The definition of a wardrobe workhorse, the versatility of the humble white trainer cannot be understated.
In good company among blue jeans, leather jackets and white tees, these neutral-toned sneakers have the chameleonic ability to be paired with any outfit. Simply adorn with the aforementioned and you have a timeless ensemble or lace up with a floaty floral frock, a slinky satin mini or a tailored two-piece suit.
A godsend for commuters, who will be all too familiar with the appeal of travelling from A to B on a packed Tube and train with comfy feet coveralls, white trainers can be styled for all occasions. Sure, you’re not going to wear them for a black-tie soiree, but you may just throw them in a bag for when your formal footwear eventually rubs. They can, however, work for smart-casual offices, weekends and city breaks, infusing your outfit with a clean, classic and streetwear-approved look.
An icon spotted on street style stars in all four fashion capitals, the perennially stylish shoe comes in innumerable silhouettes, from high to low top, retro to futuristic but you can be certain that old-school basketball-inspired models or those derived from the archives of the sportswear giants will be ever popular.
While oozing with summer sentiments, white trainers are an all-year-round staple. You only need to look to the ubiquitous Samba OG to see that these shoes are not tethered to a particular season. Below we have selected the white trainers to buy now and wear forever. Simply pop them in the washing machine when their worn-in aesthetic to return them to box-fresh glory.
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Veja Women's Volley logo-embroidered canvas low-top trainers
Veja has reissued its first-ever silhouette after launching the brand back in 2005. The original design took inspiration from the volleyball shoes worn in Brazil in the 1970s and went on to sell over 14 million pairs. The shoe returns in nine colours and with the sustainability credentials that we have come to know and love from the eco-conscious label, namely the use of Brazilian and Peruvian organic cotton, recycled plastic bottles and recycled polyester.
Buy now £120.00, Selfridges
Adidas Samba OG Trainers White Black Granite
Beloved by Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber and Jennifer Lawrence, the Samba OG sneakers are the certified footwear uniform for style-savvy celebrities. You can’t walk down the streets of London without seeing at least one of the ubiquitous shoes - and their popularity shows no signs of wavering. With a retro vibe and clean, classic and elegant silhouette, it is no surprise that these nostalgic trainers are a hit. They are adorned with Adidas’ signature three stripes and complete with a gum sole.
Buy now £89.99, Office
Nike Shox TL Trainers
A surprisingly street style star, the Nike Shox TL Trainers have become a favourite of the fashion glitterati with their unmissable construction. While the upper is a throwback to Nike’s popular Noughties silhouette, the sneakers have a futuristic edge with their pillar cushioning system that may just make them the most comfortable pair in your ever-growing collection.
Buy now £155.00, Office
Axel Arigato Dice Lo Sneaker
The pared-back, contemporary aesthetic that has given Axel Arigato its viral status also makes them an easy styling detailing for all occasions. The Dice Lo is a classic with vintage sentiments, impeccable craftsmanship using Italian leather and there’s a sustainable edge too with the use of recycled PET bottles and plastic.
Buy now £220.00, Axel Arigato
Maje M Sneakers Gradient
That summer feeling in shoe form, Parisian fashion label Maje has unveiled its newest silhouette. The M Sneaker is a mix of leather, mesh, nylon, suede and nubuck with a design that takes inspiration from running trainers. It’s very much a fashion shoe, though, with its chunky sole and eye-popping rainbow colourway that has touches of yellow and purple. A more muted cream variation is available too for the minimalists as well as one with metallic finishes.
Buy now £259.02, Maje
Reebok Club C Revenge Vintage Shoes
These retro-inspired unisex tennis trainers from Reebok are the ultimate summer companion. They’re the type of trainers that look just as good when totally scuffed up as they do straight out of the box. You can even add a name or number to personalise your shoes. Glasto on the left foot, 2024 on the right foot perhaps?
Buy now £75.00, Reebok
Nike blazer platform low trainers in white & black
The Blazer is back! Nike has brought its retro basketball favourite to the forefront of the fashion agenda as a must-have shoe for the summer and beyond. The style is characterised by its bold Swoosh that comes in an array of colours and for the platform, a stacked sole that gives an elongating effect to pins.
Buy now £90.00, Schuh
adidas Originals “2000 Running” Collection
The Noughties continue to inspire our fashion choices and Adidas has dived back into its archives to rerelease the 2000 Running collection. There are three silhouettes; Ozmillen (an Ozweego-esque design with metallic overlays and two-tone colourways), Response CL (with mesh and cushioned midsole) and adiStar Cushion (featuring metallic and reflective elements).
Buy now £85.00, adidas
Allbirds Women’s Tree Pipers
If not for the impressive sustainability credentials, then perhaps we can entice you to the world of Allbirds through this pared-back shoe. It is crafted from a lightweight and renewable eucalyptus fibre that is extremely breathable, comfortable and machine-washable.
Buy now £105.00, Allbirds
New Balance 480 Shoes
New Balance's 480s are the sleek, clean alternative to the brand's better-known chunky dad shoes. Following the brand's signature, not only are they a strong style choice, but they'll also be some of the comfiest kicks you own.
Buy now £90.00, New Balance
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66
Japanese brand Onitsuka Tiger, now owned by sportswear giant Asics, has been creating trainers since 1949. The Mexico 66 is a blend of two of the brand’s classic training shoes released in the 60s, combining the throwback aesthetic with modern design features for perhaps its most iconic shoe yet.
Buy now £130.00, Onitsuka Tiger
Superga 2750 Cotu Classic
Whether you’re drawn in by Hailey Bieber in its campaign imagery or lean towards Superga for its clean, classic and elegant silhouettes, they’re one of the easiest shoes to style on the market, particularly when you go for the Cotu Classic. Wimbledon, picnics in the park, beer gardens with friends; they make for all-season wear - just be wary that they may not retain their box-fresh pristine white if you decide to take them to the festival field.
Buy now £65.00, Superga
New Balance 530
This sneaker from New Balance takes its design cues from the brand’s archival running shoes but in line with the current penchant for so uncool it’s cool styling, they have a fashion-ready design with a combination of textures and ultra-wearability. These will make a very good addition to your footwear repertoire.
Buy now £100.00, New Balance
