The 15 Best White Sneakers for Your Next Go-To Shoe

The MVP of all shoes.

Byrdie / Alli Waataja

Chances are, you’ve probably heard some iteration of, “OK, ladies—what white sneakers are we wearing this summer?” whether on a TikTok video or in your very own group chat. And that’s because the white sneaker has become the center of all fashion staples, regardless of the season’s sneaker trends. They can go with any and every outfit, whether you live for a luxury pair or want something more sport-inspired.

If you’re wearing a white sneaker non-stop, you want a pair that’s well-made and easy to keep clean. That’s why we’ve conducted hours of research, evaluating top-rated sneaker brands for the best pairs that offer comfort, durability, and style.

Best Overall: Adidas Samba OG Shoes

Buy at Adidas.com

Buy at Finishline.com

Size: 5-15 | Material: Leather upper, suede

An It-sneaker might be hard to come by, but the heritage feel of the Adidas Samba has proven that while as classic as they are, they can still be current and buzzy. Need proof? Well, just spot these sport-inspired retro sneaks on the feet of your favorite celebs, from Rihanna to Hailey Beiber. Plus, the brand is expert-backed: Jessica Cadmus, a NY-based fashion stylist and personal shopper, tells Byrdie that Adidas sneakers are her go-to “always and forever.”

Countless fans adore them for their nostalgic charm—a throwback to the 1970s when the iconic three stripes became synonymous with soccer stadiums. But you don’t need to stick to athleisure or leggings to pull off these sleek leather low-tops. Pair them with anything and everything, from trench coats and trousers to slip dresses and sweaters.

Best Budget: Zara Flatform Sneakers

Buy at Zara.com

Size: 5-11 | Material: Polyurethane

If you’re looking for the ideal white-all-over shoe, this one is it. Everything from its shell to its laces comes in gleaming ivory. These also feature a smooth shell that contours a rounded toe and a sturdy exterior. Consider these flatforms a great choice if you’re in the market for a budget-friendly—but still luxurious feeling—style.

Best Splurge: The Row Marley Lace-Up Sneaker in Leather and Suede

Buy at Bergdorfgoodman.com

Buy at Fwrd.com

Size: 5-12 | Material: Tanned Calfskin Leather

The Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen-led label touted by everyone from ​​Zoë Kravitz to Taylor Swift is known for its understated yet impressively chic aesthetics. If you are looking to invest in a pair of designer sneakers, Gab Waller, the fashion-sourcing genius who locates rare pieces for her clients (ahem, Sofia Richie Grainge, Hailey Bieber, Khloé Kardashian, and Lori Harvey, to name a few) says The Row is the way to go.

“As clients are starting to steer away from more noticeably branded pieces, we see those seeking alternatives for a more discreet daily-wear, white sneaker,” she says, adding that this style, in particular, has remained a consistent sourcing request for the Gab Waller team.

Best Leather: Veja Campo Chromefree Leather White Neutral

Buy at Bergdorfgoodman.com

Buy at Bloomingdales.com

Size: 4-14 | Material: ChromeFree leather, suede

If you haven’t already caught the Veja wave, now is the time to do so: they’re a favorite among celebs like Meghan Markle and Emily Ratajkowski for their crisp and classic appearance. They’ve quickly ascended into cult-favorite status because of their aesthetics and comfort level.

“They’re so cushiony that I didn’t even need to break them in,” says fashion expert and content creator Michelle Orgeta, who says they’re worth every penny. “They’re also great for those with wide feet, too.” Plus, it’s worth mentioning that they’re one of the first sustainable leather sneaker brands, with all its materials sourced from Brazil and Uruguay.

Best Vegan Leather: Thousand Fell Women’s Lace Up Sneakers

Buy at Gap.com

Buy at Thousandfell.com

Size: 5-10 | Material: Vegan bio-leather

Thousand Fell’s design philosophy revolves around sustainability, evident in its fully recyclable sneakers crafted from natural and recycled materials. What’s more, these sneakers feature a stain- and odor-resistant coating, serving those who prioritize keeping their footwear impeccably clean, like straight-from-the-box clean. Or, if you’re one to wear your white sneakers through bad weather (guilty!), you can tout this pair guilt-free because of how easy they are to return to how they looked when you bought ‘em.

