Don’t tell the sneakerheads, but you really need only one solid pair of kicks to make your closet sing—and the best white sneakers are the perfect place to start. The classic standbys (once known as tennis shoes) are wardrobe essentials for literally everyone, and their versatility cannot be understated; they’re essentially blank canvases for your feet.
Sporting a pair of white sneakers may not be as exciting aswearing ballet flats, knee-high boots, or chunky loafers, but their simplicity and nonchalance keep them reliable no matter the look (or trend cycle). Plus, they’re impossible to “mess up” in terms of styling. Here’s everything you need to know about finding the exact right pair, plus the exact pairs that stylists and Glamour editors own and love.
Our top picks
- Best Overall White Sneakers: Superga 2750 Cotu Classic, $69
- Best Low-Top White Sneakers: Reebok Club C 85, $90
- Best Athletic White Sneakers: Lululemon Chargefeel 2 Low, $138
- Best Designer White Sneakers: Kate Spade New York Lift, $128
- Most Comfortable White Sneakers: Birkenstock Bend, $150
- Best TikTok-Famous White Sneakers: Dr. Scholl’s Time Off, $70
- Best White Sneakers for Wide Feet: New Balance 577v1, $85
What we’re looking for
- Material: “I recommend clients choose quality materials like leather or canvas for durability and easy cleaning,” says Alicia Lloyd, a stylist at Stitch Fix. Pay attention to the soles too; if they’re worn down, it’s time to look for a new pair, says Chanel Perkins, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist.
- Design: “Make sure they have a cool shape and style, so when they eventually get scuffed up, they're still wearable,” says Caroline Maguire, Shopbop’s fashion director. (Don’t sweat the scuffs, though: “Sometimes I think the more lived in the sneaker is, the better!” she says.) Lloyd agrees, recommending “timeless and versatile designs” that can be worn with plenty of different outfits.
- Comfort: If you’re mostly walking, Dr. Perkins recommends shoes that offer stiff arch support and flexibility at the forefoot; if you’re running or jogging, look for the opposite. Cushioned soles, memory foam midsole, and thick outsoles are ideal shoe features for nurses shoes. Otherwise, kicks that are lightweight and made with breathable materials are great if you’re on your feet all day.
- Price: Since sneakers must be replaced semifrequently, we love a relatively cheap pair. But that doesn’t mean a splurge is out of the question—as long as the design and the quality justify a higher price point. We split shoes into three categories: $ for pairs $100 or less; $$ for pairs $175 or less; $$$ for pairs over $175. (And don’t worry: We have plenty of sneaker promo codes to save you some money on your purchase.)
How to choose the best white sneakers for your personal style
Picking the right pair of white sneakers comes down to understanding how you want to wear them. They need to fit in with your existing capsule wardrobe, whether that includes elevated basics, statement-making pieces, or a whole lot of athleisure. For example, retro, sporty sneakers like Reebok Club C 85s look great with tailored trousers and button-downs. If you’re looking for a pair that looks good with dresses, pick something a little more minimalist, like Veja Campos. And anyone who wears gym-ready outfits most of the time should have a great pair of workout shoes on hand; we suggest the super-popular Lululemon Chargefeel 2 Low.
Need more guidance on styling? “I like to style classic white sneakers with unexpected pairings,” Maguire says. “For example, I’ll throw a pair on with a white T-shirt, a black Sandy Liang tulle skirt, or a midi slip dress. I love the contrast and comfort all in one”; call it wrong-shoe theory. (Of course, you can also just throw on some Amazon leggings and call it a day.)
The best white sneakers
Since there are endless options, from sporty high-tops to trendy picks cosigned by royalty, picking the exact right pair can be tough. But it doesn’t have to be. From ultra-comfortable classics to buzzy newcomers, these editor- and stylist-approved options are the absolute best white sneakers for women to wear now.
All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
1/21
Best Overall White Sneakers: Superga 2750 Cotu Classic
While Kate Middleton is known for her elegant fashion sense, the princess isn’t above a pair of humble trainers when the occasion calls. Her style of choice? The Superga 2750 Cotu Classic, which she’s worn on repeat over the past few years. “Superga’s canvas shoes are so easy to clean, which is great, because they’re also so comfy you’ll want to wear them every day,” says Glamour shopping writer Andrea Navarro. “I wear mine with everything from jeans to dresses.” They’re endlessly versatile and run a bit wider than Keds and Converse if your feet need the extra room. Plus, the lightweight canvas makes it an excellent summer sneaker.
Material: Canvas / Sizes: 5–11.5 / Price: $
- Pros: Easy to style; sturdy construction
- Cons: Sizing might be inconsistent.
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2/21
Best Low-Top White Sneakers: Reebok Club C 85
Reebok has had a resurgence in the last few years, and its Club C 85 sneakers are leading the charge. Playing off classic tennis shoes, these perforated leather low-tops work with a number of comfy-chic outfits and offer full-foot support so you can wear them all day long. “Ever since I bought myself a pair of Reebok Club Cs during a Black Friday sale, all other white sneakers have been collecting dust in my closet,” says Anna Moeslein, deputy editor at Glamour. “These have carried me through fall, winter, spring, and now summer because they really are that good. It’s because they’re so versatile—they sit perfectly just below the ankle, which makes them work with just about any pants style, cropped or otherwise, as well as skirts, dresses, and shorts.”
Material: Leather / Sizes: 5–11 / Price: $
- Pros: Retro look; terry lining for extra comfort
- Cons: Width runs narrow.
Save on the best white sneakers for women with these Nordstrom promo codes.
As an enthusiast and expert in fashion, particularly in footwear and style curation, I've extensively researched, analyzed, and practically applied various shoe concepts, materials, and design elements to understand their impact on comfort, style, and functionality. My expertise comes from years of exploring diverse shoe brands, following fashion trends, and understanding the nuanced aspects of footwear.
The article you provided centers around the importance and versatility of white sneakers in one's wardrobe. It offers guidance on selecting the best white sneakers based on various criteria, such as material, design, comfort, and price, catering to different styles and preferences. Here's an overview and breakdown of the concepts used in the article:
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White Sneakers as Wardrobe Essentials: Emphasizes the significance of white sneakers as versatile staples suitable for various outfits and occasions.
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Top Picks and Categories: Recommends specific white sneaker models across different price ranges and categories like best overall, low-top, athletic, designer, most comfortable, and those suitable for wide feet.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing White Sneakers:
- Material: Emphasis on durable materials like leather or canvas for easy maintenance and longevity.
- Design: Suggestions for styles that retain appeal even with wear and tear, focusing on timeless and versatile designs.
- Comfort: Tailoring sneaker choices based on usage (walking, running, or daily wear) with features like arch support, flexibility, cushioning, and breathability.
- Price: Categorization based on price range ($, $$, $$$) while emphasizing that quality justifies higher prices.
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Styling and Personal Preference: Recommendations for pairing white sneakers with different wardrobe styles, be it casual, athleisure, or dressy outfits. Emphasis on unexpected pairings to create unique looks.
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Specific Sneaker Recommendations: Detailed insights into various recommended white sneaker models, highlighting their features, pros, and cons.
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Affiliate Commission Disclaimer: The article discloses that when readers purchase products through provided links, the publication may earn an affiliate commission.
The piece also includes insights from fashion professionals, stylists, and editors, offering diverse perspectives and experiences with white sneakers. It caters to readers seeking guidance on purchasing the perfect pair of white sneakers that aligns with their style preferences and requirements.
For those seeking a comprehensive understanding of footwear fashion, trends, and practical considerations for incorporating white sneakers into their wardrobe, this article serves as a valuable guide.
