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…
ASICS newest boot is far from your classic hiking shoe
ASICS releases new sneaker-boot
pair of black suede sneaker boots

It’s no surprise to find an endless supply of classic chunky hiking sneakers under ASICS’ lineup. The athletic company has long become known for its classic ‘90s-style techy sneakers that can easily handle most journeys. While the brand has changed things with some bolder collaborations, its newest release is far from what you typically find in its catalog. Taking the form of a boot, the latest release is about adding military strength, durability, and design for a rugged and stable shoe. Although the design seems to step out of the norm for ASICS, the boot continues the same premium quality and craftsmanship you seek out of your performance footwear. 
Meet ASICS’ new sneaker-boot hybrid

With their latest release, ASICS’ takes on a sneaker-boot hybrid that invokes some of their most rugged and bulky features yet. Taking on the previously released GEL-YETI TOKYO HI GTX, ASICS is redesigning its nonnative collaboration for a sleeker and darker look. Covered in a black suede upper with GORE-TEX lining, the sneaker boot has both durability and chicness that’s hard to find on the trails. Matte black hardware and contrast stitching allows the design to exude a subtle sleekness emphasizing the premium craftsmanship. While the hybrid design looks and feels luxurious, it remains a practical choice with a quick lace system that gives users easy access. A rugged outsole helps maintain traction and balance, no matter what terrain you’re exploring. This new hue is set to be released via ASICS’ website on February 10 and will retail around $219. While the initial release of this silhouette came as a shock to all, the new colorway evokes the feel of a different type of sneaker boot. While not changing much of the design or features, this new GEL-YETI TOKYO HI GTX is a must-have for all hiking fans.

Read more
ASICS goes ultra-luxury with new Corthay sneakers
ASICS releases new sneaker
green asics corthay sneakers

While there’s no doubt that ASICS knows what it takes to build premium athletic sneakers, it’s not often you’ll hear them described as ‘luxury’ footwear. While their footwear technology is considered top-tier, ASICS sneakers aren’t typically what you would expect when picking out a formal shoe. However, thanks to a new collaboration with Corthay, ASICS looks to change that notion with a sleek new hybrid shoe. Alongside the French shoe designer, ASICS has upgraded their latest offering for one that can easily be your new favorite dress shoe. While the outside has gotten a significant upgrade, the inside still holds the classic ASICS offerings you expect from your athletic sneakers. 
ASICS x Corthay Hybrid gets dressy

 

Read more
Lack of Guidance and ASICS’ latest release has a football connection
ASICS, Lack of Guidance announce new sneaker
product photo ASICS sneaker

It’s no surprise designers and brands often get inspiration for their designs in the most unexpected places. Not long ago, New Balance released mushroom-inspired sneakers that ultimately took their inspiration to the next level. With more brands looking into the distance for their next release, ASICS and Lack of Guidance are headed to the pitch for their latest release. Based on Japan’s 1998 home goalkeeper jersey, these brands want to add a bold and distinguishable shoe to your closet. At the time, this jersey was also created by ASICS, making it one of the brand’s most iconic kits in the sport.  While Lack of Guidance is renowned for using football inspiration throughout their pieces, the latest collaborative sneaker with ASICS takes a classic retro print to a new level. 
Lack of Guidance and ASICS go retro 

 

Read more