Chucks suck. These kicks definitely do not.

These all-class kicks are the result of a collaboration between New Zealand footwear brand Tobe and a young Wellington design collective, Simpleton.

With Simpler Times laid down as the collabo theme, Tobe and Simpleton set out to make a collection of high quality footwear, with as much of the process as possible being local and simple. The Simpler Times shoes are affordable but still exclusive; made-to-order, with limited numbers of each style going direct from designers to customer.

Made with New Zealand (Whanganui) leather and merino. 

 So tight.

The boys from Simpleton - Geoff Wright, John Chen and Nick Loubser

Wellington's Raglan Roast (cafe and roastery) got on board, hosting a pop-up space for the project. So if you're nearby, pop in and grab a coffee, chill out in the space they've created, touch and smell the shoes (leather is in my top 3 favourite smells) and hear the story of their process.

There are a few different styles - hightops and lows - and they're available for pre-order now. This would be such a sweet gift for your favourite man (P.S: you can totally be your own favourite man.)

Order here - orders close in just a few more days.

$120 gets you a pair of custom-made Simpler Times shoes, a bag of Raglan Roast beans and a ticket to the launch party which will happen in October... right after your shoes have been individually manufactured and sent to you.

Seriously, take off those cookie-cutter Chucks, bin your Skechers (Remember Skechers? Hahaahaa! Good times... good times) and order a pair of these. And not just because you'll be supporting New Zealand vision and design and craftsmanship, either. But because these are very, very very good looking, and so will you be in them.