The Whiteness of Their Soles

L to R: Saint Laurent ($575), Tretorn Nylite ($65),
Common Projects Achilles($400),
Adidas Stan Smith ($75),
Converse ($50) (WSJ photo)

Your humble observer never had the je ne sais quoi to wear white sneakers [memo to the great unwashed: white sneakers are not the same as white running shoes].

A missed opportunity occurred when I lived in the Islands, where white shoes matched well with certain aloha attire. But living is all about second chances; now may be the time to lighten the lower extremities. White sneakers are back:

Ubiquitous during the spring 2015 European menswear runway shows currently under way, the shoe has vaulted beyond its classic reputation to become a coveted high-fashion status symbol.

The risk is low, because attractive shoes can be had for less than $100. In life, and especially with white sneakers, I just have to watch where I step.