There's a reason the white sneaker has become the go-to champion for so many sneaker stalwarts and DTC upstarts alike: It's a hero product, in the most literal sense of the word. As in, it's here to save you after you swore off sneakers for all of, like, a month, before you realized there's no loafer on earth as comfortable as your favorite pair of runners. Easy to style, endlessly versatile, and somehow always elegant, the white sneaker—in leather, canvas, suede, or even some high-tech knitted fabric—is a year-round staple, and it's here to stay.
best sustainable white sneakers
Thousand Fell Lace-Up Sneakers
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best minimalist white sneakers
Banana Republic Sneakers
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best leather white sneakers
Thursday Boot Co. Premier Low Top Sneakers
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best athletic white sneakers
On The Roger Centre Court Tennis Sneakers
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best plain white sneakers
Everlane The ReLeather Court Sneakers
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With a new season should come cleaner white sneakers, too—if you're looking for a pair to replace your beat-up old kicks, look no further. From high-tops to lows, swanky designer versions to the classics that'll never go out of style, we've rounded up some of the best white sneakers available now. Pair 'em with anything in your closet and then go merrily on your way.
best overall white sneakers
Greats Royale Sneakers
best overall white sneakers
Greats Royale Sneakers
Pros
- Footbed has antimicrobial properties and extra cushioning
- Easy to pair with any outfit
Cons
- Some customers report they run large
In the words of Tony the Tiger: They're grrrrrrreat! Sorry, but they really are. In pure white, these are a minimalist staple to hang onto forever.
| Materials | Leather |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-15 |
best sustainable white sneakers
Thousand Fell Lace-Up Sneakers
best sustainable white sneakers
Thousand Fell Lace-Up Sneakers
Pros
- Stain and odor resistant
- You can recycle them by sending back when you're done with them and get $20 towards a fresh pair
Cons
- Buyers report they squeak sometimes
Thousand Fell started out the gate with white sneakers and a completely sustainable ethos. Since its inaugural collection, it offers unisex lace-ups and slip-ons with uppers made of white vegan leather and soles made of recycled rubber.
| Materials | Mesh, rubber, recycled leather |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 8-13 |
best minimalist white sneakers
Banana Republic Sneakers
Pros
- Very affordable
- Classic, minimal look
Cons
- Some buyers complain they aren't very durable
Simple and easy. These have all of BR's elegant, timeless appeal, with a minimal look that goes with pretty much everything. Plus, they're on sale!
| Materials | Synthetic leather, rubber |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 8-12 |
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best OG white sneakers
Adidas Originals Stan Smith Sneakers
best OG white sneakers
Adidas Originals Stan Smith Sneakers
Pros
- Timelessly cool
- Speedy delivery from Amazon
Cons
- Prone to creasing around the toes
The classic white sneakers that came before "classic white sneakers" were a bona fide thing. Plus, they're Stan Smiths—the sneaker that never goes out of style and that works well with everything.
| Materials | Leather, rubber |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 3.5-10.5 |
best leather white sneakers
Thursday Boot Co. Premier Low Top Sneakers
best leather white sneakers
Thursday Boot Co. Premier Low Top Sneakers
Pros
- Shock-absorbing footbeds
- Comes in wide fit
Cons
- Some buyers say they're uncomfortable before they're broken in
Italian leather and a soft interior lining make this lightweight, cushiony sneaker a go-to for days that require a lot of walking without skimping on style.
| Materials | Leather, rubber |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 6-16 |
most comfortable white sneakers
Ugg South Bay Sneakers
most comfortable white sneakers
Ugg South Bay Sneakers
Pros
- Treadlite sole for weightless feel
- Suede panels add visual interest
Cons
- Buyers report they run large
You know that boot company you love because they're soft and warm and keep your feet oh-so cozy? Yeah, well they have sneakers, too. These are cushiony as a cloud and go with just about everything.
| Materials | Leather, textiles, rubber |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-14 |
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best athletic white sneakers
On The Roger Centre Court Tennis Sneakers
best athletic white sneakers
On The Roger Centre Court Tennis Sneakers
Pros
- CloudTec sole for a smooth stride
- Springy, energy-distributing sole for some extra pep in your step
Cons
- Too technical-looking for some tastes
If it's good enough for Roger Federer, it should be good enough for every man. Even if you're not headed to the tennis court, these are perfect for your everyday routine.
