I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect pair of everyday white sneakers. So I decided to order a bunch of popular white sneakers, so I could see what pair felt right. I’m sharing the ultimate guide to finding the perfect white sneaker.
This post was updated in January 2023.
Classic white sneakers are considered one of the best fashion staples for your wardrobe. They pair well with a variety of outfits from denim shorts to dresses to skinny jeans and mini skirts. White leather sneakers give any outfit an edgy-cool, street-style look that are both classic and on-trend.
What I’m looking for in a pair of white sneakers is:
- Comfort
- Minimal coloring
- Won’t cut me off at the ankle
- Not too chunky or perfect-looking
- Ideally a real leather that won’t be too hot to wear during the summer
- Easy to get off and on
Your Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect White Sneaker
Gucci New Ace Perforated Logo Sneaker
The classic pair with red and green detailing wasn’t really what I was looking for, but I loved this more subtle pink and white version. Unfortunately, these are no longer available. I saw this exact pair is on sites like Poshmark. But retailers no longer carry this style it appears.
But Gucci currently has THIS pair available with the GG embossed. They retail for $920, so definitely a splurge.
Color: white/rose
Sizing: I ordered my normal size and they fit well, but if you’re in between, you may want to size down.
Quality: Leather upper and lining, made in Italy, rubber sole. They came packaged well in a Gucci box with dust bags and extra laces.
Comfort: These didn’t seem to be the most comfortable right out of the box. They felt stiff across the top of my foot and along the heel. However, it’s normal for genuine Italian leather shoes to need some break-in time.
Look: These are a very low profile sneakers and for Gucci, the logo is on the simpler side. These definitely have a more feminine feel compared to other options.
Look-for-less: A great look-for-less option are the Stan Smith Adidas shoes. They have that same pop of color around the ankle with the embossed logo.
pros and cons
Pros:
- Great packaging and presentation
- Genuine leather
Cons:
- Require some break-in time
- Sizing seems questionable based on online reviews
- A longer tongue that will need to break in against the ankle
Golden Goose Superstar Low Top Sneaker
I’m not a huge fan of the busy prints and colors these famous sneakers come in. But when they released this rose gold version, I knew it was the perfect sneaker for me to try. There is scuffing along the sole of the shoe and slight discoloration through the toe, laces, and GG star, but otherwise I felt like the grungy look was minimal for this brand.
Sizing: Whole sizes only. If half size, order up – I am usually an 8/8.5, and I think I would need to go up to the 9 for more comfort.
Color: A bright white with warm undertones.
Look: This shoe is very flattering on the ankle and not too chunky. There is a small heel lift in the insert of the shoe, which can secretly make the shoe look more flattering as well. The toe shape is slightly more almond, which gives it a more feminine look.
Are golden goose shoes comfortable?
Comfort: I’ve heard these take some initial break-in. The sole of the shoe is pretty firm, but the tongue is very flexible and soft. I don’t think I would recommend these for a wide foot. I have a bunion and did notice some redness in that area with minimal wear. They are genuine leather, so widening or stretching them is another option.
Quality: They are made of genuine leather in Italy and hand distressed, contributing to the higher price point. The inside has a soft terry lining, so you can wear them with or without socks, based on your preference.
Recommendations: I think if you love the style of the GG’s, and you’re willing to splurge on them, they are a very fun statement shoe. Since they’re already marked, you’re less likely to worry about them out and about, because it just adds to the character.
They are all limited-edition shoes. They stop making them after a certain amount of sales, and you can find the edition number inside the right shoe.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Easy to slip off and on
- Not as worried to get them dirty
- They make your foot look smaller
- Slight heel lift is flattering on the ankle
Cons:
- Stiff material
- Price point – you have to LOVE the style!
- Harder sole
- Run narrow
golden goose Look for less options:
Golden Goose PURESTAR Low Top Sneaker
This is the cleaned up version of the cult favorite Golden Goose sneaker. When I asked for your feedback on the GG sneakers, a lot of people said they preferred this version because they’re more comfortable.
Sizing: Whole sizes only, if between, size up. These didn’t feel as narrow or snug on my foot. I ordered the size 8 (39), and they fit TTS.
Color: Optic white/ white
Quality: Leather upper, leather and textile (terry) lining, rubber sole
Look: The laces on the top of the foot appear longer with a shorter toe box. They have more of a platform than the original Superstar sneakers, and have a slight elevated heel to lengthen your leg.
