You've stumbled on a pair of K-Swiss in a second-hand shop and you're not sure? We get it: there's a fine line between nostalgia and a nagging doubt about the fit. Here's what's worth knowing before you try them on.

Two Swiss brothers, keen tennis players, newly settled in California, launched the brand in 1966. Their Classic, which the brand bills as the first all-leather tennis shoe, set the template: a one-piece rubber sole, five side stripes and D-ring lacing. International players took to it, and the street followed.

Over here, you'll mostly come across the brand at multi-brand stockists and online rather than in its own shops. You'll see it in a low-top silhouette, clean lines, leather that ages beautifully. It works as easily with raw denim as with wide-leg trousers, and slips effortlessly into an all-monochrome look — honestly, that's its strength.

The trick that changes everything: try them on at the end of the day, when your feet are a little swollen, and check the heel counter isn't rubbing your heel.

On materials, we won't spin you a yarn: leather remains the most hard-wearing choice here, but no certified alternative really stands out from the brand. The most honest compromise is second-hand or end-of-line pairs online. A good find style-wise, then, as long as you can live with that small eco caveat.

Close-up of low-top white leather trainers worn with rolled-up raw denim jeans

Budget

Expect to pay roughly £60 to £105 for a leather pair, £45 to £80 in canvas. The range depends on the material, the channel — the brand's own site, a multi-brand stockist, second-hand — and the time of year.

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