In the summer there is nothing quite like a well worn pair of canvas sneakers.  Preferably in white or some other equally light tone, canvas shoes have been favored by summer lovers for years.  They were a staple of tennis attire as well as a must have on and around New Englands docks and there was nothing better to bring to summer camp.  No need for socks, just some perfectly tanned ankles and a pair that fit just right.

I have had a love for canvas since I was little.  My dad played tennis and wore through at least one pair of Nylites and I ran through more Vans then I can count.  With everyone online talking about which is best and who should wear what I decided its the right time for another round up SO, here are my recommendations.

…and before you say it.  I don’t like converse, never have, never will.  They may look good but, at least for me, they are really uncomfortable especially sans socks.

Tretorn Nylites   $45… born in Sweden in 1967 the Nylites are regarded as the first luxury tennis shoe.  They were sported by tennis great Björn Borg in the 70’s and even immortalized in The Official Preppy Handbook in the ’80s

Feiyue Classics  $30… developed in Shanghai, China in the 1920’s Feiyue or Fly Forward in Mandarin was the most popular athletic shoe in China through the 1980’s.  Feiyue expanded with a French arm in 2005

PRO-Keds Royal Lo’s  $50… originally released in 1949 as the beginning of an athletic footwear line by Keds, the Royal’s were endorsed by NBA greats and Hip Hop royalty alike

Volley O.C  $80…. produced by Dunlop Australia in 1959 the Volley O.C. (Orthopaedically Correct) which was developed as a tennis shoe for Australian pro Adrian Quist became a main stay of Australian innovation and was worn by children, military, laborers and sports pros alike.  Volley will be suppling shoes for the Australian Olympic team for the 2012 London Summer Olympics

see the US site here—> volleyshoeco.com

Vans Authentic’s  $45… created by the Van Doren brothers in 1966 in Southern California the Vans Authentics became a symbol of west coast American style and laid back beach attitude

Every country at one time had their brand.  These are just a few that have the heritage and some nice simple kicks out now.  Also check out Gola and Umbro from the UK, Fila, Diadora and Superga from Italy, Spring Court from France, Adidas and Puma from Germany, and Onitsuka Tiger (ASICS) from Japan.

Moral of the story is… get yourself some white sneakers and make sure they don’t stay white for long.  Like everything I talk about on here, they are not meant to be baby’d they are meant to be worn hard till they fall off.  You can find a pair pretty cheap so, wear the hell out of ‘em and get a new pair next season.