With so many men's sneaker styles available today, finding that perfect pair can feel like a somewhat overwhelming feat. It may be tempting to capitalise on trainer trends — like chunky soles or retro-inspired styles — but more often than not, it pays to keep things simple. Which is where white trainers come in.
Minimalist in design and often constructed from high quality leather, white trainers are a footwear essential that will serve their wearer well season after season. If you're on the lookout for a pair of clean and crisp sneakers that will transcend trends and seasons, scroll on for our pick of the best white trainers for men on the market today.
Why you need a pair of white sneakers
If your closet is overflowing with shoes, yet you still can never find that perfect pair that goes with everything, it's high time to invest in some white trainers. From high-tops to low-tops, canvas to suede, there's a version for everyone. And while loud, patterned trainers certainly serve a purpose, a simple white style will stand the test of time and can be worn with just about anything. Which brings us onto our next point...
How to wear white sneakers
Perhaps the easiest style of sneaker to wear, and certainly one of the most versatile, men's white trainers can be worn with everything from casual everyday favourites like sweatpants and jeans to more formal tailored trousers.
Opt for a leather style with minimalist detailing and a clean silhouette to pair with a deconstructed suit in the context of a laid-back summer wedding, or wear them to the office, teamed with chinos and a smart Oxford shirt for a contemporary business casual look. You can just as easily keep things low-key for an effortless weekend aesthetic: simply add shorts or straight-leg trousers and a casual hoodie and chore jacket up top. Essentially what we're saying is that white sneakers lend themselves wonderfully to just about any casual or smart-casual outfit. But when it comes to more formal occasions, probably best to avoid and opt for a more appropriate style like brogues or Oxford shoes.
Best white trainers for men in 2023
JAK
Portuguese footwear label JAK is beloved by minimalists the world over for its pared back approach to sneaker design. All of its shoes are lovingly designed and made in Portugal using the finest leathers, placing an emphasis on quality of construction over unnecessary aesthetic features.
JAK's Vantage sneaker exemplifies the brand's mastery of minimalist yet characterful design. Taking cues from classic tennis style, it offers a contemporary take on a vintage aesthetic. With a subtle dash of colour, these are the perfect white sneakers for those who don't want to commit to an all-white shoe.
North-89
Melding purposeful design with high quality materials and construction, North-89 specialises in minimalist sneakers with subtle twists. These may be found in perforated uppers or in lightweight gum soles which contrast perfectly with the leathers used.
The brand's bestselling No-2 sneaker has been meticulously crafted from breathable perforated Italian leather and sits on a durable natural rubber sole. The clean white colourway and elegant silhouette offer ultimate versatility.
CLAE
CLAE is beloved for its fashion-forward sneaker designs, which range from basketball-style high tops through to hiking-style walking shoes.
But the Los Angeles-based brand also produces an excellent line in simple white sneakers, as demonstrated by its Bradley Essentials model, which boasts a super sleek silhouette, cushioned footbed and sturdy Premium Court outsole.
Oliver Cabell
Oliver Cabell’s focus lies in driving the price of sneakers down while maintaining the quality of the materials and craftsmanship.
The most pared back of the label’s offerings, the Low 1 sneaker, features an Italian full grain calfskin leather upper, calfskin footbed, cowhide leather counters and waxed cotton laces. With little in the way of details other than a gold-tone brand stamp to the tongue, the Low 1 will style easily with any outfit. If you're looking for a Common Projects alternative at a fraction of the cost, this is it.
Crown Northampton
Fifth generation family-run footwear label Crown Northampton has become synonymous with world-class English-made footwear.
The brand produces everything from desert boots to Derby shoes, but we can't look past its impeccably handcrafted leather sneakers, which include the Upton Wholecut model, a super clean-cut style with an upper made from a single piece of full grain leather. Inspired by classic dress shoes, it's perfect for smart-casual occasions.
Cariuma
With sustainable design as its founding ethos, Brazillian footwear label Cariuma creates canvas sneakers that are high quality and low impact, plus extremely affordable.
Cariuma's signature OCA sneaker fuses old school skate style with new school ethics. Handcrafted from sturdy robust canvas with 100% vegan insoles made from organic mamona oil and cork, it ensures equal parts style and sustainability, not to mention ultimate all-day comfort.
Aurélien
Everything Aurélien creates is underscored by its philosophy of 'Smart Luxury' – making high-quality items affordable.
Take Aurélien's Portofino trainers for example: With their calfskin leather upper, calf lining with extra padded insole and rubber sole, they're a luxurious (and oh-so-elegant) take on an everyday sports staple.
Closed
German label Closed may be best known for its iconic denim, but its expertise also extends to footwear.
Crafted in Veneto, the centre of the Italian footwear industry, these low-top sneakers combine a smooth leather and suede upper with a chunky rubber sole. Team them with raw denim jeans and a worker jacket for an updated take on utilitarian style.
Axel Arigato
Axel Arigato is a Swedish streetwear powerhouse with an ethos driven by the Scandinavian and Japanese philosophy of minimalism.
The brand's Orbit Sneaker, crafted in suede, epitomises this ethos: its clean silhouette and minimalist white colourway makes it, as the Axel Arigato describes, an instant "future classic". The chunky sole lends the trainers a distinct retro quality.
Velasca
With the belief that high quality craftsmanship should be accessible to all, Italian footwear brand Velasca produces premium leather shoes at accessible prices.
Its men's leather trainers can always be depended upon to stand the test of time. Our pick of the bunch is this clean white Belèratt style, handcrafted in Montegranaro, Italy from full grain calfskin leather and set upon a box bottom rubber sole.
Myrqvist
Swedish footwear label Myrqvist uses the finest leathers from the very best tanneries in the world, with calfskin from the Hermès-owned Tannery du Puy in France and Suede from Charles F. Stead in England.
The brand's Oaxen sneakers epitomise its attention to detail and commitment to craftsmanship. A soft yet durable calf leather upper is meticulously stitched to a 3cm off-white rubber sole. The overall appearance is simple yet sophisticated.
WAHTS
Amsterdam-based brand WAHTS has mastered the art of sports-luxe style, with its sleek, minimalist take on functional sportswear. A muted colour palette of white, grey, black and navy dominate the WAHTS range, allowing for ultimate versatility and easy mixing and matching.
WAHTS's Cartes sneaker is a retro-inspired style, made from smooth Italian leather with a clean and classic silhouette. Understated in looks, these simple men's white trainers offer the ultimate finishing touch to a busier ensemble: think a printed shirt with straight-leg trousers, or swim shorts and a breezy linen shirt.
DiVERGE
Portuguese sneaker label DiVERGE is all about empowering self-expression, through the creation of customisable sneakers that reflect each wearer's personal style. You can customise your pair to make it as colourful as you like – or keep it low-key by opting for a blank canvas with a few small details.
DiVERGE's Landscape silhouette is crafted from a patchwork of leather – premium plain calf leather, floater, suede and nubuck – lending it a sense of sophistication. Keep these trainers white, or add a hint of subtle colour by customising them to your style – the choice is yours.
Now discover our favourite black trainers for men.
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