The Pepe Jeans Brady in blue chambray is a warm-weather sneaker that works with little effort: jeans and a plain t-shirt are all it needs. Chambray, a lightweight cotton that looks like denim without the stiffness, gives the shoe a casual finish that pairs with almost anything. The style is now discounted by 31 percent.
The mid-blue colorway with a contrasting heel keeps things from feeling flat, and the low-profile bicolor sole adds just enough detail without height. A small logo on the toe cap is the only branding in sight. The design avoids anything seasonal, which means it will not look dated come September the way trend-driven sneakers often do.
What to wear them with
The source suggests three easy combinations: light-wash jeans with a plain white tee for everyday wear; beige chinos or linen shorts when the heat is at its worst; and cargo trousers with a thin sweatshirt for cooler evenings. When worn with dark denim, the contrasting heel breaks up what might otherwise look like head-to-toe denim.
Fit and care
The sneakers are comfortable from the first wear, with a rubber sole that cushions enough for a full day of walking and lace-up closure that allows adjustment across the instep. The stitching holds up better than cheaper cotton footwear tends to. One caveat on sizing: they run narrow, and anyone with a wide foot or on the border between two sizes is advised to go up half a size.
Cotton construction means they pick up dirt faster than synthetic alternatives and are not suited to rain or mud. On the upside, they wash easily and soften further with use. The current discount makes them a lower-risk buy for a sneaker that, worn enough, tends to become the pair grabbed without thinking on the way out the door.
