We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Fashion The 20 Best White Sneakers for Every Outfit, Season, and Style From cult classics to modern sleek shoes, the white sneaker never goes out of style. By Bianca Kratky Bianca Kratky Bianca Kratky is a fashion & beauty commerce writer at InStyle. InStyle's editorial guidelines and Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn is a California-based writer who covers all things fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and wellness. In her free time, she is a certified Reiki Master and meditation teacher. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on April 30, 2024 @ 06:19PM In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews What to Keep in Mind Your Questions, Answered Why Shop With Us InStyle / Jhett Thompson No matter your style, a pair of white sneakers should be classified as a wardrobe requirement. White sneakers are easy to style and are one of those staple pieces that truly stand the test of time. "A pair of white sneakers is just like a white T-shirt—a foundational piece in your wardrobe that is always on trend and always perfectly functional," Kathleen Sullivan, Senior Director of Marketing at Keds confirms. But even the white sneaker comes in many variations, be it with a touch of green on the sole or a logo sprawled on the side of the shoe. For this reason, we found 20 white sneakers for every occasion, season, and outfit. From classics to cult favorites and everything in between, we meticulously researched the best white sneakers, keeping design, material, sizing, comfort, and longevity in mind. Allow us to introduce you to our favorite white sneakers, below. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Nike Air Force 1 '07 Sneaker at Nordstrom ($81) Jump to Review Best Budget: Vans Canvas Old Skool at Vans.com ($70) Jump to Review Best Splurge: Common Projects Original Achilles Sneakers at Nordstrom ($482) Jump to Review Best for Work: Cole Haan Grand Crosscourt Sneaker at Amazon ($87) Jump to Review Best Summer: Quince Eco Cotton Canvas Everyday Sneaker at Quince.com (See Price) Jump to Review Most Comfortable: New Balance 550 White Sneakers at Newbalance.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Casual: Adidas Stan Smith Sneaker at Nordstrom ($66) Jump to Review Best Lifestyle: Axel Arigato Sphere Runner at Axelarigato.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Platform: Steve Madden White Sneakers at Stevemadden.com ($80) Jump to Review Best Sporty: Nike Air Max SC at Nike.com ($54) Jump to Review Best Overall Nike Air Force 1 '07 Sneaker Nordstrom View On Nordstrom $81 View On Asos $115 View On Nike.com $115 Why We Love It: This roundup wouldn’t be complete without including the Nike Air Force 1s in the mix. First introduced as basketball shoes, the iconic sneaker quickly gained popularity through hip-hop culture and then transitioned to a widely accepted mainstream fashion staple. Even though they’re slightly chunky with a generous platform and padded collars, the shoe still looks fresh. The soft, springy cushioning makes them ideal for all-day comfort, while the holes at the top keep your feet well ventilated. I, Bianca, have had mine for half a decade, and would have kept them for longer had my puppy not destroyed them. Up until they faced the wrath of my dog’s teeth, they were still in impressive condition, also due in part to my good care for them with regular cleanings. They are mostly composed of leather too, which will mold and bend with time, so take good care of them when they’re in your possession. Material: Leather, foam midsole | Size: 5–12 Best Budget Vans Canvas Old Skool Vans View On Vans.com $70 View On Vans.com $70 View On Zappos $70 Why We Love It: There’s a reason why the iconic design, which has been around since the '70s, has a large celebrity following (everyone from Emily Ratajkowski to Zendaya to Kim Kardashian has been seen rocking them); they simply never go out of style. Stylist Lindsay Flores considers Vans to be her favorite everyday sneaker. Despite its durability typically associated with a high cost, the classic Canvas Old Skool style comes at an affordable price, so its versatility and timeless appeal can be accessed by all. And we really do mean “by all,” as Vans offers a wide size range, from a size 5 to 17.5. That being said, some complain that these sneakers run a bit narrow at first. Exercise some patience, and with enough time and wear, they will expand and mold around your feet. Material: Cotton | Size: 5–18.5 regular; 5–17.5 wide Best Splurge Common Projects Original Achilles Sneakers Nordstrom View On Nordstrom $482 View On Farfetch.com $390 View On Revolve $440 Why We Love It: The Common Projects white sneakers have become somewhat of a staple in recent years as well, with fashionable personalities wearing them frequently. The sleek leather design, crafted by the leaders in leather themselves (the Italians, if it wasn’t clear), comes with minimal detailing. Aside from the signature serial code stamped on the side of the heel, the