For those who’ve additionally Googled “options to white sneakers” up to now few days, you are not alone.
There was a time when white sneakers have been virtually the one sneakers I wore. Working errands? White sneakers. Heading to the workplace? White sneakers. Attempting to make a gown really feel extra relaxed? You get the thought. Their enchantment is clear—they go along with all the pieces, they by no means really feel too try-hard they usually’ve been a stable wardrobe staple for years.
However not too long ago, I’ve discovered myself wanting one thing… completely different. Not a whole departure from the benefit of a white sneaker, however an replace—one thing with a bit extra character. For those who’re feeling the identical, it may be time you take into account some alternate types. And due to me, I discovered simply the proper tendencies to appease this want for change.
It is not that white sneakers don’t nonetheless work—they do. However after seasons of heavy rotation, they’ll typically really feel a bit predictable, particularly while you lean in direction of a minimalist wardrobe like me. I’ve observed the identical sentiment from a number of of our Gen Z editors, which, actually, stunned me. If anybody was going to be over our basic, dependable millennial shoe of alternative, I assumed it might be them.
However no—they’ve embraced white sneakers simply as a lot as we’ve got, integrating them into their trend-heavy wardrobes in a method that makes them really feel contemporary once more. The distinction? They don’t seem to be solely sporting white sneakers. As an alternative, they’re additionally reaching for extra elevated shoe tendencies typically—like boat sneakers and ballet flats—in ways in which really feel relaxed and related.
The runways backed this up, too. The spring/summer season 2025 reveals noticed a return to easy, wear-forever footwear. At Bottega Veneta, flats have been styled with sheer, barely-there materials, proving they’ll really feel as statement-making as a towering heel. At Miu Miu, boat sneakers have been the star; fashions wore them with all the pieces from tailor-made shorts to relaxed suiting. And while loafers and Mary Janes proceed to have their second, I’ve obtained my eye on 4 classics that provide the identical versatility as a white sneaker however with a bit extra persona.
In fact, practicality nonetheless performs a component. I want one thing that may deal with lengthy days of strolling, commuting, and operating between conferences with out sacrificing model. Lo and behold, after some analysis (Instagram-stalking my favourite vogue individuals), I’ve discovered 4 options that match the invoice, every providing a special tackle on a regular basis dressing. Some lean extra polished, others extra informal, however all are simply as straightforward to put on as a white sneaker.
Preserve studying for my ideas.
Store Stylish Options to White Sneakers:
1. Boat Sneakers
Model Notes: I am going to admit that boat sneakers weren’t on my radar till not too long ago. For years, they felt a bit too “summering within the Hamptons,” however the brand new wave of types is way much less preppy and as an alternative, extra wearable. Softer leathers, barely chunkier soles, and a extra relaxed form make them really feel much less “yacht membership” and extra effortlessly cool. I have been styling mine with slouchy trousers and an outsized knit—a simple approach to steadiness out their barely polished really feel. In addition they work surprisingly effectively with denim shorts and a crisp white tee for a low-key spring outfit that also feels thought of.
Store Boat Sneakers:
Miu Miu
Canvas & Leather-based Boat Shoe
A fashion-week favorite—I’ve seen these styled with all the pieces from maxi skirts to structured trousers.
Jeffrey Campbell
Yachting Day Boat Sneakers
If you are going to do boat sneakers, that is the pair to get. A real basic that solely will get higher with put on.
Bally
Pathy Leather-based Boat Sneakers
Bally makes a few of the finest boat sneakers round proper now.
2. Birkenstock Boston Clogs
Model Notes: For those who’ve been on Instagram in any respect within the final yr, you’ve got seen the Birkenstock Boston Clog. While they don’t seem to be new, their enchantment is not fading anytime quickly. They’ve that cool, barely undone vibe that makes any outfit look thought of—even should you’re simply sporting them to seize espresso. I wish to distinction their chunkiness with one thing softer—suppose a silky slip skirt and a light-weight knit. In addition they work effectively with saggy denim and a easy tank for a extra relaxed really feel.
Store Birkenstock Boston Clogs:
Birkenstock
Boston Gentle Footbed Clog
The taupe suede model is essentially the most basic, they usually go along with all the pieces.
3. Clarks Wallabees
Model Notes: Wallabees have all the time had a little bit of a cult following, however these days, I am seeing them in all places. There’s one thing about their barely retro, ’70s really feel that makes them so fascinating. They’re informal however not sloppy, basic however not boring—the proper center floor. Trend individuals are sporting them with wide-leg trousers and a easy tee to let the sneakers do the speaking. In addition they pair effectively with longer skirts for that cool surprising proportion play.
Store Clarks Wallabees:
4. Ballet Flats
Model Notes: Ballet flats are in all places once more, and I could not be extra thrilled. They’re easy, basic, and work with nearly all the pieces. However this time round, they really feel much less elegant and extra lived-in—good for dressing up or down. I like the distinction of ballet flats with outsized items like free denims, slouchy tailoring, and structured blazers. In addition they look nice with cropped trousers and a light-weight knit for one thing a bit extra basic.
Store Ballet Flats:
Le Monde Beryl
Luna Leather-based Ballet Flats
Ballet flats can really feel a bit formal, however a brighter color makes them extra enjoyable. If you need an funding pair, look to Le Monde Beryl.
This publish initially appeared on Who What Put on UK.