1901's For Your 911

I'm not sure about you, but I cooled off on boat shoes once my grandma started wearing Sperry Topsiders.  Just kidding.  But seriously, has anyone else been looking for boat shoe alternatives?  Or, non-sneaker options for casual S/S footwear?  If you answered "yes" to either of those questions then you probably want to keep reading.  If you answered "no", let me congratulate you on having Wi-Fi on your yacht before you close your screen.  Okay, moving on.  I don't do too much driving these days (unfortunately, as Shawn said, I also "don't do too much bloggin"), but that didn't stop me from trying to track down a new pair of driving mocs as one of those S/S alternates I mentioned above.  I'll be the first to admit that making the argument against city dwellers wearing driving mocs is warranted.  Basically, most driving shoes cannot handle everyday wear.  Those little rubber nubs that grace the sole wear out quick if you're main mode of transportation is of the bipedal nature.  So, said argument is warranted, but also thin because driving shoes, especially a suede moc toe version, look damn good and anyone should be able to wear them if they see fit.  Where does that leave us?  For most of us, that eliminates Tod's because they are too expensive of an option for those who don't drive and don't drive something that gets you laid.  Minnetonka charges beater prices, but they still have those damn nubs, so price per wear is a little iffy.  Somewhere in between these two options happens to be Nordstrom's in house 1901 driving loafer.  These suede beauties actually have a full layer of rubber between the the upper and the rubber nubs, which translates to a longer shoe life.  I recently grabbed a pair and have been really happy with them.  They are the perfect errand shoe and require not a single sock investment.  Sand suede was my ticket, but there are a bunch of options for my more adventurous readers.  They run true to size (assuming you are ditching socks) and have a more aggressive toe shape that recalls European brands four times as expensive.

-L.A.S

Holiday Recommendations: Minnetonka Driving Moccasins

[Pictured: Minnetonka driving moccasins available for $44.95.]

I don't normally go for "driving shoes", but when Mr. Davis posted on these a while back I was pretty surprised how much I actually liked them.  I've been thinking about posting on these for a while and with holiday shopping happening as we speak I figured I'd do a quick write up.

Moccasins are one of the many items that are benefiting from the current resurgence of rugged, outdoorsy gear, but most bloggers are only talking about blucher or camp versions.  While the Minnetonka driver does fall into this broad category, its distinctive details set it apart.  The ruff cowhide finish and driving soles make this unique casual moc a great option for weekend errands and such.  The Minnetonka website calls these the "the style that started it all" and whether you're looking to add to your current collection or get your first pair of moccasins I can't think of a better shoe.  The price point is as competitive as any moc on the market and an alternative to anything else being offered by L.L. Bean, Eastland or Quoddy.  What we have here is an inexpensive, year round moccasin that works just as well with denim now as it will sockless with some bermuda shorts once things warm up.  If you didn't already, now you know and knowing is half the battle.

-L.A.S