The Best White Sneakers for Men
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White sneakers are always in style. Sure, things may change in trends from the brand-new white sheen to intentionally having some dirt on them, but there’s always a look they can benefit from. Unlike whichever Jordans dropped this week, or the latest gorpy Solomon jawns, a pair of white kicks is going to go with any outfit and look just as good as whatever hyped-up release sneakerheads are obsessing over. White sneakers are simple, they’re accessible. Whether you’re wearing them to work or to the gym, and whether or not you own 2 pairs of white sneakers or 200, they’re a necessary staple in your rotation.
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What the Experts Say
“I think white sneakers are a sort of olive oil,” says John Hill, a designer in New York City. “They’re a universal binder to the spring/summertime outfit. Keep them relatively cheap, preferably not designer, and they work with almost everything outside of black tie (unless you’re Ralph Lauren.)”
When it comes to making them work in your outfit, Hill knows their range is nearly infinite. “They work great with jeans, vintage military pants, dresses, patagucci baggies and a fun pair of socks.” Right now though, the trend going is that they’re better “scuffed and dirty,” according to Hill. “Unless of course they’re Air Force 1s.”
BEST OVERALL
adidas Stan Smith
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Don’t let the Samba craze fool you (no disrespect to Sambas, mind you): the original white sneaker still reigns supreme. Adidas has been making the Stan Smith since 1965 and the shoe hasn’t missed a step since. Stan Smiths go with anything and everything in your wardrobe, and at a cool $100 (and always in stock) they’re easy to replace once you’ve worn a hole in the soles (figuratively speaking). White sneakers are all about not having to overthink what you wear when you walk out the door. There is no shoe that gives you less to think about than a Stan Smith.
BEST FOR STREET STYLE
Nike Air Force One
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Among the greatest sneakers of all time, a pair of white Air Force Ones is cultural shorthand. It tells people peeping your fit that you know what’s up. It’s chunky, stylish, and comfortable as hell. A pair of white Forces makes a pair of well-worn sweats look like a capital-O Outfit and you’d do well to add a pair to your rotation.
BEST HIGH END
Common Projects Achilles Low
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Are you someone who appreciates quality craftsmanship and materials and sticks to the “buy well, buy once” mentality? Are you also someone who doesn’t mind dropping a few hundred bucks on a pair of white sneakers? Look no further than the Common Projects Achilles Low. This is the Rolls Royce of simple white sneakers, made from quality leather and extraordinarily well-designed. It’s the last pair of white sneakers you’ll ever need to buy.
BEST FOR RUNNERS
Hoka Bondi 8
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Hoka has been making a splash in the sneaker space in the last few years with their bold, bouncy kicks that blend fashion-friendly design with cutting-edge running tech. The Bondi 8 is one of the highlights of their line and comes in a clean white colorway. They’ll get you through your next 10K in style – or just your next coffee run.
BEST FOR FASHION HEADS
New Balance 9060
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New Balance’s chunky 9060 became one of the hottest shoes of 2022 when collaborators like Joe Freshgoods put their stamp on them. These days they’re available in a number of general release colorways and way easier to cop as a result. With a big, chunky sole and maximalist design on the upper, they’re a vital piece of New Balance’s ongoing campaign to become the hottest sneaker brand on the planet. Pick them up in this white colorway for a shoe that pairs with stylish joggers as well as a pair of tailored high-waist trousers.
BEST FOR BASKETBALL
adidas Harden Volume 7
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Those looking for a reliable basketball sneaker that doesn’t sacrifice style for performance need look no further. Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden’s signature line at adidas got a vital boost in 2023 after a few years of stagnating. The Harden Volume 7 comes in an innovative new silhouette, stripped down and minimalist with an eye to the future of performance basketball shoes. At the same time, its design draws from the adidas basketball archive and pays homage to some of the brand’s more popular early-aughts kicks. Most importantly, these things can go on the court, with a lightweight build and tech that helps them hold up to hard cuts and explosive jumps.
BEST SLIP-ON
Vans Classic Slip-On
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Vans Slip-Ons are low-effort in two senses. One, they’re laceless. You can literally just stick your feet in and go. Two, they go with anything. You won’t have to think about what shoes to pair with your outfit ever again. Tee shirt and shorts? They’ll work. Oxford button-down and selvedge denim? Yeah, they’ll still work. They’re the perfect shoe for anyone who’s tired of having to make decisions when it comes to what to put on their feet before they walk out the door in the morning.
BEST FOR THE GYM
Under Armour Project Rock 5
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Whether or not you’re a fan of Black Adam (statistically speaking there aren’t many of those out there) there’s one thing you’ve gotta hand Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: his Under Armour kicks are still some of the best cross-trainers on the market. This is the rare training shoe that’s genuinely improved with each progression, the 5 managing to one-up every sneaker that’s come before it. These kicks have you covered for Olympic lifting, CrossFit, getting some miles in on the treadmill, and even working some rounds on the heavy bag in between all of those workouts. They really emphasize the “cross” in “cross-trainer,” giving you the support, stability, and style you need to crush any workout that comes your way.
Frequently Asked Questions About White Sneakers
What should I wear with white sneakers?
White sneakers pair with everything, so you can wear them with jeans, shorts, a suit, or to exercise.
What can I do to clean my white sneakers?
If you’re very finicky, you can use a sneaker cleaning kit to keep them perfectly white. Jason Markk makes a good one. The truth is though, you may not want to. Intentionally not cleaning up your white sneakers can make them even cooler with a rough hewn look.
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