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A Guide To Kickin’ It: Our Favorite Shoes This Summer

Summer can be a tricky time for shoes. You’re wearing shorts, so high tops are out. Sockless Oxfords are a big trend but that’s a lot of work (and stank, even with a no show sock) and flips-flops are cool, but not all that hygienic – especially if you’re walking around a city. To help out in this little seasonal conundrum The Manual put together some festive footwear for the warm weather.

TOMS– A brand known for their canvas slip-on shoes, has done something pretty amazing. Aside from their awesome charitable efforts, they’ve now expanded their shoe game. The Paseo is great. Oh and here’s the ‘kicker’, it’s an everyday shoe that can be worn with OR without laces thanks to a hidden elastic tongue strap. Easy to slip on, easy to slip off, and really easy to look at.

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Sperry Topsiders– An all American  staple, but with a very  stylish twist. These Sperry Topsiders have a bright neon kick. The shoe comes in a variety of leathers with a contrasting rubber sole. These classics will take you from the beach to the boat – and you don’t have to worry about slipping of the boat. Sperry’s are also extremely water resistant and get better with age. Just please, on all that is holy, don’t wear socks with them.

-If you do love flip-flops, go with Havaianas. They’re the most comfortable flip-flop out there and are great for the beach. What’s even cooler, the brand (which many don’t know started in 1962, even though they can be seen on trendy feet everywhere these days) has expanded to more functional footwear. These denim sneaks are perfect with shorts and a tee shirt if you’re going for a more athletic look.

-For another different take on a classic summer shoe, look no further than the Bowsworth Suede Espadrille from Ralph Lauren. These classic slip-on espadrilles come with a rope insole, a leather lining at the heel and a raffia sole with rubber insets for traction. Also, they’re made of suede. A ‘step’ up from the classic espadrille if you will.

– Speaking of classic espadrilles – consider Soludos – a brand that celebrates the summer to the fullest extent. The shoes come in a variety of traditional colors and contemporary patterns. With their cotton upper and an eco-friendly jute sole, these shoes will keep your feet sweat free.

-If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous and perhaps a bit futuristic, check out UNITED NUDE’s Helix shoe. Its elastic material is super comfortable and helps emphasize the shape of the foot. They’re lightweight and come in cool color combinations like black & red, turquoise & orange, and blue & silver.

Stefan Doyno
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Stefan Doyno is a two-time Emmy-winning television producer who has worked for various shows at ABC News, including Good…
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Grand Seiko’s claw-inspired watch costs $16,400
Angular evolution: Grand seiko's tokyo lion tentagraph features brilliant hard titanium construction
Grand Seiko Tokyo Lion

Grand Seiko added a watch to its Tokyo Lion collection— the Sport Collection Tokyo Lion Tentagraph. This watch comes with the brand's first mechanical chronograph movement and holds to the angular design that has set the series apart since 2019. The watch costs $16,400 and will be available in August 2025. This 43mm watch shows a clear step forward for the collection.
The lion sign stays important to Grand Seiko's identity—it stands for how easy a watch is to read, how long it lasts, how comfortable it feels, and how good it looks. This symbol has been part of the brand's history since 1960. The Tokyo Lion collection turns this symbol into a bold, angular shape that copies a lion's paw through its geometric form and surface finishes.
The newest Tentagraph watch shows more of the feline idea. Its surfaces have hairline finishes that look like claws, and this design brings out cat-like shapes across the case. The watch measures 43mm across and 15.6mm thick—these large sizes catch the eye right away. The watch feels good to wear because of how it is shaped to the body.
Grand Seiko uses Brilliant Hard Titanium in the Sports Collection for the first time. This metal is twice as hard as regular stainless steel. The alloy looks brighter than common titanium and also resists rust and scratches better, which is needed for sports watches.
The chronograph buttons have a new shape—this change makes them easier to use when someone is active. The three small dials at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock look three-dimensional. A Lumibrite coating on them makes sure a person can read them in all light, from bright day to full dark.
A brown silicon rubber strap comes with the watch, it has a lion's paw design on the back that adds a subtle design touch. The strap bends easily, so it feels good to wear. The case back has a slight curve. These details make the watch comfortable to wear in many places, and the watch also holds out against water down to 200 meters.
The Tentagraph Caliber 9SC5 is the main technical feature. It has a chronograph part that works at 5Hz. This fast-moving part runs for 72 hours on one charge and also protects against magnetic fields up to 4,800 A/m—these are important features for a modern sports watch.
The chronograph functions add to the Tokyo Lion's sports appeal while keeping the collection's specific look. Grand Seiko's mechanical skill joins with its angular design idea, forming watches that go against how people usually think about sports watches.
People can get the watch in August 2025. It will be on Grand Seiko's website and at stores that sell its watches, this makes it easy for people around the world to buy good Japanese mechanical watches. The $16,400 price shows the better materials, the in-house movement, and the special design that set Grand Seiko's sports watches apart.
This Tentagraph shows Grand Seiko's continued step forward in expensive sports watches. It shows how old Japanese craftsmanship can take on modern design styles while keeping its technical lead and wearing comfort for demanding uses.

