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Clunky Shoes Getting The Boot

Nike's once-popular Air Force 1 sneakers and Timberland's yellow work boots are among the chunky, clunky sneaker and boots brands that are falling out of favor with the trend-setting urban crowd. The thick-soled styles were once part of the urban uniform, paired with baggy, low-slung jeans.

"The big, heavy look is out of fashion," says Jerry Key, manager of Dr. Jays in Harlem. "Today, the lighter the shoe looks, the better."

For girls, that means ballet flats or sleek boots, in which skinny jeans and leggings can be tucked. For guys, there are thin-sole sneakers like Adidas or Vans.

Air Force 1, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a big marketing push, has seen retail sales fall 20% in the past year, estimates John Shanley, an analyst with Susquehanna Financial Group.

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