The Best White Sneakers for Summer (and Cute Outfit Ideas for How to Wear Them)
Shop

The Best White Sneakers for Summer (and Cute Outfit Ideas for How to Wear Them)

Flip-flops, flats, and espadrilles may seem like the obvious choices for summer footwear, but a great go-to pair (or two!) of white sneakers are key contributors to your May-through-September shoe wardrobe. Like a blank canvas for your outfit inspiration, a classic pair of all-white Keds or Jordans can be be dressed way up for a formal wedding, or way down for a lazy day running errands. Read on for the best What to Pack-approved white sneakers for summer (including top picks for every budget and best running shoes), as well as great white-sneaker outfit ideas for men and women, and tips on how to keep your sneakers as pristinely white as the day they came out of the box.

See recent posts by Rebecca Bohanan

THE BEST WHITE SNEAKERS FOR WOMEN

 

1

Most Iconic White Sneaker for Women

Keds Champion Original Sneaker.

The original Keds Champion white sneaker is nothing short of an American treasure. The cotton canvas, four-eyelet design runs on the narrow side, but the brand has recently introduced a wider-fitting version, allowing for a little more comfort than they did back in 1916.

$45 at Urban Outfitters
2

Best White Running Shoe for Women

adidas by Stella McCartney PureBOOST Trainer Sneakers

Adidas x Stella McCartney's mesh trainers with toggle laces are cute enough to pair with a sundress, and durable enough for a jog through the park or down a boardwalk.

$180 at Shopbop
3

Best Platform White Sneaker for Women

Vans Old Skool Platform

The 90s are back—and arguably better than they were the first go around. These all-white Vans skater shoes look straight out of a Fall 1996 Delia's catalog, but their platform sole and all-white look give them a very 2019 twist.

$64.95 at Zappos
4

Best High-Top White Sneaker for Women

Nike Air Jordan 1 Mid Sneaker JORDAN

A true sneakerhead will pull together a summer outfit with high-tops like the shiny patent Nike Air Jordan 1 Mid Sneakers—their mid-ankle rise creates a full high-top look without trapping too much warm weather heat.

$110 at Nordstrom
5

Best Low-Top White Sneaker for Women

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Sneakers

A fresh pair of Chuck Taylor All Stars will get you through most everything this season, from baseball games to summer Fridays at the office. Like Keds, Chucks are an all-American classic that works with just about any outfit—just ask the many brides who've opted to wear them under their dress. The durable all-leather body of this particular style will stay looking new longer than the classic canvas style.

$60 at Shopbop
6

Best Slip-On White Sneaker for Women

Superga 2551 COTU

Our must-add-to-the-summer-2019-shoe-rotation pick is this incredibly cute pair of slip-on mule sneakers from Italian brand Superga. They're a fun update to a 100-plus-year-old sneaker style, featuring an exposed heel for easy slip-on, slip-off action.

$64.95 at Zappos
7

Best Status White Sneaker for Women

Veira Lace-Up Sneaker CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

For a truly luxe pair of white sneakers, we give you Christian Louboutin’s Veira lace-ups (don't worry, they still feature the brand’s fabled red soles). Available in three pale shades (white, latte white, and snow white), the Veira is a fashion investment that's sure to make even a casual cutoffs-and-a-tee combo feel extra.

$595 at Nordstrom
8

Best Mid-Priced White Sneaker for Women

Madewell Sidewalk Low-Top Sneakers in Leather

Madewell officially entered the sneaker game this year with the launch of their skater-inspired sneakers—though the bouncy insoles found here give far more cushion than you'd find with traditional skate gear.

$88 at Shopbop
9

Best Cheap White Sneaker for Women

Target Women's Emilee Lace Up Canvas Sneakers - Wild Fable

For classic white sneakers that cost less than two iced lattes, look no further than Target’s Wild Fable label for this $10 pair of canvas low-tops. Their cotton upper is machine washable, so you won’t have to worry about getting them a little dirty at campouts or weekend picnics.

$10 at Target
10

Best White Sneaker for Women Overall

ECCO Soft 8 Leisure Tie

Meet your one-stop summer shoe purchase. From a brand known for comfortable design, these minimalist tennis shoes by Ecco feature leather uppers and lining (many companies tend to save on material expenses here by opting for synthetic or cotton lining). The supremely comfy inlay soles and outsoles can withstand even the longest summer Disneyland lines. This is an investment pair that will last well into the fall, next summer, and beyond.

$170 at Zappos

THE BEST WHITE SNEAKERS FOR MEN

11

Most Iconic White Sneaker for Men

adidas Originals Superstar 2

Men and women alike have looked effortlessly cool in Adidas’ classic three-stripe low-tops for decades. The instantly recognizable footwear works for a day in the office, an afternoon in the park, a night out at a concert, and everything in between. The padded footbed and rubber sole traction keep them comfy throughout.

