How to Shop for the Perfect Plain White Sneaker

Whether it’s a slip-on or classic leather trainer, it’s time to get back to the basics.

How to Shop for the Perfect Plain White Sneaker

Picking out the perfect pair of white sneakers takes some strategy—like most fashion staples, there is an overwhelming number of trendy riffs on the style. Who can forget the time when Stan Smiths peeked out from underneath every street style star’s trousers, and you couldn’t walk around New York without seeing both tourists and city dwellers in a pair? Then, shortly after, the chunky “dad” sneakers had their moment, beloved by fashion girls (and guys!) from Scandi style darlings to hypebeasts. Trends aside, however, the minimal plain white sneaker continues to earn its spot as a forever stylish stalwart in our wardrobes, now more so than ever.

When shopping for wardrobe essentials like a white sneaker, it’s less about trend-forward or must-have seasonal items; it’s about focusing on foundational, minimal, and reliable pieces that take us back to the basics. Think things paired back in style, neutral in color, and timeless in silhouette—items that make up a go-to uniform.

And yet, those simple white kicks come in a vast assortment of options, from price point to quality, to material—and let’s not forget about style. How’s one to choose? From classic tennis sneakers to canvas low-tops to retro-inspired styles, we’ve broken down all the options to shop straight from the comfort of your own home. Considering everything from silhouette to budget, here you’ll find the best white sneakers to match your personal style and, hopefully, you’ll love and wear them for years to come.

Here, Vogue’s ultimate guide to shopping the plain white sneaker, with 32 minimal—but mighty—options below.

Classic Leather Trainers

The plainest of sneakers, the simple leather tennis shoe will always be in style.

Koio Capri triple white

Stuart Weitzman Livvy convertible

M.Gemi the Palestra Due sneakers

Essentials white tennis court low sneakers

Canvas Low Tops

For those who seek comfort and don’t need structure, a washed canvas ’70s-inspired skate shoe feels as modern as ever.

Re/Done 70s low-top skate

Everlane the Forever sneakers

Superga women's 2630 Cotu sneakers

Polo Ralph Lauren Bryn canvas sneakers

Hook & Loop

Velcro strap sneakers have been around since the ’60s, and these contemporary iterations keep the “no laces look” alive and kicking.

Veja 3-lock sneakers

Gola women's sneakers

Vince women's Blair velcro sneakers

Common Projects Achilles leather sneakers

Got Sole

Can’t commit to all white? Try a pair of white sneakers with contrasting gum soles instead for a colorful update to the classic.

Jack Erwin Holly tournament sneakers

Greats the Royale sneakers

Bottega Veneta quilt sneakers

Isabel Marant Bryce logo sneakers

Slip Ons

A simple, no-fuss silhouette that pairs perfectly with a summer attitude.

Saint Laurent Venice slip-on sneakers

Pierre Hardy leather laceless slip-on sneakers

Alexandre Birman Clarita bow-embellished leather slip-on sneakers

Acne Studios classic slip-on sneakers

Everyday Platforms

If you prefer an extra inch, but don’t want to cross the line of being too trendy.

Good News women's Opal sneakers

Alexander McQueen Deck lace-up Plimsoll

Prada logo leather platform sneakers

Rag & Bone Army leather sneakers

Retro Runners

Sporty but classic (they are sneakers, after all), these iconic styles will always be the right choice.

Nike Daybreak sneakers

Loewe suede and leather sneakers

Onitsuka Tiger unisex Mexico 66 shoes

Reebok women's classic leather sneakers

Up Top

For a statement-making stomp, consider a pair of women’s high-top sneakers.

R13 women's high-top sneakers

Converse white Chuck 70 high sneakers

JW Anderson panelled high-top sneakers

Chloé Lauren scalloped leather high-top sneakers

This story originally appeared on: Vogue - Author:Madeline Fass