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Zoe Vanderweide is a writer focused on style and accessories. She has personally tested nearly 300 bags, jeans, bras, shoes, and more. 3 Jaw Self Centering Chuck
After a fresh round of testing, we’ve added three picks: the Adidas Samba OG Shoes (unisex), the Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Shoes (unisex), and the Nike Air Max 90 (men’s and women’s).
Cool, comfortable, and perennially in style, white sneakers are a wardrobe must-have, and the best ones have MVP potential. Like a crisp button-down shirt or a just-right pair of jeans, these shoes are true closet chameleons—supporting actors one moment, showstoppers the next. But there are countless options to choose from, so finding the white sneakers that simultaneously fit your vibe and your feet is no cakewalk.
Since 2019, we’ve laced up 30 contenders (and considered 120 pairs), in men’s, women’s, and unisex sizes. With help from a panel of testers, we’ve landed on six terrific, highly varied options: classic, trend-proof canvas low-tops; a slim and sporty pair with soccer roots; iconic streetwear sneakers with a confident silhouette; off-white retro tennies; a sophisticated, minimalist pair in full-grain leather; and a pair of mesh sneakers with a distinctive look and decadently cushiony feel.
We searched for great-looking sneakers that would stand the test of time.
We wanted shoes that fit well and felt good. We also preferred those with an easy break-in period (or, ideally, none at all).
We looked for shoes with durable materials and well-executed details, plus other signs of superior craftsmanship.
The shoes we recommend are perennial models sold by major retailers, in a wide range of women’s and men’s or unisex sizes.
The least expensive of our picks, these iconic canvas sneakers go with everything, and they look cool whether they’re worn in or squeaky clean. But they may not offer enough support for everyone, and they do tend to make feet look longer.
Nothing beats the effortlessly casual look of Converse Chuck Taylor All Star (low-top. unisex) sneakers. From Michelle Obama to supermodel Gigi Hadid, everyone has been spotted rocking these canvas kicks. They’re cool, inexpensive, built to last—and they come in a wide range of sizes.
Take your pick of outfits—Chuck Taylors work with your favorite midi dress, shorts, or even a full suit. Or lean into the brand’s skater history, and pair these shoes with ripped jeans and an oversize sweater. Just keep in mind that Chucks are long, so for the best fit, go half a size down.
They’re eternally fashionable. Chuck Taylor low-top sneakers are as instantly recognizable as they are pleasing to the eye; it’s no wonder they’ve been going strong since 1957. (The high-tops are older still, dating back to 1917). These tennies have an ultra-low profile and a narrow, foot-elongating shape (which some of our testers liked but others didn’t appreciate), with a rubber sole and distinctive rubber toe cap. And if you have wide feet, they also come in wide widths. The canvas uppers are bright white—though they don’t stay that way for long—with contrasting red and blue bands of rubber foxing around the soles; an all-white option is also available.
They’re a bargain. Usually priced around $60, Chuck Taylors are cheaper than most of the white sneakers we tested. And they can last anywhere from a year to nearly a decade, depending on how much mileage you rack up in them. One Wirecutter staffer, who treks across New York City in his Chucks almost daily, replaces them annually. But senior style editor Jennifer Hunter, who lives in less-walkable Los Angeles, says that the rubber on hers didn’t start peeling until year seven of light wear.
They don’t have a ton of cushioning. Chuck Taylors have canvas uppers that aren’t padded around the collars and tongues. (We didn’t have any issues with blistering.) The foam insoles are firm and comfortable, but they are completely flat. So some people may not find them supportive enough, especially if they’re spending a full day on their feet.
The pared-down construction has its upsides. Chuck Taylors are the lightest of our picks (weighing just 9 ounces each, in a women’s size 7½). And their pliable, unlined uppers—which have eyelet holes for ventilation on the inner sides—don’t overheat in warmer weather.
Slim and stylish, these flexible leather shoes have graced fashionable feet for decades, on and off the soccer field. Most of our testers found them comfortable, but some people aren’t fans of their tall, rigid heel tabs.
Adidas Samba OG Shoes are as enduring as they are on-trend. Although they’ve become fashion fixtures in recent years, these leather sneakers can trace their origins all the way back to a German soccer pitch in 1950. Since then, Sambas have undergone numerous redesigns. But their DNA—that sleek silhouette, flexible support, and durable construction—has remained the same.