silhouette remains clean, which allows you to wear these easily to work as well. But style isn’t all these shoes are good for: The Achilles leather sneakers are known to be soft and comfortable, fitting like a glove from day one. However, like many European shoe brands, these are not offered in half sizes. The brand recommends sizing up if you typically fall in between sizes. Material: Leather | Size: IT35–IT42 Best for Work Cole Haan Grand Crosscourt Sneaker Amazon View On Amazon $87 View On Dsw.com View On Colehaan.com $110 Why We Love It: For the office, we’re going to go with something a little more polished like this option from Cole Haan. The smooth leather and all-white coloring create a clean appeal that can easily be styled with work trousers and a blazer. There is a soft footbed that makes walking from meeting to meeting more comfortable as well. However, it is missing a bit of that arch support, which can be a game changer for people with curvy feet. Still, you can look smart and feel comfortable during those long office hours if the latter point does not bother you. Material: Leather, rubber | Size: 5–11 Best Summer Quince Eco Cotton Canvas Everyday Sneaker Quince View On Quince.com Why We Love It: We know you’ll want to wear white sneakers in the summer as well, but leather and thickly cushioned options are just going to cause your feet to overheat. Something a little more breathable, like a cotton canvas shoe, is the way to go for the warmer seasons. With this option from Quince, the opening around the ankle is a little wider and gives room for more airflow. The timeless design offers a no-frills look fit for summer dresses and prancing around the park. Just be aware that canvas is more difficult to clean than leather, so perhaps don’t go prancing right into a mud pile. Material: Organic cotton | Size: 5–11 Most Comfortable New Balance 550 White Sneakers New Balance View On Newbalance.com View On Ssense.com View On Footlocker.com Why We Love It: Across the team at InStyle, almost every writer and editor owns a pair of New Balance sneakers. Their comfort and style are undeniably appealing. Influencer Aarica Nichole loves these shoes as well, especially when going for a “statement sneaker.” As she explains, “They’re a great option to spice up a casual outfit or if you want to go for a more sporty street style look.” We've also found them excellent for travel, having worn them for long periods without feeling achy arches or cramped toes. Originally intended for basketball, these sneakers have a sturdy, supportive leather upper and rubber sole, while cushioning protects the ankle. Rather than a sleek design, these come with the classic NB logo, textured seams across the shoe, and an asymmetrical lining across the toes. Material: Leather, rubber | Size: 5–11 Best Casual Adidas Stan Smith Sneaker Nordstrom View On Nordstrom $66 View On Adidas.com $100 View On Zappos $100 Why We Love It: Adidas Stan Smith sneakers swooped through the nation (nay, the world) over the past few years at an impressive rate. As a staple white sneaker for women and men of all ages, its versatility, quality, sustainability, and color accent on the back of the shoe played a large role in its rise to popularity. Adidas crafted the shoe to reduce plastic waste, with the upper portion being made of 50 percent Primegreen recycled materials. While the green logo is arguably the most popular iteration (and symbolizes its eco-efforts) the shoe is also offered in all-white, dark blue, gold, and mint green. Of course, the shoes are also wildly comfortable. With a cushioned insole (that’s removable, should you want to swap it for something else), a snug lace-up, and a flexible upper, you’ll find your feet well supported. The brand does note that these run large, however, so size down for a perfect fit. Material: Synthetic rubber, Primegreen recycled materials | Size: 5–11 Best Lifestyle Axel Arigato Sphere Runner Axel Arigato View On Axelarigato.com Why We Love It: True sneaker fans are no strangers to Axel Arigato’s sneaker line. There was a time when every model, celebrity, and influencer wore this (then-controversial) dad sneaker, and while some thought it would fizzle out of style others knew it was a game changer forever holding its stake in fashion. The lifestyle shoe takes inspiration from old-school men’s running sneakers and turns it around to be a cool, laid-back statement shoe. With a comfortable arch support and intricate design details throughout its canvas, the shoe is equal parts comfortable and eye-catching. Material: Leather, rubber | Size: 5–10 Best Platform Steve Madden White Sneakers Steve Madden View On Stevemadden.com $80 Why We Love It: Need a little height without the heel? These 2-inch platform sneakers will grant you just that. The Steve Madden Rockaway sneakers have been making their rounds on social media—and for good reason. A wildly enthusiastic group of reviewers will confirm that despite the lift, they’re extremely comfortable. By intersecting perfectly between style, comfort, and height, they have been the