Fall 2011 Street Style Footwear Trends for Men This year’s fall trend in men’s street style footwear is back from the early 80s when basketball sneakers jumped off the court and into the streets. Athletic footwear may have been created for use in sports activities, but a good number of them have made the shift off the playing field and into everyday wear because they are very comfortable and stylish. Some of those athletic shoe styles are standing out as this fall's hottest trends for men’s street style footwear. Canvas sneakers, high-top basketball shoes, and warm hiking boots are expected to be worn by fashion conscious young men this fall. • Canvas Sneakers Since the time our favorite basketball superstars first paraded their Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars off the court, canvas sneakers have been footwear staple in street style fashion. Although, different styles have come out through the years; the trends regularly change every season. This season's most popular canvas street style footwear that looks great with slim-cut skinny jeans is the low-cut skater shoe with printed graphics. They work with shorts, jeans, khakis and even school uniforms. If you are interested in designing your own Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star shoes, there are sites that allow you to let your creative juices flow. • High-Top Basketball Shoes Another of this fall’s popular shoe trend comes from the basketball court—high-tops. These are similar to canvas high-tops, but the soles are thicker, with arch support, and the side panels and tops have thicker padded materials. Look for mild to medium flashy styles, with contrasting colors, such as a white shoe with black or navy blue accents. You can always add extra flash with bar or checkerboard lacing if your child thinks they are too tame. • Hiking Boots Hiking boots are a must-have in cold weather. Hiking footwear come back every fall and winter because the padding and the breathable, waterproof material helps keep your feet warm and dry. This fall, look for hiking boots that add a little flash, with hints of color, such as orange stitching and accents against a deep brown shoe body.
Price Ranges for Men’s Fall Street Style Footwear All of the designs are available at different price points, starting around $8 for the least expensive canvas shoes and going up to over $70 if you want a special brand or customizing. High-top basketball shoes start around $15 in mass-merchandise department stores, going up into the hundreds for designer high-tops and customizing. Hiking boots are priced about the same as high-tops, with the least expensive ones coming from department stores and the priciest ones available from sporting goods stores and specialty shoe stores. After you find the right shoes, spray on a couple of coats of waterproofing. Fall surely brings some wet weather, and waterproofing will make the shoes last longer.