The Elites | New Balance Spring/Summer 2013

With all the running we do in our busy 21st century lives, a good-looking, versatile sneaker is a must-have for the multitasking man of today. Thankfully, we can always trust in New Balance to provide the perfect everyday shoe to compliment a modern wardrobe. They make it exceedingly easy to look sharp and stay comfortable, especially with the eye-catching colourways and classic silhouettes on hand for Spring/Summer 2013. Take a look at a few of our favourites from the limited-availability Elite Edition collection, currently in-store and online.

The 1600 trainers combine a green suede and grey mesh upper with bright yellow accents, creating one of the most appealing and season-appropriate colourways of spring. With a flexible rubber sole that incorporates ABZORB midfoot cushioning for extra shock absorption, these sneakers will keep you happily on your feet for hours at a time.

An updated version of the classic 1500 style features a grey suede and mesh upper with blazing red accents, giving them a clean and streamlined look with just enough pop. ENCAP midsole technology provides added support. Meanwhile, the latest interpretation of the 999’s reflect the classic royal blue and orange of the NY Knicks team colours, with ABZORB midfoot cushioning.

Shop New Balance

Alden New England | Nate Humble

The Alden Shoe Company has been making hand crafted, quality footwear since 1884, representing an American tradition of old-school shoemaking at its finest for over a century. Creating smart shoes of great comfort and excellent craftsmanship, Alden unites traditional styles with modern sensibilities, resulting in long-lasting footwear with a timeless aesthetic.

Nate Humble is a busy man. As a long-time representative of Alden for the West Coast and Asia, Nate makes tracks around the Pacific Rim on a regular basis and is recognized by retailers and diehard Alden fans across the globe. With more knowledge about the label and its products than almost anyone else around, he’s the go-to guy for obscure information and special requests. He recently paid a visit to Roden Gray to give us a crash course in all things Alden, and we took the opportunity to find out a little bit more about the man behind the shoe.

RG: How long have you been working for Alden?
NH: I started with Alden in December 1990.

RG: Could you tell us a bit about what your history before working for Alden?
NH: My shoe career began in 1972 as a sales representative for U.S. Keds, a famous American canvas shoe company, that started before Nike was even around. Next I worked for an upstate New York company that manufactured Women’s and Men’s house slippers called Daniel Green. My last stop before Alden was with E.T. Wright Men’s dress shoes, also made in USA. I began as a representative and eventually became Sales Manager. When I began my career in 1972 90% of the shoes at retail in the U.S. were made in the U.S.A. Now it’s probably less than 5%.

RG: How has the company changed with the influx of younger, more fashion conscious retailers and customers?
NH: The company hasn’t changed a great deal. We still make shoes the way we did 30 – 40 years ago with the major difference being we’re producing more make-ups (collaboration shoes — Ed.) than before, I would guess about 40% of production versus 10 – 12% 20 years ago.

RG: What were the very first Alden shoes you wore?
NH: Ravello De Rosa Norwegian Front Blucher Oxford. They have been rebuilt three times and I still wear them after nearly 23 years!

RG: What are your all-time favourite Alden shoes?
NH: Mahogany Leisure Loafers produced in 2004. Mahogany Cordovan is no longer available so they are special. I try and rotate my Aldens, wearing models with Crepe soles for winter and Flex Suede’s for Spring. Long Wings and 990′s go with everything so I wear them pretty much year round.

RG: Has working with Alden changed the way you dress?
NH: I’m wearing fewer suits these days and like everyone dressing down a bit. Fortunately Alden “Classics” are perfect for jeans, khaki’s, or wool slacks with a sport coat or Blazer.

RG: What do you think differentiates Alden from other shoe companies?
NH: Several features separate Alden from other shoe makers. Lasts* that are generous and comfortable, a time honored construction that allows maximum durability, and a quality and comfort first philosophy. Our shoes are designed for everyday walking reliability. They are just as comfortable 5 or 10 years after purchase and that can’t be said for most shoes.

*the form the shoe is built on

RG: What’s your secret for extending the lifetimes of your Alden shoes (especially suede ones)?
NH: Several secrets. Rotate, wear a pair every other day so they can dry naturally. Shoe trees — a cedar shoe tree wicks the natural foot perspiration from your shoe. Basic polishing is helpful, cream for calfskin and wax for cordovan to prevent the leather upper from drying out or cracking. Suede spray is available at any shoe repair shop, usually the silicon variety and works very well.

RG: What are the most exciting collaborations you have ever seen?
NH: The Tanker Boot designed by our Japanese Distributor, Yoshi Chiwaki in about 1995 comes to mind. The first “Vintage” Long Wing in Walnut Calf and double oiled sole developed by Winn Perry in 2009. I believe the Long Wing as seen today in a multitude of leather and suede uppers is a result of Jordan Saylor’s (of Winn Perry) early effort. Lastly, the “Obscura” designs in 2011. Art Tarlow, our President produced a few out of production samples more than 15 years ago that were the prototypes for the collaboration. They were unique because of the pattern mix, and new leather introduction (at the time).

RG: Is there anything new form Alden that you’re most excited about for the up-coming season? and what is it?
NH: Fall/Winter is all about Suede’s and Chrome XL leathers. Hunting Green Suede will be new and offered initially as a make up leather. We will stock an unlined Brown CXL Dover for fall 2013 and offer unlined Navy and Natural CXL for make up. Boots of every variety still dominate fall/winter season with oiled uppers and Commando soles perfect for those rainy wintry days.

