Why Every Man Should Have a Pair of White Shoes in His Wardrobe (2024)

We’re in the thick of preppy this summer, with a plethora of styles—in color, cut and spirit—looking to New England for inspiration. This new age of Ivy Style is a prime time to venture into the wide world of white shoes. And we don’t mean sneakers—real, proper shoes.

If you shy away at the thought, you’re not alone; for some misguided reason, otherwise adventurous guys avoid white shoes as if they’re Mukluks or Crocs. But consider the list of menswear luminaries with a penchant for colorless footwear: Fred Astaire, James Brown, Tom Wolfe, David Bowie, Errol Flynn, the Aga Khan. These great men have proven that white shoes are a sartorial power move. And while it’s easy to imagine yourself coming off whimsical or contrived, know that white shoes have been a part of American fashion for a very, very long time.

Bucks are a recommended gateway into white-shoe territory. Named for their nubuck leather construction—a buffed calfskin that has the velvety texture of suede but the hardiness of standard leather—white bucks were once an Ivy League staple, favored by 1950s college kids and rocked by doo-woppers like Pat Boone (also known as “The Kid in the White Bucks”). In 2020, they’ve shaken the goody-good attitude and go well with everything from selvage denim to seersucker.

Why Every Man Should Have a Pair of White Shoes in His Wardrobe (1)

Alden white bucks, $573Alden

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Writer David Coggins is such a fan, he put a pair on the cover of his bestselling book Men and Style. It wasn’t always that way, though. As Coggins tells us: “I was originally intimidated by my first pair of white bucks,” but after a few weeks, “I couldn’t imagine my life without them.”

“I think men are understandably reluctant to wear shoes that seem blazingly white,” he adds.“ It takes a sense of fearlessness at first. They look immaculate and impressive, but they truly ascend to white buck heaven when they get dirty and become your own.” Like a waxed Barbour jacket, half the fun of owning white shoes are the beats, blemishes and imperfections, which Coggins calls “sartorial scars.” His own, the Aldens on the cover of Men and Style, “are now destroyed and decidedly gray!”

You can follow Coggins’ lead and buy yours from New England’s Alden, who do a definitive white buck as well as a summery unlined version in collaboration with Todd Snyder. The inimitable Mark McNairy has a handsome brick red-soled version in his spring collection and, for a stronger nod to the clubhouse, Church’s offers a rakish white suede penny loafer—a close cousin of the buck.

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Church’s white suede ‘Pembrey’ loafers, $650Church's

It’s also worth considering the white dance shoe this summer. These slim, low-rise oxfords rose in popularity during the dandyish Jazz Age and were favored by Fred Astaire, as the color helped audiences follow the dancer’s footwork. Because of their sleek profile, dance shoes look best when paired with wider cut pants. Like an ultrathin dress watch, the contrast in proportion balances the delicate nature of the shoe and gives them a stronger presence.

“That super minimal aesthetic makes [dance shoes] easy to style across several different looks, too,” says Mark Higgs, brand manager at England’s Crown Northampton, which has an artfully crafted whole-cut pair in its robust ‘Jazz’ collection. “Over the past few decades, the range has gained a loyal fan base, especially in Japan,” where much of the recent Ivy Style revival owes some of its momentum.

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Repetto ‘Zizi’ oxfords, $410Repetto

For the most pedigreed iteration, look to the Parisian house of Repetto, which has been outfitting actual dancers since 1947. Their white ‘Zizi’ model has long struck a note with rockstars from Mick Jagger to Mark Ronson and, most famously, the Gallic crooner Serge Gainsbourg. When once asked by a French journalist how many pairs of the shoes he owned, Gainsbourg replied: “Repetto à perpète [forever Repetto].”

That’s what the white shoe does. Like the re-discovered Fun Shirt, they’re a playful—yet wearable—style that inspires one to be a bit more open-minded when it comes to matters of dress. As evidenced by the men who love them, white shoes’ secret is simply having the sartorial confidence to put them on. As Coggins says: “I think the first time you wear them you feel self-conscious, the second time you feel better and the third time, it’s your signature shoe…People will recognize you as the man in the white shoes. And that’s a good thing!”

Why Every Man Should Have a Pair of White Shoes in His Wardrobe (2024)

FAQs

When should men wear white shoes? ›

For many years, fashion experts insisted that white shoes should only be worn before Labor Day. The reasoning was that white was a summer color, and wearing white shoes after the end of summer would be considered gauche. However, times have changed, and white shoes are now considered acceptable for year-round wear.