ideal shoe for travelers to spend their touristy strolls in, according to the reviews (we’re talking consecutive days around Paris, Vienna, Madrid, and more). Although the brand doesn’t actually list what they’re made from exactly, they do confirm it’s synthetic material, which most likely means plastic. Material: Vegan leather | Size: 5–11 Best Sporty Nike Air Max SC Nike View On Nike.com $54 View On Dsw.com Why We Love It: While the Nike Air Force 1s get most of the attention, we adore the Air Max shoes. The visible air cushioning on the heels makes each step feel softened—walking with these is not unlike walking on air, hence the name. We also appreciates that the sole curves with the natural arch of the foot, which keeps the feet from feeling any strain, and the mesh panels, leather construction, and padded lining offer ample support. These details also make the shoe feel more durable for everything from hikes to running errands about town. Just know that the mesh paneling will be difficult to keep clean, so perhaps the hiking trails should be avoided. Material: Leather, foam | Size: 5–12 Best Slip-On Vagabond Judy Sneakers Vagabond View On Nordstrom View On Vagabond.com View On Zappos $145 Why We Love It: When we think of slip-ons, we often think of styles made from canvas. These from Vagabond stand out with their slick leather uppers and platform soles, which give them a more versatile feel for the typically casual slip-on style. They can easily be dressed up or down, adding a clean and polished feel to any outfit. On top of bringing something new to the slip-on style, one of our favorite aspects of these sneakers is the padded collars. Slip-ons traditionally take some time to break in and adding a sturdier fabrication like leather to the mix can drag out the process. But, with the extra cushioning, they have a layer of comfort that many slip-ons don't have. However, as another European brand, these shoes don’t come in half sizes. Considering that leather can stretch and mold into your foot, we recommend sizing down and breaking the shoe in with time. Material: Leather | Size: 5–12 Best High Top Converse Chuck Taylor Amazon View On Amazon $75 View On Nordstrom $65 View On Converse.com Why We Love It: We cannot recall a time when Converse Chuck Taylors weren’t in. The breathable canvas sneakers lead the game in bringing a casual everyday touch to an otherwise sporty category. While they likely won’t be found on the court anymore, they can be found on the feet of passersby all around and celebrities from Rihanna to Bella Hadid. We love that the wide size range (5–19) and options to choose between a regular and wide fit make them accessible to all—and of course, the affordable price doesn’t hurt either. While the low tops only show the logo around the back of the shoe, the high tops feature a round all-star logo right at the heel. The white comes in two versions—one with the signature red and blue piping, and one monochrome, all-white shoe, where even the logo is pure white. While the first might be more popular among shoppers, the latter makes for a more versatile piece to style. That being said, the lightweight canvas won’t provide any warmth during the winter, making these a strictly spring-to-fall shoe. Material: Cotton | Size: 5–18 regular; 5–15 wide Best Sustainable Veja Esplar Net-a-Porter View On Nordstrom $150 View On Net-a-Porter $150 View On Bloomingdales $150 Why We Love It: Since its launch in 2005, Veja has risen in popularity thanks to its sleek design, comfortable shoes, and most importantly, ethical business practices. Everything from the organic cotton used in the canvas and laces, the Amazonian rubber used in the soles, and the people involved in the creation, Veja moves with sustainability as its northern star. That’s not to say the brand is vegan, however. The shoes linked here have a calf leather top and suede leather logo. However, if you do prefer a non-animal product, it does have a vegan collection on its site as well. We've tried this pair and found them surprisingly comfortable. Despite there not being much arch support, the rest of the shoe comfortably hugs the foot. There’s no doubt that it looks extremely chic, but they can also surprisingly withstand the rain and wind. Material: Rubber, leather, organic cotton | Size: IT35–IT42 Best Tennis Keds x Staud Court Lace Up Keds View On Keds.com View On Zappos $80 Why We Love It: These aren't only great for playing tennis but for travel, too. Originally designed for pickleball, the ridiculously comfortable and cushioned shoe works just as well on the big playing field. The rubbery sole grips onto the court so that no slips occur and the soft interior pillows every rigorous movement, keeping blisters at bay. The fact that the green sole matches the color of the court is just eye candy. Material: Leather, rubber | Size: 5–12 Best Leather Everlane The Day Sneaker Everlane View On Everlane.com $130 Why We Love It: We’ve featured several leather sneakers on this list, but for that crisp, clean-cut feel, there’s no better shoe than this