Sambas look great peeking out from beneath pooling trousers or rolled jeans; in warmer weather, we like to style them with crew socks and a breezy dress or shorts.
They’re chic. Sambas have a slender, low-profile shape, similar to our previous, much-beloved Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 pick (sadly, no longer available in the US). These shoes are versatile: sporty and casual yet still dainty enough to pair with a skirt. They have plenty of visual flair—the leather uppers are embellished on either side with the signature trio of Adidas stripes (usually in a contrasting color, though there is a white-on-white version). The toes are reinforced with T-shaped suede overlays, and their grippy rubber soles range in color from buff to deep brown. Note that material construction can vary depending on the colorway you choose; some have nylon or mesh uppers rather than leather ones.
They’re built to last. The Sambas we tested felt pliant yet sturdy, with soft leather and secure stitching. Indeed, due to their reputation for durability, these shoes are a popular choice for soccer, skateboarding, and all-day pavement-pounding. Customers have reported their Sambas lasting anywhere from two to 10 years. And these sneakers usually ring up at around $100—not bad for a pair of well-built leather shoes.
They’re light yet supportive. These shoes are flexible and lithe (weighing just 10 ounces each, in a women’s size 8); most of our testers praised their out-of-the-box comfort. And while they notably lack bulk, they’re still stable and supportive enough to keep you comfy for a full day on your feet. That’s thanks to their gently contoured insoles and rubber soles.
The heels may take some breaking in. The Sambas have tall, rigid heel tabs. One of our testers struggled (a lot) with them: They dug into the backs of her ankles, causing painful blisters. It’s hard to predict whether you’ll have this issue—we did find similar complaints online. If you fall into that camp, and you’re willing to make the effort, the internet is full of hacks for breaking in the heel tabs, suggesting everything from hair dryers and hammers to metal water bottles to help soften them up.
These tried-and-true leather shoes have a storied history, both on the court and on the street. They're heavier than most sneakers, but they’re also comfortable, and they make a statement.
These tried-and-true leather shoes have a storied history, both on the court and on the street. They're heavier than most sneakers, but they’re also comfortable, and they make a statement.
The chunky, confident profile. The ultra-bright leather. Ask any sneakerhead to name their essential shoes, and we guarantee that Nike Air Force 1 ’07s (low-top, men’s and women’s) will be on that list. These sneakers command attention—without sacrificing wearability. They’re supportive, well cushioned, and durable, to boot. Even testers who weren’t initially drawn to their large-and-in-charge style had to admit it: There’s a reason the AF1s sit atop the pantheon of iconic white sneakers.
Pair your AF1s with a white T-shirt, dark jeans or joggers, and crew socks. And don’t forget to go down half a size; these shoes run notoriously large.
They have tons of cred. “The white-on-white Air Force 1 is by far the best shoe ever made,” said Alan Vinogradov, co-founder of the traveling sneaker convention Sneaker Con.
AF1s were born on the basketball court. The original high-top version launched in 1982, and it was embraced by some of the NBA’s biggest players, including Moses Malone of the Philadelphia 76ers. A year later, the low-top silhouette hit the streets, taking off as an emblem of hip-hop culture.
Despite the popularity of these shoes, Nike nearly discontinued all AF1s in 1984. Luckily, sneaker enthusiasts—spearheaded by a group of Baltimore retailers—convinced Nike to reissue the shoes. Since then, the design has seen hundreds of collabs and variations while remaining true to its roots.
They’re big and bold. AF1s have stocky, air-filled rubber soles, wide, perforated toe boxes, and prominent Swoosh branding. At first, some of our panelists—none of them die-hard Nike fans—struggled with the chunkier style. They quickly came around. “A little thick, a little loud, but I love them,” said one tester. He also told us this is the pair he gets the most compliments on: They stick out, in a good way.
They’re structured on the outside, cradling on the inside. Sliding into a pair of AF1s is easy, thanks to their solid construction. We were able to put them on hands-free without a struggle, and we didn’t worry about creasing the leather as we wiggled our feet in. Inside, these sneakers have generous cushioning and supportive foam insoles. And their collars are well padded, so they didn’t chafe or cause blistering on our heels.
