Skip to main content

Keanu Reeves has the best (or the worst) shoe game in town

Check out his rule breaking maverick shoe style

Keanu Reeves is one of the most beloved actors in Hollywood; with his lovable and approachable demeanor and his image as the everyman, you feel like you know him without ever meeting him. Of course, his professional career saw him revolutionize the science-fiction genre with his starring role as Neo in The Matrix. Then again, revolutionizing the action genre in John Wick, he is also well known for his off-screen persona and one very unique quirk in men’s fashion.

The actor has become known as one of the most generous and genuine people in the industry with his penchant for donating to his movie crews and his frequent sightings riding the subway like any regular New Yorker. But his tendency to revolutionize the world around him doesn’t stop with his work on screen, as he is also revolutionizing his shoe style as he walks red carpets. If you have been paying attention, while others hit the carpets with their best dress shoes to complement their suits, the Bill & Ted actor elects to don his signature motorcycle boots.

Keanu Reeves on the Red Carpet for John Wick
Image used with permission by copyright holder

He adds his own flash to his style

Just like Ralph Lauren, Keanu Reeves stands out among the high fashion around him by going super casual. While runway shows see Ralph Lauren in full denim outfits among the elevated fashion world, the red carpet sees Reeves standing out from the crowd in his own casual addition to his ensemble, his motorcycle boots.

Recommended Videos

While he is typically seen in casual biker boots while riding on the subway or riding his motorcycles in Los Angeles, adding them to his suits when he attends premieres sets him apart from the rest. There are plenty of ways to dress down a suit, like a t-shirt, Chuck Taylors, or even dress denim; motorcycle boots seem like a genuinely unique take on casual suit-wearing.

Keanu Reeves doesn’t seem like he conforms to those around him, and he clearly doesn’t appear to worry about what others think about him, and the confidence to wear some of the most casual shoes on the market proves it. The question is…is it a fashion statement or a faux pax?

Is this stylish? Or is it inappropriate?

The difference between a fashion statement that shirks, rules, and subverts expectations and a fashion disaster are largely based on two factors: Acceptance and confidence. When Adam Sandler spends his entire career wearing nothing but t-shirts, basketball shorts, and sneakers, his fans accept that it is just him. When he wears it with confidence, it solidifies it as a look. Keanu Reeves is walking the same path. He is who he is, and his love for motorcycles fuels his men’s fashion statement. Of course, every trend or anomaly will have its detractors.

keanu reeves refusing to buy new shoes pic.twitter.com/EmD5M20hId

— keanu doing things (@keanuthings) March 17, 2018

If you spend a little time in the comment section of this Twitter post that makes note of his 25-year-old pair of motorcycle boots with tape around the toe to seemingly hold them together, you will see the mix of people that love it and people that hate it. Of course, if you start to really dive into Reeves, you can quickly conclude that these are the boots he wears when riding his beloved motorcycle. The tape? It protects the leather from the brakes of the bike scuffing them.

Keanu Reeves wears beat-up old biker boots with suits on the red carpet, and it isn’t to create a look. It is simply to keep himself comfortable in times when the humble man doesn’t seem to thrive. The bottom line is when you are a man that is as wholesome as Keanu Reeves…you can get away with almost anything.

Topics
Mark McKee
Mark is a full-time freelance writer and men's coach. He spent time as a style consultant and bespoke suit salesman before…
Cole Haan unveils their newest cushioned dress shoe
Cole Haan's latest tech dress shoe
man wearing cole haan shoes

There’s no question that Cole Haan knows how to create a dress shoe you can use daily. In their newest release, Cole Haan has updated their footwear technology to deliver one of their most innovative designs yet. Using a new spring cushion, Cole Haan looks to craft the perfect hybrid Oxford shoe that won’t tire you out. Available in seven distinct colorways, there are plenty of options for wearers to find one that best works for their wardrobe. With these new Oxfords, there’s no need to suffer with hard and stiff dress shoes. Even if you aren’t headed to a formal event, these shoes are an ideal blend of comfort and style everyone deserves in their day-to-day closet. 
Introducing the new ØriginalGrand 2.0 Oxford

 

Read more
Danner, Madhappy add color and fun to your hiking shoe collection
Danner and Madhappy's new hiking shoe
back side view of pink and brown boots

For Danner's heritage boot brand, creating the ideal quality hiking boot is an everyday task. However, in their latest drop, the Pacific Northwest-based company is joining forces with Madhappy for a redesign that adds a pop of color to your hiking gear. In this collaboration, both brands are taking on the signature Mountain Light boot and giving it a bit of Madhappy’s touch. For Madhappy, working with iconic footwear brands is nothing new, as they’ve recently increased their collaboration with other classic companies like Uggs. Although hiking shoes tend to come in manageable hues to manage the dirt and mud, this collaborative boot is a fun contrast to the often serious color combinations available. A colorful and airy collaboration, the remixed Mountain Light boot is a must for those who want to add something distinct to the trails. 
The new Mountain Light boot

Starting with suede uppers in either chestnut or bright pink, this boot comes equipped with a one-leather piece design in the tongue to keep water and dirt out.  This Mountain Light’s stitchdown construction also helps add stability and structure to the underfoot. Inside waterproof Gore-Tex liners help keep the feet warm and comfortable while Vibram Kletterlift outsoles add traction to the boot. Besides announcing the new vibrant hues and modern updates on the boot, Danner has also proudly reiterated that all Mountain Light boots are constructed in Portland, Oregon. The new Madhappy and Danner Mountain Light boot is now available via both Danner and Madhappy web stores and retails at $440. Both colorways are available in men’s and women’s sizing so that all can enjoy the punch of color in their hiking wardrobe. 

Read more
Hoka reenters the hiking shoe world with the perfect retro sneaker
Hoka's refreshed hiking shoe
close up on white hiking shoe

Although Hoka isn’t a stranger to the hiking shoe, it’s certainly been a while since the brand has honed in on the category. In 2015 the brand’s first-ever shoe in the category, Tor Summit, made significant progress with its chunky silhouette and heavy design. Years after being replaced by newer models, the shoe returns with a new feel. With a completely retro-inspired design, this new hiking shoe has all of the modern features you want with the look of a classic shoe. Even though this Hoka shoe is made for the trails, it’s also perfect for city streets and urban areas. Like other brands recently, Hoka is honing in on delivering the perfect balance between nostalgic design and silhouette with the necessary modern updates for a comfy and versatile shoe. 
Hoka’s new Tor Summit
 

In this reinterpreted version of the Tor Summit, Hoka has added luxe nubuck leather, a rubber mudguard, zig-zag stitching, and metal eyelet hardware. Also included in the new shoe is Hoka’s signature cushioning, which gives wearers an extra layer of softness for all-day wear. The Vibram Megagrip outsole adds traction and stability to the bottom, giving the hiking shoe the ability to tackle any terrain. The new Tor Summit is already available via Hoka for $210. Although the retro hazelnut colorway is chic, the shoe comes in three other colorways, including a monochromatic black option. While Hoka hasn’t made any drastic changes, the rerelease of the Tor Summit is good news for all hiking lovers who enjoy adding style to their gear. And while Hoka’s hiking lineup certainly has much to choose from, this Alps-inspired silhouette is a must for any look. 

Read more