In theory, rocking label-heavy gear's a way to stand out, though in reality you end up running the risk of blending in with all the Stonestown Galleria kids, which is crap, since you're Serramonte 'til you die! Or, better yet, just scrap the labels and roll with Zuriick.
Salt Lake City-based Zuriick sets out to craft blessedly affordable, many-colored sneaks that're "sleek, slim, and unbranded", yet'll stand out from the fray every time due to clean, unconventional lines and their signature purple soles, unless, of course, you're walking the mean, eggplant streets of Grimace County. Fresh for fall is the Kettle Zip Boot in charcoal or black canvas (with three circular mesh side-vents), which zips up above the ankle and rocks a pointy, somewhat elfish Achilles flap, (hint: if you find yourself embroiled in one, go for the heel). Previously released styles get new twists, too, e.g., the historically pastel Ake slip-on now also comes in subdued charcoal and black, while the slender Beata mid-highs get made over in black on carbon, which boasts the additional ability to form stable covalent bonds.
All the aforementioned kicks're dropping right now, but Zuriick's also got a bevy of heavily discounted styles from seasons past online, e.g., Akes in yellow and white, Euro-minimal Nadals in aqua, etc -- kicks you'd never find at Stonestown, because they don't even have an Athletes Foot. Pathetic.
