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Why White Sneakers Are The Bedrock Of Any Wardrobe
Words by Jack Stanley
11 October 2022
Every man’s footwear rotation should contain a pair of white sneakers for one simple reason: they can be worn with absolutely anything. The all-white colour is unfailingly versatile and the lack of flashy colourways or loud branding makes it the perfect space for some if-you-know-you-know detailing. Here are five pairs of white sneakers to get you started.
01.
Maison Margiela Replica in leather and suede
If the appeal of a white sneaker is that it can be worn with anything, then the Maison Margiela Replica proves it. It is a recreation of a 1970s Austrian running shoe, which gives it a time-honoured and simple construction. This pair is made with a white leather upper, grey suede overlays and a gum sole. As sneakers go, the Maison Margiela Replica is about as classic as you can get – a versatile addition to any rotation.
02.
CELINE HOMME Z leather high-top
A perfect example of how a simple sneaker doesn’t have to be boring. This high-top iteration is CELINE HOMME’s take on a classic basketball sneaker. The Z has been stripped back to basics in terms of colour, which lets the detailing take centre stage. Highlights include the repeated CELINE logos – on the tongue, heel and midsole – as well as the calfskin leather construction and toe box perforations, which nod to its sporting origins.
03.
Golden Goose Stardan leather shoe
Another sneaker that can be traced back to the basketball court, the Stardan Leather shoe from Golden Goose is a nod to 1990s basketball culture, although the premium Optic White leather construction probably isn’t suited to sporting endeavours. This shoe shows how an all-white sneaker can be given a subtle rework and it’s all in the details. The gold embossing on the lateral side, Golden Goose’s star patch and signature pre-distressed look all help to set the Stardan apart from the just-a-white-sneaker crowd.
04.
Off-White full-grain leather sneaker
Off-White’s take on the classic white leather sneaker is covered with extra details to ensure it stands out. The most noticeable features are the green hang tag and the “SHOELACES” branding, which immediately identify it as Off-White, but other touches are more subtle. The chunky white sole is covered with diagonal stripes, while the lateral side sports the label’s crossed arrow logo. These details help the sneakers do the impossible: stand out from the crowd without compromising on versatility.
05.
Common Projects Decades leather sneaker
What even is white? Common Projects plays with the colour with alternate white calf leather and off-white full-grain leather panels, which give texture to the Decades sneaker. The shoe itself has a traditional design, taking influences from tennis footwear with its silhouette and toe box perforations. A few details, including the chunky sole and the brand’s signature gold serial number, show how far the humble tennis shoe has come.