Sneakers

How we chose the best white sneakers

Material: Canvas and leather shoes are durable and easy to clean with a few wipes, meaning they’re good investments. We also love suede for its durability and soft texture; to keep it pristine during rainy conditions, though, you’ll have to use a protective spray.

Comfort: If you’re mostly walking, Chanel Perkins, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist, recommends shoes that offer stiff arch support and flexibility at the forefoot; if you’re shopping for running shoes, look for the opposite. Cushioned soles, memory foam midsole, and thick outsoles are ideal features for nurses’ shoes. Otherwise, kicks that are lightweight and made with breathable materials are great if you’re on your feet all day.

Price: Sneakers must be replaced semi-frequently (podiatrists recommend every six months to a year, and say that if the rubber sole is worn down, it’s time to replace them), which is why we love a relatively cheap pair. But that doesn’t mean a splurge is out of the question—as long as the design and the quality justify the higher price. We split shoes into three categories:

Walkability: We also looked closely at how comfortable these shoes are to walk in. Do they give shoe bites or blisters? Are they uncomfortable to travel with when sporting them for days on end?

Glamour’s white sneakers FAQs

How to choose the best white sneakers for your personal style

Picking the right pair of white sneakers comes down to understanding how you want to wear them. For example, old-school sporty sneakers like Reebok Club C 85s look great with tailored trousers and button-downs. If you’re hunting down a pair that looks good with dresses, pick something a little more minimalist and grounded, like the classic Adidas Sambas. And anyone who wears gym-ready outfits most of the time should have a great pair of workout shoes on hand; we suggest the super-popular Lululemon Beyondfeels.

How to clean white sneakers

If you have canvas shoes, they can be put in the washing machine; if you have leather or suede shoes, stick to spot-cleaning. We recommend using a toothbrush and dish soap for mud, grass, and spills—a little patience goes a long way. But remember, white sneakers often look best with at least a little scuffing and staining.

How to style white sneakers

Styling white sneakers is as easy as throwing them on with whatever you’re wearing—they’re that versatile. But if you’d like to go a little more elevated, the experts have a few tips: “I like to style classic white sneakers with unexpected pairings,” says Caroline Maguire, Shopbop’s fashion director. “For example, I’ll throw a pair on with a white T-shirt, a black tulle skirt, or a midi-length slip dress. I love the contrast and comfort all in one.” (Call it wrong-shoe theory.) Of course, you can also just throw on some trusty leggings and call it a day—we promise you’ll look good.