Best Designer: Tory Burch Howell Court Sneaker

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Nordstrom.com

Size: 4-13 | Material: Calfskin leather

Add Tory Burch’s iconic double T emblem to your basic white sneaker because, well, why not? These court-inspired sneaks are everything you want from an easy-to-wear shoe. Made with extremely sleek calfskin leather, they’re a great option for those looking for a mid-tier luxury shoe. They’re exceptionally lightweight and breathable, with layered support from a soft cushioned midsole and an extremely flexible performance outsole. Don them for low-impact activities, such as long commutes, outdoor walks, or even lifting in the gym—if you’re feeling a mix of sporty and fancy that day.

Best Platform: Vagabond Zoe Platform Sneakers

Buy at Nordstrom.com

Buy at Vagabond.com

Size: 5-12 | Material: Leather

We can sing so many praises about Vagabond’s high-quality sneakers; they make durable shoes that will last for ages. We can also mention how they create sleek, timeless designs with top-notch materials, but what’s bluntly obvious about these shoes is they’re just so cute. Even their most minimalistic designs—like these platform kicks that sit on a 40-millimeter elevated rubber outsole—feel fresh and reinvigorated without being fussy. Part of the charm comes from the platform’s youthful vibe, but the real magic lies in the exceptionally smooth leather that gracefully wraps around the shoe.

Best Canvas: Cariuma Oca Low

Buy at Cariuma.com

Size: 5-13 | Material: Organic cotton canvas

Low-top canvas sneakers are the epitome of no-frills dressing. They are so incredibly lightweight and easy on the ankles, and they also bring a beach feel to anything in your closet. If you want to pare down an outfit or are looking for something with a lounge-y vibe for long days by the pool, then opt for this selection from Cariuma. Crafted with 100% organic cotton canvas, these sneakers cater to outdoor activities and contribute to environmental sustainability thanks to organic and bio-based materials.

Best Chunky: New Balance 725v1 Sneaker

Buy at Champssports.com

Buy at Footlocker.com

Size: 5.5-10 | Material: Synthetic, rubber

The dad shoe trend isn’t going anywhere. Non-believers in the style worn by celebs such as Kendall Jenner and Rihanna will find something to love about this voluminous yet refined take on the fad from New Balance (the brand that pioneered the first iteration of those shoes worn by seemingly every father everywhere). This upgraded version of those clumsy, clunky shoes have a more feminine feel—with Y2K tech detail and more intentionally chunky features that don’t feel awkward.

Best for Walking: Hoka Clifton L Athletics Sneakers

Buy at Nordstrom.com

Buy at Freepeople.com

Size: 5-15 | Material: Leather

Hoka, we adore your supremely comfortable shoes and appreciate how you’ve shattered the misconception that running sneakers or trainers can only come in loud, attention-grabbing colors. The Hoka Cliftons are a testament to the contrary, actually: They demonstrate that they can take inspiration from leisure sneakers, as seen in the peek-through mesh underlay and chunky construction, all while sporting a sleek all-over white design. Oh, and they’re pretty comfy too. They feature a symmetrical cushion bed ideal for walking and low-impact activities.

Best Slip-On: Vince Warren Suede Slip On Platform Sneakers

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Nordstrom.com

Size: 5-12 | Material: Italian calf leather

A minimalist shoe doesn’t have to be boring, and Vince’s slip-on shoe proves that. It’s crafted with beautiful Italian calfskin leather, adding that everyday luxury feeling to your closet basics. These truly are ease and elegance in shoe form. They also add a bit of height, coming in with a 1.5-inch platform cupsole for those searching for a glide-on shoe with a bit of oomph. But don’t let the chunky sole scare you off: these have a cushioned insole for added comfort. Pillowy in both look and feel, it’s only fitting that they’re exceptionally easy to wear all day long.

Best High-Top: Gola Vegan Classics Women’s Coaster High Sneakers

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Anthropologie.com

Size: 5-10 | Material: Canvas

It’s rare to find a retro-inspired sneaker with a retro-inspired price tag, but Gola proves that a durable, quality shoe doesn’t have to break the bank—it doesn’t even need to cost you more than $100. This high-top version of the label’s canvas sport leisure shoe takes your go-to sneaker to new heights—literally. They feature a tie styling with relaxed tailoring and a tiny gold Gola logo that adds even more dimension to the brand’s take on classic to-the-ankle footgear.

