SocklesSneak's Top 10

	Nike Air Garnett III Purchase Date: Oct. 2000 (Mfg. 991101) Location: Pickering ON Background: While visiting the Nike store in Toronto, I saw the Nike Air Flight '00, the low-end version of these Garnetts. I was instantly impressed by the distinctive look of the combo blue-fade and black trim. But, disapointingly my size wasn't in stock. I later came across this pair of Garnetts on sale by chance, and was disappointed no more. Comments: A very sturdy shoe with excellent support. A great look for a night out at the clubs--I always get comments about them. Very hot & sweaty without socks. I've pitted the Air Garnett against Adidas Kobe and Reebok Answer. Perhaps the Garnett's won't be in my top 10 much longer. Check my review.
	Nike Air Mada ACG Purchase Date: 1996 (Mfg. 951202) Location: Hamilton ON Comments: These shoes had visibly been worn before I bought them, so most likely returned for some reason. (Yes, somebody else's sweaty feet had been in them before mine--imprinted and all) I have found no fault with them. They're very comfortable for wearing sockless on a hike, camping or anything outdoors, and feel cool as well. These shoes have been for a dip in the lake, and had to deal with my sweaty sand-covered feet being in them for hours. I don't think the newer model Mada's are made to this quality.
	Nike Air Classic (White & Black) Purchase Date: Feb. 2000 (Mfg. 990608) Location: Oakville ON Comments: Purchased in the dying days of Sports Authority in Canada during their final clearance, I came across these shoes as one of the few gems left in the store. I was surprised at how comfortable they were, with their soft, thickly padded ankle support and corduroy style lining. A great casual hi-top shoe. I liked them so much that I bought a second pair in the following months.
	Reebok Shaq w/Hexalite Purchase Date: 1997 Location: Hamilton ON Comments: Unique laces and trim give these shoes a big look, well-suited to black pants or my motorcycle leathers. A great sockless shoe because of the synthetic lined ankle & heel padding, that feels nice and greasy against bare skin when sweated up. Add a little lube, and they're even more fun if ya know what I mean.
	Reebok Black/Blue/Chrome Hexalite Purchase Date: 1998 Location: Hamilton ON Comments: Here's another cool pair of Reeboks that I don't know the name of. A little chrome in the heel, and visible Hexalite, provide a unique look, that's great with jeans.
	Salomon Powder Spike Purchase Date: February 2001 Location: Ottawa ON Background: I bought these boots on a very cold, but sunny day in Ottawa, while attending a hockey tournament. I had only brought regular sneakers to wear on the trip, and if you've ever been to Ottawa in February, you know that's not the best footwear choice. Comments: OK, I know, these are actually BOOTS, not sneaks. But, they're the most comfortable and warm boots I've ever owned! They certainly feel as comfy as sneaks, with their padded, soft inner lining. They are styled like snowboard boots, but have a regular boot tread and aren't as wide. I saw these boots in the store, and had to have them. My feet start sweating as soon as I put them on. Recently, I bought a pair of Salomon hiking boots, which are also very comfortable, and may eventually make it to the Top 10. To see what happened to them, click here.
	Reebok Preseason Mid (Black) Purchase Date: 1994 Location: Toronto ON Comments: I have about 4 pairs of Preseason hi-tops. But these black & white ones are my favourites. They still look great after all this time, well, except for the inside which has a few years of sockless funk built-up on the cushy footbed. I like the materials in these shoes, and there is just the right amount of contrasting white trim on the outside for a great casual look. These shoes date back to my "straight" years, and even then my girlfriend at the time said she thought these shoes looked really great on me, as if I looked ready to have some fun pounding the b-ball court.
	Converse Pro Ride 1 Ox Purchase Date: January, 2000 Location: Markham ON Comments: My favourite pair of sk8tr shoes. Blue suede, with contrasting white trim, comfortable insole and stretchy padded collar. Interesting smell.
	Nike Cortez Purchase Date: November, 1998 Location: Eastbay.com Comments: The first pair of shoes I ever bought online (actually, I think it was my first on-line purchase of all). The retro Cortez wasn't available in Canada, and I wanted to see if they were anything like indoor soccer shoes. In my top 10 because I now use these shoes as slippers home. They are very comfortable, the leather is very soft and supple, but there isn't much support. They're usually the shoes that I jump into when I get out of bed in the morning.
	Nike Division Purchase Date: June, 1985 Location: Oxford St., London UK Comments: The shoes that started it all! When I was a young teen, I already had an interest in wearing sneakers sockless because it felt good. On a trip to Britain, I noticed that the black leather indoor soccer shoes were very popular, but unheard of in North America at the time. So, I bought these Nike Divisions. Whether I wore them with socks or without, they always smelled fantastic! The fabrick on the insole would always darken satisfyingly when it got sweaty. Even today, after 16 years the high-quality leather still looks really good, although the rubber soles have become hard as rocks. :)