Do white shoes look good on men? ›

From suits & athleisure style to chinos, jeans and shorts — white sneakers are certainly among some of the best pieces in menswear.

Why are white sneakers essential? ›

But how did this shoe shift from an athlete's essential to a runway style? The canvas sneaker first debuted on the tennis courts in the 1920's, the white color was originally assigned to the shoe to meet the strict dress code of the Wimbledon.

Why are men's shoes important? ›

Reason #1 – Shoes Indicate Your Status

Shoes have always been a significant part of people's status throughout history. They have been known to indicate or represent wealth (or the lack of it) – especially in different forms of media and literature.

Why do people prefer white shoes? ›

White shoes are bright, neat-looking, and a real standout in a world where black or brown shoes are seen as the more sensible – but not very exciting – choice of the majority. They continue to be one of the most interesting (and surprisingly versatile) additions to anyone's wardrobe.

Should older men wear white shoes? ›

Q: Can an older man wear white sneakers? A: Absolutely they can. In fact, we did a whole video about it. White sneakers like Adidas Stan Smiths and are a classic casual item for any man, regardless of age.

Can men wear white shoes at night? ›

There's no need to stop wearing these shoes at night. I use them as an outfit highlight for date night. These sleek white kicks will make your look stand out and impress your date with a touch of athleticism, adding the right amount of contrast to the standard dressed-up date look.

What color shoes are the most versatile men? ›

White Sneakers

They're clean, classy and look great with a lot of your casual, even up to a little more dressy, outfits. Throw on a nice fitted blazer and some dark wash jeans with them and they'll look amazing.

Is white a good color for men? ›

White color sends the signal of being clean, virtuous, and healthy. However, pure white can look a little sterile. It's classic in dress shirts, but in a jacket or sweater you'll probably want to go with off-white or cream. I also think white works great for a polo, especially during the summer.

What do white shoes say about you? ›

Organised and Occupied. People who wear white sneakers prefer to be stylish yet simple. It's a good choice for those who might not want to think much about outfits every day but still look pleasing. Perhaps because they have more important things to tend to or they're often in a rush.

What shoes tell about your personality? ›

How your shoes reflect your personality
  • Flat shoes – A hidden leader. ...
  • High heels – I'm in charge here. ...
  • Flashy shoes – An extrovert. ...
  • Flip flops - Laid back person. ...
  • Always shiny and clean shoes – Great impression every day. ...
  • Ankle boots – An aggressive person. ...
  • Work boots – A good planer. ...
  • Sporty shoes – A goal-oriented person.
Oct 4, 2019

Should men own white sneakers? ›

And the answer is, yes, just about everything. A really good pair of men's white sneakers will be one of the most versatile shoes you ever own. Why? Because they're easily worn as a casual shoe but can be dressed up as well.

What is the importance of shoes in the Bible? ›

Our first source of information concerning the shoe is the Bible. Here the shoe partakes of the character of the profane, symbolizing the Earthly in contrast with the Holy. thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground', is the command to Moses (Exod.

Why are shoes so important to people? ›

Shoes Protect Against Infections

Going without shoes in areas without proper disposal methods for animal and human waste makes people susceptible to parasitic worms and other foot infections. These diseases can be debilitating or even lethal. Going barefoot puts humans at risk for hookworm, tick bites and injuries.

What are 5 reasons for wearing shoes? ›

Below we explore five reasons why employees need to wear safety shoes.
  • Protection against falling objects. ...
  • Helps to prevent slips and falls. ...
  • Helps posture and prevents muscle strain. ...
  • Protection against the elements. ...
  • Helps protect against electric shocks.

What are the benefits of wearing white? ›

Fashion. In fashion, the color white is often used to evoke a sense of purity, innocence, freshness, or cleanliness. Because white reflects light, it is often worn in the summer months to help stay cool.

What do white shoes mean? ›

adjective. ˈ(h)wīt-ˈshü : of, associated with, or characteristic of the privileged moneyed upper class : upper-crust. a white-shoe law firm.

Why is it good to wear white? ›

We prefer white clothes in summer because white clothes reflect most of the sun's heat and absorb very little of the sun's heat and keeps our body cool.

When should you stop wearing white shoes? ›

The old-fashioned decree bans us from wearing white during the winter and spring, from Labor Day in September till May Day (another day designated to celebrate workers' rights). One popular theory dates back to the early 1900s.

