The best white trainers are essential in every wardrobe. Ideal for brightening up any ensemble, they can be styled with pretty much anything to achieve a relaxed and laid-back vibe that will keep you comfortable all day long.
This season's autumn/winter fashion trends are full of silhouettes that can easily be made more wearable for every day with the right pair of white trainers. The ideal piece for adding a casual edge to any look, there is no outfit they won't work with. And although white may not seem like the most practical hue to invest in for cold and rainy weather, it is the perfect colour to add dimension and contrast to your seasonal ensembles.
“The trainer trend isn’t going anywhere this season. In fact, the global sneaker market is set to reach a whopping $30 billion by 2030, so if you’ve previously stepped away from the look, now is the time to invest,” says Hannah Eichler, stylist, writer, and fashion lecturer. “The trick is to look for never-date styles which will lend themselves to your entire wardrobe,” she adds. Loved by royals, celebrities, and the fashion pack, the best white trainers transcend dress codes, seasons, and age, and are a subtle and elegant choice for comfortable flats.
Best white trainers brands
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The best white trainers are a style must-have. When it comes to picking the top ones, look to brands with expertise in the field, such as Adidas, Converse, and Superga, over fashion retailers, as they will have the technical know-how to craft comfortable and supportive sneakers, and whose signature styles have proven longevity. If you have wider feet or need extra support, check out brands such as Birkenstock and Fitflop which specialize in comfort fits with nods to classic styles.
“For casual looks, Superga is your go-to. The brand's preppy styles come in a range of colours in breathable canvas which makes them ideal to team with jeans or a linen skirt for summer,” says Eichler. A favourite among stylish celebrities and royals, Veja is also well worth considering, particularly if you want to learn how to dress like Kate Middleton. Veja has a strong focus on transparency, fair trade, and social and environmental responsibility, and uses ecological and sustainable materials - ideal if you're shopping more consciously. It also offers good quality vegan-friendly styles made from leather alternatives that will pair perfectly with white jeans outfits.
The best white trainers, chosen by our fashion team
If you’re on the hunt for the best white sneakers to add to your collection, we’ve rounded up the top white trainers that deliver on comfort, style factor, and quality. Invest now and you'll be wearing these for years to come.
A white sneaker with a royal seal of approval, Superga's Cotu canvas lace-up plimsolls have been spotted on the Princess of Wales on a number of occasions, so if you like the way Kate Middleton dresses, these could be the sneakers for you. The flat trainer gives a nod to classic gym plimsolls (lightweight, but sturdy) and they feature a cotton canvas upper, a non-slip rubber sole, and a cushioned footbed, offering all-day comfort - a smart shoe for Kate who often has to partake in long engagements.
They're a particularly neat and slim-fitting style, making them elegant for a trainer. Pairing well with everything from tailoring to your best jeans, this is a fuss-free shoe that works all year round, but be careful in wet weather, as they aren't waterproof. It's also a good idea to check out how to clean white shoes to keep them in tip-top condition.
French brand Veja has achieved cult status, championed by numerous style insiders and celebrities - think Emma Watson, Katie Holmes, Reese Witherspoon, and Meghan Markle. Even the Princess of Wales is a fan, regularly sporting her Esplar low-top sneakers. While chic, minimal designs featuring the signature V logo are enough to earn the brand's top spot on the best white trainers hit list, it's the brand's sustainable credentials that really impress.
Ecological and sustainable materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and wild rubber are used to craft each trainer, making them an ideal footwear choice if you're interested in the best sustainable clothing brands and accessory retailers.
Looking to pare back bright colour clothes this season? Thanks to their simplicity, these white trainers a good option as they will perfectly partner with any colour or print in your wardrobe, making it easy to nail any of the fashion colour trends 2023. Look out for the V-12 trainers with an accented colour V logo too if you really want to coordinate your look.
One of the sleekest pairs of white trainers, Converse’s iconic Chuck Taylor All Star high-top trainers have long been considered a classic and with good reason. The original basketball shoe was created over 100 years ago and has barely changed since, attesting to its enduring style credentials. Looking as cool now as they ever have, if you've ever wondered how to wear Converse high-tops, the answer is simple, with everything.
These ankle-hugging trainers give your favourite dresses a preppy feel while adding a fashionable edge to jeans and your best cashmere sweater, they look super cool with a pair of the best wide leg jeans - especially if your denim is slightly cropped. You can even team them with the best leggings on Amazon for an affordable athleisure vibe. And as with the Superga Cotu, Chuck Taylor All Stars feature a canvas upper that is best suited for dry weather, meaning these will carry over into a summer capsule wardrobe with ease.