Are the golden goose purestars more comfortable than superstars?
Comfort: They have some initial stiffness in the toe box, but overall feel much softer and more comfortable than the Golden Goose Superstar sneaker. The toe box is still on the narrow side but feels slightly wider than the Superstar. This pair feels much more comfortable with a bunion! They do feel heavier than the Superstar.
Recommendations: If you want a GG but don’t love the distressed look, these are the sneaker for you!
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Very comfortable
- Slight heel lift is flattering for the ankle/leg
- White leather across the ankle will be pretty easy to clean up compared to synthetic lining materials
Cons
- Not as easy to slip off/on
- They make your foot look slightly longer
Frye White Sneaker
There’s no question that Frye is an exceptional leather goods company. Considering I want a white sneaker that is ultra comfortable, this pair was definitely one I couldn’t miss.
sizing: TTS
color: Neutral white, not too warm or cool toned
Comfort: Comfortable right out of the box. It has a very soft but supportive sole, and the leather already has a worn in feel.
Look: They’re more of a sophisticated, elevated white sneaker. The inside lining is a rich brown, which can help keep them looking cleaner around the ankle. Compared to the other white sneakers, this pair had more of a textured leather, but was still soft to the touch.
pros and cons:
Pros:
- Very comfortable
- No logo details
- Quality leather that will last season after season
Cons:
- May be too elevated for casual wear
- Look slightly more masculine
Veja V-10 Sneaker
I’ve actually tried this style a few times in the past, but the sizing wasn’t correct. European sizing always throws me for a loop 🙂
Color: Extra-white and platine – warm toned white leather with slightly brighter white laces
Quality: These are made of recycled leather upper and sole.
how do veja sneakers fit?
Sizing: Whole sizes only. Online they recommend ordering up, if between sizes. To me, my normal size 8 felt roomier than most of the other shoes I tried, and I would say they run pretty big.
Also one important note on sizing, Shopbop had incorrect size conversions for European sizing, which explains why when I previously tried them, they did not work. I would go off the size chart on the Nordstrom website before ordering. I’m a size 8 (sometimes 8.5), and I ordered a size 39. They fit roomy and comfortable, but I don’t think I could go down another size.
are veja 10 sneakers comfortable?
Comfort: Out of the box, this shoe does feel somewhat stiff, similar to the other genuine leather pairs reviewed above. The most common complaint is the long tongue that can dig into the ankle. If you move it to the side while initially breaking them in, this should soften with wear.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Made of sustainable materials
- Good mix of elevated – casual
Cons
- Difficult to lace (mine came unlaced and the leather is pretty stiff to lace)
- The tongue can dig into the ankle
- Takes some breaking in
- Sizing may be an issue since they only come in whole sizes and run big
Overall thoughts: If you’re looking for something that’s not too simple and a little more trendy, this is a great option! I’m interested in trying to velcro version because I think they will be a lot easier to get off and on, but I do love the look of these. This company also values fair trade and sustainability.
Steve Madden Rezza
I’ve had this shoe for about a year, and it’s been a great pair to grab when I’m running out the door.
sizing: I always find Steve Madden shoes to run on the smaller side and typically order a half size up. I have experienced some inconsistent sizing with these, but I think they were potentially labeled incorrectly.
color: Distressed cool toned white with distressed gray suede on the toe.
Look: These give you a similar look-for-less to the Golden Goose sneakers, while still having their own personality. There’s some distressing that you’ll either love or hate, and a comfortable terry lining.
Comfort: These required very minimal break in time. They feel like good quality, but didn’t feel stiff.
pros and cons
pros:
- Easy to slip off and on
- Don’t have to worry about getting them dirty
- Minimal to no break-in time
cons:
- The distressed look won’t be for everyone
- Sizing may be inconsistent
Sam Edelman Ethyl Low Top Sneaker
This is one of the more simple, clean-lined white sneakers in this roundup. I’m a big fan of Sam Edelman shoes because they are always very padded and comfortable on the foot.
sizing: These run true to size
Color: Bright white leather – neutral white not too warm of cool toned
Quality: Leather or synthetic upper, synthetic lining and sole. The sole is removable. Leather will likely crease with wear and seem like they may scuff easily.
Look: This is a very simple white sneaker.
