What’s that? You think all white trainers are the same? How wrong you are, my friend. These bright-coloured kicks may indeed all have a common hue, and share a similar purpose, but white sneakers are as varied as they are versatile.
They’ll look as good with blue jeans as they will with a blue suit. You can wear them with tapered trousers, casual chinos or even short shorts — if that sort of thing takes your fancy. But not all white trainers are born equal. From design to materials, some sneakers have a better chance of putting their best feet forward than others. Here are our favourite five pairs.
For formal sneakers, Unseen Footwear's Helier classic white/leather suede
Looking for a whip-smart leather pair of sneakers to pair with your business casual style? Look no further than these kicks from British sneaker brand Unseen Footwear. Crafted completely from the highest premium quality Italian leather and suede mix, these are begging to be laced up with a pair of formal lace-up trousers and pale blue shirt, and then walked with purpose into the boardroom.
For eco-friendly kicks, Uniform Standard Series 3
Looking for a pair of white trainers with green credentials? We’ve got just the pair. Not only are Uniform Standard’s Series 3 sneakers a masterclass in minimalism, they’ve also got some seriously impressive eco-friendly features. The cupsole is 70% recycled rubber, the insole 100% recycled cellulose and the footbed 100% recycled and leather-covered. Even the shoebox is recycled. Environmentally conscious? These are the lace-ups for you.
For a retro flavour, Oliver Cabell White GAT Sneakers
Of course, not every pair of white trainers is going to be walked into a boardroom — or used on a pitch, track or court. Some are crafted purely as style statements. And Oliver Cabell’s GAT design is perfect for conjuring up memories of the eighties. Inspired by vintage German athletic trainers, these sneakers are crafted from a combination of Spanish and Italian leathers, walk on durable rubber soles and are tightly pulled together with wax cotton laces.
For a subtler style, Uniform Standard Triple Ecru Leather Sneakers
We know, we know. Ecru is not necessarily white. But these highly versatile sneakers are even more adaptable thanks to their subtler colour. From Uniform Standard, they boast minimal clean lines, premium material construction and sublime hand finished details — including a leather back collar and embossed logo detailing. They may be off-white, but they’re on point.
For a true sporting sneaker, the Oliver Cabell Low 1
And finally, of course, we come to the real deal; the trainer meant for training. Oliver Cabell’s Low 1 design means business, but of course you can tell that. Styled to evoke the timeless silhouette of a tennis shoe, these kicks have a low-top design and were handcrafted in the Marche region of Italy from calfskin leather. And, thanks to Margom outsoles — renowned for their durable, lightweight rubber — they not only talk the talk, but walk the walk as well.
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