White Designer Sneakers That Are Actually Worth The Money
If you’re going to drop a paycheck on a pair of designer sneakers, they better be worth the money. We’ll save you the lecture on sustainability, and instead remind you that over-hyped, trendy sneakers (read: the very cute but very oversaturated Balenciaga Triple S Air) are an unfortunate waste of money.
If you’re going to splurge on a pair of designer shoes, you can’t go wrong with a classic pair of white sneakers. In a timeless silhouette, they’ll outlast seasonal trends, pair with 95% of your wardrobe, and look equally as good in the office as they do at the club. But srsly, basic white sneakers are a worthy investment for any wardrobe, regardless of whether this is your first luxury purchase or your hundredth.
That’s why we’ve rounded up the white designer sneakers that are actually worth the money in 2021. Instead of focusing on trendy collabs, we’ve based our picks on versatility, quality, and trend longevity to help you secure kicks you’ll wear forever.
FYI, this sneaker guide contains affiliate links from SSENSE. Zeitgeist generates a small commission (aka rent $$ for Zeitgeist HQ) from clicks that result in a purchase— at no extra cost to you. We pinky swear promise to only recommend products we’d actually purchase ourselves and to always disclose when we’re posting sponsored content. You can read our full affiliate disclosure statement here.
We S2G, these 10 pairs of white designer sneakers are actually worth the money.
Valentino
Garavani Atelier 03 Rose Edition Low-Top Sneakers
The chic 03 Rose Edition Sneakers are Valentino’s latest take on their iconic Garavani rose emblem. The intricate 3-D rose petals elevate the otherwise simple low-top sneakers to runway status while still offering the wearability of your go-to white sneakers. Both a trendy statement shoe and a basic white sneaker, you’ll be glad you snagged these one-of-a-kind kicks while you can.
Valentino Garavani’s White 03 Rose Edition Atelier Low-Top Sneakers are crafted in Italy from buffed calfskin with a tonal treaded rubber sole and rounded toe. Just for good measure, the heel collar features a red ‘Atelier Shoes Valentino Garavani 03’ stamp of approval.
Off-White
Vulcanized Low Top Sneakers
If you’re looking to flex, these Off-White Vulcanized Low Top Sneakers are just the shoe to do it in. Like a hawk eyeing a designer-clad mouse, astute fellow hypebeasts will spot the signature Off-White details— the oversized tag, graphic diagonal-striped midsole, and “shoelaces” graphic laces— from at least half a block away.
Available in both leather and canvas, Off-White’s Vulcanized Low Top Sneakers offer a luxury take on classic skateboarding shoes like Vans or Nike Low Dunks. A wide array of accent colors provide the limited-edition feel of a short-lived sneaker collab without sacrificing one bit of versatility.
Acne Studios
Perey Strap Sneakers
Somehow these Perey Strap Sneakers from Acne Studios have the cool factor of a grandpa sneaker without feeling like too much of a dad shoe. While the velcro straps are certainly drool-worthy, it’s the gum sole for me. White sneakers with gum soles are becoming a mainstay on the runways, with recent appearances at Thome Browne, Off-White, Sunnei, and Maison Margiela.
Acne Studios’ Perey Strap Sneakers are made in Italy from buffed calfskin leather that looks both buttery soft and supportive. A padded tongue, perforated toe, and grey mesh lining provide breathability and all-day comfort.
Gucci
Ace Sneakers
Gucci’s Ace Sneakers are one of the best designer sneakers of all time— hands down. The 70s-inspired silhouette features a classic red-and-green Gucci stripe down the side and contrasting colored heels. The careful Italian craftsmanship, durable leather, and timeless design make this iconic Gucci sneaker worth every penny.
While we’re partial to Gucci’s OG Green and Red colorway, there’s a constant rotation of kitschy embroidered appliques to choose from, ranging from cute cartoon characters (peep the adorable Disney x Gucci Donald Duck Ace Sneakers) to iconic Gucci symbols like the Kingsnake, gold bee, and interlocking Gs.
Giuseppe Zanotti
White Leather Urchin Sneakers
If you’re looking for a sneaker that stands out among the sea of white sneakers out there, might we suggest the drool-worthy Giuseppe Zanotti White Leather Urchin Sneakers. The strappy lace-up closure and urchin-textured sculptural rubber midsole are well-deserving of a shoe pic on the Gram.
Giuseppe' Zanotti’s low-top White Leather Strappy Urchin Sneakers feature a rubberized leather upper with tonal mesh around the toe and zipper trim along the side. The bright orange heel lining provides a subtle pop of color without overpowering the shoe.
1017 Alyx 9SM
White Leather Buckle Sneakers
Worn by street style royalty like ASAP Rocky, Rihanna, and Bella Hadid, 1017 Alyx 9SM has become a barometer of what’s trending in streetwear. The New York-based streetwear brand is the brainchild of Matthew Williams, who describes their technical fabrics and gorpcore-approved outerwear as “aggressively elegant.”
