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Let’s just say it: white sneakers are a spring staple. No, scratch that; they are essential all year round. Their limitless versatility and blank slate appeal make them literally the only shoe you need for grocery shopping, date nights, days at the office, and even weddings – provided you get the good pair.
It’s not just their utility that makes white sneakers so good. Any sneakerhead worth their salt at Yeezys will tell you that an unsullied white kick trumps it all, partly for that glorious fresh first wear and partly for the thrill of beating them. Crispy white sneakers will make you feel like a new man – perfect for spring, right?
Surely because of their ease of wear, there is an abundance of white sneakers to choose from. Every brand, every retailer and every fashion house around the corner got into the style, churning out gum-soled canvas bottoms for OG Converse at $700 designer kicks and beyond. Some of them are very good. Many things are very, very bad.
To help you separate the wheat from the chaff, we’ve rounded up all of the toughest, best looking, and generally excellent white sneakers on the market right now. A ton of styles from Nike, New Balance, Common Projects and more are popping up, with the same unifying factor – a crisp exterior that goes with anything that’s sure to spice up your spring.
Farfetch
New Balance x Aime Leon Doré 550
Unequivocally the hottest reintroduction in recent memory, the New Balance 550, a vintage NB release from 1989, has found new life as one of Aime Leon Dore’s best-selling collaborations. It’s got everything spring needs: an eye-catching shape, premium leather, and a retro look straight out of an 80s yearbook. The only problem? Other people also know how sick these shoes are, so they are constantly sold out. Of course, you can try your luck in the resale market if you feel compelled to have them.

Koio
Sneaker Koio Capri
The Koio Capri is flawless sneaker perfection, with a true all-white colourway and supple full-grain leather, handcrafted in Italy and set on a durable rubber sole. Tough enough for everyday wear but formal enough to pair with smart trousers or even a lightweight suit, they’re a great pair for the warmer months ahead.

Adidas
adidas stan smith sneakers
Look up “white basketball” in the dictionary and you’ll find a picture of the Adidas Stan Smith staring at you. The shoe has it all – rounded toe, recycled vegan upper, versatility in spades and over 50 years of history to back it up. If we had to choose one (readily available) white sneaker to wear for the rest of our little lives, there’s no doubt that we’d live our days very happily with Mr. Stan on our feet.

all the birds
Allbirds Tree Runner Basketball
Love them or hate them, there’s no denying the ingenious design of the Allbirds Tree Runner. Woven with a revolutionary lightweight and breathable eucalyptus fiber, these trainers are lighter than air and hold up surprisingly well. An added bonus, the Tree Runner is not only produced with eco-friendly and sustainable materials, but also deceives a carbon-neutral creation process.

Nike
Basket Nike Blazer Mid ’77 Vintage
Another blast from the past, the Nike Blazer Mid ’77 has become a necessary part of any reasonably well-dressed guy’s wardrobe.

GREAT
GREATS The Royal Ecological Canvas
As if the GREATS Royale sneaker wasn’t good enough already, it’s undergone a complete, eco-friendly redesign, without sacrificing an ounce of quality. 100% recycled cotton canvas, seaweed moss padding, 100% natural rubber and recycled cotton laces are all sneaker conscious.

Converse
converse chuck taylor all star
The Chuck Taylor All Star is the bread and butter of white sneakers; simple, easy to wear and incredibly cost effective.

Nordström
Hoka Bondi 7 Running Shoe
The amount of cushioning on the Hoki Bondi shoe (33mm of cloud-esque foam) makes you feel like you’re walking on air with every step. Comfort is always in style, especially when paired with the trending maximalist look.

To finish. Clothes
Grenson 44 Basketball
Historic Grenson Shoemakers are known for their dress shoes, but don’t count their leather sneakers either.

Lingonberry
Veja V-10 Trainers
An ethical shoe through and through in its entire construction, the Veja V-10 is well-sourced, produced by fair labor and ready to dress up some very chic pants.

Amazon
Adidas Samba Sneaker
If retro is definitely your vibe, the Samba is really the only option. With their rubber soles and the classic long tongue, these bad boys and some cropped shorts are about to bring the 70s back to life all on their own.

Nike
Nike Air Max 90 Sneakers
We can’t say for sure that the Air Max 90 was the shoe that started it all, but there’s no denying the effect of this kick – in all of its various colorways, not just that certified all-white look – has been monumental and has been instrumental in creating the sneaker culture we live in today since its inception in (you guessed it) 1990. Plus, they look killer with jeans.

Everlane
Everlane ReNew Leather Espadrilles
A durable leather shoe under $50? Sign us up!

Mr Porter
Common Project Achilles Original Leather Trainers
The Common Projects Achilles has been the benchmark for white trainers for as long as menswear has cared about white trainers and for good reason; their minimalist design, premium leather, and handcrafted shape make them a staple in the leather kicking game.

Mr Porter
Balenciaga Triple-S logo-print faux-leather trainers
Ready to try your hand at “fashion”, and want to blow up a bag along the way? Balenciaga Triple S’s have adorned the feet of Kanye and Pharell, and the chunky, chunky units can affix yours for a miserable gang.

Reebok
Reebok Club C 85 Mens Trainers
Along with other retro styles like the Adidas Samba or the Nike Blazer, the Reebok Club C has long been an affordable alternative to its athletic competitors. That’s not to say the shoe lacks quality – its minimalist design and soft leather upper are just as good as they were 40 years ago.

Sperry
Sperry Men’s Stripper II CVO Trainers
Ahoy! The Sperry Stripper II CVO sneaker induces just the beachy feel we want for summer, but don’t get bent; those casual canvas joints can still take a beating.

To finish. Clothes
New Balance M991TW – Made in England
The ultimate dad shoe, in the ultimate dad shoe color.

Nordström
Tennis sneakers on center court Rodger
Two Swiss legends, one Swiss shoe.

Rothy’s
Rothy’s RS01 sneaker
Knitted, breathable comfort in a beautifully designed package.

Mr Porter
Larry VEGEA Mr. P Eco Edition sneakers
An update of the classic Larry Sneaker and part MR. A basic house of P, the VEGEA introduces quality recycled materials into its mix.

To finish. Clothes
Paul Smith Basso leather sneakers
Sir Paul (no, not that one) makes a really good sneaker to go with his very crazy spring clothes.
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