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There’s no men’s shoe more foolproof than a pair of white sneakers. And ever since the white sneaker boom of 2014, there’s been a profusion of styles to choose from, from furry to laceless to canvas and knit pairs.
Once you’ve picked out the best men’s white sneakers (an almost impossible decision, we know), you’ll quickly find they work with everything in your pre-existing wardrobe — including suit trousers, tracksuits and gym shorts in all sorts of hues and patterns. “As a white sneaker lacks color, you don’t need to worry about them clashing with the rest of your look,” says Gavin Hui, buyer at Boston-based streetwear and sneaker boutique Bodega. “Therefore, you can pair the kicks with any outfit you come up with.”
Still think you’d struggle to style a pair of fresh white kicks? Allow your celebrity style icons to show you the way. If you practically live in thrift shops, consider taking inspiration from the ’70s-inspired ‘fit featuring cool white sneakers Justin Bieber wore last summer. If preppy fits are kinda your thing, study A-Rod’s sweats, chinos and white sneakers ensemble. Or, if you’re never out of the office, contemplate taking style cues from the suit-and-sneaks sporting K-pop megaband BTS.
Now that you’ve accepted that some fresh white sneakers are key to adding a little radiance to your everyday look, you’re probably concerned about keeping said sneakers clean. Have no fear, Footwear News is here to introduce you to the 15 best sneaker cleaners to keep your pairs looking new and ways you can extend the life of your sneakers. Or, you could simply follow Hui’s two-step procedure: “I use Jason Markk wipes to remove any dirt or stains, and I prevent my white sneakers from yellowing by storing them in their original box in a cool area of my home.”
Now, there really is no excuse not to get your shop on. Keep reading to discover the best white sneakers for men to buy now.
Nike Air Force 1 Men’s White Sneakers
Kicking off our list is none other than the Nike Air Force 1, one of the best Nike shoes to buy now. In 40 years, Bruce Kilgore’s streamlined silhouette ascended from the streets of Baltimore to the runway of Louis Vuitton, officially achieving classic sneaker status. So, if you haven’t already got a pair of AF1s in your wardrobe, keep in mind it’s never too late to start sporting a pair.
Adidas Stan Smith White Sneakers for Men
Like an old friend, the Adidas Stan Smith is reliable, flexible and supportive. It’s the kind of shoe you opt for when there’s no time to overthink the kicks you’re slipping onto your feet.
The sneaker was the first tennis shoe to be released by Adidas in 1963, but wasn’t named after the legendary American tennis player Stan Smith until 1978. Prior to this, the sneaker bore the moniker of French tennis player Robert Haillet.
Jordan 1 Air Retro AJKO
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Turn heads in the AJKO that’s rendered entirely neutral. Grey highlights overlay across the toe, while the rest employs a white and cream finish. The branding, from the leather Swoosh to the screen-printed Wings logo, then rounds out the design with a pop of black, making these a must-have for any time of year.
For a casual dinner, pair these white kicks with dark-washed denim pants, a solid T-shirt or black trousers, and a cashmere crewneck sweater.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High-Top White Sneakers
“Chucks are the definition of timeless,” Hui says. “They’re the original basketball shoe that transcends trends and is still affordable for anyone’s budget.” Considering this, there’s no reason you shouldn’t add a pair of fresh white Converse All Star high-tops to your current rotation.
For a casual-cool look, style them with classic pieces like blue denim jeans, oxford shirts, white tees, varsity jackets and basketball caps.
Asics Gel Lyte III Men’s White Sneakers
Comfortable, functional and perennially relevant, Asics’ Gel Lyte III is always a good purchase. And when the sneaker is created in white, the distinctive details that set it apart from the rest shine a little brighter.
Style the all-white Asics Gel Lyte III with some technical shorts and a loose-fitting tee in the summer and a hoodie and some tailored jeans in the winter, and you’ll be prepared for whatever the day throws at you.
adidas Ultraboost 22 White Sneakers for Men
Although it feels like we’ve all been sporting Ultraboost sneakers for decades, the super comfy silhouette only debuted in 2015. And the latest model in the series, the 22, has quickly become one of the best Adidas running shoes on the market and hands down one of the best overall running shoes you can buy.
The cutting-edge Boost-enhanced shoe is composed of a Primeknit upper that offers a sock-like fit, a supportive mid-foot lace cage, Boost midsole and Continental rubber outsole. Grab yours in white, and you’ll be pairing them with everything from your gym tights to your baggy jeans. Need a little inspo? Google “Kanye West in Ultraboosts.”
Vans Slip-On White Sneakers
The white Vans are a safe bet, and that’s not a bad thing at all. Slip these sneaks on, and you’ll be ready to partake in all sorts of activities, from exploring a new city to kicking back on the beach.
