Converse

The plimsoll or sandshoe style of shoe with a canvas upper and rubber sole is a basic and a classic. To me, it doesn’t matter if they’re Converse or Vans (and Nina lists both in her One Hundred) or Keds or Bodens or Dunlop Volleys. These sorts of sneakers will see you just about everywhere you don’t need heels.

Personally, I like Dunlop Volleys. They are a basic, basic shoe, are cheap enough to destroy without crying about it (and, after all, I AM the Despair of Shoes), they can be washed by throwing them in the washing machine, the white ones can be “customised” by colouring them in with whatever design you like, they’re bringing out printed and patent versions, and they’re just about everywhere. Their tread is also pretty impressive – finely zigzagged, it has a grip like a gorilla. If you are so inclined, you can walk across zincalume roofs with no fear of slipping. For that same reason, they’re also pretty handy on boats.

One tip for buying Volleys: in the classic Volley (not the Gelato line), the women’s sizes typically come in bright pink trim. If you don’t want pink (and I haven’t worn bright pink since I was 3 years old), I really haven’t found any difference in the last (or fit) of the shoe between men’s, women’s or youths’. The “youth” Volleys come in blue trim, and are about half the price of the women’s. You just need to figure out your size. Win-win!

EDIT: Volleys have hit NYC!

And just for fun: