4B12 sneakers, for men and women
A sneaker is judged first of all by its sole. Two approaches sit side by side on this page: the low, thin sole, which lets you feel the ground and works well with a tapered trouser, and the thick rubber sole, which lifts the heel by a few centimetres and lengthens the line of the leg. The difference is felt in the stride: the first is lighter, the second cushions better on tarmac and holds up over long days in the city. The whole page is given to sneakers, mostly cut low, with a few mid versions that close just above the ankle.
Materials change the way a shoe ages. Smooth leather marks very little and is cleaned with a damp cloth. Suede is warmer to the touch but absorbs water: brush it dry and protect it with a spray before the first wear. Some models carry glitter or laminated inserts, surfaces to be treated dry only, because liquid cleaners kill the shine. Leather linings make the fit more stable after a few days of break-in, once the material has taken the shape of the foot.
On sizing, a sneaker with a thick sole tends to fit full: anyone halfway between two sizes is usually better off with the smaller one, while on a low model with a thin lining the larger one is the safer bet. It is also worth trying a pair on in the afternoon, when the foot is at its largest. To see the whole sneaker offer in stock, beyond this page, there are the dedicated categories: sneakers for men and sneakers for women.
