By now you realize it’s not a trend at all, right? White sneakers for men are now so entrenched in almost all aspects of men’s fashion that they are part of the establishment. Ubiquitous. A pair of pristine white feet, cozy under menswear’s top table.
It’s a sartorial paradigm shift few could’ve predicted, but it’s been the norm now for several seasons. Cool white sneakers have become the 21st century’s Oxford brogues – a does-it-all footwear option that can be dressed up or down accordingly.
The relaxing of dress codes over the past few years blessed the plain white sneaker with an almost-peerless versatility. The type of shoe that would once have seen you denied entry to even the most questionable of nightclubs is now a common sight accompanying high-end tailoring on the red carpet and beyond.
It goes without saying, then, that a pair of fresher-than-a-pillow-with-a-mint-on kicks is one of the most important items a man can have in his wardrobe. The perfect fuss-free option to pair with anything and everything you own, white sneakers for men are a must-have closet essential.
The Best Men’s White Sneakers
CLAE Malone
A lifestyle rendition of a classic court shoe, these vegan-made white sneakers are essential for anyone looking for a flawless pair of daily kicks. The Premium Court Sole guarantees stability for all things sports and makes this pair from
Whether you pair them with shorts, jeans, or trousers you will ooze athleticism with an elegant edge.
Adidas Stan Smith
If the little green face of former pro tennis player Stan Smith that peers up from the tongue of his eponymous sneaker could talk, it’d tell tales of an epic rollercoaster ride from court to the catwalk.
Before 2014, the shoe first launched as the Robert Haillet hadn’t been truly huge for Adidas; so much so that the sportswear giant even considered pulling it from shelves. However, after an aggressive marketing campaign and a few high-profile endorsements, these now-iconic white shoes were suddenly everywhere. And, truth be told, they’ve never really gone away since.
Uniform Standard Series 1
Minimal design, clean lines, expert craftsmanship. You couldn’t ask much more from a pair of men’s white sneakers.
With added details for making your comfort front and center, Uniform Standard exceeds some of the best known, even with its minimalist take on white shoes for men.
Reebok Classic
Launched back in the early 1980s, when the company was still owned by the Foster family who started the firm close to 90 years before, the Reebok Classic certainly lives up to its name.
What started life as the brand’s very first edition of a leather running shoe, the Classic soon become a staple of streetwear culture, where it has remained ever since, gaining co-signs from the likes of Jay-Z and Travis Scott along the way. Though it’s available in a range of color-ways, it goes without saying that it runs laps around the competition in white.
Artisan Lab Essential Sneakers
If you don’t have a massive interest in sneakers and are solely (excuse the pun) interested in obtaining a pair of kicks that will be consistent and comfortable, look no further. Artisan
Outfitted with a memory foam footbed with arch support and finished with premium calfskin leather, these shoes are nothing short of pure luxury.
Do note that these white sneakers for men run large, so it’s recommended to order one size down from what you traditionally wear, or consult Artisan
Converse All Star Chuck 70
We could go on all day about how much of a game-changer the Chuck Taylor All-Star was. Or how it’s one of the most popular sneakers of all time, with one sold every 43 seconds. Or how it’s remained virtually unchanged in over a century because of its sheer timelessness and brilliance. Or… well, you get the idea.
The fact of the matter is, you already know all of that stuff. So just let the classic retro shoe speak for itself. Leaf through the countless variations and collaborations on the market today and it’s not difficult to see why this is one of the greatest white sneakers ever created.
Myrqvist Oaxen
Handcrafted in Portugal, with stitched construction and cork-filled soles, Myrqvist has taken the proverbial “bounce in your step” to the next level. Sleek, clean, and minimal, it’s hard to find any faults when it comes to the dynamics and aesthetic of this sneaker.
A choice everyday shoe, this white sneaker from Myrqvist provides a subtle touch of fashion awareness to any outfit.
