Summer Sneaks

Last summer I picked up a pair of Vans Authentics in white canvas. I have nothing bad to say about the shoe, but it lacked the support that I want in a tennis shoe. This is probably because I grew up in the Nike era of sneakers opposed to Chuck Taylors.
Tretorn NyLiteThis is summer I purchased a pair of Tretorn Nylites in natural canvas. This shoe has all the pedigree of a Trad sneaker such as being featured in the Official Preppy Handbook (however, they didn’t make Billax’s list), but with sleeker lines and more support than other plain canvas sneakers.

I only have a handful of wears in at this time, but so far so good. The price is right at $65 and they are widely available. However, I have heard that they aren’t what they used to be. To that I say, “What is?”
Tretorn Image

oxford cloth button down
Jerrod Swanton is a simple man interested in simple, classic, and traditional style.

8 Comments on "Summer Sneaks"

  1. YoungSoulRebel says:

    I’ve worn Tretorn nylites since 1987 and, yes, they “are not what they used to be” but I still love the way they look and feel. They are also a bit of an underdog (everyone from toddlers to punk rockers to teenage girls wear Converse and Vans) which I am always a fan of. Great summer shoes!

  2. Fred Wille says:

    I have had tretorns forever, but moved on about ten years ago to Jack Purcells and Stan Smiths. I missed them and while in NYC several months ago, I pounced on a pair of pure white canvas. I had a doozy of a time finding a purveyor. All the usual suspects did not carry them. I finally discovered them at Bloomingdales and I am very pleased to reacquaint.

  3. Erik says:

    Those are very cool. Now that I’m old, I don’t know how I spent so much of my youth walking in Converse Chuck Taylor’s. The Purcell’s are better, but still not engineered for that much more comfort. I think the classic New Balance might have the best level of comfort among pre-Jordan sneaker designs.

    Another cool trad sneaker is the Sperry Striper. They’re definitely more comfortable than a Taylor, but I don’t know how they compare to a Tretorn. They look a little bit like Keds, but have more structure in the sole and a touch of nautical flare. They’re my personal favorite, but I always retire them early because they can’t stay white.

  4. Lennart says:

    Hi Jerrod, I have worn Adidas Stan Smith since I was a teenager and got interested in what clothes I wore. I have also had Vans, they look good but my teenage Daughter says I can’t wear Vans any more since I am “over aged”… The Stan Smiths look great also and are IMHO more comfortable.

  5. Fred Johnson says:

    Ox,
    I wore converse all-stars throughout high school and college – for basketball only. Somehow, even then, all-stars did not strike me as a casual, messing around-jeans-chino sneaker so I took to Jack Purcells and have never looked back. I have an everyday pair in decent condition and a new-in the box pair when they eventually give out.

  6. Roger C. Russell II says:

    I would love to try a pair of Tretorns. However, I am a 7.5 E and this knocks me out of about every shoe mentioned except for New Balance. I was really excited that Adidias relaunched the Stan Smith which is one of the better shoes you mentioned as far as support goes. However, the leather is vastly different than it was back in the day. It was buttery soft,nnow it is thin and stiff. I suspect it is made out of water buffalo instead of cow.

    Roger C. Russell II

  7. Stephen says:

    Hi Jerrod,

    I am on my third pair in two years. I wear them to death. I think you got the best colorway. I have the white/white at the moment as my summer sneakers and I and missing the navy gull wing. I think the shoe needs that flash of colour. They are not low profile like Vans and Cons so seem less suitable to a single colour.

    Keep up the good work.

    Thank you,
    Stephen

  8. Tommy says:

    See I’ve become a Sperry CVO man, good support (for what they are), comfortable, classic looks, no big logo’s.

    I think they’d work for you Ox?

I would like to hear from you