White sneakers are an icon of men’s fashion. Tracing their roots back to 1900s sports like basketball, tennis, and running, today’s styles have been designed to work with a wide range of outfits and they’re an optimal choice for all-day (and all-night) comfort.
Men’s white sneakers are like the Clark Kent of every wardrobe—unassuming yet downright heroic. These ultra-adaptable kicks effortlessly toe the line between low-key and showstopper, and help take a lot of the guesswork out of getting dressed.
Related: The Best Men’s Sandals and Flip-Flops for Summer 2023
How to Wear Men’s White Sneakers
At Men’s Journal, we love a good pair of white sneakers because they’re so versatile. But for those used to wearing black sneakers or dress shoes, it might be hard to visualize the look. These are MJ’s top tips for rocking white sneakers like a pro, how to pair them with outfits, and why they crush it with a suit.
With Casual Outfits: White sneakers are the ultimate wingman for any casual getup, whether that’s your favorite jeans and a basic T-shirt, chinos and a button-down shirt, or even some breezy shorts and a summer polo. Just remember: Keep the rest of your outfit simple (no crazy patterns, unless you’re at Coachella) and let your sneakers be the main character.
With athleisure: Living a more comfortable life these days? White sneakers are a no-brainer with a pair of men’s joggers or sweats. They perfectly complement the athletic aesthetic and provide a clean, crisp contrast that elevates the entire outfit.
With a suit: We wear sneakers with suits now — it’s a thing, but it begs closer attention to detail. Opt for a modern, slim-cut suit and keep the color palette muted: solid navy, gray, or even a subtle pattern in those colors can work. Pair that suit with your white sneakers to add a dash of panache and a laid-back, more casual vibe to the entire ensemble (though it’ll be too casual for, say, a black-tie wedding). You’ll be turning heads for all the right reasons.
Remember, wearing white sneakers correctly means embracing their easy-breezy versatility to allow them to shine. Whether you’re dressing them up with a suit or keeping it casual with jeans and a tee, these shoes can be the pièce de résistance in any outfit. Far from mundane, the best men’s white sneakers feature a wide variety of styles and variations. The hardest part is choosing the right one for you. To help with that decision, MJ has targeted the 25 best white kicks from iconic brands like Vans and Cole Haan as well as fresh looks from rising brands like Cariuma and Hey Dude.
All that’s left to do is lace up with confidence.
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