Skip to main content

Bluprint’s Plimsolls are packed with cushioning

While many of our readers may be focused on finding the most attractive or appropriate shoe for the situation, there’s something to be said for comfort. That’s why Bluprint has developed a whole line of dress shoes, boots, and sneakers that instead put comfort first, without sacrificing aesthetic appeal in the process. We spent some time with their Encinitas Plimsolls to find out whether Bluprint has the right stuff.

While the Bluprint Encinitas might be a new take on the look, it’s far from the first Plimsoll shoes. While you may or may not recognize the term, it comes from the line on a ship’s hull that indicates the high water mark, which the shoe reflects with a thick, rubber outsole. You’ll recognize the look from basically any classic sneaker, although Converse All-Stars stand out as a very recognizable example of the style.

“We love our Encinitas for many reasons, but our true goal was to adapt the must-have plimsoll into a casual comfort shoe.”

Its used to great effect here, with a striking brown rubber bottom that offsets the neutral tones above, but it isn’t just for looks. The Encinita’s outsole also plays host to a variety of proprietary comfort technology, most notably Cloud Imprint, a blend of Bluprint’s own polyurethane foam and “slow recovery” memory foam for a fit that’s best described as slightly squishy. That soft comfort provides a nice balance to the flat-soled shoe, which is generally intended to feel like walking without any shoes on at all.

If camouflage shoes aren’t really your bag, that’s okay. Bluprint offers the Encinitas Plimsoll in black or off-white with a dark brown outsole. All three colorways cost just $99, with a number of other offers boasting the same proprietary comfort tech in various styles, from boots to more formal attire.

Brad Bourque
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Brad Bourque is a beer and sneaker writer, retired fantasy football commissioner, and devout Portland Timbers. On the…
Swatch, Tate partner for watch collection that literally puts art on your wrist
Swatch x Tate Gallery collaboration inspired by paintings
Swatch x Tate collaboration watches

Swatch, renowned for its quirky designs and commitment to self-expression, has joined forces with the prestigious Tate galleries to create an extraordinary collection of Swatch watches that blur the lines between art and utility. The Swatch x Tate Gallery Collection isn't simply a collaboration but a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the appeal of wearable art.

Each Swatch watch is dedicated to the artwork of its respective artist. From Turner's Scarlet Sunset to Bourgeois's Spirals, every watch tells a unique story. Whether you're drawn to the whimsical charm of Marc Chagall or the bold simplicity of Fernand Léger, there's a watch in this collection to suit every taste and personality. This partnership further cements Swatch's position as a brand that bridges the gap between art and simple timekeeping with bold designs and vibrant colors.
The Swatch x Tate Gallery Collection: Wearable art

Read more
78 pairs of Gucci sneakers just had their prices slashed
A man wearing the Ace tennis sneakers.

The spring and summer months are the perfect time to upgrade your sneaker collection. With fresh styles and lightweight materials, sneakers are the best shoes for the warmer months for everyday wear, traveling or simply hanging out at a bar. Sneakers are now more popular than ever with men wearing them in both casual and formal situations. Here is a definitive guide to wearing a suit with sneakers if you want to combine a luxury look with a fresh new pair of kicks.

Right now, you can shop more than 70 pairs of Gucci sneakers on sale at Gilt. You can get up to $275 dollars off casual and fashion sneakers from this coveted brand in a mix of colors, styles and materials. Click the button below to start browsing these designer sneakers before time runs out.

Read more
Citizen celebrates 100th anniversary with throwback limited edition pocket watch
Citizen debuts 100th anniversary pocket watch
Citizen 100th anniversary pocket watch

Citizen watches have a legacy that spans a century, with a name that evokes reverence, innovation, and enduring quality. Now, in a momentous celebration of its 100th anniversary, Citizen unveils a breathtaking homage to their inaugural masterpiece: the Special Limited Edition Pocket Watch. That's right, a pocket watch for men. Since the success of Peaky Blinders and peak Thomas Shelby fame, pocket watches have garnered a somewhat cult following and Citizen has jumped on that bandwagon with a celebratory timepiece of their own.
Citizen watches: A brief history

In 1868, Japan underwent a significant transformation as the Edo period concluded, marking the end of samurai dominance. The dawn of the Meiji era saw Japan embrace modernization and industrial growth until 1912. By the 1920s, the widespread adoption of imported pocket watches reflected Japan's burgeoning participation in global trade.

Read more