It might sound a bit exaggerated, but Alexander Smith is one of those brands that hardly anyone in Poland had heard of just a year ago—and today, it’s increasingly mentioned in conversations about premium sneakers. Why?
Because it offers something people bored with ubiquitous Nike and Adidas are looking for: British style, Italian craftsmanship, and the “quiet luxury” segment. In other words: elegant sneakers that don’t scream for attention, but you can feel the quality. The brand targets those who want casual shoes for everyday wear, but aren’t willing to compromise on craftsmanship.
Why is there so much buzz about Alexander Smith today?
It’s a relatively young brand (launched in the early 21st century), but from the start it focused on a niche: premium sneakers handcrafted in Italy, using materials typically reserved for classic formal shoes. The concept is born in the UK, while production takes place in traditional shoemaking workshops in northern Italy. The result? The shoes look like regular sneakers, but you can feel the difference the moment you hold them.
In Poland, the brand is only just gaining popularity, mainly among fans of “quiet luxury” and those seeking an alternative to big corporations. Later in this article, we’ll take a closer look at the brand’s history, examine what sets it apart in terms of quality, who these shoes are made for, and—most importantly—where to buy them in Poland. But let’s start at the beginning: how Alexander Smith came to be.
History and philosophy of the Alexander Smith brand
Alexander Smith was founded in 2012 in London, but from the very first sketches, the founder—a British entrepreneur who remains anonymous to this day—knew one thing: production had to take place in Italy. It wasn’t about marketing, but about genuine craftsmanship. Family-run workshops in the Venice region became the heart of the brand, blending British vision with Italian know-how.
From London to Venice: a brief brand timeline
Main stages? They look like this:
- 2012 – founded in London, production launched in Italy
- 2012-2021 – expansion in Western Europe (Italy, France, UK)
- 2022 – debut on the Polish market
- 2023–present – strengthening online sales and brand recognition in the region
The brand consistently avoids mass distribution. Instead of hundreds of stores, it relies on a small network of partners and its own platform.
Slow fashion and a passion for craftsmanship in the brand’s DNA
Alexander Smith produces small batches, relying on local artisans rather than an assembly line. This aligns with the slow fashion philosophy—you buy less often, but you buy better. Instead of a celebrity designer’s name, the brand promotes craftsmanship and Italian shoemaking tradition.
Fun fact: Due to its British-sounding name, Alexander Smith is often mistaken for Polish brands or brands from the USA. In reality, it’s a British-Italian project, where the founder’s anonymity is meant to emphasize that the product matters more than a celebrity persona. This very approach—craftsmanship over media hype—attracts customers who are looking for something beyond just a logo.
What types of shoes does Alexander Smith offer? Models, design, materials
Alexander Smith doesn’t run dozens of lines—he focuses on what he does best: premium unisex sneakers. You’ll mainly find low and high-top models here (AS Low, AS High), perfect for everyday wear or less formal business looks. Nothing extravagant—just solid, well-thought-out design from laces to sole.
Design in the spirit of quiet luxury
Color palette? As understated as a British gentleman—white, black, beige, and navy are classics, but newer collections add khaki or olive for a twist. Details are subtle: perforations on the upper, metal eyelets, sometimes inserts from more exotic leathers (but nothing over the top). These aren’t shoes that shout “look at me”—they simply know, period.
Materials and construction from the sole up
Here, the brand keeps it simple. 100% premium natural calfskin on the outside, suede in selected models, high-quality rubber soles with decent cushioning. Inside, a leather lining plus insoles with an orthopedic profile—you can really feel the difference after a few hours of walking.
Key features at a glance:
| Model | Upper type | Height | Color palette | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS Low | Low | ~3 cm | White, black, beige | Everyday, smart casual |
| AS High | Average | ~8 cm | Navy blue, khaki, black | Casual+, cooler days |
- Weight: approx. 400-500 g per shoe (lighter than you’d expect from leather)
- Durability: 2-3 years of intensive use without deformation
- Sizing: unisex EU 36-46
Interestingly, the design is so versatile that the fit works regardless of gender—all you need to know is your size. Now the question is: how much does it cost, and is it actually worth it?
Prices, quality, and who is Alexander Smith for?
How much do Alexander Smith shoes cost in Poland?
