Hermes Jet Sneaker Men Suede Goatskin Marine Gris Orage H242925ZHI2390

Grey hides mileage better than any colour I have worn, and this marine and storm grey Jet has quietly become the pair I travel with most. The upper is suede goatskin throughout, so there is no smooth panel asking for polish, just brushed navy across the vamp running into a darker grey.

Sole height is 2.2 cm: a honey rubber outsole, a white rubber midsole and a dark natural leather welt that keeps the profile looking finished after a season of pavements. Made in Italy, with sizes running 40 through 46.

Storm grey lambskin lines the insole and the inner shoe, which is why these wear in almost from the first walk. A second pair of laces is included, a small thing but a useful one on a trip. The retro feel comes from the side panels and the H detail rather than from loud branding.

Two notes from living with them. Suede goatskin does not enjoy a downpour, since rain spots dry into faint rings if left alone, so I brush mine the same evening and use a protector spray. And the navy will lighten toward slate over a year or so; I like the shift, but this is not the shoe for someone who wants the original shade frozen in place.

Where they earn their keep is on trips: one pair that handles jeans, shorts and a linen jacket in the same week, and a colour that forgives a dusty pavement.