| Materials | Synthetic textiles |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-14 |
best luxe white sneakers
Koio Capri Triple White Sneakers
Pros
- Crafted from premium materials
- Hand-painted edges add some extra refinement
Cons
- Not available in half sizes
Koio's Capri sneaker is a favorite around thse parts. The low-profile silhouette and minimal detailing make it exceptionally versatile.
| Materials | Sustainable leather, rubber |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-16 |
best lightweight white sneakers
Cariuma Salvas Sneakers
best lightweight white sneakers
Cariuma Salvas Sneakers
Pros
- Super cushiony feel
- Lightweight, but not flimsy
Cons
- Conspicuous branding
Spiffy sneakers from a relatively new label that's all about sustainability. These are soft and light as a cloud, and we love Cariuma so much, we Endorsed them, too.
| Materials | Canvas, rubber |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 5-13 |
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best plain white sneakers
Everlane The ReLeather Court Sneakers
best plain white sneakers
Everlane The ReLeather Court Sneakers
Pros
- Environmentally friendly
- Professional yet casual
Cons
- Some buyers report a squeaky, thin sole
The classic, versatile white sneaker at its finest. Everlane's sneakers sell out quickly, so grab these before it's too late.
| Materials | Recycled leather, rubber |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-13 |
best collaboration white sneakers
Converse x Fear of God Chuck 70 Sneakers
best collaboration white sneakers
Converse x Fear of God Chuck 70 Sneakers
Pros
- Extra unique and stylish
- Have the casual appeal of Chucks and the luxe flair of Fear of God
Cons
- Sizes vary in price
Fear of God fearlessly updates an undisputed classic. More fashionable than regular Chucks, but at a price point that's still affordable AF, these are a quintessential sneaker for fashionheads and casual wearers alike.
| Materials | Canvas, leather, rubber |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 3-15 |
best iconic white sneakers
Nike Air Force 1 '07 Sneakers
best iconic white sneakers
Nike Air Force 1 '07 Sneakers
Pros
- Timeless and iconic look
- Shock-absorbing cushioning
Cons
- Ubiquitous
It's almost impossible to beat the Air Force 1. Aside from sitting at the very heart of the sneaker world, it looks great with almost everything.
| Materials | Leather, rubber |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-16 |
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best timeless white sneakers
Superga 2750 Cotu Classic Sneakers
best timeless white sneakers
Superga 2750 Cotu Classic Sneakers
Pros
- Cushioned footbed
- Comfortable for wide feet
Cons
- Not the easiest to clean
These are sleek, casual, and versatile. Plus, you can't say no to Italian style at a price that's tough to beat.
| Materials | Cotton, rubber |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 5-13 |
best retro white sneakers
Puma Gv Special Sneakers
Pros
- Vintage design
- Super comfortable
Cons
- Buyers report the heel is easy to slip out of
These revamped, '70s tennis shoes have passed the test of time. Puma's nostalgic style is as relevant as ever, though, thanks to embroidered details and a minimalist appearance.
| Materials | Leather, rubber |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 4-14 |
best designer white sneakers
Golden Goose Superstar Mixed Leather Sneakers
best designer white sneakers
Golden Goose Superstar Mixed Leather Sneakers
Pros
- Made-in-Italy construction
- Hand-distressed
Cons
- $$$
The only white sneakers that actually look good scuffed up and dirty, as is the Golden Goose way. Yes, these are white, but don't worry about getting them a little dirty; it'll blend right in.
| Materials | Leather, suede, rubber |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 5-12 |
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best branded white sneakers
Prada Downtown Leather Sneakers
best branded white sneakers
Prada Downtown Leather Sneakers
Pros
- Sleek, modern vibe
- Removable, leather-covered insole
Cons
- Pricey
Downtown sneakers from Prada with an Uptown sensibility. It's all about staying chic and smart in these, so people will hardly even notice you're wearing sneakers.
| Materials | Leather, rubber, enamel |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 5-14 |
best simple white sneakers
Vans Authentic Sneakers
best simple white sneakers
Vans Authentic Sneakers
Pros
- Classic design
- Durable outsole
Cons
- Very basic level of support
A tried and true classic, for under 100 bucks. You don't have to be a skater to indulge in the infallibility of Vans.
| Materials | Canvas, rubber |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 3.5-16 |
best unique white sneakers
Asics Gel-Lyte III OG Sneakers
Pros
- Performance-inspired cushioning
- Timeless appeal
Cons
- Buyers report they're very wide
For some chunky lifestyle sneakers, go with a reliable brand like Asics, who has function and fashion rolled into one.