Adidas already makes some of the best leggings to enhance your gym workout, but the brand has serious style credentials too. When it comes to the best white sneakers, classic Stan Smiths are nothing short of iconic. The simple white trainer has been on the scene for over 50 years and pairs well with your entire capsule wardrobe. From your best blazer and tailored pants for smarter occasions, to joggers and your best hoodie for a casual weekend look, there is no outfit that Stan Smiths can't enhance.
One of the most timeless designs on this list, Stan Smiths also work well with midi dresses, giving a sporty feel to dressier outfits. Packed full of style, these are also one of the most comfortable white trainers, thanks to the utilization of the brand's sportswear know-how. As part of Adidas' commitment to sustainability, the most recent version of the tennis shoe has been created using recycled materials.
'90s fashion trends have been key over the last 6 months and this retro fashion trend is set to continue, bringing with it a continued wave of nostalgia. Nike's iconic basketball shoe fits perfectly into this aesthetic as the classic shoe gives any look an on-trend twist. Originally designed for the basketball court, these Nike Air's offer supreme comfort, with the brand's signature cushioning and padded collar.
With a durable leather upper, this design stays true to its roots, so you know that a decade from now, they will still be just as trend-worthy. With a chunkier sole, the Nike Air Force 1 ‘07, definitely has a bit more of a fashion feel, and we love the 'platform' sole aesthetic. When it comes to what shoes to wear with leggings, white trainers, such as these, are the obvious choice, leaning into the sporty feel. However, they also look effortlessly cool with tailoring or new season skirts and dresses.
For a bit more of a directional feel, the Puma Cali sneaker pulls together a platform sole for extra height, with a sleek sporty aesthetic that looks great for work or play. A great alternative to dressy flats, they will keep you comfortable all day long. The tennis-inspired style features a platform sole that adds an inch while still being comfy enough to wear all day. Use the chunky silhouette to anchor floaty dresses, or play up the relaxed, preppy look and team them with a pair of retro straight-leg jeans, inspired by the denim trends 2023. It's worth noting that they run small, so if you're in between sizes consider sizing up.
British clothing brand Reebok is throwing it back to the eighties with this casual, but iconic trainer. Woven into the design, the brand's Reebok logo and Union Jack symbol on the side give this pair a classic heritage feel that offers a vintage aesthetic to your look. They have a soft leather upper and a low-cut design with a padded foam sock liner and a durable rubber outsole for ultimate comfort. But be aware that they can come up small, so we’d recommend sizing up.
While many of the best white trainers on this list are discreet, pairing with anything and everything, the Reebok Club C 85 is far more distinct and has a particularly sporty feel. Lean into the fashion nostalgia and make them part of a mom jeans outfit, adding a baggy tee for ultimate new season style, or dress up with jeans and a blazer for the office.
If you’re looking for clean, simple lines with a retro feel to pair back your look, then search no further than these sneakers from Air & Grace. The company prides itself on marrying comfort and style, with these sleek white trainers one of the brand's most versatile styles. Made in Portugal using sustainable leather, the embossed silver logo on the upper leather gives these trainers the Air & Grace stamp.
The thick rubber soles and low top cut exude a sporty, nostalgic feel that is reminiscent of the Adidas Stan Smith shoe but with a directional twist. Although these are Air & Grace's best white trainers, the brand is also known for its love of colour, with each pair of shoes accompanied by the brand's iconic rainbow laces (as well as a white pair), adding an nod to the dopamine dressing trend. If you want to know how to style joggers for work, these will keep you comfortable whilst also looking smart. With rave reviews, these are shopper-approved shoes too.
Italian clothing brand Gucci has some of the most desirable designer accessories out there right now. From the best sunglasses to the best watches, Gucci is hot property amongst the fashion crowd. First launching sneakers for Pre-Fall in 2016, its shoes have reached a similar cult status to the best Gucci bags, and we can spot the brand's signature style a mile off.
Crafted from leather, this pair features Gucci's iconic webbed stripes and metallic bee detail, just one of many animal motifs introduced by creative director Alessandro Michele. Although these trainers are on the pricier side, Gucci is one of the many designer brands that you can find at some of the best designer outlets, so it's worth hunting around for a deal. And just as with the best designer bags, a statement pair of shoes, whether they're the best designer heels or flats, can dress up the most casual of outfits, so all you need here is a great pair of jeans and a smart white tee and you're onto a style winner.
The Allbirds Wool Pipers are a versatile everyday style to take full advantage of. The sustainable footwear brand aims to create footwear that's better for the environment, and these kicks are made from renewable materials, with the midsole cleverly made from Brazilian sugarcane called sweetfoam.
Comfy, cool, and conscious, this is the footwear of the future. The sleek but sporty design means you can pair this understated white sneaker with pretty much anything. For a directional look, opt for one of this season's best pink dresses, as a mood-boosting bright, the contrast of bubblegum pink with a white trainer will really pop. Feeling the chill? Throw on your best denim jacket and you've got a solid outfit idea.
