I've tested nearly 40 pairs of white sneakers of different styles — these 23 are the best I've worn

Frankie4 Nat III

When you imagine a classic low-top, cap-toed sneaker, you probably think of Chuck Taylors. But most Converse sneakers are simply not comfortable to walk in. They have zero arch or heel support, their soles are rock hard, and their toe boxes too narrow for most people. Instead, here's a similar style that's actually made for prolonged wear.

They're customizable. The Nat III's gussets are elastic, so they allow you to forgo laces if you rather wear them as slip-ons. You can also choose from a set of insoles in the included "Sole Saver Pack," which each have different levels of padding in the forefoot and heels.

They have podiatrist-approved insoles. I have high arches, so I was thankful for their supportive, spongy padding when I broke them in on a long neighborhood walk. Their shock absorption is leagues ahead of most flat-soled sneakers. And if you have weak ankles, these have high heel counters and collars to help stabilize.

The leather and lining is silky soft. I could actually wear these comfortably without socks because the interior is so padded and smooth. I also liked how the toe boxes became more flexible the more I broke them in. They're stark white for now, but I'm excited to make these my beaters this summer.

The best classic white trainers

Low 1 sneakers by Oliver Cabell

Oliver Cabell is one of the newest direct-to-consumer shoe startups making designer-quality shoes in artisan Italian factories. The brand's Low 1 style is probably my most-worn pair of minimalist white sneakers thanks to the stiff but yielding leather that keeps its shape and doesn't crease easily. 

After about 6 months of regular wear, the leather still looks brand new, and the Margom outsoles don't gather a lot of grime. As for comfort, you can expect a relatively supportive shoe with just enough in the arches to remain comfortable for long walks. 

Sizing: 4-10

They come in whole sizes. The site says they run a whole size too big, but I didn't find that to be true. I wear a 7.5 to 8 depending on the brand, and I sized up to an 8 for this pair, so I recommend ordering a half size up from your usual size.

Piper sneakers by Allbirds

When testing the Allbirds Piper, its sleek, minimalist design made from the brand's signature wool fabric is a noteworthy feature. The sole features all the support you'd find in a regular pair of Allbirds, but it should be noted that the shoe won't look quite as sleek as your average leather pair, given that the wool stretches over time. 

The major benefit of a pair of Pipers, though, is that they're machine washable and easy to take care of. And if you're a values-based shopper, knowing how much care the brand puts into making its materials and production processes sustainable really helps.

Sizing: 5-11

These only come in whole sizes. Allbirds and all of us at Insider Reviews recommend sizing up if you're in between sizes. We also love this pair for wider feet.

The Royale sneakers by Greats

This classic white sneaker from Greats features the same simple shape as most others in this section, but the perforations on the toe, tan leather inner, and paneled sides give them a little bit more of a true tennis-shoe look. If "a little bit vintage" is your look, go for these.

My pair of Royales has held up well to a lot of neighborhood walking, with a nice amount of arch support. There is some creasing at the toe, but that's to be expected with any leather sneakers. Worth noting is that if you love the silhouette but want a more sustainable fabric option than leather, Greats makes a version of these shoes out of recycled cotton for $99.

Sizing: 6-10

These come in whole and half sizes. Greats says to go true to your size, which I agree with if you are always one particular size 100% of the time. I am between a 7.5 and an 8 depending on the brand, and I mistakenly opted for a 7.5 in this pair only to find them a smidge too tight. 

Jump Kick sneakers by Keds

Slightly more elevated than Keds' most popular Champion canvas sneakers is the brand's Jump Kick leather pair. Speaking from experience, sneakers from Keds won't last quite as long as those hand-crafted Italian leather pairs on this list, but they will do right by you for as long as they hold up. 

The footbed on this pair is nicely cushioned, and the collar around the ankle has slightly more of a foam-like give than most other pairs on this list. If you often find that shoes give your ankles blisters easily, there's a similar version of this shoe with less of a collar around the ankle, which will make them a bit easier to break in. 

Sizing: 5-11

These are available in whole and half sizes. If you're in between sizes, size up. We don't recommend these for wide feet. It's worth noting that most Keds run a bit narrow, and they tend to take a while to break in.

Kam sneakers by Kenneth Cole

This pair of classic white trainers from Kenneth Cole was the first to jumpstart my obsession. I've owned three pairs over the years, each time wearing them to the ground (literally) before replacing them. They're exceptionally comfortable, thanks to cushy foam insoles and a rounded toe, though the arch support is a bit stiffer than some other pairs I've tested. 

