Canvas sneakers: when to wear them and how to keep them clean

Canvas sneakers are the lightest, coolest and most casual sneakers you can own, which makes them right for weekends, beach events and festivals in Accra's heat. They're less smart and less durable than leather, and they show dust and stains faster, so treat them as your relaxed pair rather than your everyday one.

When are canvas sneakers the right choice?

• Beach parties and holidays. See what to wear to a beach party in Ghana.
• Hot weekends with shorts.
• Day festivals, in darker colours.

When should I wear leather instead?

For smart casual events, the office, rainy season and dusty harmattan days. See suede vs leather sneakers and rainy season shoes.

What do I wear with canvas sneakers?

Shorts, linen trousers, cropped chinos and relaxed jeans, with tees, polos and linen shirts. Low-tops suit shorts; high-tops suit jeans. Use no-show socks with shorts.

How do I clean canvas sneakers?

1. Remove laces and knock off dirt.
2. Dry brush to remove dust.
3. Scrub with a soft brush, warm water and mild soap.
4. Rinse with a damp cloth.
5. Stuff with paper and dry in the shade.

Avoid bleach on coloured canvas and avoid machine washing, which weakens the glue.

How do I protect them?

Spray with a water and stain protector when new. It makes dust and spills much easier to remove.

Which colours are easiest?

Off-white, navy, black and olive hide dust better than bright white. See best sneaker colours for matching everything.

Questions

Are canvas sneakers good for walking all day?

They're light but usually have less cushioning. For long days, choose retro runners.

Do canvas sneakers smell faster?

They breathe well but absorb sweat. Rotate and air them. See how to stop sneaker odour.

Do you sell canvas sneakers?

Our shop shows what's in stock. Our sneakers are high-quality replicas of popular designs, and every product page says so.