Sneakers lifestyle of French Days
The sneakers lifestyle selection for the French Days brings together mid-season shoes for men, women, and children: Victoria canvas, Gola retro models, Asics Gel-NYC, Nike Court Vision, Buffalo platforms, comfort sneakers from Ecco and Skechers, trendy styles from Tamaris and Steve Madden. A pair to go with spring or back to school.
A pair of mid-season shoes, at a discounted price.
Canvas, mesh or leather: the right material for the mid-season
In spring and autumn, the weather is unpredictable and the material of the upper makes a difference. The canvas of cotton, like that of Victoria or some Gola, is lightweight and breathes well in mild weather, but soaks up water at the first downpour. The mesh used in running shoes, like the Asics Gel-NYC, allows air circulation and dries quickly, with suede reinforcements that provide structure to the shoe. The leather, smooth or nubuck, like on the Victoria Seul that combines nubuck and leather-effect material, protects better against moisture and is suitable for chilly October mornings. The French Days, in spring and autumn, just happen to fall at these times when we switch shoes.
The other lifestyle offers
The French Days lifestyle also comes in:
- Sweatshirts and Jumpers.
- T-shirts and Polos.
- Shirts.
- Trousers and Jeans.
- Dresses and Jumpsuits.
- Swimwear.
All the offers are gathered on the lifestyle page.
Ecco and Skechers: sneakers for long walks
For walking all day, two brands focus on comfort. Ecco, founded in 1963 in Bredebro, Denmark, by Karl Toosbuy, tans a large part of its own leathers and directly injects the sole onto the upper, with no stitching: the shoe gains in flexibility and durability, like the Exostride. Skechers, a Californian brand, relies on memory foam and lightweight soles; the Uno Golden Air, with visible air cushioning, combines this comfort with a more stylish silhouette. These models are aimed at those who spend a lot of time on their feet, either in the city or while travelling, and are looking for durable cushioning.
White sneakers: a classic to maintain
The white sneaker in leather, derived from tennis and basketball shoes, has become a classic. The Nike Court Vision takes inspiration from 1980s basketball models, featuring a simple upper and flat sole; its Next Nature version incorporates recycled materials. To keep them bright white, protect the upper with a spray before the first outing, wipe off marks as they appear with a damp cloth, and clean the soles with a rubber or brush and a bit of soap. A colourless cream nourishes the leather and minimizes creases. The white laces should be washed separately, placed in a mesh bag in the washing machine.
Victoria, the canvas sneaker born in 1915
Victoria was born in 1915 in Cervera del Río Alhama, a village in La Rioja, Spain, where its founder, Gregorio, named his shoes after his first love. In the 1950s, the brand adopted vulcanisation, which bonds a natural rubber sole to a canvas upper: thus, the Inglesa, or low-lace tennis shoe, was born, becoming its flagship model. Victoria has since offered it in washed canvas, dyed canvas, in a slip-on version and in children's sizes, adding other silhouettes like the Barcelona and the Seul. The canvas should be hand-washed and dried in the shade to retain its colour.
Frequently asked questions
Where does Gola come from?
Gola was founded in 1905 in England as a manufacturer of leather football shoes. Its name, an anagram of goal, dates back to the 1930s; the brand today embraces a retro style, featuring sneakers made of suede and nylon adorned with a side stripe.
Which sneakers to take on a trip?
For travel, choose a lightweight, pre-broken-in pair that’s easy to slip on, with a cushioned sole for long walks. Leather or mesh handles changes in weather better than canvas, which is more fragile in the rain.
How to store sneakers to keep them in shape?
Store them clean and dry, away from light that yellows the soles, with paper or shoe trees inside. Origin boxes, with a few holes punched in, protect from dust without trapping moisture.
Does a thick sole tire the foot?
No, if the sole is made of lightweight and flexible foam: it cushions the walk and isolates from the cold ground. A thick but rigid sole, however, can interfere with the natural stride; check that it bends slightly at the ball of the foot.
How to remove a grease stain from suede sneakers?
Immediately sprinkle the stain with talcum powder or cornstarch, which absorbs the grease, allow it to sit for several hours, then brush it dry. A special suede eraser finishes the job; avoid water and soap, as they can leave marks on the suede.