Best Low Top: Nike Killshot 2

Buy at Nike.com

Size: 4-15.5 | Material: Leather upper with suede accents

Legacy brand Nike again proves why they’re such a powerhouse. This time, it comes as a cool, low-top inspired by the brand’s original tennis shoe. While drawing inspiration from the courts, these kicks include a reinvigorated flair that will resonate with athleisure enthusiasts and die-hard sneakerheads alike. The speckled namesake on the back and the gummy outsole add a pop of color, while the cushioned bottoms provide optimal comfort and support with every step.

Best Washable: Allbirds Tree Runners

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Nordstrom.com

Size: 5-11 | Material: TENCEL™ Lyocell (eucalyptus tree fiber) upper

Finally, the quest for the ideal everyday sneaker has ended. When you get your hands (feet?) on these lightweight trainers from Allbirds, you’ll know what we mean. They’re cushioned, breathable, and machine-washable, which begs to answer the question, what more could you want from a shoe? This pearly white pair is practical and comfortable. Made with a bouncy midsole and a knit upper with thermoregulating eucalyptus material, you get a pleasantly cool experience with each wear. Not to mention, they’re made with responsibly sourced materials, so you can feel good about sporting these on several levels.

Best Wide: Naturalizer Morrison 2.0 Lace Up Sneaker

Buy at Nordstrom.com

Buy at Dsw.com

Size: 6-12, Narrow, Wide, and Regular | Material: Leather/manmade metallic, leather/suede

Naturalizer is one of our favorite brands here at Byrdie because they make ultra-comfy shoes designed with the natural contours of a woman’s foot in mind. The brand also carries all of its shoes in narrow, wide, and regular extended sizing, making it an obvious choice for our best footwear option for those used to squeezing their feet into narrow shoes. This style features a clean white platform sole with suede detailing on the back. Plus, they have a cushioned back collar and non-slip outsole for utmost comfort with wear—making this a great fit in your wardrobe in more ways than one.

What to Look for in White Sneakers

• Material: Leather offers durability and a refined look, while canvas provides breathability and flexibility (AKA the ideal shoe to sport during those warmer weather months). If you’re looking for something with a more forgiving price point but still reasonably durable, synthetic blend materials do the job—and look just as great.
• Support: If you’re looking for the most comfortable white sneaker option, opt for iterations that include cushioned insoles for comfort and stability and arch support for even weight distribution. Some even include padded collars and tongues to minimize rubbing and irritation, while others offer extended sizing for those with narrow or wide-calf needs. While shopping online, you’ll likely find these on the brand’s size guide page or under the product’s details section. But, if you’re looking for the real deal when it comes to support, check for an American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance on a shoe that recognizes products that have been found beneficial to foot health by experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you clean white sneakers?

If you’ve experienced heartbreak, you know it feels like stepping into a messy, muddy puddle in your new bright-white sneakers. And if it doesn’t feel like that, it looks like watching your ivory-hued trainers turn stained, dirty, or discolored. Either way, watching a once gleaming sneaker succumb to a dreaded, dingy death might sound disheartening, but there’s no need to mourn. Good news: You don’t have to buy a new pair. Start by removing excess dirt and debris with a soft brush or cloth. Then, mix a solution of warm water and mild detergent and gently scrub the shoes using a soft-bristled brush. Then, once you rinse thoroughly with clean water (… and let them air dry completely), you’ll be reunited with your favorite white sneakers once more.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Morgan Sullivan has over half a decade of experience in the beauty and fashion industry, writing for some of the most prominent magazines and websites. Along with writing about beauty, she also frequently covers relationship, wellness, and lifestyle topics. She interviewed the experts below to help her uncover the best white sneakers to buy now:

• Gab Waller, global fashion sourcer and founder of GabWaller.com
• Jessica Cadmus, a NY-based fashion stylist and personal shopper
• Michelle Orgeta, fashion expert and content creator

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough white sneakers from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at [email protected], and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

Read the original article on Byrdie.

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