AF1s are the heaviest of our picks (weighing 13.8 ounces each, in a women’s size 7½), but due to their ankle-hugging design, they stayed snugly on our feet as we walked. Some panelists found them a bit too hefty. “They felt almost boot-like out of the box—stiff, structured, and kind of tight—especially around the very tops of my ankle bones,” one panelist remarked. “But the sensation is of being squeezed rather than rubbed.” If this bothers you, try leaving the top eyelets (the upper holes through which the laces are threaded) unlaced during the break-in period.
They’re tough. AF1s offer a lot of shoe for the price. They have a hardy build and solid craftsmanship, so if you take good care of them, AF1s should last season after season. “They’ve held up well over the past couple of years,” one staffer confirmed. Another reported that after five years of occasional wear, their AF1s remained perfectly intact, with only minimal creasing.
These well-priced leather tennis shoes serve up loads of old-school style. Their lightweight foam padding and delightful terry lining make them comfy for casual wear, but they don’t offer much arch support—and they might be too narrow for some feet.
There’s no shortage of ’80s- and ’90s-inspired sneakers out there—the trick is finding the ones that deliver just the right amount of nostalgia. The Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Shoes ace that challenge. With their worn-in, off-white hue and retro styling, these slim kicks recall tennis attire of yesteryear, but their simple, low-profile shape keeps them feeling current. Plus, they’re sturdy, light, and modestly priced for a pair of leather sneakers.
Wear Club Cs with vintage jeans and an easy button-up, or take a cue from their sporty heritage and opt for a tennis skirt.
They’re serving 1980s sports-club vibes. Club C sneakers—the ‘C’ is for Champion—first arrived on the tennis scene in 1985, and their unfussy, low-cut silhouette embodies the sport’s preppy-chic aesthetic.
We tested the “Vintage” version of these sneakers, which features yellowed rubber soles and cream-colored leather uppers punctuated by green Reebok branding. This seasoned color scheme proved to be super-wearable, and also more scuff-resistant than pure white. But if you prefer, the Club Cs are also available in a true, bright white version, which cost around $15 less; unlike the “Vintage” Club Cs, these don’t have a terry lining, and the leather isn’t quite as soft.
They’re delightfully tactile. OK, so we didn’t exactly expect to fall in love with these sneakers’ terry cloth lining. And yet, there’s something undeniably appealing about the soft, spongey, towel-like fabric that covers their interiors, including the collars, heels, and flexible foam tongues. Of all the things to remark on about Club Cs, this terry bonus—the sweatband for your ankles that you never knew you wanted—received the most positive feedback.
They’re comfortable, for fashion sneakers. Club Cs have sturdy foam insoles and ultra-light, shock-absorbing EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) midsoles. One tester who has low arches particularly enjoyed these sneakers' flat footbeds: “They’re like the shoe equivalent of a firm mattress.”
We felt fleet-footed in these lightweight sneakers (each one weighs just 9.6 ounces, in a women’s size 8), and we happily sauntered around town in them all day. They’re cushier than, say, our Converse Chuck Taylors pick, though they’re not as plush or supportive as our Air Force 1 or Nike Air Max 90 picks. But performance shoes they are not. As one tester put it, “I can’t believe that people used to play tennis in these.”
They're a lot of bang for your buck. At under $100, Club Cs are one of our least expensive picks (only the canvas Chuck Taylors are cheaper). We were happy to discover that their quality is excellent, too: the leather is soft and supple, the rubber soles are sturdy, and the overlays and decorative stitching are well-executed.
Made from supple full-grain leather, these minimalist sneakers feel broken-in and soft from Day One. They’re the most polished style we recommend—and the most expensive.
Made from supple full-grain leather, these minimalist sneakers feel broken-in and soft from Day One. They’re the most polished style we recommend—and the most expensive.
Robust yet refined, Greats The Royale 2.0 (men’s and women’s) are versatile and well-made full-grain leather sneakers. While some all-leather shoes are a beast to break in, these are soft and supple right out of the box.
Their minimal aesthetic plays nice with any casual outfit, and this shoe can also hold its own with slacks, wide-legged pants, or a flowy dress. Keep in mind: If you wear men’s sizes, you’ll want to size down half a size; the women’s version runs true to size.