option from Everlane. From sole to lace, it’s one sleek white color that elevates any outfit paired with it. The label is well known for its sustainability efforts and this shoe is no different—made of recycled rubber and polyester for the sole and lace and a Leather Working Group Gold-certified leather that provides transparency within the leather supply chain, a quality shoe can be had while still minimizing your eco-footprint. Material: Leather, recycled rubber, recycled polyester | Size: 5–11 Best All-White Thursday Boot Company Premier Low Top Thursday Boot Company View On Thursdayboots.com $129 Why We Love It: Sure, a lot of the shoes on this list are pure white, like the Converse High-Tops, for example, but for something more versatile (and crisp, all-white), go with InStyle Senior Writer Eva Thomas’ recommendation—these Thursday Boots sneakers. She says that these all-white sneakers “have gotten more wear than most of my shoes.” That’s because the shock-absorbent footbeds make walking in them a breeze, while a padded tongue and collar feel gentle around the ankles. The shoe features a leather upper as well as a buttery soft leather interior. The near-seamless design gives them an elegant appeal, which is why wearing them to the office, as Thomas does, feels perfectly appropriate. She did call out that they felt narrow fresh out of the box, but the leather eventually stretches and molds to your foot over time. Material: Leather, rubber | Size: 5–12 Best Canvas Cariuma Naioca Canvas Sneakers Cariuma View On Cariuma.com Why We Love It: InStyle editors and celebrities alike rave about the comfort of Cariuma’s canvas sneakers. Alexandra Daddario, Helen Mirren, and more have all been seen out and about in them. The brand uses a sustainable business model and works with organic cotton sourced responsibly, rubber not obtained through deforestation, and recycled materials. Even still, they’re not sold at a premium, making sustainable and quality shoes attainable for all. The style comes in suede and leather, and of course, various colors and a men’s version as well. Because they swoop lower underneath the ankle than many other sneakers on this list, socks are more likely to show. We recommend wearing a pair of no-show socks to ensure they don’t peak through (unless you want them to). Material: Organic cotton, rubber, cork, recycled materials | Size: 5–13 Best Off-White Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Shoes Reebok View On Reebok.com View On Journeys.com View On Dsw.com Why We Love It: Let’s be real, true white sneakers are difficult to keep clean and eventually turn into some shade of beige with time. Why not just skip the antics and go straight for an intentionally off-white sneaker? The Reebok Club C’s are another one of those trendy shoes that gained momentum recently, thanks to their laid-back style. They were designed after the classic ‘80s tennis court shoe, and therefore feature a low-to-the-ground platform, low top cut, and a durable rubber sole. For a slightly customized fit, the insole can be removed and swapped, if you have specific sole needs (like an arched foot). While the green-detailed shoe is the most popular, you can find it in turquoise, light blue, dark blue, and red as well. The timeless and gender-neutral appeal makes them widely loved by all, and will likely remain relevant as a classic shoe for years to come. That being said, the many seams and linings on the top of the shoe make it difficult to clean the nooks and crooks. Material: Leather, rubber | Size: 5–16.5 Best Minimalist Koio Capri Sneakers Koio View On Nordstrom View On Koio.co Why We Love It: Koio puts an elegant spin on all our favorite classic shoe styles. By hand-making each pair in Italy, the brand crafts each shoe with extreme care, giving the shopper a detail-oriented design that looks clean and sophisticated. These Capri sneakers feature a leather outer and lining, stitched so tightly together that it becomes water-resistant. Made with half-natural and half-recycled materials, the shoe offers a sustainable element to your wardrobe, too. Those who have tried the shoe have only great things to say about it—reviewers rave about how they’re immensely comfortable and durable. With an impressive amount of five-star ratings (almost 2,000 at the time of publishing), you can trust that the shoe truly makes for a quality investment. Unfortunately, it’s another one of those brands that doesn’t offer half sizes. The brand recommends sizing down if you are between two. Material: Leather, rubber | Size: 5–11 Best Wool Allbirds Women's Wool Pipers Allbirds View On Allbirds.com $110 View On Dick's $110 Why We Love It: These ridiculously soft shoes feature a plush outer and interior that hugs the foot in a warm embrace. This texture, typically reserved for cozy winter boots, is now available as everyday walking shoes as well, making it possible to style white sneakers in the winter. Merino wool (which is finer and therefore softer than your usual wool), retains heat and wicks away moisture better than most other materials. Not