Robert Wayne sent me a pair of shoes.

THE LOOK

We looked over different options and decided on their Dary in black, it seemed like a good option as a clean black sneaker that would be easy to dress up or down. At only $100 it seemed like a steal. A simple sneaker is one of the best ways to add a casual and comfortable vibe to a suit. It’s often done with white sneakers, the best ones to use are Stan Smiths or Louis Vuitton Luxembourg Sneaker. While white is more versatile, I was stoked about a black leather sneaker that would compliment some of my bolder suits and add class to my look when I’m wearing jeans.

THE FEEL

While I love the thought of a simple leather sneaker, I’m not a fan of the execution. The inside of the shoe made of suede, which while it sounds like a dope and luxurious concept, it is more of an inconvenience than anything. The naps (the protein fibers that give suede that rough texture) make it so there is a lot of friction when you try to slide the shoes on. This complicated a sneaker that is supposed to be simple and elegant. I gave it a few tries, thinking that maybe it gets better as you break it in, or that it could be a shoe that worked better without socks… but to no avail. The simplicity of the sneaker is lost when you factor in that it takes minutes rather than seconds to put on and is almost impossible to adjust the tightness on. 

THE VERDICT

If a pair happens to fall into your lap, it’s still a clean looking sneaker. Easily paired with jeans or a suit, but not worth the effort or the discomfort. If you’re wanting to get a clean black pair of sneakers for a price this low, which I recommend so that you can show off a bold pair of socks, then I’d suggest sticking with the tried and true Stan Smiths. 

Photos by: Alexender Simoes