Porta's Look!...The Official Preppy Handbook

Cover of The Official Preppy Handbook published in 1980

Page 139 of The Official Preppy Handbook on Men's Shoes

Every couple of months this handbook pops up in an article I check or a conversation I have. Published in 1980, more than ever it's a fascinating and humorous read. My copy was a gift about a decade ago and I'll thumb through it every now and again. I obsess over the cultural significance of style as you probably do as well. What's really interesting, like any great film, piece of art, or literature; this little handbook has taken on a different meaning as I've gotten older, the climate has changed, and the culture has swayed.

In downtown New York the sneaker game has completely died. The big corporations unknowingly committed harakiri. Every kid in the know wouldn't be caught dead in what used to be considered the hottest shit a few years ago. They've moved on to these classic prep shoes. Now elevator eyes stop for a rare moccasin, deck shoe, or loafer. Right or wrong it's an amazing reality. Maybe we all grew up, maybe we got sick of bending over for our money, or maybe the times have just... changed. One thing I know for sure, the super exclusive, double label, celebrity-endorsed, basketball sneaker will come back, but for now this is what heads are fucking with... Here are my top boat shoes in a wide array of price points and colorways. What are yours?...

Ralph Lauren Telford Boat Shoe

Brooks Brothers Calfskin Leather Boat Shoe

J.Crew Broken-in Original Suede Sperry Top-Siders