The white sneaker is perhaps one of the most common articles of footwear in anyone’s closet, yet many guys have trouble finding a pair that’s right for them. If you take a look at any white sneaker list article on the internet you’ll see the same pairs listed over and over. We’re doing things differently, because you can’t just spit out random sneakers and expect people to find it useful.
The actual way to categorize white sneakers is in 2 ways: classic/trendy and formal.
Not everyone wants a white sneaker for the same thing. Some people want the latest in trendy white sneakers, this means chunky dad sneakers, Avant Garde shapes and such. or classics, these are from brands we all know and love like Nike, Adidas and New Balance, and lastly some people want a more formal pair of white sneakers they can dress up – usually this means premium hand crafted materials, high quality leather and a minimal look.
In this article, I’ll be recommending different pairs for each category so you can find exactly the white sneaker that you’re looking for.
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Types of White Sneakers
When you’re looking for your next white sneaker, it’s important to figure out exactly what type of sneaker you want. Do you want a more modern fashion type of white sneaker that is more chunky? Do you want a clean minimal style? Do you want a casual sporty style?
Below is a collection of white sneaker styles to help you make that choice.
White Sneaker Outfits
Do you need some ideas on what you would wear your white sneakers with? Below are a collection of outfits you can take for inspiration on how to rock your white sneaks.
Formal White Sneakers
If you’re looking for minimal style, quality craftsmenship and the best materials on this side of the planet, check out our formal white sneaker picks.
Oliver Cabell – Low 1 White Gum
The sleek white design and small gold lettering featured here achieves the tasteful subtlety expected by high-end clientele. Oliver Cabell’s Low 1 sneakers are stitched and laced in Marche, Italy, where the shoe’s organic cotton and calfskin leather are also sourced. This is a sneaker for those looking to say more by doing less. Goes perfect with your favorite pair of shorts.
Jak – Royal White
The Royal White Sneaker is as understated as it is luxury. A genuine calf leather exterior and removable shock-proof innersole means this shoe is easy to keep clean and comfortable for everyday wear. Quality, intentional design by JAK yields a product that will stand the test of time, keeping your style game clean and on the go for longer. We dub this the perfect summer sneaker.
Axel Arigato – Clean 90
Circling back to one of our favorite luxury sneakers, the Axel Arigato Clean 90 boasts a similar design to Oliver Cabell’s Low 1 with a more accessible price-tag. Cushioned foot-beds with added arch support accompany the sleek exterior of this all-white sneaker and minimalist gold lettering makes this not only a practical selection, but a tasteful one. This is one of our favorite Common Projects alternatives.
CLAE – Bradley Triple White
The Bradley by CLAE is engineered for maximum comfort and quality closely followed by simplicity of design. This sneaker is made of white milled Italian Nappa leather and features molded EVA footbeds for optimal fit and feel. Flat waxed cotton laces and clean leather lining speak to the close attention to detail paid by creators at CLAE. This is the natural choice for our practical readers who delight in the details.
Classic White Sneakers
Wanna keep it cool and classic? Love well known brands like Nike and Adidas? Look no further than our classic white sneaker picks.
CLOSED – Low Black
This gem is one of our favorites – its two-tone design adds a hint of effortless dimension without undermining the simplicity of the white leather sneaker. Aesthetics aside, the Classic Sneaker features antibacterial insoles with memory foam technology and arch support for maximum comfort perfect for daily wear. Like the Oliver Cabell alternative, this sneaker is handmade in Italy and exudes minimalist luxe.
Adidas – Samba
The Adidas Samba sneaker is a great value for those seeking comfort and style for less. This white/nude design is made of leather, and its rubber soles are fitted for optimal comfort wear. This is a shoe for all weather, all day, and all outfits.
Reebok – Club C 85
The Club C 85 sneaker is a nostalgic reboot of vintage Reebok designs that harness the utility and style of tennis footwear. These soft leather sneakers are bringing back 20th century aesthetics without compromising functionality because Reebok-wearers value familiarity and comfort just as much as you do.
Converse – Chuck 70
Arguably the most well-known and widely-worn shoe on this list, the Converse Chuck 70 is a loved classic with some modern upgrades. Comfort in-soles and high rubber
side-walls maximize performance while original canvas body and branding stay true to Converse design we all recognize.
Onitsuka Tiger – Mexico 66
This retro 60’s inspired sneaker is just plain cool. A white leather body with neutral suede accents and colorful striping come together in this Onitsuka Tiger creation that is a bit more everything than your average white sneaker. Taking things just one step further than the Royal Lo, the Mexico 66 proves that pops of color flourish within your comfort zone without diminishing the versatility of the classic white sneaker.
Nike – Blazer Mid ’77
This vintage-esque sneaker is guaranteed to make anyone look like a style expert. Like many of Nike’s creations, the Blazer Mid ‘77 is a fun and unique take on a classic design. Building on the traditional white hightop, designers layer suede detailing over a simple leather body with colorful and overlapping Nike insignias.
Further embellishments include embroidered logo details on the heel and side panels which top off the expert design of this surprisingly understated work of art. As far as cool white sneakers go, this selection is right up there with the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66.