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Table Of Contents
White sneakers are a total classic. Since the trend’s boom in 2014, the white casual shoe is considered the most versatile footwear item a man can add to his footwear rotation because it serves as a blank canvas that won’t clash with any type of outfit, even suiting (regardless of what GQ and the New York Times might say). “As a white sneaker lacks color, you don’t need to worry about them clashing with the rest of your look,” says Gavin Hui, buyer at Boston-based streetwear and sneaker boutique Bodega. “Therefore, you can pair the kicks with any outfit you come up with.” So, what’s new in the white sneaker world for men this year? It’s all about the classic, retro styles for effortlessly cool style.
Previously, the Stan Smith was a retro men’s white sneaker that reigned supreme, but with the explosion of interest in Gazelles and Sambas, as well as other timeless white sneaker styles like the Nike Cortez from “Forrest Gump” and the Nike Killshot 2s after the release of “Challengers,” there are more well-priced affordable white sneakers trending than every before.
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Not all trending men’s white sneakers are old-school classics. Some of these men’s sneaker styles are also re-worked versions of Y2K running shoes, like the Nike P6000s and Vomero 5s that offer a rich textural mix (like classic dad shoes from New Balance) and a chunky silhouette with plush, comfortable cushioning.
Speaking of comfort, the most comfortable white sneakers for men are brand new releases with innovative technology to walk with ease, no matter how many steps you rack up in a day. Nike’s new Motiva walking shoes and Alo Yoga’s Recovery Mode sneaker are standouts for 2024.
Since summer is here, consider the most breathable shoes for all-day comfort, especially if you’re standing all day. Classic white canvas shoes from Cariuma and Vans have you covered, but if you’re looking to try something with a more flexible upper, men’s white sneakers with knit or mesh uppers should do the trick, like our favorites from Rothy’s and Lululemon.
Lastly, a clean, minimalist leather sneaker is always a solid must-have for men’s suiting, but with 2024 menswear trends flexing unique personal style, you have a bit of room to play with suiting and sneaker combinations — just make sure your suiting fits the modern menswear silhouettes of the moment (sorry, skinny suits).
As a shopping editor, sneaker enthusiast, and long-time menswear writer with a sneaker collection that’s spilled out of my closet with shoe boxes lining my bedroom, I can confidently say our edit of the best white sneakers for men is sure to fit your needs with guaranteed comfort and cool style.
Unlike some Nike styles, the Vomero 5 actually feels pretty comfortable for those who need shoes for wide feet, thanks to ample space in the toe box. The mesh overlay on the upper not only provides a cool textural look, but it also makes these top white sneakers for men feel extremely breathable. Personally, I love the firm midsole support for my high arches, and the moderate cushioning has lasting power after countless long days of wear. Unlike a white leather sneaker, there’s no uncomfortable break in period with a padded collar. Plus, the sturdy heel counter provides extra stability for your daily walks.
When wearing a white sneaker, the small design details are key to create dimension and interest; this is where the Vomero stands out above the rest.
Price upon publish date of this article: $160
To start, these comfortable white sneakers for men have the most incredible footbed that feels like a memory foam mattress, cradling achy, tired feet in need of relief. If a shoe could be considered a spa day for your feet, the Alo Recovery Mode sneaker might as well be renamed Canyon Ranch and come with a cucumber mask. The comfort is all in the shoe’s innovative construction. The recovery foam insole is supported by a sturdy heel counter and outsole (which has a trendy gum sole-look to it). The cushioning lasted for a surprisingly long time (we’re talking months of endless wear), and while they are still fine to wear today, I jumped at the opportunity to purchase a second pair.
This Alo Yoga white sneaker also has a durable and luxe-looking vegan leather upper, which stayed surprisingly clean after several wears (which also generated comments from co-workers). The only time these top white sneakers for men looked less than fresh was after several rainy, muddy days last fall, but they were incredibly easy to clean with Jason Markk sneaker cleaner (and yes, they still look brand new).
If you suffer from knee pain, back pain, or need a new pair of white walking shoes for men to run around a concrete jungle, Alo Yoga has just what you’re looking for.
Price upon publish date of this article: $185
This style that mixes both crisp white and off-white colorways will also age nicely with repeated wear. Sure, you might want to keep them clean for the office or a casual wedding shoe, but don’t be afraid to let these bad boys get dirty — it just increases its cool factor.
Price upon publish date of this article: $110
For lazy summer days and sneakers that double as comfy house shoes, these white stunners make your tired feet feel like they’re on a relaxing vacation.
Price upon publish date of this article: $99.99
Price upon publish date of this article: $110
Price upon publish date of this article: $149
While some reviewers say it can run big, based on our testing, these top white men’s shoes run true to size.
Price upon publish date of this article: $109.99
Price upon publish date of this article: $145
Price upon publish date of this article: $179
Price upon publish date of this article: $245
Price upon publish date of this article: $120
Price upon publish date of this article: $60
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
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Meet the Expert
Gavin Hui is a buyer at Boston-based streetwear and sneaker boutique Bodega. Hui has over seven years of merchandising experience working with top sneaker brands and men’s luxury fashion.
Meet the Author
Adam Mansuroglu is the Director of Commerce for Footwear News and WWD, overseeing strategy for shopping content on both brands, along with writing and editing shopping guides, product reviews, and shopping trend stories for all types of footwear, from designer shoes to athletic sneakers for both men and women. Prior to his current role, Mansuroglu was a fashion editor and stylist at Cosmopolitan Magazine, Style Editor at BestProducts.com, and Senior Style & Gear Editor for Men’s Health Magazine, where he edited the annual Men’s Health Sneaker Awards. Mansuroglu has been tapped as a shopping expert for editorial websites such as Wirecutter, and his writing has also appeared in Out Magazine, Esquire and other publications. Mansuroglu personally tested all men’s white sneakers featured in this story, along with dozens of other shoes throughout his 15-year-plus editorial career.
