By Lisa Neff

Contributing writer

For more than a decade, Chrome has served that generation of bikers who grew up with slip-on Vans, not steel-toed boots.

And now the San Francisco-based company with a 14-year rep in making the best of messenger bags and urban cycling clothes offers an urban riding shoe.

Milo was made for the everyman and everywoman, the mechanics in bike shops, the baristas in coffee joints, the clerks in record stores.

“From the beginnings of BMX to the present urban bike culture, Chrome has been raised on Vans,” said Chrome GM Brian Jennings. “After buying our 300th pair, we started to think that the old classic was in need of an update.”

So Chrome made an innovative shoe for those who work the city, walk the city, and ride the city. The shoe—tested for a year—features a natural rubber sole, an exceptional grip, a loose-lined stitching for ventilation and a custom foot bed for comfort.

“Like most of our designs, the Milo allows riders to transition from the street to the bar without looking like a Spandex bike nerd,” said Chrome co-founder Mark Falvai. www.chromebags.com

No slipping or sliding: During fall and winter, you don’t need to be on the water to get wet. Foul weather can take a toll on your shoes and your feet. For that foul weather protection, Sperry Top-Sider created the Hatteras collection—smart contemporary shoes built with the same construction and materials used in Sperry’s traditional boaters.

Sperry won’t guarantee the foot will stay dry in its soft leather Coronado—it’s a slip-on clog and no back means no barrier. But the Coronado is made with Sperry’s rubber outsole with “Wave-Sipping” for the ultimate in traction, whether the weather is wet or dry.

You’ve heard the saying, “Walk a mile in his/her shoes.” Hope that his/her shoes are a pair of Klogs because they are the ultimate in comfort—or “komfort.” We tested Klogs’ polyurethane, chestnut-colored Boca clog and a leather Mary Jane-style step in. These aren’t the shoes to wear through snowdrifts, to after-hours circuit parties or on a hard run. These are shoes to wear on long casual strolls through Lincoln Park, as well as on 12-hour shifts through the lab, in the office corridor, behind the counter, on the sales floor and in the ER. The shoes do not simply cushion the feet—though the contoured footbed is a “wow”—but rather absorb shock. Toes that like to wiggle will appreciate the wider toe boxes—like being barefoot even when socked in. Stumblers and spillers will appreciate the slip-resistant outsole. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the palette of Klogs colors. And yes, union members will appreciate the made-in-the-USA guarantee. www.klogs.com

Warm and cozy: The Crocs phenomenon is certain to carry over into the winter as the maker continues to grow its line of budget-friendly, durable shoes. Expect to see a lot of slip-on Mammoths this fall and winter—Crocs’ clog-like slip-on with a warm and fuzzy twist—a super soft synthetic fur lining that can be removed and washed. www.crocs.com

When the wind blows: With the arrival of September’s cool mornings, it’s hard not to think of what’s in store in frigid February. Ecco’s X-Factor Kilamanjaro GTX leather upper is guaranteed 100-percent waterproof and insulated for temps down to -25 degrees Fahrenheit. TPU impact armor is built into the toe and heel and a Gore-tex membrane is built into the upper. www.eccousa.com

Sperry Top-Siders’ After Sail boot is perfect to step into coming off the lake—the waterproof construction keeps the feet dry in wet conditions. The After Sail boot also is perfect to step into before stepping out on to the city street—durable suede outside, soft micro-fleece inside. And the After Sail boot is a perfect après ski boot—lightweight and casual with a “memory foam” bed that conforms to the foot for “light-leg” comfort. www.sperrytopsider.com