The metallic gold tab on the heel adds a fun touch and makes the shoe easier to dress up. They do need some time to be broken in, and I'd say they're better for regular-to-narrow feet. As far as lasting power, each of my pairs took me through about a year and a half of pretty constant wear in the city.

Sizing: 5-11

These come in whole and half sizes. I recommend going true to your usual size, and sizing up if you're often between sizes.

Original Achilles sneakers by Common Projects

Can we faithfully and honestly say that there's something different about these shoes from Common Projects that makes them worth the $355 price tag? No, we cannot. They are nearly identical to the Oliver Cabell pair we mentioned above, the difference being the designer's signature sequence of numbers on the side of the heel. 

But sometimes you just want a designer shoe, and that's okay! That said, one member of our team who tried this pair said that they ran narrow and creased faster than she expected, so if you buy these, don't expect the designer price tag to translate to absolute top-notch quality or comfort.

Common Projects has a similar pair with a much leaner profile around the ankle and a slightly higher sole (though I wouldn't call it a platform). The tongue on the new version is shorter than the one on the Original Achilles pair, which may make them more appealing to minimalists and less likely to blister. 

Sizing: 4-12

Only available in whole sizes, using Italian sizing. Check the conversion chart to make sure you get your correct size, but if you're in between sizes, round up. These run narrow.

Lace Up sneakers by Thousand Fell

Made from sustainable materials like recycled water bottles, palm tree fibers, coconut husk, and sugar cane, Thousand Fell's faux leather sneakers are a convincing dupe that you'll feel good about wearing. And it's not just the materials that'll do that for you — it's also the fact that they're extremely comfortable straight out of the box. 

I found this pair to be really supportive, flexible, and easy to walk in. I love that the insole is soft and cushiony and that the shoe is flexible enough to accommodate my not-quite-wide-but-definitely-not-narrow feet. It's also a fun touch that you can choose colored tabs for the back of the heel to add a little pop to your shoe. 

Sizing: 5-10

These are available in half and whole sizes. I recommend going true-to-size or sizing up a half size if you're in between.

Off White Canvas sneaker by Cariuma

If leather isn't your thing, there are plenty of canvas trainers out there that'll do the same job but with a lighter footprint.

While testing, we noticed Cariuma's canvas sneakers require no break-in period and feature a cushy, removable insole that makes them comfortable for long days of walking. For every pair of sneakers sold, Cariuma plants two trees in Brazil, the home country of its founders. 

They're a favorite of Ashley Phillips, one of our style editors, though she warns that the canvas material does get dirty easily. 

Sizing: 5-13

These come in whole and half sizes, and though the general sentiment from most reviewers is that they run true-to-size, our style editor said she went up a half size and liked the fit.

The best sporty white sneakers

Wool Runner sneakers by Allbirds

There's a reason we have multiple pairs of Allbirds on this list, and it has everything to do with how comfortable they are. In fact, I don't think I own a more comfortable pair of sneakers than the Allbirds Wool Runner. 

If a daily walking shoe is what you're looking for, Allbirds' Runners are what I recommend. The sole is made from a sugarcane-based EVA foam that provides a ton of bounce and cushioning. The wool material is really flexible, so there's no pinching or creasing to deal with.

The downside is that the white wool gets dirty easily, and though you can always throw this pair in the washing machine, it's not always possible to get them perfectly clean. The wool also stretches a bit over time, though regular washing will shrink it back up. If you have wide feet, these should still work for you. 

Sizing: 5-11

Allbirds come in whole sizes only. I recommend going up if you're usually a half size. 

Air Force 1s by Nike

There's no more iconic pair of sneakers than Nike's Air Force 1. It's been around since the early 1980s and was the first basketball shoe to use Nike Air technology. Nike currently offers several iterations of the shoe, but the '07 low-top version is by far the most comfortable (and most recognizable). Others I've tried, like the Sage Lows, have been too narrow, or the arch has been oddly placed. 

If you like to keep your shoes fresh and clean, buy yourself a pair of $10 ForceField inserts along with your Air Force 1s to avoid creasing at the toe. 

Sizing: 5-12

Nikes tend to run a bit large, but I recommend going true to your usual size for this pair. If you're between sizes, size up and get a pair of ForceFields to protect the toe of the shoe and also add a bit of padding.

Techloom Phantom sneakers by APL

Techloom Phantoms are the ultimate pair of workout sneakers we tested, but they're cute enough to wear while traveling, running errands, or walking around the neighborhood. The soles offer high energy return and tons of bounce for long days on your feet or at the gym.

This is the pair of shoes that you'll find me in most often. They're just that comfortable. The tongue is fully attached to the body of the shoe, so they effectively feel like slip-ons with laces that can adjust the tightness. There's no slipping around or adjusting necessary, and there's plenty of arch support. 

