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Saturday, 3 October 2026Fashion, style and modelingLTEN
Tennis shoes: technical flat
Technical flat
Types of sneakers

Tennis shoes

Also called: court sneakers, white leather sneakers

Tennis shoes are low, clean-lined leather sneakers on a thin flat cupsole, often white with perforations on the toe.

How to recognise it

Smooth leather, few seams or overlays, a flat white or pale rubber sole edge and ventilation holes on the toe or sides.

Where it comes from

In 1965 adidas made leather tennis shoes for French player Robert Haillet, and since 1978 they have carried Stan Smith's name. They are among the best-selling sneakers in history.

Who and when it suits

Minimal and versatile, they go with a suit, a dress, jeans and trousers. White leather sneakers are a wardrobe basic.

Variations and look-alikes

They come white with a coloured heel tab, all white, perforated or not, in smooth or grained leather. Minimal logo-free ones suit a suit. They differ from retro sneakers in their clean line without overlays.

How to style it

  • Wipe them regularly with a damp cloth.
  • With a suit for smart casual.
  • Keep the laces white.
  • With a midi dress in summer.

Similar styles

Questions and answers

Frequently asked

01How do you care for white leather sneakers?

Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap, brush the sole and condition the leather with clear cream.

02Are white sneakers office-appropriate?

Yes, clean and minimal ones with a smart casual code.

03What are Stan Smiths?

Adidas leather tennis shoes named after player Stan Smith since 1978.

04How do you stop white sneakers yellowing?

Clean them regularly and do not dry them in the sun or near heat.

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