In case you’ve never owned a pair of Vans slip-ons, know that these durable canvas shoes are also supremely comfortable. So much so, you’ll find yourself consistently choosing these kicks over all of your others.
Everlane ReLeather Court White Sneakers for Men
There’s so much to love about Everlane’s white ReLeather Court men’s sneakers. Crafted from reconstituted leather containing 50% recycled leather and 50% non-leather substances, the sneaker is just as environmentally conscious as it is sleek. Whether you’re wearing a tee-and-jeans combo to brunch or a basketball kit to your team’s stadium, you can depend on Everlane’s ReLeather Court sneaker to instantly elevate your ‘fit.
Salomon XT-6 Men’s White Sneakers
“The Salomon XT-6 is trending thanks to fashion’s focus on gorpcore,” Hui says, “although you definitely don’t need to be into hiking to enjoy a pair.” In fact, everyone from Bella Hadid to Ralph Lauren to Devonté Hynes has recently incorporated the nine-year-old silhouette into their everyday looks. A key styling tip? “Since it’s a performance shoe, it’s bound to look great with any waterproof jacket you own,” Hui suggests.
New Balance 2002R White Sneakers for Men
Looking for some white men’s New Balance sneakers? It’s safe to say you’re spoilt for choice. Perhaps a fresh white pair of New Balance 2002Rs will satisfy your desires. As the name suggests, the silhouette is a revised version of an early 2000s model.
If the retro-futuristic silhouette does tickle your fancy, we suggest securing a pair of the Yue Wu-designed Protection Pack “Sea Salt” sneakers. Characterized by their deconstructed suede upper, this new 2021 debut is a tad more fashiony than a general release.
On Running Cloud White Sneakers for Men
Sure, the On Running Cloud was designed with runners in mind, but the sneaker is one of the most comfortable shoes for men with all kinds of professions and hobbies, from gardeners to photographers to gym-goers.
Some reviewers even say these walking shoes are great for providing relief from foot issues like plantar fasciitis. So, if you are on the hunt for a pair of white kicks that’ll ease your foot pain, you may want to give this lightweight style a try.
New Balance 550 Men’s White Sneakers
If the New Balance 2002R is a little too dad shoe-esque for your liking, it’s time to get acquainted with the New Balance 500 White/Gray. Chunky but not too bulky, this frill-free leather silhouette is normcore at its finest.
Although the 550 is widely considered a lifestyle model in today’s world, the sneaker had its genesis in basketball. First released in 1989, the men’s sneaker was made to support players on the court but was overshadowed by the likes of the Air Jordan line. Over 30 years later, Teddy Santis — founder of Aimé Leon Dore (ALD) — discovered and subsequently revived the silhouette when collaborating with New Balance. Now, the silhouette is enjoying a well-deserved moment.
Allbirds Wool Piper White Sneakers for Men
Eco-conscious minimalists, rejoice. Allbirds has concocted a simple, unembellished white sneaker using renewable materials, aka the Wool Piper in Natural White.
Complete with a merino wool upper, sugarcane midsole and castor bean insole, this sneaker is cozy, flexible and versatile enough to meet all of your everyday needs. Not to mention, it’s also machine-washable.
Puma Basket Classic XXI Men’s White Sneakers
A lot like the Puma Suede (just without the suede), the Puma Basket Classic is a simplistic retro low-top sneaker that looks clean with any ‘fit.
Originally released as a basketball shoe in the 1970s, the sneaker is now beloved by style-savvy individuals for all sorts of occasions — especially since Puma recently updated the silhouette for contemporary customers with the XXI model.
Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next% White Sneakers for Men
As we touched on above, white sneakers are just as ubiquitous in the gym as they are on the streets. Currently, our go-to white workout sneaker is Nike’s Air Zoom Tempo Next%.
Sure, we only started to pay attention to the sporty silhouette after Virgil Abloh put his Off-White spin on the model, but we’ve relied on the super-responsive sneaker to get us through our workout sessions ever since. Now, it’s your turn to grab a pair.
Dior B27 Low-Top Men’s White Sneakers
Before Kim Jones was appointed men’s artistic director at Dior, no one gave Dior sneakers a second glance. Now, each pair the French fashion house creates is in demand, especially the pairs that come in white.
The latest white Dior B27 low-tops are beloved by both hypebeasts and high fashion enthusiasts alike. Brimming with intricate details, the chic Italian-made calfskin sneaker successfully captures the zeitgeist of our times.
Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Men’s White Sneakers
Unless you’ve been living under a rock since the mid-2010s, you’re familiar with the jewel in the adidas Yeezy crown: the Yeezy Boost 350. And the ultra-practical silhouette looks spectacular in white.
