Despite their name, Swedish design company Gram [5] brings an approach to footwear that's more whimsical than weighty. Founded in 2005 by Alexis Holm and Anna Stenvi, Gram crafts snappy, cross-bred shoes—a smidgen of cap-toed conservatism, a dash of deck shoe, and a hint of Chuck Taylor. For their s/s '08 "Laundromat" collection, Gram delivers five new styles mixed with some renewed classics.

A standout is the slate-colored 387g, a subtly pointed high-top that's sleeker than your average sneaker, crafted in cotton denim with black trim and double velcro closures. The 388g is a nice variation on the same high-top theme, this time with a single velcro strap, a suede cap toe, and all white cotton denim.

If you want something more outlandish the 388's low-cut cousin the 321g comes in a variety of spring-fresh color combinations from sunflower yellow to grassy greens and punch-drunk pinks. The heftier 406g, a tall lace-up, can be muted in black cotton denim, or a bit more punk in a cotton mix plaid.

Whether it's boys being boys or girls who like a tomboy-ish touch, Gram takes an equal-opportunity approach when it comes to gender—all styles are available in sizes 35-46. The founders claim their shoes are "not intended to steal the show or force you to throw away your entire wardrobe," but they'll definitely help you tone down a suit or dress up some denim.

—J.K. Glei