Lace up these white summer shoes to channel your inner Paul Newman
From a pair of retro-inspired leather trainers to a classic canvas Converse sneaker, these are the best cool white shoes for summer…
Paul Newman sure knew how to kick back. The man was the king of the soft, off-duty sweatshirt. He lived on a sleepy estate in a sleepy Connecticut town. And he never said no to a beer (allegedly, he drank a six-pack every day).
But when the actor really wanted to relax — to loosen up and wind down — he’d kick back in his kicks. Newman’s sneaker collection was simple, stylish and expansive. He wore his leisurely lace-ups to the lake, to the movie set, to the race track and around town. They were often canvas, almost always white, and make for perfect summer style inspiration to this day. Below, we’ve rounded up the best sneakers to follow in Newman’s effortlessly cool footsteps….
Car Shoe Canvas ‘Supernova’ Sneakers
These simple, rough and ready shoes from heritage brand Car Shoe have retro appeal stitched right into their soles. They’re as old school as sneakers come — and would have been the perfect pair for Paul Newman.
Crafted from unlined canvas, they’re practical, sustainable and stylish. There’s a subtle bit of branding (the ‘Car Shoe’ logo printed onto the tongue) and a light rubber sole. We especially like that ridged rubber toe cap.
Converse Chuck 70 Low Tops
A pair of American icons fit for an American icon. These limited edition, off-white Converse kicks take their softly shaded styling cues from laidback summer days. Fashioned from durable 12oz vintage canvas, they’re as timeless as trainers can be.
And that ’70’ in their name refers to the decade — ten sparkling cinematic years during which Newman released films from The Towering Inferno to The Sting. On the heel, you’ll find a historic Converse logo for added retro charm.
Superga 2750 Cotu Classics
Incredibly affordable and utterly reliable, there are few white canvas shoes you’d be better off buying than Superga’s simple, effective 2750 ‘Cotu Classics’. They’re built to be extra strong, fully breathable and endlessly comfortable. What more could you want?
The silhouette itself is based on a simple tennis shoe — with a vulcanised rubber sole and pure cotton upper giving the design versatile credentials. And, what’s more, the style has been in continuous production since 1911 — before Newman was even born.
Stepney Workers Club ‘Dellow’ Sneakers
This ‘Dellow’ design from Stepney Workers Club has a secret weapon. Below those vulcanised rubber sole walls sits a concealed, chunky tread — affording the lucky wearer trusty traction on even the trickiest terrains.
Newman would approve. As a keen boatsman himself, the actor surely appreciated the benefits of a grippy shoe. And, with durable cotton drill uppers and stylishly exposed stitching lines, this deconstructed design has everything the actor could want.
Oliver Cabell GAT Sneakers
Newman not only played sports characters better than anyone else in Hollywood (he brought boxers, hockey players and racing drivers to life during his career), he also was a keen sportsman away from the big screen.
And these shoes, Oliver Cabell’s retro-inspired German athletic trainers, would have made the perfect sneakers for Newman. Unlike the canvas kicks above, these are full grain calfskin leather — a luxury touch for a capable, real-deal pair of sports shoes.
Want more simple, timeless style? How to style a plain white T-shirt, according to 5 menswear icons…
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Further reading
Nick Wakeman, founder of Studio Nicholson, on kickstarting her brand as a one woman show
Filippo Pignatti, founder of Gentleman's Gram, shares his secret style codes
