The smart trainers to wear this summer
Prepare to face those scorching hot days with our curation of the best in summery smart-casual footwear...
Words: Anna Galbraith
The last thing you want to be pulling onto your feet in hot weather is a pair of leather brogues. Thankfully, a handful of our favourite smart sneaker brands are making sure you don’t have to, with designs that will help you dress for a heatwave in the office and can take you effortlessly from the boardroom to the bar.
Thanks to their lightweight designs and breathable materials, these smart sneakers will keep your feet cool and comfortable as the mercury rises — without letting you down in the style stakes.
Keep it simple: Original Achilles Suede Sneakers by Common Projects
A favourite brand at Gentleman’s Journal, Common Projects doesn’t rely on overt branding or novelty features to afford its sneakers cult status – the timeless simplicity of its designs speaks for itself.
This ‘Original Achilles’ pair has a lovely streamlined look – and paired with a light jacket and smart trousers, will provide the perfect summer look.
Subtle styling: No–1 Black Weatherproof by North 89
Designed in Stockholm and handmade in Porto, these trainers have an instantly recognisable European flair. The No-1 Black is a part of the North 89 Essential Collection.
Using a weatherproof upper with luxurious Italian suede detailing, matching waxed cotton laces and calfskin lining — the trainers also feature a rugged Italian Margom sole with reflective stitching, making it the perfect shoe for the colder weather.
Stand the test of time: Race 17 Sneakers by Officine Creative
If you’re going to invest in a quality pair of trainers, it’s good to know they’re guaranteed to last a long time without becoming outdated.
A go-to brand is Officine Creative, who carefully hand makes all of its shoes at small-scale workshops in Italy, so if you like sneakers to be as long-lasting as formal footwear, this ‘Race 17’ pair will fit the bill.
Smarten up: Warwick Perforated Suede Sneakers by Tom Ford
The best thing about these Tom Ford sneakers, is that they work just as well with smart outfits as well as casual ones – they can even be worn with tailored trousers or a two-piece suit.
We love the navy suede for an understated elegant look, and everyone knows that a Tom Ford investment is never a bad decision
Dress like a European: CQP All Black
Designed in Sweden, handmade in Portugal, and crafted in Italian suede. These CQP All Black trainers are a classic quarter top style and offer durability, and extreme comfort with several layers of cushioning.
Perfect for the gentleman who spends his day on his feet as opposed to behind a desk. A top tip here: CQP sneakers are only available in full sizes. If you normally wear a half size, buy a pair half a size smaller than usual.
For day to night style: Ariza Very Black by Rubirosa
Swiss label Rubirosa produces exclusive sneakers for men with the finest Italian quality — an all items are handmade with the utmost attention to detail and offer unrivalled comfort.
With the Ariza design, style and quality are complemented by sporty elegance — making them the perfect, comfortable choice for wearing as you dash between meetings, before heading out for post-work drinks.
Put a spring in your step: Suede-Trimmed Leather Sneakers by Brunello Cucinelli
Brunello Cucinelli’s first rule of dressing has always been ‘don’t be afraid to mix and match’, and these nubuck, suede-trimmed leather sneakers are a great way to adhere to the advice, since they’re smart enough to team with tailoring as well as sweatpants or jeans.
Looking for more seasonal style inspiration? Here’s how to dress like James Bond this summer…
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