White sneakers are the shoes I never have to think about—I just know a pair looks good, no matter how worn. I have a go-to brand for dress-to-impress casual events, a pair for dog walks, and a do-everything sneaker for international vacations and city exploration. Every year, when I take stock of my shoe collection, it’s like I’m staring at a snow bank. I want to add more color to the collection, but I can’t seem to quit the old standby.
I’m certainly not alone. White sneakers have been a sartorial mainstay for decades and an American icon for more than 100 years, popularized by turn-of-the-century tennis pros and celebrated by contemporary corner-store runners. Now that Memorial Day is in the rearview and sexy tennis thriller Challengers has reached meme status, it’s officially white sneaker season—and a challenge to pick the perfect pair.
So I reached out to a personal stylist who specializes in menswear: Madison Gustini of Maddy G Style. I asked her thoughts on high-quality white sneakers in every price range. If you’re looking for something fresh, start here. (And if you could use a bigger closet redo, book Maddy.)
Best White Sneakers Under $1,000: Loewe Flow Runners
There's no more subtle flex than a pair of Loewe shoes. I don't own these, but when I see a dude who's dressed impeccably, this is the footwear. The Spanish luxury house, founded by a group of leather craftsmen nearly 180 years ago, has a rich heritage rooted in calfskin expertise as it became a symbol of enduring quality. Investing in Loewe means owning a piece of history that epitomizes sophistication and artisanal excellence. (Also, their tomato soap is heavenly.)
Buy: $790
Best White Sneakers Under $500: Common Projects Achilles
"If you're looking to invest in a high-end sneaker, the Common Projects Achilles is unparalleled," Gustini says. "Its minimalist design and exceptional quality make it a standout choice. Even my dad, who usually gravitates toward the latest trends, has kept (and very much used) a pair in his closet for over 10 years." Mr. Gustini isn't alone in praising Common Projects' comfort and durability: They're near-universally admired for the softness of the leather, the quality of the hand-stitching, and their timeless minimalism. The only downside? Everyone knows them.
Buy: $400
Best White Sneakers Under $400: Axel Arigato Dice Lo
These sneakers may be the next big thing. The Swedish brand has been quietly making waves for a decade, but in 2024, the waves are seismic: Gustini calls the Dice Lo the sneaker of the year, noting that its popularity has surged. Axels are my go-to "cool event in Manhattan" sneaker, and they never fail to draw compliments. The brand is known for quality leather and sustainable craftsmanship, and the Dice Lo is sustainably crafted from a mix of Leather Working Group–certified Italian calfskin, suede, and recycled polyester. There's a bit of a break-in period with these, but mine are fully NYC-rainstorm-tested and still look brand-new.
Buy: $310
Best White Sneakers Under $200: Greats the Royale 2.0
An accessible sneaker whose leather is durable enough to outlast presidencies. For eight years, these ultracomfy low-tops were my go-tos for European vacations and Brooklyn walks. They kept me striding through nearly a decade of cobblestone streets and Portuguese hills until the soles finally wore out (somehow the leather upper still looks clean). I'm now getting them resoled.
Buy: $189
Best Chunky White Sneakers: Nike Air Max 1 SC
Nike Air Max 1 SC, which runs about $150, wins the Best Chunky Sneakers award. What more can I say about a classic? Only that as men's pants get wider (thank the style lords), you often want to reach for footwear that kinda balances everything so your feet don't look like wee little fawn hooves. These are supremely comfy. As for picking a color, I'm fond of the Todd Snyder curation.
Buy: $150
Best White Sneakers Under $100: Reebok Club C 85 Vintage
The Reeboks win the Best Value award, hands down. There's no cooler pair you could find at an outlet mall; I got mine for $50 somewhere off a New Jersey highway. But they're also just objectively fantastic. It's hard to explain their appeal: The off-white leather somehow looks better the more wear it gets, and the shoes simply project a vibe that says, "Yeah, I know what I'm doing, even when I'm dressing down." Gustini says the Club C is "perfect for the effortlessly cool guy who knows how to style a vintage sneaker. They go with everything, whether you're dressing up with pleated trousers or keeping it casual in jeans." (For maximum versatility, I love the Chalk/Paperwhite/Glen Green colorway, or try this new release with pops of red.) These terry-lined kicks are also the most comfortable pair on the list. If you're reading this, stock up.
Buy: $90