Always wondered why the sneaker is so hyped? Well, it’s designed by Ye, can be found in the closets of the most influential tastemakers in the world and is super comfortable. Secure a pair now while prices are considerably low.
Veja V-10 Men’s White Sneakers
Veja is on a mission to ensure that purchasing sneakers is a guilt-free experience by crafting kicks from recycled, organic and fair trade materials. Fortunately for white sneaker lovers, the French footwear brand is renowned for its white leather sneakers offset by a pop of color.
The white Veja sneaker at the very top of our wishlist is the Campo leather low-top. Isn’t it incredible how such an uncomplicated sneaker can appear so premium?
Rothy’s RS01 White Sneakers for Men
Whether or not you’re familiar with eco-friendly footwear brand Rothy’s, we’re sure you can appreciate the simplistic yet premium look of its RS01 sneaker.
The sustainable silhouette is made from all sorts of fascinating materials, including Rothy’s signature thread made from plastic water bottles and bio-based TPU. The best bit? Every element of the shoe is machine washable.
Adidas Forum Low White Sneakers for Men
Like many popular sneaker silhouettes, the Adidas Forum Low was originally designed as a basketball sneaker. (Players first wore the velcro-strap sneakers in 1984, hoping the comfortable, supportive style would give them an advantage over their opponents on the court.)
Today, the adidas Forum Low is making a big comeback thanks to nostalgia-hungry consumers and the line’s buzzy collaboration with leading Latin singer Bad Bunny. So, if you’re looking to rock trends before your peers, grab yourself a pair of white Forum Lows while they’re still super accessible.
Visvim Skagway Men’s White Sneakers
Japanese menswear brand Visvim has been creating high-quality laidback pieces since Hiroki Nakamura founded the brand in 2001. Informed by a range of inspirations — from workwear to the Japanese Edo period — the brand is celebrated for thinking outside the box, even when its footwear offerings pay homage to commercial sneaker silhouettes.
Take the Visvim Skagway canvas sneaker, for instance. It’s a sneaker that bears an undeniable resemblance to the Converse All Star low-top, but is elevated with an XXL sole and scuffed, worn-in upper. As you may have guessed, it looks very handsome in white.
Vans Old Skool White Sneakers for Men
An all-white Vans Old Skool is the perfect summer shoe, as it’s low-cut and looks snazzy with shorts. It’s the kind of kick that’s perfect for a festival or a trip to the seaside, especially if you pair it with vibrant colors.
On a separate note, a triple white canvas sneaker is ideal for anyone blessed with artistic skills, as it can be easily adorned with patterns and colors. Grab yourself a pair today and get customizing!
Represent Apex Men’s White Sneakers
British streetwear brand Represent may be new to the sneaker game, but it’s quickly making eaves. In fact, its refined Apex lace-up is already being worn by some of the world’s most inspiring style connoisseurs.
The shoe’s polished paneled design is eye-catching alone, but its zig-zag stitching, embossed midsole branding and metal bar details are what truly make it a standout look.
Sacai x Nike Vaporwaffle Men’s Sneakers
Although it’s common for luxury and sportswear brands collaborate these days, we believe the Sacai x Nike partnership is one of the most unique to date.
The most recent Sacai x Nike silhouette to flood our Insta feed is the Sacai x Nike Vaporwaffle, a model that fuses the Nike Vaporfly with The Swoosh’s classic Pegasus silhouette. Personally, we love how the white — or, “Sail Gum” iteration — allows the idiosyncratic construction of the shoe to truly shine.
Jordan 4 Retro Men’s White Sneakers
In 2017, Jordan brand revisited one of the most coveted Air Jordan 4 colorways, the Air 2005 Jordan 4 Retro “Pure Money.” Featuring stunning details like silver hardware accents and embroidered text hidden behind the heel tabs, this shoe offers a bit more personality than your classic white sneaker.
If you like the look, we recommend you act fast, as AJ4s are currently catnip for sneakerheads, sneaker collectors and sneaker resellers alike.
Axel Arigato Clean 90 White Sneakers for Men
Since setting up shop in 2013, Swedish sneaker brand Axel Arigato has been providing millions of men worldwide — particularly those who follow the codes of Scandinavian style — with minimalist white sneakers. Arguably the most fail-safe white sneaker the brand stocks is the OG Clean 90.
As the name suggests, the Clean 90 eschews busy details, colors and patterns to ensure the sneaker is kept as minimal as possible. What keeps consumers interested is the silhouettes’ use of unparalleled premium leather.
Amiri Skel Men’s White Sneakers
Any fans of macabre iconography will instantly be attracted to Amiri’s Skeleton white sneakers, which are embellished with bone-inspired leather appliqués.
