Hermes Bouncing Sneaker Women Sport and Suede Goatskin Beige Galet H221176Z BG340

The fuchsia insert on the heel is a wink, and I like sneakers that wink. From the front this is a soft galet beige pair, smooth sport and suede goatskin in a calm sandy tone; turn around and the back of the sole flashes a pink that is impossible to describe as subtle, and I would not want it to be.

Sport goatskin takes the load-bearing panels because it is the tougher cut, and the suede overlays soften the toe and eyestay. Beneath it the sole starts as white rubber; the front insert is beige, the rear one that fuchsia, and the whole stack lifts you an inch and a half off the pavement. Inside, pebble beige lamb’s skin runs through the lining, which I noticed on a hot afternoon: lamb stays cool in a way synthetic linings never do.

The beige fabric heel tab is quiet next to the pink, and the whole composition works best with raw denim, stone-coloured linen and anything else that does not carry competing colours. The pair comes from Italy, sized 36 through 41.

Two honest points. Beige suede is a dust collector and the fuchsia panel will not stay museum-clean if you wear the pair the way sneakers should be worn. Both clean up with a brush and mild soap, but if a pink flash or a bit of upkeep is not for you, look at the all-beige versions instead.