Sizing: 5-11

These are available in half and whole sizes. I normally wear a 7.5-8 and I sized down to a 7.5 for these which was definitely the right call. I recommend going either true-to-size or sizing down if you're in between.

Esplar sneakers by Veja

I can't go five minutes on Instagram without seeing someone in a pair of Veja sneakers. The French streetwear staple is everywhere, and the not-ungodly price is one of the reasons why. Veja sneakers are an affordable gateway into street style, and they're also just plain comfy. 

"I'm currently on my third pair of Vejas — that's how much I love this brand," says our style editor Maria Del Russo. While they do take a few wears to break in, she says that "Once you soften the stiffness in the insole, they'll become one of the most comfortable shoes you wear." 

Sizing: 4-10

These come in whole sizes. They fit true to size but tend to run a little wide, so if you're a half size or in between sizes, we recommend sizing down. 

Classic sneakers by Reebok

The '80s are calling, and they're wearing this pair of Reebok Classics. Several members of the Insider Reviews style team have worn this pair over the years, each one of us citing their comfort as the main factor — thanks to flexible leather and cushy arches. The fabric on the inner heel is also an advantage for anyone who blisters easily. And, they're extremely versatile.

I personally found that the arches in this pair hit a little strangely on my feet, so I swapped them out with orthotic inserts. But others on the team have said they found the arches to be well-placed. 

Sizing: 5-11

These come in half sizes and whole sizes. I recommend going true to size, and if you're between sizes, go up. 

The best platform white sneakers

Triple Kick Leather sneakers by Keds

I've had this leather pair for several years and I can't recommend them enough, especially for the price. I did find them hard to break in at first, but now I love wearing them with flouncy dresses in the summer. I even have plans to bring them to my wedding as backup shoes for dancing.

The heel tends to be the hardest part to break in, but after they've seen enough wear, they soften up a lot. The Ortholite insoles are really cushiony and comfortable — but don't expect a ton of extra arch support here. They can be worn with or without socks, but I recommend those really low-cut Ped-style socks because regular ankle-cut pairs tend to peek through.

The downside of these sneakers is that the laces are frustratingly short. It's easy to fix by spending $5 on a new pair of laces, but you should note that if your feet are a little wide or you like to tie your shoes a bit looser, you'll need to buy a longer pair of laces.

Sizing: 5-11

These come in whole and half sizes, but they can run a tad large. I wear a 7.5-8 and though I usually opt for a size 8 in sneakers, the 7.5 fits me better here. If you're between sizes, I say size down a half size, but otherwise, order true-to-size.

Platform Sneaker by Alexander McQueen

Another designer pick that's popular with streetwear enthusiasts, this platform sneaker by Alexander McQueen hits on the chunky sneaker trend without taking things too far. You'll find several white pairs with different heel accent options, from a simple black to an eye-catching bright red. 

While we haven't personally tested this pair (it's one of just two on this list that we haven't personally worn — the other being another pair of McQueen high-tops), it's a style we couldn't bear to leave off the list given how many fashion folks swear by them. 

Sizing: 5-11

These come in half and whole sizes. Most online reviews we've seen say to go up a half size.

Superga platforms

If you can get the sizing right (they tend to run large), this pair of Supergas is a dependable platform sneaker, and they're easy to wear with regular low-cut ankle socks.

Though it lacks any real arch support, the soles are still relatively comfortable and easy to break in. And, they're easy to keep clean. One member of our team notes that she prefers these over any other platforms she's tried because the soles don't seem to collect grime the way other pairs do. In our experience, a half size down usually provides the best fit.

Sizing: 5-10

These come in whole and half sizes, but they run large, so we recommend going down a half size.  

The best high-top white sneakers

Chuck 70 high-top sneakers by Converse

Converse makes what is possibly the most iconic high-top out there, but this pair is a reinvention of the original (and most popular) pair. Chuck 70s differ from the OG Chuck Taylors in that they have "higher rubber outsole with rubber foxing around the perimeter, smaller rubber toe caps, and extra cushioning on the insoles," according to our resident sneaker collector who tested them, Amir Ismael. They also have a black star logo rather than a red and blue colored one, and we just find them to be sleeker overall. 

Worth noting, though, is that the extra cushioning in the Chuck 70s insoles still might not be enough if you need a lot of arch support. In the past, I've worn converse with my own cushioned insoles to make them more comfortable, a move I highly recommend making. 