to mention, it's also naturally odor-resistant and breathable—a definite perk when it comes to sneakers. The only con is that they’re difficult to clean. The brand does provide cleaning instructions (remove insoles and machine wash in a delicate bag), but it’s likely the texture will change with time after a few too many washes. Material: Merino wool | Size: 5–11 What to Keep in Mind Comfort: Sneakers are designed with comfort in mind—and there is nothing more uncomfortable than a shoe that doesn't fit. When shopping for a pair of white sneakers, make sure to follow the sizing charts and measure your soles to find your perfect match. Reading customer reviews can also help to determine if they run true-to-size. Also, keep in mind whether you have flat or curved feet. Most shoes have flat soles, which can be uncomfortable for those with an arched foot. Other shoes give you the option to remove the sole and swap it for something else, but you can always insert your own insole for better support. Material: The fabrication of a shoe is also important, especially if you have a specific use in mind. For example, If you're looking for a pair of white sneakers to wear to the office, a shoe made of leather is a great choice as it has an elevated feel that pairs well with smart business attire. If you’re spending the whole day on your feet, you want to opt for something a little more flexible and breathable, in which case cotton or polyester is the way to go. Color: Even white sneakers come in different variations of shade, like off-white, pure white, and gray-white, to name a few. You might also find small colored detailings, like logos and linings, made of the brand’s signature colors. Although such details can make the shoe stand out, it may also make it more difficult to pair with everything, the way an all-white sneaker would. Your Questions, Answered How can you keep white sneakers clean? For Canvas: Keeping white sneakers clean depends on the material. For canvas sneakers, former Vice President of Design at Converse Sean McDowell says to reach for a little bleach. "I use a spray bottle mixed with water and bleach," he explains. For this process, you'll want to remove the laces and then use a strong bristled brush "to get in all of the recesses of the canvas and rubber sidewalls," McDowell notes. Once you've scrubbed them clean, place them in the sun for a few hours to dry and brighten them up. With that said, bleach is a harsh chemical, so it's best to use this method on white canvas sneakers that are inexpensive. For more expensive pairs, it's best to protect them ahead of time with a stain-resistant coating and spot clean as needed. For Leather: To clean white leather sneakers, McDowell recommends using a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. "I use an old toothbrush to get in all the nooks and crannies," he explains. "It's gentler than bleach and, with smooth leather, you don't need to go as deep as canvas," he adds. If you’re not in the mood to cook up a science project in the kitchen, however, Nichole recommends Jason Mark’s shoe-cleaning kit, which she uses to clean all her white sneakers. For Laces: As far as laces are concerned, you can easily remove them from your sneakers and toss them in the wash with your whites for a fresh scrub. And, if they get to a point where they are too far gone, purchasing a new pair of shoelaces is an inexpensive and quick way to freshen up your soles. What can you wear white sneakers with? The best part about these classic kicks? You can wear them with just about anything, says Sullivan. "A crisp white sneaker can complement a classic outfit or be a neutral piece for a more fashion-forward look," she adds. If you’re going for a casual everyday look, opt for something with a canvas finish or color-accented details. These shoes look great with “straight-fit jeans, fitted tees, and a blazer,” says Flores. If you’re heading to the office, leather options are ideal as they can easily be worn with slacks and long dresses. Can you wear white sneakers with work pants? According to Sullivan, you can absolutely wear white sneakers with work pants, pointing out the blurry line between professional and comfortable workwear that’s become more apparent over the last few years. "With more and more people heading back into the office but not wanting to sacrifice the comfort of working from home, a pair of white sneakers can instantly bring that feel while still looking professional," she adds. Additionally, McDowell notes that a white leather sneaker is a great choice for office attire, as it adds a touch of personality while still looking professional and buttoned up. Why Shop With Us Bianca Kratky is a commerce writer covering fashion, beauty products at InStyle. Jessie Quinn is a former contributor to InStyle. To compile an extensive list of best white sneakers, they interviewed freelance style director Lindsay Flores, fashion influencer Aarica Nichole, Converse’s former Vice President of Design Sean McDowell, and Keds’ Senior Director of Marketing Kathleen Sullivan.