Best Sneakers for Women

The 5 Very Best White Sneakers for Women

I'll be honest—after months of talking to sneaker obsessives and testing dozens of pairs myself, I've learned that everyone's got their holy grail white sneaker. Some people swear by their beaten-up Air Force 1s, others won't shut up about their Stan Smiths, and there's always that one friend who insists Converse are the only shoes worth owning.

The thing is, they're all kind of right. The white sneaker world has exploded beyond the basics we grew up with. You've got everything from no-fuss slip-ons to those unexpectedly cool trainers that somehow became trendy thanks to Shaolin monks (I'm still wrapping my head around that one).

For this guide, I went full detective mode—cornering shoe collectors, picking the brains of stylists, and basically interrogating anyone who seemed to know their stuff about sneakers. I also put my own feet on the line, literally. I've walked miles in these things, spilled coffee on them, and yes, scrubbed them clean with more Tide To-Go pens than I care to admit. If you're hungry for more shoe intel, check out our other guides covering the best walking shoes and running shoes.

Nike Air Force 1 '07

$100
Sizes: 5–13 with half-sizes | Material: Leather | Design: High-foam midsole, toe perforations 

Here's the thing about Air Force 1s—they're basically the denim jacket of sneakers. Classic, versatile, and somehow they just work with everything. Those clean lines and that iconic swoosh aren't accidents; they're the result of decades of getting it right. And unlike some other white sneakers that seem to apologize for existing, AF1s have this subtle confidence with their slight platform that says, "Yeah, I'm here, and I look good."

The comfort factor is where these really shine. I'm talking all-day, walk-across-the-city comfortable. The cushioning hits that sweet spot between supportive and bouncy, and those little holes punched into the toe box? They're not just decoration—they actually keep your feet from getting gross and sweaty. I've tested this theory extensively during New York summers, and these shoes passed with flying colors.

At $115, they're not exactly cheap, but they're the kind of investment that pays dividends. During my research, they came up more than any other shoe—and I talked to people about nearly 50 different pairs. Stylist Christel Langué summed it up perfectly: "You can't go wrong with Air Force 1s, and as a native New Yorker, I would feel embarrassed not to own a pair." She's in good company with Michelle Silva from Con.cept and Leigh Plessner from Catbird, who are both longtime fans.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star

$80
Sizes: 5–15 with unisex sizing and wide options | Material: Canvas | Design: Converse red outlining, All Star "license plate" in back 

Chuck Taylors have been around since 1917, which means they've survived everything from world wars to the rise of athleisure. That's staying power. I wore the low-tops religiously in middle school and high school—mine were covered in doodles and band names, because apparently that was peak fashion when I was 14.

The magic of Chucks is hard to pin down, but Vogue's vintage shopping columnist Jenny Walton gets it: "There's something inherently cool, nostalgic, and rebellious about Converse." She's been wearing the same pair since middle school and sticks with the low-tops because she thinks high-tops make her look shorter. Meanwhile, artist Shantell Martin and senior editor Simone Kitchens are team high-top all the way.

Here's a pro tip: don't sleep on the Jack Purcell, another Converse low-top that flies under the radar. Dominique Porter from the Glad Hours has the right attitude about them: "If they're cool enough for Steve McQueen, they're cool enough for me." Hard to argue with that logic.

Adidas Stan Smith Shoes

$100
Sizes: 5–11 with half-sizes | Material: Made from recyclables | Design: Perforated sides in three-striped logo pattern 

Stan Smiths are the sneaker equivalent of a perfectly fitted white t-shirt—simple, effortless, and somehow always right. Named after the tennis pro, these shoes have mastered the art of being everywhere without feeling overdone. Stylist Jessica Cadmus calls them "eternally popular," and she's not wrong.

Everything about Stan Smiths is deliberately understated. The Adidas logo barely whispers its presence, the sole stays close to the ground, and the overall vibe is "I woke up like this" in the best possible way. They're the sneakers that make you look like you have your life together, even when you definitely don't.

Cadmus has one non-negotiable rule for Stan Smith ownership: keep them spotless. "This is where a Magic Eraser comes in very, very handy," she insists. The effort is worth it—clean Stan Smiths can elevate even the most basic outfit. Strategist columnist Chris Black is another devotee, along with designer Jonathan Adler, who gave me the quote of the year: "I have a closet groaning, groaning, with couture footwear, all ignored in favor of my beloved Stan Smiths."

Superga 2750 Canvas Cotu Sneakers

From $75
Sizes: 5–11 with half-sizes | Material: Canvas | Design: Small logo tag on one side 

If you think Stan Smiths are minimal, wait until you see Superga's 2750s. These things are stripped down to the absolute essentials—plain canvas, no lining, and just a tiny logo tag. It's minimalism that actually means something, not just a design trend. Superga started in the tennis world, so this no-nonsense approach makes total sense.

But don't confuse simple with cheap. These sneakers can take a beating. Photographer Louise Parker reaches for her Supergas over Converse when she knows she'll be doing serious walking, thanks to the better support and cushioned footbed. Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo has a different use case—she throws them on during summer when sandals feel too casual but wearing socks seems like overkill. Her verdict? "They feel like slippers you can wear outside."

Adidas Superstar Shoes

$100
Sizes: 5–11 with half-sizes | Material: Leather | Design: Shell toes, side stripes 

The Superstars are time travelers—they debuted in 1970 but somehow feel completely at home in 2025. After dominating basketball courts, they became hip-hop icons, and they've never really left the spotlight. Those shell-shaped toes and three stripes aren't just design choices; they're cultural landmarks.

"They are such a throwback," says Nadine Abramcyk from Tenoverten salon. She's found the sizing to be spot-on, but has a heads-up for people with narrow feet: grab some thicker socks, because these run a bit wide. One thing that sets Superstars apart is the color options—you can get them in stark "cloud white" or a softer off-white. Abramcyk prefers the off-white because it's not quite so aggressive. Smart choice.