Making some of the best running shoes for women with an eco-friendly focus, hylo prioritizes sustainable fashion by using renewable materials to decrease petroleum-based fabrics in its construction. With lightweight material and cushioned soles that allow easy wear, these trainers ensure your feet are supported throughout the day. The sporty style adds an informal spin to your look so you can wear these trainers with everything from tailoring to your favourite leggings outfits and new season dresses for a sportier spin. A very white, very clean pair, the hylo Run is an ideal pair of white trainers to add to a minimalist capsule wardrobe.
French clothing brand Lacoste is instantly recognizable by its infamous crocodile logo. Often seen sported on polo tops, the brand also has an excellent collection of trainers. While the classic Lacoste trainer is a little more plimsoll in style, we love the retro feel of the Carnaby trainer, harking back to the '70s tennis trainer shoe trend.
This classic trainer is sleek and fuss-free, with the logo offering minimal interruption to the design - a brilliant choice if you're looking for one of the best white trainers for every day with added style credentials that embody the Rich Mom trend. Guaranteed to go with everything you own, this wardrobe essential is crafted from leather, so be sure to invest in a leather protector to keep them box-fresh, and remember to wipe clean on wet weather days.
Saye is one of those brands that are doing great things and making big steps when it comes to being more sustainable. Aiming to be better for the planet, the Modelo '89 trainers are vegan and made from organic, recycled, and plant-based materials. This pair of trainers also has more than half the carbon footprint of an average pair of trainers made. Working with certified factories to ensure good working conditions and planting two trees for each pair of trainers sold, Saye makes buying new trainers even better!
Making some of the best sandals, Birkenstock has been sorting out our summer footwear for years. However, its reach goes beyond some of the comfiest open-toed footwear, and this season's Birkenstock clog with this sleek pair of white trainers a real game changer.
Made from natural leather, rubber, and a Birkenstock-tailored footbed of breathable cork to support the arch of your foot, these trainers are designed for comfortable, long-lasting wear. With added cork detailing, to reflect one of the main components of Birkenstock's design, these shoes will team perfectly with neutral hues and camel tones. The low-top nature of the Bend Low adds a vintage feel, allowing you to pair these trainers with midi skirts and turned-up jeans for a relaxed, everyday look.
The best white trainers don't have to be used for sport. In fact, as one of the most versatile shoe styles, having a range of white trainers can add versatility to your wardrobe. To add a more dressy feel to your sporty shoes, look no further than this fun pair from Carvela. Featuring a chunky platform sole, adding 40mm to your stature, these shoes answer the question of how to style flared jeans, and also add a more relaxed feel to the best sequin skirts. With an embellished heel cushion detailing, these crisp white shoes are also one of the best wedding shoes for brides for those that want height and comfort in one.
The most classic of skate shoes, the Old Skool Vans feature reinforced toecaps, helping to withstand repeated wear and to ensure these sneakers really will be long-lasting. Featuring padded collars for support and flexibility, and signature rubber waffle outsoles.
If you've ever wondered how to wear Vans for maximum style kudos, have no fear, you don't have to go full skater. In truth, you can wear them like any of the best white trainers on this list. With its roots in Skater fashion, Vans are great if you're wondering what to wear with black jeans. But you can also add a more feminine twist, teaming them with a pleated midi skirt, or a printed dress. Just throw on one of the best leather jackets for cooler evenings to give an edge to the finished ensemble.
Fitflop burst onto the scene with its toning flipflops but has since developed a shoe style empire, taking its clever comfort lead tech to a host of shoe silhouettes. These super classic white Rally trainers, in an old-school, 'tennis shoe' silhouette, are a best seller and it's easy to see why. Super light, with Fitflops flexible Anatomicush™ midsoles, these are the white trainers you'll wonder how you lived without. With a stylish and streamlined shape, the Rally will work with everything from your best shirt and blazer combo for smarter occasions to dresses and skirts for a relaxed twist on a feminine silhouette.
The resurgence of 'Dad trainers', chunky and clunkier thick-soled trainers with a retro twist, is in part thanks to Balenciaga's hugely influential runway collections. When it comes to the best white trainers 2023 has to offer, Balenciaga's hefty trainers are a great choice of statement shoe and they've certainly won the hearts of celebrities, Instagrammers and fashion fans alike.
These chunky sole trainers are leather-free and will add height without you having to totter around in skyscraper heels. While these might be seen as slightly faddier in style compared to the other sneakers on this list, the 'Dad trainer' has been a shoe trend for a while now and shows no sign of going anywhere anytime soon, ensuring you have plenty of time to get good wear out of these trainers.