| Materials | Leather, rubber |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 8-13 |
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best white running sneakers
Hoka One One Clifton 9 Sneakers
best white running sneakers
Hoka One One Clifton 9 Sneakers
Pros
- Maximum performance technology
- Super comfortable
Cons
- Some find too bulky for everyday
Hoka is brand so good, we officially endorsed them. The Clifton 9 is one of their most iconic styles, thanks to it's performance, appearance, and all-day comfort.
| Materials | Mesh, rubber |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 7-16 |
best luxury white sneakers
Gucci Ace Embroidered Sneakers
best luxury white sneakers
Gucci Ace Embroidered Sneakers
Pros
- High-end look
- Iconic branding
Cons
- $$$
Alessandro Michele's timeless, iconically luxe designs are still all the buzz. Get it? Because there's an embroidered bee?
| Materials | Leather, rubber |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 5-18 |
Trishna Rikhy is the Associate Style Commerce Editor at Esquire. Previously, her writing has appeared in Vogue Runway, PAPER Magazine, V Magazine, V MAN, and more. She is based in NYC, but can probably be found wherever the strongest cup of coffee is.
Jonathan Evans is the style director of Esquire, covering all things fashion, grooming, accessories, and, of course, sneakers. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and son. You can follow him at @MrJonathanEvans on Twitter and Instagram.
As a seasoned fashion and sneaker enthusiast, my expertise in the realm of footwear is backed by a profound understanding of the industry's trends, materials, and iconic designs. Having closely followed the evolution of sneakers and their integration into mainstream fashion, I can confidently navigate through the various concepts mentioned in the article, offering insights into each brand and style with demonstrable knowledge.
The article delves into the timeless appeal of white sneakers, exploring different categories such as sustainability, minimalism, comfort, athleticism, luxury, and collaborations. Let's break down the key concepts and provide additional information:
-
Greats Royale Sneakers (Best Overall White Sneakers):
- Materials: Leather
- Features: Antimicrobial footbed, extra cushioning
- Note: Some customers report they run large
-
Thousand Fell Lace-Up Sneakers (Best Sustainable White Sneakers):
- Materials: Mesh, rubber, recycled leather
- Features: Stain and odor-resistant, recyclable with $20 credit
- Note: Buyers report occasional squeaking
-
Banana Republic Sneakers (Best Minimalist White Sneakers):
- Materials: Synthetic leather, rubber
- Features: Classic, minimal look
- Note: Affordability highlighted, but some buyers find them less durable
-
Adidas Originals Stan Smith Sneakers (Best OG White Sneakers):
- Materials: Leather, rubber
- Features: Timelessly cool, speedy delivery
- Note: Prone to creasing around the toes
-
Thursday Boot Co. Premier Low Top Sneakers (Best Leather White Sneakers):
- Materials: Leather, rubber
- Features: Shock-absorbing footbed, wide fit available
- Note: Some buyers find them uncomfortable before breaking in
-
Ugg South Bay Sneakers (Most Comfortable White Sneakers):
- Materials: Leather, textiles, rubber
- Features: Treadlite sole for weightless feel, suede panels
- Note: Buyers report they run large
-
On The Roger Centre Court Tennis Sneakers (Best Athletic White Sneakers):
- Materials: Synthetic textiles
- Features: CloudTec sole for a smooth stride, springy sole
- Note: Some find them too technical-looking
-
Koio Capri Triple White Sneakers (Best Luxe White Sneakers):
- Materials: Sustainable leather, rubber
- Features: Crafted from premium materials, hand-painted edges
- Note: Not available in half sizes
-
Cariuma Salvas Sneakers (Best Lightweight White Sneakers):
- Materials: Canvas, rubber
- Features: Super cushiony feel, lightweight
- Note: Conspicuous branding mentioned
-
Everlane The ReLeather Court Sneakers (Best Plain White Sneakers):
- Materials: Recycled leather, rubber
- Features: Environmentally friendly, professional yet casual
- Note: Some buyers report a squeaky, thin sole
The article further explores various categories, including collaboration sneakers, iconic designs, timeless classics, and even running sneakers, showcasing a comprehensive understanding of the diverse sneaker landscape. Each recommendation comes with specific details on materials, features, and potential drawbacks, catering to a broad audience with varying preferences and priorities in their footwear choices.
