We all had them in high school: the little canvas tennis shoes, a bit demure, a bit academic, which we ended up abandoning for massive sneakers. For years, they disappeared from adult wardrobes, considered too simple compared to ultra-technical sneakers and XXL soles.
And then the summers got hotter, the heat waves followed, and these canvas shoes returned everywhere, in the city, at festivals, on vacation. Their comeback coincides with a new heatwave in France, and this return is no coincidence.
The big return of high school canvas tennis shoes
In the 90s and 2000s, canvas tennis shoes accompanied a whole generation of high school students: light, simple, sometimes a little too “second class”. Over time, it left adult wardrobes in favor of more technical, flashier and heavier sneakers.
This season, she comes back in a big way. Vans is not letting go of its cult Old Skool model, born in 1977, available in a checkered Primary Check version which pays homage to the brand’s heritage. The upper mixes suede and canvas, with a reinforced toe and a padded collar around the ankle, while the Sidestripe, this scribble designed by Paul Van Doren and called , explains Grazia, immediately marks the model.
Vans Old Skool and Bensimon sneakers: cult models
The Primary Check Old Skool features a checkerboard pattern in bright colors and a rubber waffle sole, another Vans visual signature. At around 90 euros, this pair remains accessible for such a recognizable sneaker, and above all much lighter than many chunky sneakers seen in recent seasons, which changes everything when the thermometer rises.
In contrast, Bensimon tennis shoes play the card of absolute simplicity. Born in 1979, after a stock of white military tennis shoes was dyed without spilling onto the sole, they embody a soft and fine cotton canvas, designed for the hottest days. Vans and Bensimon share the same DNA: a clean shape, without overlays or excessive synthetic materials, for lightness that reduces foot fatigue even after several hours of walking.
Why canvas tennis shoes are our allies during the heatwave
Canvas remains one of the most breathable materials for shoes. Unlike thick leather or a compact synthetic, it lets air circulate around the foot, limits perspiration and the feeling of heat. This largely explains the comeback of these models, seen as a much more bearable closed alternative during a heat wave.
We’re talking about everyday shoes here, not a sporting event like the tennis gala or the looks seen at the , says Paris Match. In practice, canvas tennis shoes go everywhere: with linen Bermuda shorts, wide jeans or even a light dress, they add a nostalgic touch while keeping the feet cool.
Are canvas tennis shoes suitable for the heatwave in the city?
Yes, their breathable canvas allows air to circulate better than thick leather, which limits the feeling of overheating feet during high urban heat.
Can you wear canvas tennis shoes to work when it’s very hot?
By choosing a sober, plain model, and combining it with flowing pants or a shirt dress, canvas tennis shoes go very well in a non-strict office.
What are the differences between canvas tennis shoes and chunky sneakers in summer?
Canvas sneakers are lighter, less lined and contain less synthetic materials, whereas chunky sneakers are often heavier and warmer.
How to maintain your canvas tennis shoes during the summer?
Gentle brushing, a little soap, air drying and alternating pairs are enough to keep them clean and limit bad odors.
Sources
- Grazia
“Those canvas tennis shoes that we wore in high school are everywhere again and they will be our allies during the heatwave”
- Grazia
“Those canvas tennis shoes that we wore in high school are everywhere again and they will be our allies during the heatwave”