They’re sleek, not stuffy. The clean-lined Royale 2.0s are quietly on point. Panelists described their simple shape and smooth, full-grain leather as “classy” and “really nice.” Contrasting tan interiors, white tack stitching on the upper panels, and unobtrusive gold foil branding add subtle visual pops.
Of course, there are plenty of minimalist white leather sneakers to choose from—the Common Projects Original Achilles Sneakers are among the most popular and oft-imitated. (We chose not to test the Common Projects sneakers for this guide, since—at $400—they exceeded our price cap.) But Royale 2.0s stand out from the crowd. They have a slightly beefy, streetwear-inspired silhouette, lending them a laid-back cool that other, dressier sneakers of this ilk lack.
They’re comfy from the get-go. All-leather shoes can be stiff and unforgiving at first. Not so the Royale 2.0s: Their leather is soft and inviting from the start, and it gets even more flexible with wear. These sneakers offer a notable improvement in comfort over the original version of The Royale shoes (our former pick), which required a grueling break-in period.
We easily pounded miles of pavement in these shoes. They have supportive, well-cushioned insoles and ample padding around the collars. Perforations in the leather offer a bit of ventilation—but be sure to pair these shoes with socks to avoid slippery, swampy feet (and potential blisters).
Because of their substantial construction, these sneakers are on the heavier side (weighing 13 ounces each, in women’s size 8); this is our second-heftiest pick, after the Air Force 1s. The Royale 2.0s are lighter than the original Royales, though—by 0.4 ounces—and they don’t feel too clunky on your feet.
They’re pricey, but worth it. Although these are the most expensive of our picks (at close to $200), they’re a good value for this style of handcrafted, full-grain leather sneakers. (They’re half the price of the aforementioned Common Projects sneakers.) And due to their high-quality materials and construction, the Royale 2.0s should hold up to years of regular wear.
They require some upkeep. Since these sneakers are made from full-grain leather, they’re prone to developing creases. To minimize the creasing, the uppers should be cleaned properly; we recommend gently buffing out dirt with a Magic Eraser.
These mesh and leather sneakers are the comfiest ones we tested, with soft, breathable uppers and air-filled soles that cushion your every step. They feel blissfully breezy and bouncy, but mesh can be harder to keep clean than other materials—particularly when it’s white.
These mesh-and-leather sneakers are the comfiest ones we tested, with soft, breathable uppers and air-filled soles that cushion your every step. They feel blissfully breezy and bouncy, but mesh can be harder to keep clean than other materials—particularly when it’s white.
Nike Air Max 90s (men’s and women’s) were originally conceived—decades ago—as running shoes. But these mesh-and-leather sneakers—arguably the best-loved members of the sprawling Air Max family—were quickly adopted as streetwear and lifestyle staples. As soon as we put them on, we understood why: They’re wonderfully cushioned, breathable (even in hotter temperatures), and oddly attractive.
Their athletic profile fits right in with casual sweats or a pleated mini; for an attention-grabbing look, pair these dazzling monochromatic sneakers with an all-white ensemble.
They’re airy (literally). As the name implies, Air Max 90s arrived on the scene around 1990—about three years after the original Air Max 1s debuted with literal windows into their air-filled soles (the Nike Air cushioning technology for which the brand has become famous). Air Max 90s upped the ante even further—their soles contained more air than those of their predecessors, making them feel springier underfoot. Over 30 years later, they’re still among the cushiest sneakers we’ve found.
They’re oh-so-comfy—and well ventilated, too. Air Max 90s have a well-deserved reputation for comfort. Those air-filled rubber soles are stable and shock-absorbing, with waffle-iron-inspired traction for extra grip. Cloud-like cushioning surrounds the low collars and tongues, and the removable insoles have ample arch support. Wirecutter supervising style editor Ingela Ratledge Amundson reported, “When I’m forced to leave the house before morning coffee, these are the sneakers I reach for, because I know they’ll put an artificial spring in my step.”
Soft Jaw Hydraulic Power Chuck For Cnc Lathe Machine Despite their generous soles and padding, Air Max 90s weigh only 11.3 ounces each (in a women’s size 8). They’re our only pick with breathable mesh uppers, so they’re an excellent choice for warm, active days; they’re also moisture-wicking and quick-drying. And because they’re both lightweight and supremely supportive, they make a terrific option for travel (bring on the sightseeing).