White canvas trainers in Britain tend to last exactly the amount of time it takes to get them out the box, lace them up and walk to the pub. Everyone gasps, ’Oooh, new trainers!’, then someone stands on them, a pint gets poured on them, they get covered in mud and by the end of the day it’s easier to throw them away than to clean them.
Which is why leather sneakers are not recommended, they are mandatory. Waterproof and wipe clean, the white leather sneaker can last an entire summer season, and as a pair of decent understated sneakers work with everything, from shorts and tees to chinos and a button-down shirt, it’s worth spending that little extra for a decent pair. Here are our top five big hitters for your summer consideration
Alexander McQueen oversized sneakers, £360
Big and bold but not overly flamboyant, the oversized sneaker’s name alludes to the big rubber sole that provides not only a perfect cushion, but complete confidence when you stand in your first summer rain puddle. Nice fat laces stop just short of the McQueen logo and there's a touch of black at the heel for that little standout detail. Beautiful.
Givenchy low, £395
The devil is in the detail with these low riders, and these low top lace-ups give little away at first glance. The navy blue inset is just visible along the top and the knots at the back are on a need to know basis.
Saint Lauren Andy white leather sneakers, £370
Bright white with just a hint of gold is the perfect holiday sky, and in this case, the perfect pair of trainers. The low rider has the gold logo on the upper, and again embossed on the rear pull tab. These literally say, ‘If you know, you know.’
Common Projects Retro Low sneaker, £377
Sleek, subtle and reassuringly expensive, these are the ones you save for the one sunny day of summer, and even then you need to plan out the day so that zero graze is involved. Crafted in Italy, it’s just teaming with leather across the lining and uppers.
Golden Goose Purestar, £350
For an understated white trainer there is a lot of detail crammed into the Purestar. White leather, insets and upper, but a touch of gold logo and black heel make them special.