Comfort: These feel comfortable from the get go, and I don’t expect much break in time. They feel lightweight and aren’t very stiff. They seem to run pretty standard, not too narrow or wide.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very comfortable
- Clean, simple design
- Lightweight
- Easy to slip off and on, depending on how you tie them
- Under $100
Cons:
- Synthetic inside and thicker tongue may be warmer in the summer heat
- Cloth lining will probably dirty quickly if you wear self-tanner. The back of the shoe is more of a nude, which will help in that area.
- Leather does feel like it may scuff easier
Nike Air Force 1 Sneaker
This white sneaker is rising again to popularity, especially with the younger crowd.
Color: White/white – very bright white with a cool undertone
Sizing: I found these ran big. If between sizes, order 1/2 size down.
Look: These are pretty chunky and almost give me 90’s Dad vibes, which is very trendy right now. Out of all the sneakers in this review, these are the chunkiest and highest along the ankle.
Quality: Leather and textile upper/textile and synthetic lining/rubber sole
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Chunkier look is more on trend right now
- Very bright white color
Cons:
- Too high cut across my ankle
- Not a fan of the inside lining
- Felt clunky and weird to walk in
Overall thoughts: As soon as I started walking in these, I knew they were an immediate no for me. Both heels lifted out of the shoe, and they felt too wide in the toe box.
Adidas Superstar Sneaker
These are one of the most reviewed and top-rated white sneakers, so I had to try them! Although, I’m not the biggest fan of the overall style. They are a unisex style white sneaker, and this style has been around for a really long time.
Color: White/white/white – very bright white with a cooler undertone
Quality: Leather and synthetic upper/textile and synthetic lining/rubber sole
do adidas run big?
Sizing: Runs large, order 1/2 size down. I ordered my normal size, and fit well in my left foot, but my right foot is smaller. Therefore, it was slipping out of the shoe when walking.
Look: These are a chunkier white sneaker that has a rubber treading across the toe box. I’m not the biggest fan of the signature clamshell toe box design.
Comfort: These are pretty comfortable out of the box. The tongue is very thick and padded, so it’s comfortable across my ankle.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great quality for the price point
- Comfortable
- Seem like they will be easy to clean
Cons:
- Heel slips around, so I imagine my white sock slipping down constantly in these
- Based on reviews, sizing seems to be all over the place
Adidas Cloud Foam Sneaker (DSW)
Rumor has it these are the most comfortable white sneaker under $100, so of course I had to try them!
Look: These definitely have more of an athletic look compared to the other white sneakers I’ve tried. But they aren’t something I would go walking or running in. I like the simple perforated logo and slight touch of gold along the back heel.
Comfort: These are very comfortable right out of the box, with a soft supportive insert. The tongue is thicker but very cushioned, so you don’t notice it against your ankle whatsoever. They are also very flexible when walking. They do feel a little heavier on the foot compared to others I’ve tried.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Comfortable
Cons:
- More of an athletic-looking shoe
- The heel feels higher up on my ankle
Nike Court Royale
When looking for white sneakers around $50 or less, I had a hard time finding something that was simple in design and color scheme that didn’t look childish. When I came across these, they were exactly what I was searching for.
sizing: TTS
color: Very bright white with a cooler undertone.
My pair has a very obvious blue-tinted tongue but not every shoe had this, so double check the box!
Look: I really liked the overall balance of this white sneaker. It wasn’t too streamlined against the foot but also wasn’t super chunky. They also have a more athletic feel, but not too much.
Comfort: These are comfortable out of the box, but not as flexible as the Adidas pair. The inside lining does feel textured against the look, since it has a more breathable mesh lining.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Good balance of casual and athletic
- Very flattering on the foot and ankle
Cons:
- Not a fan of the tongue material
- Not the biggest fan of the meshed lining inside, but it will be more breathable during summer
Walmart white sneaker
I spotted this pair back last year, but my size was constantly sold out! But I’m not surprised considering the price point of these. Unfortunately, this exact pair isn’t available this year. But found a similar pair for $20 at Walmart.
Look: These are very simple with a colored trim along the heel. They’re very flattering on the foot, and have a good balance of sporty and casual.
comfort: Very comfortable and padded right out of the box
pros and cons
pros:
- Excellent price point
- Comfortable
- Flattering on the ankle
- Easy to slip off and on
cons:
- Will likely not clean easily or hold up season to season
- Sell out often
- Synthetic materials
final thoughts
Overall, these are what I consider the best from this review:
Best quality sneaker and most comfortable
Shop white sneakers under $75
Shop white sneakers under $200
Shop splurge-worthy white sneakers
White sneaker Roundup
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