Hermes Jet Sneaker Men Technical Canvas Suede Goatskin Vert Forêt Blanc H242923ZH4N390

Canvas is the part of a summer sneaker that people forget to think about, so let me start there. The Jet in forest green and white wraps the upper in technical canvas with suede goatskin overlays at the toe and heel. The result is a shoe that breathes on a warm afternoon and still holds its shape instead of collapsing over the toes.

The sole height comes in at 0.9 inch, honey rubber under a white midsole with a dark natural leather welt, which is enough cushioning for a long day of walking without turning into a chunky trainer. Made in Italy, sizes 40 to 46, and the contrast between green canvas and white trim is what makes the shape read as retro.

White lambskin lines both the insole and the inner walls; lambskin is soft and warms to the foot inside an hour of the first wear. I give the laces a double knot on long days, and a spare set comes in the box for when the first pair goes grey.

Here is the trade-off. Canvas itself cleans up with a damp cloth and a little mild soap, but the suede overlays do not want the same treatment, because water is what suede hates most. Keep the brushing to the suede and the washing to the canvas. Expect the green to soften slightly at the crease points near the toe, which for me reads as honest wear rather than damage.