We keep getting questions about sneakers. Specifically, everyone wants to know if the Adidas Superstars and Stan Smiths have had their day in the sun. Is the white sneaker over?
Uhhh….NO.
Not only is the white sneaker trend NOT over, it’s just getting stronger. We might be able to thank Balenciaga for that…or maybe it’s just that a trend this cool + practical doesn’t go down without a fight.
Granted, there are a ton of white tennis shoes to choose from…but if you are still hanging onto your old canvas whites (Converse I’m looking at you)…it *might* be time for an upgrade. Yes, yes, Converse are classics (don’t throw them away), but…and this is just a nudge…maybe try branching out? The white sneaker of Fall 2019 is much more Major Statement Kicks than Cute Little Canvas Shoe.
The Best 10 Pairs Of White Sneakers (Says Us)
So. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up our favorite white sneakers. Most of these are NOT Dad sneaks. Instead, these are white tennis that are major enough to hang with the cool kids this fall, but not so giant that they’ll look out of place a few years from now.
1. Golden Goose
TME Why: These things are pricey, but it’s the little details that make us swoon: the silver bottoms, the perfectly worn-in vibe…and YES — they’re really comfortable. Personally, I like the mids best — they look like more of a statement, can be worn with everything (jeans, dresses, shorts, etc.,)…and I’ve even worn my mids in the winter with socks peeking out.
Perfect For: People who insist on wearing socks with sneakers. Try with ankle socks in the summer (they won’t show) and then regular socks in the winter.
2. Nike
TME Why: Retro and adorable. My heart flutters a little every time I seem them.
Also: They’re also available in white with a red swoosh. I *think* I still like the black/white best….but I wouldn’t throw that red outta bed, if ya know what I mean.
3. Veja
The TME Why: Sustainability, man.
One Caveat: These sneakers are great (I have them), but the tongue IS too long. Just cut it down to size and voila! (Seems crazy, I know, but I love this company and their commitment to sustainability.)
4. J/Slides
The TME Why: STARS. That are also STUDS. STUDDED STARS. (Do I even need to say anything more?)
Same. But…not: This pair of St. Laurent sneaks has a similar vibe…for uh, $700.
5. Senso
TME Why: I like the varying shades and textures…and how the detail is a cross between ruffles and raw hems.
Perfect For: Anyone who describes their style as both feminine and tough.
6. Nike
TME Why: The color variations are subtle, but SO good. Love how the cream upper makes the white laces pop, and how the black sole grounds everything. (Also, I have this exact pair in white and red, and they’re STUPID COMFORTABLE.)
Best Described As: Under-the-radar cool
7. Champion
TME Why: Serious retro vibes on these kicks.
Also note: You can’t tell in this pic, but the tongue has the bright blue “C” on it. It’s a perfectly placed pop of color (and ties into the sole nicely). Really well designed.
8. Everlane
TME Why: Because 698 reviews can’t be wrong. Not only are they super-cute, but they’ve been described as “wearing clouds on your feet” and feeling like “an expensive leather handbag”.
A Gold Star For: SUSTAINABILITY. These shoes are the lowest-impact sneaker on the market. They reduced the plastic required by 54% (and most of the remaining is recycled plastic…the rest they offset).
9. Adidas
TME Why: Well, I don’t want to overstate things, but these might be my most-worn shoe EVER. They’ve been worn on literally every trip I’ve taken in the last few years, and I wear them…almost daily? Well. Several times a week, at least. All four seasons. Wearing them now, in fact (Also: sustainability — it’s part of Adidas’ production process).
Wear them with: Dresses and skirts and jeans and shorts and trousers and EVERYTHING I PROMISE.
10. Adidas
TME Why: Big Stan Smith fans over here. And the update with gray accent (rather than green) is so freaking good.
Perfect For: Anyone who was always mildly annoyed by the bright green. *S raises hand*
Shop Our Top 10 Pairs of White Sneakers
xo,
S
How do the Golden Goose shoes run? I search them on eBay periodically, but haven’t pulled the trigger b/c I’m not familiar with the brand. And what do you think about the Gucci Ace sneaker? Very similar in look to the Adidas, but a little more posh/flashy 😉
I love white tennis shoes. I have both Adidas pairs you mentioned in this post (although I have the green Stan Smiths). I love them for their look, but find they hurt my feet to wear all day. Any thoughts? I really wish I could wear them all day because I love them, so I would love ideas.
Girl, which part hurts? Do they rub on the heel, not cushy enough…?? My Superstars are maaaaybe the most comfortable shoes I own – I literally wear mine all day.
Any suggestions for a white mid-top sneaker, a la Golden Goose shape but less expensive? I’m one of those must-wear-socks-with-sneakers people… not that I *mind* going sockless in sneakers, but my feet can’t handle it. Sockless sneakers are like heels level of blister potential, at which point I might as well wear heels.
I adore all the Golden Goose sneaks and my feet demand quality ultra comfortable shoes…however I just havent been able to justify the price tag. Somebody please convince me they are really that good!
Any tips to keep white tennis shoes white?
Sadie, I never have any issues with mine…as long as I stick with leather white shoes. Even my kids wear them. Everything basically just wipes off pretty easily. The laces get the dirtiest, but those can just be thrown in the washing machine.
Look on eBay! That’s how I justify my splurge purchases 😉
Yes!! I second this!!
Love the look of white shoes, but New York is filthy and I’m lazy, so…black and silver Adidas forever.
I guess I would say not cushy enough–like not supportive enough if that makes sense.