If you’re to take inspiration from the American brand behind the sneaker, you’ll pair these white kicks with edgy tees — or patterned shirts, depending on the occasion — and ripped bejeweled jeans. However, if rockstar-chic isn’t true to your style, we recommend following Machine Gun Kelly’s lead and sporting your Amiri sneaks with black oversized garments.
Hoka One One Bondi 7 White Sneakers for Men
Hoka One One (pronounced “hoka onay onay”) should already be on your radar, as the label’s ultra-cushioned shoes have become clear favorites among avid runners and A-listers in recent years. Plus, these sneakers happen to be one of the best shoes for back pain.
Without a doubt, the most extraordinary white sneaker from Hoka is the Bondi 7. Made up of a breathable mesh upper, Meta-Rocker midsole and a memory foam collar, there’s nothing this reasonably-priced sneaker doesn’t offer.
Maison Mihara Yasuhiro Wayne Low White Sneakers
“Right now, one of my favorite brands for white sneakers is Maison Mihara Yasuhiro (MMY),” Hui says. “Its Wayne Low sneakers have an interesting chunky sole that grows on you the more you see them, and the upper is made from premium leather.”
Like John Geiger and Visvim, MMY is one of the growing number of sneaker brands appealing to millennial and Gen-Z consumers by toying with expectations to create shoes that are concurrently approachable and out of the ordinary. And the MMY Wayne Sneaker is no exception. We’ve got to say, we’re totally into it.
Nike Dunk High White Sneakers
The world’s gone mad for Nike Dunks over the last few years, so we felt it important to reserve a spot on our list of the best men’s white sneakers for the Nike Dunk Highs in “Pure Platinum.”
Originally released at the end of 2020, this particular version of the stalwart sneaker is, bar the silver Swoosh, entirely white — meaning you can easily incorporate it into any ensemble.
Off-White Out of Office White Sneakers for Men
Off-White is the quintessential luxury streetwear brand, and its selection of white sneakers is second to none. Our top pick from the Milan-based brand right now is the Off-White Out of Office.
This silhouette has made an impression on the sneaker community because it combines all current sneaker trends, inspired by chunky 2000s skater kicks to retro leather low-tops (like the Nike Dunks). Our favorite detail? The leather zip tag. It’s a touch more luxe than the conventional plastic zip tags the brand is known for.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Classic Sneakers
It doesn’t get more classic than this pair from converse. The Chuck Taylor All Star Classic is a unisex sneaker with an entirely monochromatic look. It features a lightweight, durable canvas upper and low profile for ultimate flexibility and stability.
The types of white sneakers for men to own now
Aforementioned, there’s currently an abundance of white sneakers worthy of your attention. And the best way to locate the right silhouette for you is to muse on your intentions. In other words, ask yourself: What purpose will my white sneakers fulfill?
White sneakers for the gym: If you’re looking for a pair of white kicks to work out in, you’re going to want to keep your focus on performance sneakers. Cardio enthusiasts should consider picking up some shock-absorbing running sneakers (Hoka’s pairs come to mind), while weightlifters will require something a little more stable, like a Converse All Star high-top.
White sneakers for weekends: Associate white sneakers with the weekend? You’re not the only one — many men reserve their white kicks for weekend activities. Amateur sports players opt for white Jordans, city dwellers opt for Vans slip-ons and normcore dog walkers opt for New Balance sneakers.
White sneakers for work: Want a pair of white sneakers to take you from Monday to Friday? We don’t blame you. Dressing for work is easy when you’ve got a sleek, sophisticated pair of white kicks in your collection. We recommend opting for a pair of low-top sneakers made out of premium materials (think Axel Arigato or Represent sneakers). Speaking of white sneaker materials…
The different materials for white sneakers
Leather: To us, white leather sneakers are the archetypal white kicks. From Nike Air Force 1s to Everlane ReLeather Courts, white leather sneakers tend to be sleek, timeless and, most importantly, easy to clean. “You can never go wrong with a pair of white leather sneakers,” Hui says. “They’re elastic, tear-proof, heat-insulating and simple to maintain.”
Suede: Although white suede sneakers require a little more care than white leather kicks, their super luxe finish makes it all so worth it. The question is, do you prefer retro styles (e.g. Puma Suedes) or dad styles (e.g. New Balance 2002Rs)?
Performance Knits: Ever since sneaker brands began experimenting with knit uppers, we’ve been obsessed with white knit sneakers. Models such as the versatile adidas Ultraboost 22 fit right into the current demand for technically advanced kicks that cater to various dress codes.
Canvas: Humans have long been using canvas to create footwear because it’s a practical, durable, comfortable and lightweight textile. So, why change things now? Our most treasured white canvas sneakers are our Visvim Skagways, Vans Old Skools and Vans slip-ons.