$78.99 at Zappos
12

Best White Running Shoe for Men

Air VaporMax Flyknit 3 Sneaker NIKE

Nike’s super-lightweight, super-flexible VaporMax Flyknit 3 athletic trainers will have you feeling practically weightless. Their air-pod soles are so cushioned you’ll feel like you actually are walking on air, while their Flyknit upper provides a breathable exterior perfect for long days in the sun.

$170 at Nordstrom
13

Best Chunky White Sneaker for Men

Nike M2K Tekno Sneaker
To any guy wanting to get in on 2019’s normcore trend seen on the spring runways for Versace, Calvin Klein, and more, we recommend Nike’s M2K Teknos. One part high fashion, one part stylistically safe, unremarkable—even ugly—the sneakers are sure to inspire jealous looks from hipsters and dads alike.

$100 at Urban Outfitters
14

Best High-Top White Sneaker for Men

Converse Chuck Taylor® All Star® Leather Hi

Does anything say summer like a pair of pristine white Chuck Taylor high-tops? The classic eight-eyelet basketball shoe now comes in buttery monochromatic leather, with a subtle white rubber iconic All Star patch at the heel. The result is a modern take on an O.G.

$59.95 at Zappos
15

Best Low-Top White Sneaker for Men

Jack Purcell Leather Sneaker CONVERSE

Like the All Stars, Jack Purcells have been updated with a durable leather uppers instead of their traditional canvas. Converse's preppier shoe go perfectly with just about everything, like jeans and a tee (weekend uniform) or chino shorts and an island-inspired sport shirt (for your annual summer beach trip).

$70 at Nordstrom

16

Best Slip-On White Sneaker for Men

Vans Classic Slip-On™ Core Classics

The go-to choice for a men’s summer slip-on is without a doubt Vans Slip-On Core Classics. The iconic Off the Wall (recalling Vans' origins in SoCal skateboarding culture) outsole and padded topline deliver long-lasting comfort that can endure all manner of summer pursuits. Updated construction, like a slimmed-down body and rubber waffle tread, make the 2019 model a better shoe than ever.

$49.95 at Zappos
17

Best Status White Sneaker for Men

Versace Chain Reaction Sneaker VERSACE FIRST LINE

Leave it to Versace to take white sneakers and make them fashion. While many of our featured shoes are all about simplicity, this pair of sporty, Italian-made platforms is designed to catch major looks.

$995 at Nordstrom
18

Best Mid-Priced White Sneaker for Men

Nike Men's SB Zoom Blazer Mid-Top Sneakers

For a quality, dependable pair of shoes under $100, we love the SB Zoom Blazer Mid-Top Sneakers by Nike. A padded tongue and collar provide comfort, and a mesh logo heel adds an extra touch of cool to this old-school, minimalist basketball shoe.

$85 at Bloomingdale's
19

Best Cheap White Sneaker for Men

ASOS DESIGN slip on plimsolls in white canvas

Sixteen bucks is a bargain for a simple pair of slip-ons to get you through this summer. The Slip-On Plimsolls by Asos feature elasticized inserts so you can easily pull the flat sole canvas sneakers on and off. The best part, after the low cost and no-fuss style? They're machine washable.

$16 at Asos
20

Best White Sneaker for Men Overall

Cole Haan GrandPro Tennis Sneaker

The best all-around all-white men’s sneaker is the Cole Haan GrandPro Tennis Sneaker. Made with the brand’s molded EVA soles, the sporty sneakers are plush, pliant, and dressy enough to replace an oxford or loafer for a night out, but still casual enough to go with shorts or swim trunks.

$129 at Zappos

FOOLPROOF WHITE SNEAKER OUTFIT IDEAS

 

White Sneaker Look for Women #1

For info on these editor-selected items, click to visit the seller’s site. Things you buy may earn us a commission.

White Sneaker Look for Women #2

For info on these editor-selected items, click to visit the seller’s site. Things you buy may earn us a commission.

White Sneaker Look for Women #3

For info on these editor-selected items, click to visit the seller’s site. Things you buy may earn us a commission.

White Sneaker Look for Men #1

For info on these editor-selected items, click to visit the seller’s site. Things you buy may earn us a commission.

White Sneaker Look for Men #2

For info on these editor-selected items, click to visit the seller’s site. Things you buy may earn us a commission.

White Sneaker Look for Men #3

For info on these editor-selected items, click to visit the seller’s site. Things you buy may earn us a commission.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR WHITE SNEAKERS

Couple Standing on Log at the Beach, Wearing White Sneakers.
Tip #1

Just like waterproofing a new pair of winter boots, you can dirt- and scuff-proof your new white sneakers. Use a specialty protectant spray, like Sneaker Lab’s Sneaker Protector, and they’ll look fresh out of the box all summer long.

Tip #2

Should you collect any stubborn stains over the summer, use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser cleansing pads as a spot treatment on canvas, leather, and synthetic white sneakers.

Tip #3

For a quick and thorough cleaning, canvas sneakers can be thrown in the washer using a mesh laundry bag. For all-white leather shoes, consider storing them in shoe garment bags to keep them in perfect shape while they’re waiting to be worn.

Related Stories

All products have been hand-picked by our writers and editors. Items purchased through links may earn us a commission.