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Gaming meets horology in Hamilton’s Death Stranding 2 timepiece
Hamilton's Kojima collaboration creates futuristic death stranding 2 timepiece
Hamilton Death Stranding 2 watch

Hamilton takes its first step into gaming by working with Kojima Productions to make a special watch for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. This work shows a change from the brand's well-known movie projects, such as Interstellar, Dune: Part Two, and Indiana Jones—it represents Hamilton's initial move into interactive entertainment.
The partnership joins Hamilton with game designer Hideo Kojima, whose studio works under the motto "From Sapiens to Ludens" while reshaping interactive entertainment. Death Stranding 2 continues the science fiction story of Sam—this story happens in a post-apocalyptic place where life and death mix through emotional plots, exploration, and strange pictures.
"Hamilton was a perfect choice as a partner to design and create a product set in the near future. Please take this watch in your hands and experience the product that connects the world of the game and the real world," explains Hideo Kojima, emphasizing the bridge between virtual and physical experiences.
The American Classic Boulton Death Stranding 2 Limited Edition displays a titanium case build with black PVD treatment that draws from Hamilton's original Boulton plan. The light, rust-proof structure shows smooth, curving lines that copy the game's distinct look while holding up well.
Seven sapphire crystals form the watch's most noticeable part. One main crystal sits in the middle, and six others pair along the case, this setup creates shifting light and a science fiction feel. The crystal layout shows the game's strange design ideas while helping people read the time.
The simple dial plan shows future plainness through grey hour markers, a bright orange seconds hand, and looped open hands that reflect the sapphire crystal pattern. A matching black PVD titanium bracelet finishes the rough, technical look suitable for post-apocalyptic journeys.
The watch includes a three-hand automatic movement with 25 jewels and an 80-hour power reserve. A Nivachron™ balance spring offers resistance to magnetism, shock, and temperature changes—these are necessary traits for surviving tough places, both virtual and real.
Art director Yoji Shinkawa worked on the design, combining Hamilton's movie history with the game's future setting. This work shows how classic Swiss watchmaking can adapt to current entertainment forms while keeping its technical quality.
The company produced 2,000 individually numbered watches. Each watch comes with special game-themed packaging that adds to its collector appeal. The work shows Hamilton's growth past traditional cinema projects into the growing gaming entertainment area.
This release puts Hamilton at the front of watch-gaming projects while honoring both brands' dedication to creative storytelling through their respective crafts.

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The fan-favorite New Balance 992 returns in Marsh Green for summer
New Balance releases a new 992 sneaker
new balance 992 marsh green

New Balance is home to many archival favorites, and the brand is not shy about bringing them back into the spotlight. This time around, New Balance is remixing its retro 992 model with a brand-new colorway for a fresh take, ready for summer. With new premium materials and high-quality craftsmanship, the newest 992 silhouette offers a sophisticated take that is ready for a new generation. With a clean base and hints of color throughout, this new sneaker is a refreshing and versatile option for those still looking for their summer sneaker. True to New Balance’s style, the sneaker seamlessly merges its traditional elements with modern details, creating a shoe that’s sure to become a new favorite for many. 

Step into the New Balance 992 in “Marsh Green”

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