keep your white sneakers clean

The Palestra RESTOCK we’ve been waiting for

Save $60 off with the code: KAT60

The M. Gemi Palestra Sneaker

Sneakers are crazy expensive right now (insert all the designer dad shoes). Sure, there are still a ton of great options on the lower end, but more and more, it’s become “normal” to spot a pair of six, seven, even eight hundred dollar kicks when scrolling Instagram…hell I’m guilty of it here.

But when it comes to shopping for sneakers (especially a classic everyday white sneaker) my goal was to find a pair of sneakers that look expensive but don’t require a small business loan to pay for -> Enter the M. Gemi Palestra Sneaker. Now I ‘ve been wearing heels from M. Gemi for years. The Cammeo classic pointy-toe pump is on constantly on repeat in my wardrobe thanks to its classic design, comfort, and approachable price point, so I was already a fan of the brand when my sneakers arrived.

My Palestra sneakers arrived last week and in less than seven days I have really put them through the wringer. From a third date walking ALL around San Francisco to a food photoshoot that involved me balancing on a chair the Palestra sneakers survived and kept me looking cool and comfortable. I even spilled some food on them mid-photo shoot and was able to quickly wipe them clean with a napkin. With its clean lines and minimalist style—this sneaker is truly elevated. I would honestly compare them to my $400 Original Achilles leather sneakers from Common Projects, but slightly more comfortable. You can also easily get away with pairing these sneakers with dressed-up pieces or leather leggings.

Seven days into owning these sneakers I give them two thumbs up and recommend them to anyone in the market for a quality white leather sneaker.

How can M.Gemi afford to make shoes this good at such a reasonable price? Well, like lots of new fashion brands that were born in the tech era, M.Gemi sells its shoes directly to consumers instead of third-party retailers. In other words, if they did things the old school way, you could expect these sneakers to retail for at least $600. Now, look—we know nothing can beat the real thing, and sometimes a $900 splurge on sneakers is just what the soul needs. Point is, these M.Gemi sneakers will still get you all the compliments of a shoe that’s a lot more expensive.

The M. Gemi Palestra Sneaker

Details: Tumbled leather upper, soft gold eyelets, white cotton laces, leather lining with a rubber bottom. Made by hand in Marche, Italy.

Fit Tip: A super-comfy, easy fit. Readily accommodates a wider foot. Those with narrower feet may wish to go down a half size.

I am a true Italian size 38/US size 8 and on the average to narrow side and ordered true to size. I have a little bit of extra room but feel that a size 37.5/7.5 would be too small. My recommendation would be to order true to size unless your foot is really really narrow.

Shop the Palestra Sneaker with the code: Kat60 for $60 off (the code works on any M. Gemi shoe)

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