5 Stand-Out Takes on the White Court Shoe

The white court shoe has taken its place atop the throne of the sneaker world following the rise of the Stan Smith. The latter is now (still!) found on the feet of half the people at any trade show, with only mild competition from Adidas’ shell-toe and three stripe options. But if you’re looking for a simple, good-looking sneaker, there are many brands that offer pleasing design – and, let’s face it, a price that makes Common Projects Achilles look like a joke. Here are 5 white court shoes that you can wear all through the winter – and for a long time to come.


  1. Greats “Royale”

    Photo: Greats


    Luxury court shoes are nothing new, but we all know that Common Projects are no longer the must-have they once were. Greats’ take on the classic design is a little bulkier, a little cushier, and little less ubiquitous (and who doesn’t enjoy a bit of rarity with their sneakers?). The suede models are stand-outs, and will look great with worn-in raw denim or even casually-worn trousers.  And at 1/4 the price of CP’s, what’s not to like?119$, Greats.com


  2. Adidas Stan Smith Primeknit OG pk

    Photo: SSENSE

    What would a list of tennies be without at least one variation on the original? Adidas has updated its classic Stan Smith silhouette with a primeknit upper that offers breathable comfort and keeps you from looking like the rest of the fashion-obsessed sneakerheads out there. And since we’ve reached – and passed – peak Stan Smith saturation, a slight re-config means that you can wear these without feeling self-conscious. Although you can find Primeknit Stans at several retailers, this OG-pack version has a different knit and a slightly lower profile than the all-leather model, but pairs equally well with denim or slim black trousers (yeah, yeah – we see you, fashion week attendees).

    Best part? The added airflow means your feet will stink less.

    130$, ssense.com


  3. Common Projects Court Low
    Photo: Need Supply

    Photo: Need Supply


    Instead of going for the by now ubiquitous Achilles, spend those hard-earned dollars on the CP Court Low instead. We’re big on suede sneakers for a bit of added character, and this even-more-minimal take on the tennis shoe is perfect for fall. Stack your jeans on top of the low cuff, roll ’em up, or even wear a pair of (gasp!) shorts. Common Projects is really the original luxe sneaker brand, and they’ve stayed relevant for a reason.

    435$, NeedSupply.com


  4. Ann Demeulemeester Suede Low-Top

    Photo: FWRD



    While not exactly a court shoe (they’re more of a take on the venerable Converse), these suede low-tops nonetheless offer a great alternative to your standard tennis shoe. They’re much more versatile than the brand’s die-hard fans would have you believe, and are equally at home with head-to-toe Ann D. or a rolled-up pair of Engineered Garments BDU pants. The suede upper takes on added character with wear, and well-read forumites will know to ask their cobbler about adding a Vibram (or other rubber) outsole for increased longevity and grip. At this point, they’re a modern classic.

    830$, fwrd.com


  5. Filling Pieces “Low Top Tabs White”

    Photo: Filling Pieces

    Looking for a little more flash from your court shoe? Streetwear brand Filling Pieces could be right up your alley. This take on their classic Tabs low top adds a gum sole and toe-cap perforation for a does of athletic style. Prices, while firmly upmarket, aren’t Givenchy-high, which means you’ll have some cash left over for a fancy pair of sweatpants. Long live athleisure!

    EUR240, Fillingpieces.com

5 Must-Have Fall Sneakers That Aren’t Tennis Shoes

  1. Adidas Ultra Boost

    Photo: Adidas

    Forget Kanye and his spat with the Beavertonians-that-shall-not-be-named. Adidas’ latest footwear offerings stand on their own in terms of comfort, design, and utility. Unlike that other company’s more adventurous products, most of Adidas’ sneakers both perform well and look great. The Boost sole offers excellent comfort, and you can find it on everything from trail shoes that double as urban-exploration footwear to indoor soccer kicks. However, our pick is the new UltraBoost_Uncaged model, which will look great with all of your techwear, offer slipper-like comfort, and (theoretically) allow you to launch into a sprint at any time. I’m sure we’ll see them worn with skinny trousers next time Pitti rolls around, too.

    180$, Adidas.com

  2. Adidas Y-3 Qasa High

    Photo: Adidas

    Yes, another Adidas project, this one the fruit of the Three Stripes’ ongoing collaboration with Yohji Yamamoto. Although the Qasa has been around for a while now, that doesn’t keep it from being one of the coolest-looking athletic sneakers out there. The choice of everyone from Yohji-wearing artistes to bike messengers sporting Acronym, the Qasa is a gem in the world of sneaker design.

    400$-500$, Y-3 Store

  3. Nike Sock Dart
    Screen Shot 2016-08-23 at 9.15.17 AM

    Photo: Nike

    Once a NikeLab exclusive, this stand-out is now available as a general release on Nike.com. The Sock Dart offers a lightweight upper with minimal support, and is something of a strange beast. It’s not going to work as a real training shoe, but if you enjoy wearing slightly futuristic, modern clothing – think Peir Wu or nonnative – you’re going to like the way these fit into your wardrobe. And because of the easy slip-on factor, it makes a great travel shoe.

    130$, Nike.com

     

  4. Diemme “Fontesi”
    Screen Shot 2016-08-23 at 9.35.11 AM

    Photo: SSENSE

    Although several seasons old by now, Diemme’s forward-looking “Fontesi” high-top really feels as though it has come into its own. Offered in a variety of leather and suede make-ups, the fall colors really do justice to the laser-cut patterning, and although the cup sole they’re built on may look familiar, the rest of the sneaker is anything but. For an added bonus, wear pants that are cropped just at the sneaker cuff to show off the suede detailing.

    430$, ssense.com

     

  5. Salomon “Speedcross” 4

    Photo: Salomon.com

    Photo: Salomon.com


    If you’ve fully embraced urban techwear – and you should – the Salomon Speedcross series is the sneaker to beat for trail-ready toughness. Though not as easy to style as the options listed above, the Speedcross offers great support and comfort (we’re all about comfort), quick-lacing ease (we’re all about ease), and stand-out-from-the-pack style (and we can’t say no to quirky style). And since they’re now found in avant-garde shops worldwide you’ll be one nod and wink away from being a true sneaker insider. The fashion set will try to sell you the blacked-out models, but we prefer the outdoorsy stylings of the Salomon original.Also, if you ever have to climb over a muddy log in the middle of a downpour, you’ll be all set.

    130$, Salomon.com