THE JOURNAL

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We’ve long been asking ourselves what could be the menswear equivalent to the “jeans and a nice top” sartorial passe-partout. And we’ve finally got an answer: jeans and a pair of box-fresh white sneakers. That’s for one fundamental reason – white sneakers can be worn with absolutely anything. And although they wouldn’t quite suit a strictly formal dress code, they can still fit the bill if the occasion requires you to take it up a notch.
As for what to wear them with, that needn’t stop at jeans. Chinos, elevated sweats, pleated trousers, but also relaxed tailoring and linen separates. Up top, an easy tee, a polo shirt, a button-up, you name it. Here, nine of the summer’s best hot steppers. The secret to keeping them looking fresh? Caring for them like a pro.
01. The ON running shoes
Jetting off on holiday or work trip? Keep ON’s running sneakers in your luggage to be the best-dressed man in the hotel gym. Outside of workout hours, though, these Cloudnova X are perfect for long days on your feet thanks to their CloudTec® cushioning technology and breathable uppers.
02. The Dries Van Noten retro kicks
Arguably SS25’s It-sneaker, Dries Van Noten’s take on 1970s marathon runners come in many colourful iterations. However, this sleek white leather pair overlaid with grey suede panels has got to be one of our favourites. The slim silhouette will nicely complement baggy jeans.
03. The cult New Balance sneakers
Want to update your footwear rotation with the latest trends, but still keep it low-key? This white pair of New Balance 990s will do the trick. The we-know-a-sneakerhead-when-we-see-one kind of kicks. They maintain the original V6 design, but feature a thicker sole and better cushioning, thanks to the addition of FuelCell foam.
04. The Common Projects must-haves
Common Projects’ Achilles sneakers are among the best-selling items on MR PORTER – the pared-back design, superior Italian leather construction and gold serial number stamps need no introduction. Try styling yours with a spezzato linen suit this summer.
05. The Y2K Nike styles
Nike’s P-6000 is a knowing mishmash of the brand’s early 2000s running roster that taps into the recent revival of that era. You might be aware of it in a new-millennium silver, however, this off-white pair offers a more subdued version. They’re an easy everyday shoe, but they certainly wouldn’t look out of place on the weight floor.
06. The timeless Autry pair
If you’re in the market for a shoe that will never go out of style – and stay comfortable and stylish on your off-duty days – consider Autry’s Dallas sneakers, named after the brand’s hometown. Tenniscore was one of the hottest things in menswear not long ago, so the court-inspired silhouette might just position you among the sneaker connoisseurs.
07. The exclusive Golden Goose design
There are two main reasons why you should get your hands on – or feet in, rather – a pair of white Golden Goose sneakers. First, they add a little more panache to your outfits than other logo-free, minimalist styles. Second, you won’t find them anywhere else other than the MR PORTER shelves.
08. The Axel Arigato court-inspired kicks
Part of our Consciously Crafted edit, these sneakers by Axel Arigato are as discreet as classic court-inspired silhouettes. However, a few small details make them a standout pair. The perforated uppers, thicker rubber soles and delicate foil branding lend themselves well to casual and smarter trousers alike.
09. The Common Projects classics with a twist
If you’re anything like us, chances are you already own a pair of Common Projects. But for a summery take on the classic, consider adding this dual-material style to your collection – the grey suede tongue and ivory soles give them a retro edge, making them a stylish companion to light-wash denim.