We’re jealous of all our Japanese readers after taking a look at the latest Jack Purcells for the exclusive Converse Japan collection.

The newest drop includes leather kicks in the classic Purcell shape fabricated in solid red or black, as well as — our favorite — a black-and-white wingtip/saddle shoe-inspired look called the Dresscode 1/2.

What we love most about these new Purcells is that they’re clean enough to wear with more grown-up ensembles, yet they still pack a fun, youthful punch — factors which translate the shoes into something sporty-chic that makes them easy to dress either up or down.

Read the full story {High Snobiety}

The sneaker collaborations keep rolling in, with Married to the MOB x Lacoste being the latest.  The drop features the lace-embellished Hironia high-top sneaker, which was apparently inspired by Christian Louboutin’s lacy shoe confections for the ladies.

Now we’re all for gender neutrality, yet we’re having trouble envisioning the demographic that the MOB x Lacoste collab is supposed to pinpoint.  There’s nothing wrong with boys wearing whatever they want — including lace — but we can’t help thinking that the Hironia is completely missing the mark and will sit on shelves much longer than either party would like. Update: we typed too quickly. Married to the Mob and Lacoste’s Louboutin influenced mashup is for the girls. Targeting questions answered, we’re sure these will find their way into the closets of a few active fashionistas who love the look of the red-soled heels, but can’t resign themselves to actually running around town in them.

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This seems to be the year for killer sneaker releases, with the latest drop from Vans being no exception.  The new Half Cab LX model is a slick shoe completely stripped of frou-frou gimmicks or crazy patterns (Nike, we’re talking to you!), which will satisfy the guy in your life who’s more into laid-back cool than flashing lights.

We love the solid black panel behind the all-black laces, and the sleek shape is a refreshing SoCal skater take on the mid-height basketball shoe silhouette.

Half Cabs will be available at Vault stockists by March/April 2010.

Read the full story {Hypebeast}

It’s time to make some friends in Paris, pronto, because we’ve just taken a look at the new collaboration between Nike and Parisian dye house 180g, and our verdict is Absolutely 100% Droolworthy.

We love how much of a new look the colors give to the classic Nike models, with the slightly lived-in (yet still super-color-saturated) look of the sneakers being a huge plus.

The collection drops 5 November at 180g store on rue de Tournelles in Paris and we’re crossing our fingers that they will also be available online as soon as possible so our American boyfriends don’t feel so left out.

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If you like your kicks clean and classic, then Pony has you covered.  The new Collegiate Pack comes in prep-school-worthy shades of navy, cherry, black, and slate (all with crisp white accents) and features a slim profile that would look great with slim dark-wash jeans and a punchy button-down shirt.  Just leave the blazer and plaid tie at home.

Read the full story {Hypebeast}