Taking inspiration from the classic tennis court shoe, the Sway White is a great choice if you are looking for a sleeker style of white trainer. Suede paneling gives the classic leather luxe texture, while the high-shine patent signature initials are a stylish stealth take on logos; plus the splash-resistant rubber soles offer both grip and comfort for day-long wear. Handmade in Portugal from premium materials, these are built to last and will stack up when it comes to cost-per-wear, justifying the higher price tag. They also come with recycled cork foot-beds and in 100% recycled packaging for a more sustainable buy. If you want to master quiet luxury jeans, these will finish off your look perfectly.
Billed as a unisex shoe, this white New Balance sneaker is packed full of innovative sportswear tech and high performance fabrics. With a much more sporty aesthetic than many shoes on this list, this iteration is for those who want to go beyond classic white plimsoll styles. While the low top finish means these can easily be styled with dresses and skirts, these white trainers are built for enhancing your run too, making them a great option if you're building a capsule wardrobe for travel. A nostalgic take on a classic New Balance running shoe, this is an old school shoe in modern fabrications. In other words, if you like stylish kicks for running, that will not only support you on the journey but actively work to enhance it... these are for you.
If you are loyal to the best designer shoes, then you'll know that Roger Vivier brings playfulness to any shoe and while we already covet the brand's show-stopping heels, we've fallen pretty hard for these sneakers too. Topped with a dazzling crystal buckle (a style repeated on flats and heels from the brand), this iconic style is sure to get you noticed. Crafted from a combination of leather, mesh and scuba for a comfortable, but fashion-forward shoe, the sole stands at 40mm for a little added height. While these aren't subtle in the slightest, they are ideal if you want a shoe that can be worn with a tuxedo, dress, or flattering jumpsuit, delivering comfort and a sports luxe twist to your look.
Best white trainers - 3 brands to shop, selected by our fashion team
- Superga: Kate Middleton's casual trainer brand of choice
- Adidas: Comfortable designs with proven longevity
- Converse: Classic, versatile designs, with an iconic and timeless feel
How to make your white trainers last
Of course, white trainers need some upkeep to maintain that box-fresh look - and preventing stains as much as possible is better than fixing them. Avoid wearing your best white trainers on wet weather days, as even the rain can stain a white trainer. Steer clear of mud and grass and unless unavoidable, big city centers can also increase the grime attracted to bright white shoes. However, if you do get white shoes dirty, don't panic, they can often be revived.
If you're trying a new cleaning method for a particular pair of shoes, always try a discreet test patch first as every fabric will respond differently. “Taking care of your trainers is essential to look after your investment. Avoid using the washing machine, which will break down the glue and cause trainers to become misshapen," explains Eilcher. Instead:
- Mix up a DIY cleaning solution of warm water, baking soda, and washing powder
- Apply to a clean cloth or toothbrush
- Gently rub over stains
- Allow to air dry somewhere warm (but not hot)
How to style white trainers
The appeal of white trainers, much like the best black boots, is that they pair easily with almost everything in your wardrobe. There are two wardrobe essentials that people struggle with, though, when it comes to this footwear - dresses and tailoring.
How to wear white trainers with tailoring
The trick with this combination is to either opt for cropped pants or trousers that finish at the ankle or above. These work particularly well as they do not interfere with the tongue of the trainer and avoid the two awkwardly grazing one another. Alternatively, opt for looser and more relaxed trouser fits, such as an on-trend wider leg, that will sit over the tongue of the trainer. While you don't want to step on your hem or drag it in the street, a soft one front pleat fold at the hem is fine.
How to wear white trainers with dresses
Trainers and dresses are our new favourite combo. But if you've always had the mentality that midi dresses or similar need smarter shoe iterations, we get that this new way of styling your trainers can be a bit of a challenge.
Essentially, it's playing on the emerging trend for high/low dressing. That means we're teaming stronger style-led pieces and smarter looks with less smart items to finally nail that smart/casual aesthetic. The best white trainers were literally made for this fashion moment. If you're just starting out with this look, then a tennis-style shoe is the closest to a plimsoll or ballet pump in terms of streamlining and is definitely the best way to dip your toe in the water. These are great for midi, maxi and midaxi styles as they are still pretty elegant.
High-top trainers work best with shorter dresses as they have a sort of ankle boot aesthetic. If you want to go really directional, then invest in a pair of chunky 'dad' trainers. While Balenciaga created one of the leading designer versions, the ready-to-wear market has plenty of more affordable interpretations. To keep these chic, pair with a maxi or midaxi dresses. For a sporty twist, pair with your best skinny jeans for a statement shoe, but keep the rest of your top fitted to avoid overwhelming your frame.
“My latest addition is a pair of trainers from Sante + Wade - I love the tennis court style and suede paneling, and have been wearing them with summery dresses and jeans. They’re also super comfy which is perfect for the commute,” says Eichler.