Wathba High-Top

A high-top on the court last, the collar padded just enough to sit above the ankle bone rather than on it. Pebbled calf instead of canvas, because the fold at the collar is where a canvas high-top dies first.

Canvas or full-grain upper, unbleached drill lining, gum rubber cured onto the shoe rather than glued to it.

Cold water and a soft brush, nothing warmer. The gum ambers in daylight; that is the rubber ageing, not dirt, and it does not come back out.

Two days within Palestine and Jordan, five to the Gulf. Returns are free and collected from the door.