Does wearing white make you look younger? ›

Women such as Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton, Martha Stewart, Helen Mirren and Joan Collins all know an effective way to brighten the complexion and look younger is to wear something white, which reflects the light. Knowing your most flattering shade is vital.

What should men over 40 wear? ›

7 Essential Skills to Master in Your 40s
  • Never wear cargo shorts. Or pants. ...
  • Wear White Tees. ...
  • You Need to Have a Good Tailor in Your Rolodex. ...
  • Never do denim on denim. ...
  • Keep Your Sneakers Plain and Classy. ...
  • Save Sports Jerseys for Sporting Events. ...
  • Never Wear Shiny Shoes with Jeans. ...
  • Always Wear a Real Watch.
Feb 24, 2017

Do white shoes look better dirty? ›

They look good even when they're dirty.

There's nothing wrong with wanting to keep your white sneakers crispy clean. In fact, it's a good habit to clean your sneakers every now and then whenever you do your regular spring cleaning.

Can you wear white shoes everyday? ›

A fresh white pair of sneakers goes with any outfit and, for that reason alone, is a must-have in everyone's footwear rotation. Whether you're the type of person to wear one pair of sneakers until it's time to buy another or a collector with many styles and colors already, you can never go wrong with white.

Do white shoes go with everything? ›

You can wear classic white sneakers with everything, from jeans and shorts, to dresses and skirt.

What colors are most attractive to guys? ›

Studies reveal that red is the most attractive colour to both men and women but, curiously, the two genders are attracted to the same colour for different reasons.

Which color is most preferred by men? ›

Universally, studies show that blue is both men and women's primary preferred color. One study dove into why blue is so popular and found that it's associated with clean water, clear skies, authority, truth and tranquility. Both men and women also like green and red as top favorite colors.

What color is best for guys? ›

Neutral skin tones

But using dark colors is better than using light colors. Also, dirty pink, jade green, yellow and blue colors and neutral colors such as cream, gray and black will make you more beautiful. Generally, If your skin tone is warm, It is better to go for yellow, orange, brown and red colors.

What color turns a woman on? ›

The Color Red

In a series of seven experiments conducted at the University of Rochester and published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, women were more sexually attracted to men who were wearing red or were pictured against a red background.

What color is hard for men? ›

The study also found that men are less adept at distinguishing among shades in the center of the color spectrum: blues, greens, and yellows. Where the men shone was in detecting quick-changing details from afar, particularly by better tracking the thinner, faster-flashing bars within a bank of blinking lights.

What is the psychology of wearing white? ›

A preference for 'white' color shows innocence. White reflects all other colors. It embraces innocence, peace, virginity, solemn, hope, purity, kindness, consideration, patience, simplicity spirituality, soothing, simplicity and Idealism.

What is the old saying about wearing white? ›

The end of summer is just about here and, for the rule followers among us, that means abiding by the age-old adage of “no white after Labor Day.” But have you ever stopped to wonder where that mandate came from in the first place?

What wisdom can you find from shoes? ›

There is wisdom in shoes: “Once I was sad because I had no shoes. Then I met a man who had no feet.” Your problems are not as bad as they could be. “Before you criticize a man, walk a mile in his shoes.” Knowing the other's context puts you in a better position to judge him.

Who started the white shoe trend? ›

The history of the white sneaker dates all the way back to the days of Keds, who had been making sneakers since 1916. While Keds is one of the longest existing sneaker companies in America, the honor of popularizing the white sneaker goes to Converse's Chuck Taylor.

Do shoes have feelings? ›

While it's probably a good thing to be nice to your shoes (running in wet environments with no chance to dry out may accelerate breakdown of the midsole), they don't have feelings.

What do you call someone who loves shoes? ›

Hypebeast generally refers to a person who is devoted to acquiring fashionable items, especially clothing and shoes.

Are shoes the first thing people notice about you? ›

In a study conducted at the University of Kansas, researchers found that people can make accurate predictions about an individual's personality traits based solely on the type of shoes they wear. In the study, the accuracy of such predictions was as high as 90 percent.

Are white sneakers still in style for men? ›

The style is as timeless—and timely—as ever. 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.

Can men wear white sneakers all year? ›

White sneakers can be worn year-round, especially if they're leather, and the dirtier they get, the better. They have a nice way of lightening up serious fall staples and generally out-there clothes.

