adidas Stan Smith

First look

The Stan Smith is adidas' low-profile tennis shoe from 1971, and the template for the minimalist white sneaker: a plain white upper, three rows of perforations in place of printed stripes, and a green heel tab and tongue logo. The current Canadian version, Cloud White / Core White / Green (M20324), is CA$130 at adidas Canada, JD Sports Canada and Foot Locker Canada. adidas Canada lists a synthetic leather upper, a textile lining, an OrthoLite sockliner and a rubber cupsole; it doesn't label the shoe vegan.

It suits almost anyone who wants one white sneaker for jeans, chinos, office-casual outfits and dresses. Sizing is unisex on adidas Canada, from M 3.5 / W 4.5 up to M 21 / W 22, which covers very small and very large feet, and adidas says it fits true to size. Kids' versions sell for CA$100 and less.

For a Canadian winter, treat it as a cold, dry-day shoe. A smooth upper and a stitched rubber cupsole cope with a wet sidewalk better than canvas or suede, but the shoe isn't waterproof and the low collar lets slush in. Wipe salt off soon after it dries; a smooth upper is one of the easier white materials to clean. Our picks are based on construction, materials, price and availability in Canada; hands-on Lab results are being added as each pair finishes testing.