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth spending several hundred zlotys on sneakers that at first glance look “simply elegant”—well, that’s the million-dollar question. In Polish stores and multibrands, Alexander Smith typically costs 500-900 PLN per pair, depending on the model and current promotions. You also get a standard 2-year warranty —nothing extraordinary, but at least you’re formally covered.
Does the quality match the price?
Italian craftsmanship, small production runs, natural leather—it sounds great, but does it really feel that way? Owners of these shoes often point out that after 2-3 years of heavy use, the sneakers still look decent, though of course not brand new. One Warsaw stylist described this as “premium accessible luxury” —you’re not paying a thousand euros like for Common Projects or Axel Arigato, but you’re still stepping above the mass-market offerings from CCC.
“As comfortable as walking on a cloud” —that’s how one user described them on social media. But there are also some critics: for some, it’s simply “an expensive pair of sneakers,” especially if you’re not sure you’ll appreciate the subtle design and hand-finished details.
Who is this a good choice for?
If you value:
- subtle, timeless design (no flashy logos)
- all-day comfort (work, walk, dinner)
- above-season durability
- willingness to pay more for one pair instead of several cheaper ones
…then Alexander Smith makes sense. For those looking for striking, sporty styles with bold accents, it might not offer enough flash.
Where to buy Alexander Smith in Poland and how to choose the right model?
You already know that Alexander Smith is an intriguing option—but where can you actually find them, given that in Poland you won’t spot any monobrand boutiques with a shiny logo? Don’t worry—the brand has opted for a strategy of partnering with distributors and major e-commerce platforms, so the selection is genuinely impressive.
Key shopping destinations in Poland
Key platforms worth checking out:
| Store / platform | Offer characteristics |
|---|---|
| eobuwie.pl | Wide range of sizes, regular promotions, free delivery on orders over 250 PLN |
| Answear.com | Current collections, fast order fulfillment |
| Spartoo.pl | Frequent outlet promotions, older models at great prices |
| LuxuryProducts.pl | Premium selection, new arrivals from the collection |
| Fashion Showroom & Multibrand Sales Agency | Multibrand stationary showrooms (rare, but they do exist) |
Most of the offer is based online – here you’ll find the full range of sizes and models available. The lack of physical stores is a trade-off (it’s a bit of a shame you can’t touch the products before buying), but the platforms offer free returns, so the risk is virtually zero.
How to choose the perfect model?
When choosing, consider:
- How to wear them – low-tops are perfect for everyday wear, while high-tops add an edgy touch to more fashion-forward looks
- Wardrobe color palette – classic white, navy, and black are the foundation, but if you enjoy experimenting, go for styles with contrasting panels
- Occasion – smart casual for work? Pure minimalism. Weekend? Go bold with more expressive patterns.
The unisex sizing ranges from EU 36 to 46. Check the insole length in the size charts—customer reviews often mention whether the model runs narrower or wider. It’s worth reading these comments before you click “add to cart.”
Is Alexander Smith right for us? What’s next for this brand
Alexander Smith is a brand that blends British-Italian heritage with artisanal craftsmanship in the heart of Italy—a segment often referred to as “premium accessible luxury”. The brand’s unisex sneakers embody the philosophy of “buy less, but better,” though of course, this won’t be the obvious choice for everyone. Now is a good moment to bring together everything we know and consider whether this brand truly resonates with us.
Pros and cons of Alexander Smith at a glance
For:
- Craftsmanship quality – genuine leather, Italian workshops
- Everyday comfort
- Subtle, timeless design
- Durability lasting several seasons
Against:
- High price (800-1200 PLN)
- No monobrand boutiques in Poland
- It’s easy to confuse with other brands of a similar name
The brand’s future looks stable: online sales are growing by around +30% year-on-year, the SS/ 2025 and AW/2025 collections signal a stronger presence in CEE and first steps toward sustainable materials. It’s not a hype-driven brand, but it has its place in the wardrobe of a conscious consumer.
How to test this brand wisely?
It’s best to start with one versatile pair—white or navy low-tops will work with most outfits. Check online reviews, compare them with other premium sneakers (CP, Veja), and try them on in person if you can. And remember: buy less, but better —one solid pair is better than three average ones.
Soony SI
fashion & lifestyle editorial team
High Class Fashion