Adidas Ultra Boost
More than six years after the first knitted trainer was unveiled at the London Olympics in 2012, the game-changing trend hasn’t tired one bit. Along with the
One of the shoe’s biggest fans at the time of release was Kanye West, and given his inexplicable status as a style icon at the time, it’s little wonder the model took off in a big way. Unlike the shutter shades and that diamond-encrusted mask, the Ultra Boost has shown it has staying power, making it one of the world’s most hyped sneakers to this day that just happens to look killer in white.
Nike Air Force 1
‘Air in a box’, promised the marketing slogan for the Air Force 1 when it was first rolled out in 1982. And the team at
The model has since served as a source of inspiration for infinite rap lyrics, graced the feet of all the biggest stars, and, perhaps most importantly of all, has earned itself a place in this roundup in the process.
Axel Arigato Genesis
If you are struggling to hop on the “Dad Shoe” bandwagon,
Its powerful build and mix of composition add depth, curiosity, and interest to your footwear without breaking a sweat.
A Day’s March High Marching
Sometimes you have to let your clothes do the talking and what better way to draw attention to your outfit than with a minimal and clean high-top sneaker in white. This sneaker is understated and elegant that will go seamlessly with any get-up you put together.
Made from Italian calf leather combined with a rubber sole, this sneaker offers longevity and comfort, making it the perfect addition to any modern man’s wardrobe.
Common Projects Achilles Low
It doesn’t claim to be the comfiest shoe in the world. Nor are there any bells or whistles or future-shaping technology or anything like that. But dear God, does it look good.
The Achilles Low from Common Projects was the shoe that started the whole luxury sneaker thing, and it’s often still the first choice when it comes to picking a pair of white sneakers. Simple, versatile, and handcrafted with the same care as a Northamptonshire Oxford shoe from only the finest materials. What more could you want?
Gucci Sneaker with Web
If the thought of dropping triple figures on a pair of luxury sneakers makes you involuntarily clench your buttocks, suffice to say
No, the Web model from the Italian fashion house is not the cheapest shoe on the planet, but they are some of the coolest. Embroidered detailing on the sides adds a splash of color to what would otherwise be a relatively dull affair. However, with such an outlay, deciding whether you want a bumblebee or a snake is going to be a major, major decision.
Vans Old Skool
From carving up empty pools in the 1970s to leaping off stage at the brand’s own traveling rock tour – the Vans Old Skool has always been the go-to shoe for alternative lifestyles. Which is a bit of a paradox when you think about it. After all, how can a shoe with such mainstream appeal be deemed an alternative?
Somehow it is. The Vans brand identity is just that strong, meaning it doesn’t matter whether you’re a punk rock drummer or a math teacher – this skater staple will always bless you with a touch of California cool.
Oliver Cabell Low 1
Oliver Cabell has found a commendable balance between quality, comfort, and style. “Perfection” is riddled throughout the reviews, and with good reason. Constructed with 3oz of full-grain Italian calf leather and lightweight rubber outsoles, this sneaker covers all bases.
Whether you’re commuting to work, or headed out for a night on the town,
Maison Margiela Replica
Say what you want about war, it’s been very kind to fashion. Military garments have been inspiring designers for centuries, and Belgian tastemaker Martin Margiela wasn’t immune to their allure either.
The cult brand’s Replica sneaker is a white sneaker update of the German army trainer (or GAT) originally designed by brothers Adolph and Rudolph Dassler in the 1970s. Reimagined in premium materials such as supple Italian leather and suede, it’s a basic concept, but one that has proven hugely popular.
Fila Disruptor
The consensus in women’s fashion at the moment seems to be that if Britney Spears would have worn it circa 1999, then it’s a go. Bizarrely, this trend appears to be spilling over into the world of menswear too, thanks in no small part to the emergence of a male version of the bold and bulky Fila Disruptor.
Riding on the wave of chunky sneakers generated by the likes of the Balenciaga Triple S, these modestly-priced white shoes for men are a great way to experiment with the look if you don’t feel like skipping this month’s rent. They’re called Disruptors for a reason.
Superga Cotu Classic
Along with knitted trainers and lifestyle running shoes, canvas sneakers aren’t the best choice for footing tailoring. But for everything else, a plain white pair is a safe and stylish choice. And they don’t come much plainer or whiter than the Superga Cotu Classic.
