The Stylish Insider

In addition to the obvious practical purposes for doing so, wearing sneakers has long been a method of self-expression. People have been wearing Converse Chuck Taylors long after their use on the basketball court had grown outdated due to their undeniable rock-and-roll cool look. The same is true for the adidas Superstar and hip-hop, and there really is no need to go on about street culture’s obsession with Air Jordan retros over the last two decades plus; young people rock Jays who are not even old enough to have watched MJ lace them up and grace them on the hardwood. So why not a faith-based sneaker? It is no secret that Christian-themed clothing has long had a presence in American culture as well as in other countries. Everything from cross necklaces to graphic tees to WWJD bracelets are all around, worn by believers and readily available to be purchased. Until now, though, Christianity has not established a strong foothold in the shoe game. Enter Alma Savior and its first of...

Continuing their partnership, nonnative and Paraboot present a refined take on the Briac moccasin. The silhouette is dressed in "Charcoal Gray" suede and features a comfortable McKay construction. A bulky black JANNU sole provides support, while branding is limited to a hidden embossing on the footbed. The nonnative x Paraboot Briac Cow Leather moccasin drops today exclusively via nonnative for ¥75,000 JPY (approximately $480 USD).

Benny the Greek is blazing a trail in the Aussie trap scene. He released a music video for his new single “Hand of God”. Benny the Greek is a Queensland-based rapper, model and fighter. The video was filmed by Stavros Vlachogiannis . This song is an excellent introduction to Benny the Greek. In it, he lays the pain of his heart on the table and gives us a glimpse of his spiritual depth forged on the street and sharpened in prison. He immediately sets the tone of the song with a sample that asks us two questions: Does the music have a message for you? Does it tell you something or is it just loud noise? My brother, we must pay homage to My brodie back in jail. Got me missing in prison ain't designed for you to fail, but the system is. No more getting mail. No more visiting. People see the outcome but never see the discipline. Benny the Greek’s life after prison required readjustment through hard work. Taking all of the burpees, books and prayers from jail and applying tha...

When Smoke Clears is a brand born in fire, and they have returned to New York 10 years in the making. I had the opportunity to visit When Smoke Clears’ “D R Y MUSEUM” at Capsule NYC in Harlem on August 21st. Rather than organizing a standard popup, K$ace and Thermal curated an exhibit that tells the story of the brand and captures the resilience that fuels this brand’s progress. In the center of the sales floor were plinths covered in burnt fabric. On them sat a picture of When Smoke Clears’ original studio, an incident report, and a burnt piece of jewelry. They were all relics of the fire that destroyed their original Yonkers studio where they were just beginning to make jewelry in 2016. As a result, the brand includes handmade jewelry in many of their designs. Every piece in their collection has handmade elements either through printing, sewing or intentional distressing that makes each piece truly unique. When Smoke Clears already had their name before their studio fire, but...

P.F. Flyers and BEAMS PLUS have teamed up for the GROUNDER BOOTS, a rugged, military-inspired update to the classic Grounder Hi. Available in Black, Olive, and Navy, the boots feature BEAMS PLUS ’s thick cotton chino cloth for a durable, textured feel. Each pair comes in a tonal colorway, matching the uppers, soles, and laces for a clean look. They include waxed laces plus a spare striped set. Built for the outdoors, the boots feature a thick lugged outsole for traction and raised rubber mudguards for protection. A gusseted tongue helps keep debris out, while P.F. Flyers’ signature Posture Foundation insoles provide all-day comfort. The GROUNDER BOOTS are available now exclusively via BEAMS PLUS for ¥28,600 JPY (approximately $182 USD).

Country rap star JamWayne links up with Keith Cash and Marcotic for his new song and video “Came A Long Way”. The Karltin Bankz -directed visual shows the three rappers posted up on JamWayne’s sprawling Alabama estate as they spit their rapid-fire and hard-hitting bars.

Los Angeles-based brand  Journey of Self has unveiled the limited edition Ticket Wallet as part of its "Act III - Wands" Collection. Inspired by London's metro ticket, Journey of Self's Ticket Wallet holds six card pockets, three on each side. Made from genuine leather, the ticket-inspired acrylic design and graphic of a knight fighting a dragon will certainly make people excited about the next journey they will be taking. Its compact size of 4.13" by 3" will certainly make this wallet way easier when you put it in your pocket. Journey Of Self's Ticket Wallet is available now exclusively via Journey of Self's webstore for $42.95 USD.

Graphpaper and Puma have teamed up to redesign the H-STREET, a classic 2000s track shoe. Ditching the standard mesh, this updated version is built with a premium mix of smooth nylon and soft nubuck. The shoe comes in a monochromatic "Brown" to match Graphpaper's Fall/Winter 2026 line, using contrasting textures instead of loud colors. Tonal branding, brown laces, and a dark rubber outsole that wraps over the toe complete the muted look. The Graphpaper x Puma H-STREET sneaker releases on September 5 exclusively via Graphpaper and Puma for ¥16,500 JPY (approximately $103 USD).

Marijuana-themed fashion label Cyph NYC grew tired of people having to lug around a bulky metal grinder so they decided to do something about it by introducing the Grinder Card. Designed to resemble NYC's MetroCard, the pocket-sized stainless steel grinder is made specifically for life on the go. The Grinder Card is available in two simple sizes to fit your everyday routine. The first is the Wallet Card, which measures 3.375" by 2.125”, exactly the size of a standard credit card so it slides perfectly into your wallet or pocket. The second option is the smaller Keychain Card, measuring 2.5" by 1.5". This version comes with an attached chain and clip made to hook right onto your bag, keys, or belt loop so it is always within reach. Despite its slim profile, the Grinder Card is built to last. It features a precision-etched grinding strip that breaks down your herb with ease and even comes with a protective sleeve to keep your pockets clean. Using it could not be eas...