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White trainers are a staple — 10 of the most comfortable pairs that go with everything, starting from £26
From sporty to slimline, there’s a style for you
A pair of comfortable white trainers may be the most multi-faceted item in your footwear collection (reliable, easy, timeless), but don’t write them off as simply playing it safe. This understated style is surprisingly versatile and can serve as a key player for any outfit, whether dressy or casual, work or athleisure.
“The white sneaker is a timeless staple and should be in everyone’s shoe closet,” says Janice Kwan, VP of global product at Keds. “If you look across all sneaker brands and look back on footwear trends, you’ll always find an all-over white option. There’s a reason it is typically the best-selling colourway.”
As an editor with more than a decade's experience in the fashion industry, I make it a point to own not just one pair of comfortable all-white shoes, but multiple styles: a pair for the gym, a pair I always pack on holiday, and a pair reserved for everyday errands. Living in a city, I easily take 10,000 steps in a day, so having walking trainers that are equal parts comfy and stylish is a must.
Shop the Most Comfortable White Sneakers
To hone in on a pair that makes the most sense for your lifestyle, consider which occasions you’re likely to grab for your trainer, and how to care for them. “I love a white leather upper because it’s really easy to keep clean — just wipe off any dirt with a damp cloth,” Kwan suggests. Leather is great for the office or occasions when you’re hoping for a more polished look. When you’re keeping things casual, comfortable canvas sneakers are the way to go. “For canvas uppers, I love the worn-in look — so the more broken in, the better. I think a little dirt and wear adds character,” adds Kwan.
Below, shop 10 styles to consider as your staple trainer for seasons to come.
Pros
- Stylish everyday shoe
Cons
- Can be stiff at first
Simple, sleek, and stylish, this style from Veja is a comfortable everyday shoe to keep in regular rotation. As an added bonus, the brand focuses on high-quality, environmentally friendly materials.
Sizes: 35–42 EU
Materials: Leather upper
Pros
- Quicklace feature
Cons
- Tricky to clean
Salomon have solidified themselves as the go-to trainer choice for cool city girls, despite being equipped for the great outdoors. This unisex silhouette is practical and comfy, and will look great with midi skirts, jeans and everything in between.
Sizes: 3.5-12.5 UK
Materials: Polyester and rubber
Pros
- Great for performance recovery
Cons
- Boxier shape
You can't scroll through Instagram without seeing someone in a sleek Alo set, and it turns out that the brand's trainers are just as desirable. Not only does its Recovery mode style look good, they're also super supportive, providing balance, stability and durability in one sleek package.
Sizes: 5-17.5 US
Materials: Faux leather
Pros
- Easy to wear
Cons
- On the plainer side
This classic style from high-street fave M&S uses Insolia Flex technology, which ensures the ball of your foot is correctly positioned — perfect for all day, every day wear. Made from non-leather in a plain design, these low-profile trainers will suit anyone's style.
Sizes: 3-8 UK
Materials: Textile and other materials
Pros
- Bouncy underfoot feel
Cons
- Might be too clunky for some
You can thank On’s ongoing collaboration with Loewe for these stylish, sporty trainers. If you want a high-fashion option for long walks or days spent on your feet, these luxe shoes will keep you comfortable. Worth the investment.
Sizes: 3-9 UK
Materials: Performance mesh
Pros
- Versatile style can work with wide range of looks
Cons
- Can get dirty more easily
A classic low-top like Converse’s Chuck Taylor is easy to dress up or down, and brings a playful energy to any outfit.
Sizes: 3-18 UK
Materials: Canvas
Pros
- Gel tech inserts
Cons
- Sizes come up small
Get ready to upgrade your rotation, because a 2010s icon has just entered the chat. This is the retro runner aesthetic you've been waiting for, blending nostalgic vibes with futuristic tech for a look that's guaranteed to turn heads.
Sizes: 3-8 UK
Materials: Man made & mesh
Pros
- Cushioned insole
Cons
- More suited to summer
This silhouette from Clarks channels a retro-sports aesthetic. Plenty of soft underfoot cushioning boosts comfort, while a grippy, flexible gum sole underpins every move. For a super-breathable finish, the shoes feature a mesh lining that keeps feet cool and breezy in warmer weather.
Sizes: 3-8 UK
Materials: Synthetic
Pros
- Comfortable and versatile
Cons
- Mesh material not ideal for wet weather
The popularity of New Balance's chunky white style might have peaked with the dad trainer trend in the late 2010s, but its favour has endured, and it's since become the adopted style among pilates girls and athleisure advocates alike.
Sizes: 3.5-12.5 UK
Materials: Mesh upper
Pros
- Soft, comfy feel on the foot
Cons
- Not as structured as other styles
Nike’s Vomero trainer is a cool, modern design with roots in the sporty styles of the early 2000s. For a soft, comfy shoe you can wear for days on end, this is the trainer to try.
Sizes: 3-12 UK
Materials: Mesh upper
Aemilia Madden is a freelance writer, editor, and consultant with over 10 years of experience in the fashion industry. She’s written for publications including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle,The Cut, and The Wall Street Journal.
She also writes a newsletter called Taeste Bud, that covers stuff we buy, places we go, and the people we want to be. Previously, she held roles at The Zoe Report, WhoWhatWear and Popsuagar. Aemilia attended the University of California, Berkeley where she majored in Political Economics. In her time away from the internet, Aemilia is probably out on a hike.
You can follow her on Instagram here.
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