Sizing: 5-18

These come in whole and half sizes, but we recommend going a full size down as they run very large. You should opt for an entire size down, or if you plan to use my insole trick, order just a half size down to make room for the inserts.

Blazer Mid '77 Vintage by Nike

Originally released in the early 1970s, Nike Blazers were once considered the pinnacle of performance basketball shoes. Now, they're better suited to pairing with cuffed jeans, dresses, or wide-leg cropped pants.

While there's no all-white version of the Blazer 77s, there are several pairs with a white base and varying colorful Swoosh options, like a metallic silver, candy apple red, simple black, or muted neon yellow. If an all-white pair is what you're after, you can select the "customize" option and create your own for $20 more.

As for fit, we've found that the ankles start out feeling a little stiff, but they wear in quickly. Just don't lace the eyelets all the way up the first time you wear them since that tends to make them feel too tight. 

Sizing: 5-12

These are available in whole and half sizes. If you're between sizes, we recommend sizing up, but otherwise, order true-to-size.

Tread Slick High Top sneaker by Alexander McQueen

Chunky lug soles are a trend we can get behind. Everyone from Bottega Veneta to Prada to Proenza Schouler is in on it — and not least is Alexander McQueen with this hybrid sneaker-boot.

I should start by saying that this is not a pair that we've personally worn, but it's one we love the look of. If inspiration is all you need, then go forth and shop, because I don't have any real advice on the sizing or fit. I'm just here to say that this is a gorgeous pair of white high-top sneakers, and I envy anyone with the expendable income to buy them.

Sizing: 5-10.5

These come in whole and half sizes.

The best slip-on white sneakers

Classic Slip-On sneakers by Vans

When you think of slip-on sneakers, Vans are probably the first to come to mind. The iconic shoe is best known in that classic checkered pattern, but the all-white version is a sleek alternative.

Style-wise, these are the most quintessential pair of slip-ons, but they don't rank highly on our comfort scale. For that, you'll want a pair of Allbirds Loungers. Vans slip-ons lack good arch support and the insoles aren't very cushy, so they're best reserved for days when you won't be spending a ton of time on your feet.

Sizing: 5-14.5

Vans come in half and whole sizes, but they tend to run small and start out feeling tight around the foot. If you're between sizes, I recommend going up a half size, and otherwise ordering true-to-size. Just expect a tight fit at first.

Lounger sneakers by Allbirds

Yep, another pair of Allbirds! The silhouettes are always simple and the soles are dependably well-cushioned and comfortable. The Loungers, which we've worn and written about, are no exception to this rule.

With as much support as its classic Runners, the Loungers are ideal for walking and traveling. They're machine washable, like every other pair of Allbirds. As is the case with wool, you won't always be able to clean them 100% if you've gotten them dirty with grass stains or spills. The main downside is that the wool does stretch over time, but we've found that these keep their shape better and for longer than the Runners.

Sizing: 5-11

Allbirds only come in whole sizing, and we recommend sizing up if you're a half size. Otherwise, they run true-to-size.

Platform Slip-On sneakers by Vince

Vince's reputation for perfectly tailored clothes is definitely not lost on its shoes. We've worn several iterations of slip-on sneakers from Vince and found each one to be more comfortable and well-fitted than the next. Though pricier than most, they're extremely durable and the leather molds to your feet in a way that few other pairs do. 

One of our teammates calls this platform pair one of the most comfortable shoes ever, noting that they run true-to-size and have a very average width. The elastic on the side also keeps them from feeling too stiff on the foot. Her only qualm with them is that the soles get very dirty and are hard to clean. This is something I've experienced with other pairs of Vince slip-ons as well, so if you are extremely particular about keeping your shoes spotless, these are not the pair for you.

Sizing: 5-12

These come in whole and half sizes. Some sites say they run large, but in our experience, they are true to size. 

The Sneaker by Rothys

You may know Rothys for their sustainable flats made from recycled water bottles, but we're particularly partial to the brand's slip-on sneakers. They feature the same flexible, vegan, sustainable knit material, but with a thicker sole and a more casual silhouette. 

We've tested and written about the slip-on pair, which we like because they're washable and comfortable straight out of the box. We found them to be a bit narrow, so they're not great for wide feet, but they're an excellent option for the sustainable-minded shopper who just wants something reliable and timeless. The arch support isn't phenomenal, but it's enough for running errands or wearing to work. You can also easily remove the insoles and replace them with orthopedic ones, but if you plan to do this, I recommend going up at least a half size.

Sizing: 5-13

This pair comes in whole and half sizes. Rothy's tend to run a little tight, so I recommend going up a half size if you're usually in between sizes, or ordering your true size if you usually never deviate.