Men's and women's sneakers

Serge Blanco, Asics, Nike: three approaches to trainers

The Serge Blanco trainers extend the casual chic style of the brand founded by the former Biarritz player: the Chamonix in canvas, with laces and speckled sole, along with its sisters Val d'Isère, La Vernaz, or La Durance, named after the Alps, are suitable for city wear. The Asics rely on GEL, a silicone-based cushioning launched in 1986 on a running shoe: the GEL-NYC and the Gel-Quantum bring this comfort to daily walking. At Nike, the Air Monarch, introduced in 2003, features a robust leather silhouette with full-length Air cushioning, while the V5 RNR, lighter in weight, takes inspiration from running shoes.

The brands

Sneakers come in various brands:

• Serge Blanco.

All things lifestyle are gathered on the lifestyle page.

Leather, canvas, or mesh: which upper for what use

The upper part of the trainer determines its performance. The leather, like that of the Air Monarch, protects against light rain, ages beautifully, and maintains its shape for years, but breathes less. The canvas used for the Chamonix or the Victoria shoes is light and fresh, perfect from spring to late summer, but it is sensitive to water and gets dirty quickly. The mesh, a synthetic open weave found in models inspired by running, like the Asics, allows the foot to breathe during long walks. For winter stands, leather remains the safest choice; for summer in the city, canvas or mesh are ideal.

Adult and child sizes: getting your sneakers fitting right

You measure your foot at the end of the day, when it is slightly swollen, with your heel against a wall, and add about a centimetre of margin before checking the brand's size chart: the equivalents vary between European, American, and British sizes. For children, like with the Gel-Quantum Lyte in junior size, you check the size every three to four months and leave a growth margin of about a centimetre, without excess that might cause tripping. Leather models can be cleaned with a damp cloth and treated with a clear balm; canvas requires brushing and soapy water; no sneakers go in the dryer.

The best deals

Good deals can be found in the promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections. Items shipped within 24 hours are prepared and dispatched in 24 hours. The key events of the year follow a stable order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by the summer sales and back to school.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GEL cushioning in Asics?

A silicone-based cushion located in the sole, at the heel and sometimes at the front of the foot, which absorbs shocks and reduces vibrations with each step. Introduced in 1986, it is used in running models as well as city trainers from the brand.

Are Serge Blanco trainers comfortable for walking?

Yes, for urban use: their soft sole and canvas upper are suitable for city days. For long walks lasting several hours, a model with enhanced cushioning, inspired by running, is less tiring for the foot.

How do you clean canvas trainers?

Once the laces are removed, dust the canvas dry, then rub with a soft brush soaked in warm soapy water. They should then air dry, away from a radiator, stuffed with paper to maintain their shape.

Can running trainers be worn daily?

Yes, their cushioning makes them comfortable for walking all day, whether in the city or travelling. Lifestyle versions, like the GEL-NYC, use this technology with a more urban design and a less performance-oriented sole.

What sneakers should you wear to the stadium in winter?

A leather model with a thick sole keeps your feet dry in damp aisles and provides some insulation from the cold concrete. It's better to avoid canvas and mesh, which let water in at the first shower.