Are white shoes Dad shoes? ›

In September of 2021, the Australian pop culture and style website, Man of Many published an article entitled, “15 Dad Shoes That Will Make You King of the Cookout.” Dad shoes, if you're unfamiliar with the concept, are typically thought of as white, thick-soled, chunky, absurdly comfortable sneakers that can be ...

What is the soul of a shoe? ›

The sole is the bottom part of the shoe. It is sometimes referred to as two separate pieces: insole and outsole. The insole is the part of the shoe that has direct contact with the bottom of your foot. The shoe's outsole is the portion that contacts the ground when you walk.

What does a pair of shoes symbolize? ›

They are a recurrent motif and theme discussed throughout diverse cultures, Bibilical references, dreams, and more. Shoes can represent endurance, protection from the environment, sometimes even subjugation and struggle, but also ambition, determination, and direction.

What kind of shoe Did Jesus Wear? ›

Feet. On his feet, Jesus would have worn sandals. Everyone wore sandals. In the desert caves close to the Dead Sea and Masada, sandals from the time of Jesus have come to light, so we can see exactly what they were like.

Why are shoes so important in fashion? ›

Actually, shoes are one of the most essential pieces ofclothing that aids in creating a sense of style, as they are truly functionalas well as fashionable. Shoes can create the feeling of walking on clouds aswell as adding the necessary accessory to create a spectacular entrance.

How did humans live without shoes? ›

Like all other animals, humans evolved to walk without shoes. Then, as our ancestors strode across the savannas in search of food and shelter, they eventually figured out how to protect their feet from extreme temperatures and sharp objects: wrap them in animal hides.

What is the impact of shoes? ›

Shoes release toxic chemicals that negatively affect our health. They are also bad for our planet and the health of wildlife. Every year in the US, people throw away over 300 million pairs of shoes, 95% of which wind up in landfills.

Are shoes a need or a want? ›

Food, water, clothing, and shelter are all needs. If a human body does not have those things, the body cannot function and will die. Wants are things that a person would like to have but are not needed for survival. A want may include a toy, expensive shoes, or the most recent electronics.

What happens if you wear shoes everyday? ›

Due to daily use, our shoes or slippers will end deformed and deteriorated in the same areas, especially inside and on the sole. This damage implies that we start to step correctly, and our feet will start to suffer pain or pathologies (as well as other structures such as the knee, hip, or back).

What happens if you wear shoes all day? ›

It's recommended to rotate the usage of your footwear so as to not overuse any one pair of shoes. Wearing the same pair all the time can exacerbate any imbalance within the muscles and ligaments of your feet and increase your risk of a repetitive stress injury, says Canuso.

When should wear white shoes? ›

No rule enrages Miss Manners' Gentle Readers as much as the ban against wearing white shoes (unless you are a baby, a bride, or playing tennis) between Memorial Day (not Easter) and Labor Day.

Can men wear white sneakers year round? ›

White sneakers can be worn year-round, especially if they're leather, and the dirtier they get, the better. They have a nice way of lightening up serious fall staples and generally out-there clothes.

What months Is it OK to wear white? ›

Many Americans put away their white clothes on Labor Day and do not wear them again until the following May, after Memorial Day. One reason for the clothing custom relates to the season. In the United States, the months between June and September are summer.

Does white shoes go with everything? ›

You can wear classic white sneakers with everything, from jeans and shorts, to dresses and skirt.

When did white shoes become a trend? ›

When James Dean and Steve McQueen gave them their nod of approval to white trainers, their off-duty cool was cemented forever. In 1971s, adidas created the white tennis shoe that would become one of its most successful releases ever.

Are white shoes still in style 2022? ›

The classic white sneaker will never go out of style, but that doesn't mean you can't add a little color. Adding a paneled accent color to a white shoe is the best way to make a subtle statement in 2022.

What is the white pants rule? ›

White Pant Rule: No white (pants, shoes, or belts ---nothing white from the waist down) before Easter, and no white after Labor Day. I wore white jeans after Labor Day last year!

What are the benefits of wearing white clothes? ›

In the summer season, your body keeps cool in colours which reflect the heat and sunlight. This is where white plays a major role. It keeps the body comparatively cool. Plus you always look neat and fresh in white.

Can men wear white in winter? ›

White embodies the spirit of summer, and in cold weather, you can still wear winter white on sunny days to brighten up the season.

Is it hard to keep white shoes white? ›

White-sneaker owners know how hard it can be to keep them clean. Dirt and grime from the outdoors (or otherwise) can be more pronounced on white sneakers.

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