Adidas Handball Spezial Night Indigo

Indoors it looks black; in daylight it shows its blue. That is the suede on the Adidas Handball Spezial Night Indigo, a very dark midnight blue that works as an understated alternative to a black trainer. The cream stripes and contrast stitching outline the silhouette, and the gum sole adds warmth.

It is the Spezial as it came off the indoor courts: low cut, T-toe and nothing superfluous.

• Upper: premium suede with contrast stitching
• Colour: Night Indigo / Cream White / Cloud White
• Outsole: gum rubber
• Style code: IF7087

Thanks to its dark tone, it is one of the Spezials that fits most easily into a smart-casual work wardrobe: beige or grey chinos, a light blue Oxford shirt and a crew-neck jumper. At the weekend, light jeans with turn-ups to show the ankle, or navy joggers to match the suede. Avoid head-to-toe black on top, because it dulls the blue.

Brush the suede dry every few weeks to lift the nap and keep the colour even.