Shop Alden New England

You’ll be able to dance the night away in this ultra-lightweight cotton Ami button-down shirt paired with stretch wool Barena Venezia Rampin trousers and New Balance 1300 trainers. Add a touch of colour with the Orley Atlas knit tie and top it all off with a stretch wool blazer from Givenchy (available in-store only) that, thanks to the printed cupro lining, looks just as good off your body as it does on.

For a little touch of charisma try the satin lapel Ami tuxedo jacket with the Hamilton 1883 floral chambray shirt and Thom Browne classic striped tie. Pair those with royal blue Casely-Hayford chino trousers and Alden cordovan penny loafers for a perfect formal look with a little extra charm.

This weekend take advantage of early season savings and get 20% on all shirting. Starting now use coupon code supershirt at check out online, or come by the shop for the savings. Offer valid until Sunday at 11:59 PM.

View All Shirting

Nanamica Outerwear

Known for their incredible use technical fabrics and innovative designs, Japanese label Nanamica creates highly practical and stylish outerwear essentials that push the limits of how hard our clothing can work for us. Functional and cutting-edge, they combine traditional silhouettes with modern performance fabrics to produce some of the most ingenious clothing on the market. We’ve chosen to take a closer look at three of our favourite pieces from their Spring/Summer 2013 collection to find out what really makes them stand out.

65/35 Cruiser Jacket | $475 CAD

Not just for rainy days, the 65/35 Cruiser jacket has a concealed pack-away hood and plenty of utilitarian pockets, making this the perfect jacket for everyday. Made from a lightweight, yet durable, poly/cotton Bayhead cloth, the rounded collar and heritage-inspired details of the jacket add depth to its remarkable technical aspects.

GORE-TEX Cruiser | $1,290 CAD

This season’s interpretation of their classic Cruiser jacket comes in a subtle black watch pattern with a waterproof GORE-TEX layer and taped seams to keep you warm and dry. Ideal for stormy spring days, the Cruiser jacket wicks away water with ease, while staying breathable and comfortable at the same time.

GORE-TEX Field Jacket | $965 CAD

The innovative GORE-TEX Field jacket comes in a lightweight indigo linen with a waterproof GORE-TEX layer and taped seams. With a notched lapel that can be buttoned all the way up with a detachable neck tab, this versatile blazer can be made appropriate for any occasion, and the tailored cut belies its exceptional wind and waterproof properties.

View All Nanamica

HNDSM was founded in 2010 in Toronto, ON. Since their inception the brand has produced beautifully minimalist, handmade silver and brass jewellery.

The Tanzania Nights collection of bracelets continue HNDSM’s focus on handmade goods and expands their production to the far-flung city of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. The newest project by the brand features sterling silver and thread sourced from Italy and handwoven in the technique perfected over generations by Indian Ocean fishermen. Ten percent of the profit on each piece goes towards helping the children of the miners who source Uru Diamonds.

HNDSM Kilimanjaro Bracelet Black | $110 CAD

HNDSM Serengeti Bracelet Black | $110 CAD

HNDSM Kilimanjaro Bracelet Red | $110 CAD

HNDSM Serengeti Bracelet Green | $110 CAD

View All HNDSM

Spring Eyewear Sale | 15% Off with “NEWSUNNIES”

This weekend only get ready for the summer and save 15% off a new pair of sunglasses or frames. Use code newsunnies at check out or visit us in-store to get the deal. Offer valid until Sunday at 11:59 PM. See what’s available here.

Free Shipping to North America

Until next Sunday (May 12) enjoy free shipping to the USA and Canada. There’s no need to use a coupon code, just check out like normal and the savings will be applied. See what’s new here.

Free Returns in Canada

We’re happy to announce a change in our return policy for our Canadian customers. Free return shipping is now included with every purchase (excluding final sale items). Just request a return from us and we’ll provide  a shipping label to return your item at the nearest convenient Canada Post location – you can even pick the shipping label up at the post office! Read our full return policy here.

Helmed by father and son design duo Joe and Charlie Casely-Hayford, British label Casely-Hayford fuses tradition with innovation to create an unfaltering statement of modern British style. Heavily based on the dualities of particular English sartorialism and autonomous British anarchy, the brand represents a unique expression of freedom and quiet confidence, making it easy for every man to find something to identify with. Utilizing the duo’s extensive training and experience (since the 1980′s father Joe has designed for everyone from The Clash and U2 to heritage Savile Row house, Gieves & Hawkes), Casely-Hayford uses time-honoured methods of construction, passed down from generation to generation, to create a unique product with only the finest craftsmanship.

The Spring/Summer 2013 collection from Casely-Hayford takes inspiration from the clash of the loud 90′s rave scene and subdued Japanese culture. Expect vibrant colours and prints, as well as a smart mix of technical and traditional fabrics, all made with impeccable tailoring and enduring style.

View all Casely-Hayford

Inspired by the perfect balance of the three points on a chicken’s foot, New Balance founder William J. Riley began making innovative arch supports for police officers and waiters in Boston in the early 1900′s, and the brand has since grown into a leading global manufacturer of athletic products. Emphasis is placed on the needs of the everyday athlete, nurturing the communities that support them, and designing quality products to meet those needs.

Elite Edition 1600 Trainers | $160 CAD

Elite Edition 1500 Trainers | $200 CAD

998 Trainers | $170 CAD

Elite Edition 999 Trainers | $150 CAD

See All New Balance