White sneakers are probably the most worn shoe in my closet. They’re versatile and comfortable (assuming you have the right pair) and add a stylish yet trendy touch to any outfit. I own a handful of different brands and wear them often, so today, I’m sharing the best options for every style and occasion.
If you had asked me a month ago, I would have told you VEJA sneakers were the best overall, and they’re still a close second. But as soon as I tried on these OCA Low sneakers from Cariuma, they became my favorites. They have a leather upper and low profile that looks great with dresses. Most importantly, the toe-box is wider than other sneakers I have, which is much more comfortable for my foot. They’re great for day wear, errands, and casual outings. Plus, they’re a top pick among those who prefer ethical brands.
I was gifted these by the brand and had never heard of them and didn’t think they looked that cute online, but I was blown away when they arrived. They’re incredibly comfortable, go with everything, and I wear them almost every day. They would actually make wonderful work shoes if you can be a little casual in the office (See all my favorite works shoes here.) I grab them instead of my VEJA sneakers most days, and as someone who has been a die-hard VEJA fan for years, that’s saying something.
Adidas Gazelle sneakers are a huge trend this year (see my whole roundup of trendy sneakers here), and now that I own a pair, I can see why. The Gazelle style has a suede upper that makes them a little less sporty than other sneakers, they’re comfortable right out of the box and they’re especially cute with jeans. I own these in powder pink, but they also come in a white colorway with green detailing. They’d honestly be great sneakers to wear to the Masters if you’re heading there this spring.
Keds Champion Originals Lace Up sneakers are a great affordable choice for white sneakers. They give me major nostalgia since I picked out a pair at Payless every year growing up (they’ve been around since 1916 – crazy). These are lightweight, machine washable, and have a super minimal profile on the foot. These sneakers work well for warmer weather and casual wear, giving a clean and simple look. They’re under $55, which is a great price point for a casual summer sneaker.
Tretorn’s Nylite sneakers are a timeless choice for those who love a minimalist look with vintage appeal. I’d deem these the best summer sneaker because they’re made with a durable canvas that’s breathable. They remind me of Keds, but the silhouette has more material and looks more substantial on the foot. These sneakers also provide good traction on pavement, so they’re a practical show to wear around kids. When I wore them the first few times, they did rub my heel just a little bit, so you may need to factor in some break-in time. These are on the affordable end, too.
If you love the clean look of white leather sneakers, the VEJA Esplar and Cariuma leather sneakers are the best options. VEJA sneakers are super popular for their eco-friendly production and sleek, European-inspired design – plus, celebrities and influencers wear them all the time, making them even more popular. They do require a little bit of a break-in period, though. On the other hand, Cariuma’s leather sneakers have a softer feel from the start, making them a more immediate choice for comfort. Cariuma has a lower profile overall, while the VEJA sneakers have just slightly more “bulk,” which makes them extremely durable, so perhaps order both to see what fits your foot best. If I was headed to Europe and needed to walk all over Italy, I’d take one of these.
I also have to note that VEJA makes a really fun Velcro style called the Recife, so if you want to get both the Cariuma and VEJA sneakers, get the Velcro pair from VEJA for another variation.
I just got the Sam Edelman Kallen sneakers, and I absolutely love them. They’re a bit more retro than the rest of the sneakers in this roundup and have a “court-inspired” look. I don’t typically like court-inspired shoes, but I’ve been shocked by how often I grab these. They’re cute with shorts, jeans, and even dresses. See a full post with how to style sneakers with dresses here.
If you’re looking for a white sneaker that you can wear for long walks or even workouts, the On Cloudmonster delivers. These sneakers provide exceptional arch support, a cushioned insole, and a durable sole for maximum comfort. I wish I could accurately describe how comfortable these are, but you just have to trust me. The downside is that you don’t want to pair these with jeans or dresses (unless it’s a sporty dress or athletic skirt), so they aren’t quite as versatile.
I reach for my New Balance 327 sneakers whenever I want to feel sporty in my outfit (see all of my favorite athleisure outfits here). They are relaxed and comfortable, but they work well with jeans and dresses (as long as your outfit is pretty casual). These became super popular last year and were hard to find in stock, but they’ve been easier to find since then. I always wear these when I’m flying since they’re comfortable and cute and lightweight.
If you want a retro sneaker with an athletic edge, the New Balance 530 is the best pick. These sneakers combine retro running shoe aesthetics with modern comfort, making them ideal for both workouts and casual wear. They offer great traction, durability, and a sporty look. They’re very lightweight, which I appreciate since other similar styles from New Balance (like the 990v6 that I bought at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale last year) that I own are quite bulky and heavy.
A great pair of white sneakers is a closet essential, offering comfort, versatility, and style. Whether you prefer a trendy pick like the Adidas Gazelle, a sustainable choice like the Cariuma OCA Low, or a high-performance sneaker like the On Cloudmonster, there’s an option for everyone.
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