Hey there, sneaker lover! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for the perfect kicks – ones that effortlessly blend style, comfort, and quality. Well, I‘m excited to share that I‘ve finally found my holy grail sneaker brand: Clae.
In this ultimate guide, I‘ll be giving you an insider‘s look at everything Clae has to offer. We‘ll dive into the brand‘s history and mission, take an up-close look at some of their most popular styles, compare them to other top sneaker brands, and even share some styling tips to help you rock your Claes like a true fashionista. So sit back, relax, and let‘s jump into this Clae review together!
Who is Clae? The Brand Behind the Buzz
If you‘re not familiar with Clae, allow me to introduce you. Clae was founded in 2001 by sneaker industry veteran Sung Choi. Choi had a vision of creating minimalist, versatile sneakers that could transition seamlessly from work to play, all while using sustainable materials and ethical production methods.
Over the past two decades, Clae has grown from a small, indie label to a global brand with a cult following. In 2010, they were named "Best New Shoe Brand" by Footwear News and have since been featured in the pages of GQ, Hypebeast, and Complex.
But Clae is about more than just hype and accolades. What really sets this brand apart is their unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and timeless design. Every pair of Claes is meticulously crafted from premium materials like lush suede, buttery leather, and innovative recycled fabrics. And with a focus on understated, wear-with-anything silhouettes, Clae sneakers are the definition of effortless cool.
Speaking of sustainability, this is one area where Clae really walks the walk. The brand uses eco-friendly materials like hemp, cork, and recycled PET in their designs, and partners with ethical factories to ensure fair labor practices. In fact, Clae‘s impact report shows that they‘ve diverted over 100,000 plastic bottles from landfills and offset their carbon emissions by 120%. How‘s that for feel-good fashion?
Putting Clae to the Test: My Experience With 3 Popular Styles
Now that you know a bit about the brand behind the shoes, let‘s get to the good stuff – the actual sneakers! Over the past year, I‘ve had the chance to test drive three of Clae‘s most popular styles for men and women. Here are my honest thoughts:
1. The Bradley: My Go-To Leather Low Top
The Bradley is Clae‘s signature style and after wearing it non-stop for a month, I can see why. This sleek low top is the perfect elevated basic, with a streamlined silhouette that pairs well with everything from jeans to dresses.
I opted for the White Leather version, which is made from soft, full-grain leather that molds to your foot over time. The perforated toe box adds some nice breathability (key for sweaty summer feet), and the cushioned footbed feels like walking on a cloud. I also love the smart details like the leather-lined collar and waxed cotton laces.
Sizing-wise, I found the Bradley to run slightly big, so I went down a half size for a snug fit. And at $140, these are definitely an investment sneaker, but the quality and versatility make them worth every penny.
2. The Malone: Vegan-Friendly and Oh-So-Comfy
As someone who tries to shop sustainably, I was excited to try the Malone, one of Clae‘s vegan sneaker options. This tennis-inspired kick is made from an eco-friendly vegan suede that looks and feels just like the real deal.
I snagged the Dusty Rose colorway, which is the perfect soft pink that adds a pop of color to any neutral outfit. The natural rubber sole has great traction (I may or may not have put them to the test on a rainy coffee run) and the cork-lined footbed molds to your arch for added support.
I will say the Malone fits a tad narrow, so if you have wider feet I‘d recommend sizing up a half size. But overall, I was impressed by the look and feel of these sustainable sneaks. Proof that you don‘t have to sacrifice style for ethics!
3. The Runyon: The Chunky Sneaker With a Slim Profile
Saving the best for last, let me introduce you to my new sneaker obsession: the Runyon. This platform sneaker takes the chunky shoe trend and makes it actually wearable with a slimmed-down shape and subtle details.
The combo of premium leather and breathable mesh on the Olive colorway I got feels both luxe and laid-back. And the cushioned EVA midsole is a dream on long walks and all-day adventures. I love how the speckled sole adds a cool, custom touch too.
The Runyon is the priciest of the bunch at $180, but in my opinion, you‘re paying for the quality. These sneakers are built to last and only get better with age. Plus, the style is so unique, you‘ll stand out in a sea of basic kicks.
Here‘s a quick breakdown of how the three styles compare:
| Style | Price | Material | Sizing | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bradley | $140 | Leather | Runs 1/2 size big | 5/5 |
| Malone | $130 | Vegan suede | Runs narrow | 4/5 |
| Runyon | $180 | Leather + mesh | True to size | 5/5 |
How Does Clae Stack Up to Other Sneaker Brands?
