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Springtime in Portland is rapidly approaching: daffodils are blooming, we have transitioned from heavy sweater weather to light sweater weather, and it is now raining while the sun is out. That means that summer is right around the corner, and if it is going to be anything like last year, we can make no assumptions whether the days are going to be balmy dreams or scorching nightmares. If you haven't already begun, it's time to get yourself some pairs of warm weather shoes for Spring/Summer 2016.
That's right: pairs. For the unenlightened/stubbornly "down to earth" out there, wearing one pair of shoes every day until you wear through the sole is a surefire way to ensure that your shoes degrade faster and become significantly grosser. As anyone who has ever been caught in the rain in a pair of Chucks or dared to rock their Tims in August can attest, wearing the wrong shoes in the wrong weather is miserable and oftentimes painful.
Your best bet is to have a few different pairs in the closet for different weather conditions. There are many practical, inexpensive and stylish choices of sneakers to get you through most of the next six or so months, so let's take some time to make sure you both look fresh and are prepared to comfortably navigate the worst that Portland can throw at you.
We will assume that you are budget minded, stylistically conservative and have no patience for any of this limited release nonsense. We'll suggest some stylish sneakers–ones that cool sneaker people won't find objectionable- at some reasonable price points that won't look too crazy and will be available at most major retailers. All shoes are unisex or come in men's and women's sizing, so get a pair for your significant other, too.
For when it's chilly and wet: If it's a brisk Spring day in Portland, it is probably at some point going to be a rainy one as well. Keep it moving with a pair of shoes that are medium weight, sturdy and have a thicker sole to make sure you don't end the day with damp toes and ankles covered in muck. Seeing how Air Max Day is coming up this March 26, why not celebrate with a new pair ($110-$150)? If you want to keep your feet as far away from the street as you can as possible with a big sole and a modern silhouette, Adidas' Tubular line ($110-$180) will keep you high and dry while making you feel like you're from the future. You can keep it extra classic with, more or less, any pair of Vans High Tops ($60-$100) whose thick soles and padding built for skateboarder-level wear will have you covered on a budget.
For when it's warm, but not too warm: Truthfully, in those wonderful late May days when we're consistently hitting high 70/low 80 days, you can wear whatever you want and be comfortable as long as they aren't heavy leather boots. Nonetheless, pick up a new pair of Stan Smith's ($75-$140) or Saucony Jazz Originals ($59.99, available at Bait Portland), because why not have a fresh pair to show off?
For when the grass is ablaze and the Willamette has run dry: No one wants to be caught with the horrible "hot car with the windows up" feeling inside of their shoes in the middle of an outdoor concert or scorching day in downtown. Keep the airflow moving with a light pair of very breathable low tops, such as the very slept on Chariots from Brooks ($90, available at Animal Traffic N Mississippi Ave.), Nike Roshe One's ($75-$145) or New Balance 574's ($75-$79.99, available at Bait Portland).
Want to get fancy with it? Floss out and try to get your hands on one of March's remaining limited releases. If you want to jump the gun on the Adidas NMD Chukka in Black Suede, Old Town sneaker consignment store INDEXPDX has a prototype pair in size 9 for a cool $1,200.
Willamette Week