Stüssy, the founder (who started the brand with his screenprinted signature on T-shirts), designed the pared-down paisley pattern in the 80s and resurrects it with 1000 pairs in each the White/Olive and Black/White colorways...

Sneaker Freaker 6
The 6th issue of the Australian Sneaker Freaker magazine arrived here yesterday and it's hands down the best so far. It's got a great balance eye candy and head candy, with stories ranging from the history of Vans to the reality of opening your own kick boutique. This time around there's a more diverse range of brands represented and lots of styles not previously...