Log on to Pinterest, flip a few pages of Harpers Bazaar, view almost any online shop, and you'll see that people throw around the word "essential" at almost any occasion. But the question is, what truly is essential?
So say that we toss out your entire wardrobe and you're forced to pick one outfit to wear for the rest of hmm I don't know, life. Personally, If I were to choose, I'd have to say it'd be a reliable pair of jeans, a black tee-shirt, and a pair of white sneakers. And if I was a guy - I'd say the same thing. It would be my absolute go-to, confident, and not-trying-too-hard-but-classic outfit.
If we really get down to it, the tee-shirt and jeans wouldn't be what would take me the most time to pick out, it would be those white sneaks.
The thing is about white sneakers is that if you pick the right pair, you're set for life. They can be dressed up or down, can be your casual walk to the store or your next adventure abroad. They match with your suit, your board shorts, your leather skirt, it is your option (D: All of the above).
Here I am, for both my lovely lady friends and my manly men buds, composing a list and prices of all my (and soon to be yours) favorite pHre$h white kicks.
DUDES:
VANS ERA PRO- OFF-WHITE GUMSOLE
$60
The contrast in the sole and the canvas is a very subtle clean look that just gets better with wear and (slight) tear.
This is a skate shoe, so the bottoms are a little thicker and last you a little longer, but the quality is what you pay for so expect to toss them within 1-2 years.
ADIDAS SAMBA
$60
A soccer shoe, these sneakers have an especially long tongue in comparison to the rest of these, but a classic shoe, nonetheless.
CONVERSE JACK PURCELL CLASSIC LOW TOP
$65
One of the most comfortable options, but with a cleaner look than the chuck
ADIDAS ORIGINALS STAN SMITH
$75
Buy them here
The backside/top of heel comes in options of green, red or navy, with green being original. The leather is not the best quality, but style points are style points -because they are the OG style of all almost all white shoes.
p.s the Primeknit is pretty cool, too.
VANS SK8 LEATHER SKATE SHOE
$75
Skater-core, ankle support, with the classic van's logo. The leather ones are a little tougher to find, but they also come in canvas.
NIKE KILLSHOT 2
$90
These are always out of stock but no worries, J. Crew is getting us the hook up soon enough. The gum sole/blue detailing can either make an outfit one HUNNA or it can make it look goofy. This one is a little tougher to pair.
NIKE AIR FORCE 1 HIGH
$100
These have been around forever and don't seem to be going anywhere, either. Ridiculously versatile and one of the best options for streetwear.
COMMON PROJECTS ORGINAL ACHILLES LOW
$415
The gold details, the cleanest clean you can get are the Common Projects original Achilles.
FEIT BI-COLOR LO
$560
A little bit of a
LADIES:
H&M WHITE SNEAKERS
$30
These faux leather gems design is almost a replica to all the designer styles on the market, earning themselves a thumbs up from the fashion world.
SUPERGA COTU SNEAKER
$65
The 2750 is Superga's best-selling shoe, with a huge range of colors to choose from. A very popular pick from Europe, specifically Italy.
CONVERSE CHUCK II HIGH TOP
$80
Converse's first new design since '98 years does not disappoint. With Lunlarlon (comfy insole designed by Nike), a blindingly true white look, and all white soles, it's a sweet upgrade.
NIKE TENNIS CLASSIC AC PRM
$109
An indoor tennis shoe that is not a bad alternative to Adidas Stan Smith. With obvious differences (longer tongue, thicker outsole, less chunky look, and different perforation) it all depends on what you're looking for.
KENNETH COLE KAM SNEAKER
$120
This pair is widely associated with Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Miranda Kerr. A very clean look with no additional details that is similar to Stan Smith/Common Projects.
Eytys Mother Canvas Sneakers
$160
The best selling Eytys. White leather low-tops with
NIKE PEGASUS 83'
$120
Buy them here
A classic Nike lifestyle shoe that I believe does not get the credit it deserves. The canvas with suede finishing keeps this shoe sophisticated enough to wear with more than your gym shorts.
Axel Arigato Low Sneaker
$195
Subtle reptile texture on the premium leather upper with a smooth contrasting cap-toe. Handcrafted in Portugal, while the company is headquartered in Sweden.
SENSO ARNA SNEAKER
$230
Buy them here
Senso creates a minimalistic look with a very feminine feel, and adds contrast with the wide laces that go all the way across the shoe. It's a different look from the other examples but definitely a refreshing one.
COMMON PROJECTS ORGINAL ACHILLES LOW
$415
In my opinion, nothing looks quite like the super-clean CPs. The subtle gold detail and the quality of leather for Common Projects (both men and women( are just incomparable.
Of course, there's dozens of models of "the classic white shoe" out there, all catering to different preferences, lifestyles and tastes. That was just my two cents on my all time favorite minimalistic aesthetic.
Take this good advice
If they're gonna judge you for life
Say we can't always be fly
We gon' be good long as them sneakers white
You'll be alright
-Wale
"White Shoes"