As a certified sneakerhead, I‘ve tried my fair share of kicks from brands like Veja, Allbirds, and Greats. So naturally, I was curious to see how Clae measured up. Here‘s what I found:
Clae vs. Veja
I‘d say Clae and Veja are neck and neck in terms of style and sustainability. Both brands offer sleek, minimal sneakers made from eco-friendly materials. However, I give Clae the edge when it comes to comfort and quality. The leather on my Claes is noticeably softer and more supple, and the soles have better cushioning and arch support.
Clae vs. Allbirds
Allbirds is known for their cozy, breathable sneakers made from natural materials like wool and tree fiber. While I love my Allbirds for running errands and travel, Clae‘s sneakers feel more substantial and stylish. The leather and suede on Claes elevate them from plain to premium.
Clae vs. Greats
Having owned a few pairs of Greats, I‘d say they‘re the closest to Clae in terms of aesthetic. Both brands have a cool, urban vibe with classic silhouettes and neutral colorways. However, Greats skews a bit more preppy while Clae has an edgier, street style feel. I also found Claes to have a comfier, roomier toe box.
Ultimately, all of these brands make great sneakers, but to me, Clae offers the best overall package of style, quality, and wearability. They‘re the ones I reach for again and again!
Sustainability and Giving Back: How Clae Goes the Extra Mile
One thing that really impressed me about Clae is their genuine commitment to making a positive impact beyond just selling shoes. The brand has a dedicated sustainability page on their website that breaks down all the ways they‘re reducing their environmental footprint, from using recycled and organic materials to offsetting their carbon emissions.
Clae also partners with some incredible organizations to give back to communities in need. For every pair of sneakers sold, they donate a portion of proceeds to non-profits like Soles4Souls, which provides shoes to people in poverty, and A Walk On Water, which offers surf therapy to kids with special needs.
In 2020, Clae released a limited edition "Ally" sneaker in collaboration with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, with 100% of profits supporting HIV/AIDS education and prevention. As someone who loves fashion with a purpose, this just made me respect and appreciate the brand even more.
Styling Your Claes: Outfit Inspo for Every Occasion
Now for the fun part – styling your Claes! One of the things I love most about this brand is how versatile their sneakers are. You can dress them up or down and create so many different looks. Here are a few outfit ideas to get you started:
The Cool Casual: Bradley Sneakers + Jeans + Graphic Tee
For an effortlessly cool everyday look, pair your Bradley sneakers with some vintage-wash jeans and a graphic tee. Add a denim or leather jacket for an extra layer of edge.
The Athleisure Chic: Malone Sneakers + Leggings + Crop Top
Heading to brunch or running errands? Throw on your Malone sneakers with some sleek black leggings and a crop top for a cute and comfy athleisure vibe. Bonus points for a coordinating headband or baseball cap.
The Elevated Street Style: Runyon Sneakers + Trousers + Blazer
Who says sneakers can‘t be dressed up? For a cool take on business casual, rock your Runyon sneakers with some tailored trousers, a crisp white button down, and an oversized blazer. The platform sole adds some nice height and drama.
The Monochrome Moment: Bradley Sneakers + Tonal Separates
I‘m a sucker for a monochrome outfit, and white Bradleys are the perfect sneaker to pull it off. Go for head-to-toe white or cream with some linen trousers and a cozy knit sweater. So chic and perfect for transitional weather!
Want even more Clae outfit inspo? Follow the brand on Instagram @clae for daily style ideas and new release updates. Trust me, your feed will thank you.
Final Thoughts: Are Clae Sneakers Worth the Hype?
After putting Clae to the test and digging into the brand‘s story and values, I can confidently say that these sneakers are the real deal. The quality, style, and comfort are unmatched, and I love supporting a company that‘s doing good for people and the planet.
Yes, Clae‘s price point is higher than your average kicks, but I firmly believe you get what you pay for. These are sneakers that will last for years and never go out of style. Plus, the cost per wear is totally worth it when you have a shoe you can rock with literally any outfit.
As someone who‘s always looking to build a more ethical and sustainable wardrobe, Clae ticks all the boxes for me. I appreciate the transparency around their production practices and the fact that they‘re not just hopping on the eco-friendly bandwagon, but have been committed to these values from the start.
So if you‘re in the market for some fresh sneakers that will elevate your style game and make you feel good about your purchase, I can‘t recommend Clae enough. Trust this fashionista – your feet (and your conscience) will thank you!
For more of my style picks and honest reviews, be sure to subscribe to my weekly newsletter and follow me on Insta @yourfaveinfluencer. Until next time, stay fly!