Invented in 1925 and prized for its vulcanized rubber soles, this unassuming kick has been giving people a reliable alternative to the more mainstream canvas plimsoll options for close to a century. White shoes built for summer and about as inoffensive as it gets.
A Brief History Of Men’s White Sneakers
It may have changed the way men dress for good, but the story of how the humble white tennis shoe took over the world and became essential for anything but sport is not one that occurred overnight.
Despite relatively new entries to the market from Common Projects (2004), Alexander McQueen (2012), and Tom Ford (2014) — who previously swore he would never make sneakers — the beginnings of the trend can be traced back through menswear for more than 80 years.
One of the earliest examples of an athletic sneaker to cross over into the mainstream was the white Converse Chuck Taylor, which debuted at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. In the years and decades that followed, crisp white sneakers from brands like Spring Court, Adidas, and Superga found themselves on many a famous foot, Steve McQueen’s included. Fashion types went crazy when, in recent years, Savile Row tailors started styling their suits with white sneakers, but John Lennon was doing it on the cover of Abbey Road back in 1969.
Of course, like any other area of menswear, sneaker trends come and go. And though minimalist trainers — typified by models like the Achilles Low and Stan Smith — have reigned supreme since the turn of the millennium, in recent seasons the trend has broadened to include both chunky styles and retro sneakers, rendered in a range of materials from luxury Italian leather to run-of-the-mill mesh. However, they all remain linked by their ability to symbolize off-duty cool in a way few menswear pieces have managed to achieve.
How to Wear White Sneakers for Men
For all their versatility, white sneakers still require a dash of styling nous to obtain the best results. Someone who has plenty of that is Harriet Byczok, a stylist who has dressed A-list celebrities for everything from magazine covers to red carpet events and has worked for leading brands including Levi’s. Here is a clean sweep of her best tips.
Smart Casual
Back in 2004, Justin Timberlake appeared in the music video for Signs, footing his already misguided white-suit-yellow-shirt combination (shudder) with a pair of Adio skate shoes. At the same time, self-respecting men everywhere swore a silent oath never to make the same mistake. However, it’s since been proven that, when done right, sneakers and tailoring can be rocked to glorious effect.
“Teaming a suit with sneakers is a great way of being smart without it being a chore,” says Byczok. “Try a textured suit in a navy or grey and enjoy being comfortable. Add a white T-shirt tucked in with a belt for a look that’s become borderline iconic in the modern day.”
Athleisure
For a long while, ‘athleisure‘ was the industry’s most prolific buzzword, tossed around by fashion editors like a stylish hot potato. While this tends to mean something that is going to be short-lived, a few seasons at best, here we are several years later with the sporty, casual style still very much a thing, and white sneakers have a big part of play.
“The booming trend of athleisure has long been taking over weekend wardrobes,” says Byczok. “Get even more wear out of your white sneakers by adding a pair of knitted luxe joggers, a crew neck jumper and a dressier jacket or coat into the mix. Balancing out sports pieces with classics gives a look that is neither too smart nor casual.”
Casual
White sneakers are, by their very nature, casual, whether you chalk it up to their beginnings in the world of athletics or their adoption by the hip-hop scene in the 1980s. In either case, it makes sense to wear them as such.
“Any casual outfit should be effortless,” says Byczok. “Throw on a pair of jeans or chinos, then add a neutral sweatshirt or T-shirt depending on the weather and finish with an overshirt or casual jacket. Ultimately the aim is to let the sneakers speak for themselves.”
FAQs About White Sneakers for Men
Are white sneakers in style?
Short answer: yes. Long answer: please see above article. All jokes aside, white sneakers are in style for women and men alike, and we don’t foresee them going away anytime soon. Investing in this style staple is sure to up your wardrobe’s style points.
Which white sneaker is best?
Adidas Stan Smiths,
Who was Stan Smith?
Stan Smith is a former American tennis player. He went pro in 1969, and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987. For us non-tennis fanatics, he’s best known as the namesake for the iconic Adidas shoes.