There is simply no shoe more versatile than the white sneaker
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This is especially evident here in Scandinavia, where women pair their freshest kicks with everything from track pants to prairie dresses, relaxed suiting to ball gowns. Sure, they’re not as flashy as the statement heel, the embellished sandal or even a good loafer, but they’re effortless and cool and, best of all, comfortable. Ideal, given our propensity for walking and biking literally everywhere.
Still, don’t you dare write off the white sneaker as boring. There’s a reason why they have graced the feet of rappers and rockstars, off-duty models and fashion industry icons for decades: they have the range.
Not all white sneakers are created equal. With a veritable smorgasbord on offer, from the OG Chuck Taylor – introduced in 1936 and, remarkably, as relevant as ever – to iterations from just about every single fashion brand, picking a pair can be daunting.
Fear not, for we have handpicked the very best white sneakers in the game.
The best white sneakers for women
Few sneakers scream “sustainability” quite like those from Brazilian brand Veja, and we love that for them. Made from recycled fibre and organic cotton, the V-10 boasts a hint of basketball flavour, by way of the perforated toe. Even the sole is made from wild rubber, sourced from the Amazon.
Worn by “supermodels in London and dads in Ohio,” New Balance sneakers are, in many ways, so wrong they’re right. Call them normcore, call them dadcore, there’s something irresistible about the Jerry Seinfeld energy of a pair of NBs. We’re especially into the 408, which, with its mesh upper, has a 90s energy that’s right on the money.
A remix on a classic. The Chuck 70 is fused with a spliced panel down each side of the high-top silhouette, creating something of an optical illusion effect. They're rendered in cotton-canvas atop stacked rubber soles that will absorb impact as you walk.
An '80s classic and the fashion crush for countless tastemakers, the Forum sneaker are an enduring style icon today. This all-white iteration exudes contemporary ease, while the low top ankle strap and premium leather construction maintain the basketball nostalgia.
Another basketball classic, Acne Studios' sneakers are rendered in velvety suede, nubuck and leather, with a streamlined silhouette and chunky soles. Don't miss the signature face motif on the laces' toggle.
Ganni's sustainable prowess isn't limited to its sneakers. The Danish label's sneakers are crafted from a plant-based vegan materials, Vegea™, that's partly made from the byproducts of winemaking. Slip them on with a flowing dress for a glass of sauvignon this season.
There’s not many items in your wardrobe that bypass the easy-come, easy-go everyday trends and truly stand the test of time. And certainly very few which really make their mark as a style staple for almost 40 years, but that’s the case with Reebok’s white SP classic sneakers. The stacked midsole adds heights and a retro character, while the Union Jack logo is plucked straight from the archives.
Technical trainers have been trending for several seasons now, and none hit the mark quite like this Salomon design. A little trickier to pull off than the others on this list, we suggest pairing them with cargos or dad jeans. Your sneakerhead friends will be impressed.
Evidently, the basketball courts are the key influence for the season's favoured footwear, with Common Projects' 'Bball' style also joining our ranks of the sneakers to nab. They're meticulously crafted in Italy from smooth and textured leather and emblazoned with the signature gilded model number stamp.
For a more breathable, lightweight sneaker option this season, Toteme's mesh design is the answer. Handmade in Italy, the ivory leather appliqués, suede trims and rubber base are perfect for both running errands in the city and navigating the cobblestone pathways of your next holiday destination.
What happens when a ballet pump meets a '70s track shoe? Loewe's Ballet Runner. They're as lightweight as they come, with a supple sole and comfortable elasticated sides.
True to the name, the designer of these sneakers is as clean as they come. Pared-back and timeless, the minimalist silhouette is canvas to nothing more than a subtle gold logo stamp.