With the addition of the brand’s signature rollercoaster buckle strap across the top, their White Leather Buckle Sneakers feel like a cooler version of the already-cool Nike Air Force 1s. The white leather exterior is finished with perforated panels, a rounded toe, and a flat rubber sole that’s the juuust the right thickness.
Saint Laurent
Court Classic Sneakers
If you’re the kind of person who wears their sneakers until they literally fall apart, stick to a classic leather trainer that can withstand a lot of wear. Saint Laurent’s Court Classic Sneakers look like the type you’d find in a cool Parisian girl’s closet in 2021. Style with a summery slip dress or floral midi skirt for an easy summer outfit with a European vacay feel.
The sleek Court Classic Sneakers are made in Italy from buffed calfskin leather with a treaded rubber sole and a padded tongue and collar. The heel accent and scribbled Saint Laurent logo on the side come in your choice of black, gold, and silver.
Gucci
Tennis 1977 High-Top Sneakers
ICYMI, retro basketball shoes are all the rage rn. As the name suggests, the Gucci Tennis 1977 High-Top Sneakers are pulled straight from the House’s 70s archives. These timeless kicks have been cool for the past 44 years and will probably be cool for the next 44 to come.
Instead of leather or canvas, the high-top vegan sneakers are made from jacquard fabric with Gucci’s iconic GG motif in a subtle tonal weave. The rubber midsole and outsole boast the same interlocking Gs. The sleek style is finished with a Gucci Tennis 1977 label on the tongue and a subtle ‘77’ embroidered on the side.
Lanvin
Leather Bumpr Sneakers
70s tennis shoes— characterized by sleek silhouettes, waffle soles, and minimalist detailing— have been one of the biggest footwear trends of 2021. The 70s were a pivotal era in footwear, producing classic sneakers like the Adidas Stan Smith, Nike Waffle Trainer, Puma Clyde, and Vans Old-Skool that laid the foundation for the sneakers we wear today.
These Lanvin Leather Bumpr Sneakers bring a fashion-forward feel to classic 70s running shoes with their super-sleek silhouette, almond-shaped toe, and exaggerated pull tab. The JL-paneled upper is made from 100% Nappa leather and the tonal foam rubber midsole is made from recycled rubber.
Golden Goose
Superstar Sneakers
While Golden Goose’s infamous Superstar Sneakers look lived-in straight out of the box, they only get better over time. They’re the kind of sneakers you live in. After a few wears, they form right to your feet and feel like heaven. Thanks to the pre-distressed look, you won’t have to worry about tip-toeing around the city to avoid scuffs.
The leather upper features the brand’s signature star on the side and a logo patch on the tongue. Rumor has it, Golden Goose Superstar Sneakers are super lightweight, making them perfect for when you’re on the go (…when that’s a thing again).
Off-White
Out of Office Sneakers
Off-White’s Out of Office Sneakers blend streetwear, basketball, and running influences into a versatile white sneaker that’s the ideal work shoe for our current WFH lifestyle. Off-White’s founder and creative director, Virgil Abloh drew inspiration for the slightly chunky low top silhouette from late 80s and early 90s tennis athleticwear. Its contrasting outsoles, translucent gel insets, and perforated toe vamps are as practical as they are sleek.
But who are we kidding here? The best part of the White on White colorway of the Off-White Out of Office Sneakers is the “For Walking” scrawled permanent marker-style across the side. The recontextualized paneled logo, leather zip tie on the laces, and embossed logo on the heel are just the icing on the cake.
Maison Margiela x Reebok
Leather Tabi Sneakers
While these Maison Margiela x Reebok Leather Tabi Sneakers aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, they’re a must-cop for John Galliano stans. Needless to say, the iconic shape instantly makes your white sneakers stand out from the crowd. Plus, when you purchase them through SSENSE, you’ll get a complimentary pair of Tabi crew socks for easy styling.
The low top sneakers fuse two powerhouse 80s silhouettes: Reebok’s Classic Leather running shoe from 1983 and Maison Margeila’s signature Tabi shape from 1988. They’re comfy AF thanks to a padded collar, padded tongue, cushy foam rubber midsole, and a treaded EVA outsole.
Loewe
Flow Runner Sneakers
Loewe’s Flow Runner Sneakers are an all-day-every-day kind of white sneaker. The timeless silhouette offers a chic combination of a round toe, paneled upper, and chunky sole that feels feminine, sporty, and perfect for pairing with straight-leg jeans.
The sleek design boasts suede and nylon panels with an oversized L monogram on the side. In true Jonathan Anderson-style, a wavy rubber gum sole that curves from the top of the toe to the heel tab. And if you thought this white colorway was good, the Tan Flow Running Sneakers will have you weak at the knees.
Burberry
White & Beige Ronnie M Sneakers
Logo-print sneakers and handbags were top accessory trends for both Spring 2021 and Fall 2021. And we don’t expect logomania to go anywhere any time soon. These Burberry print sneakers will undoubtedly be cool for seasons to come. While these Burberry White & Beige Ronnie M Sneakers may be trendy now, they’ll be an irreplaceable grail in twenty years.
The low-top silhouette pairs panels of stark white leather with canvas fabric in a tan plaid from the Burberry archives. The velcro strap across the lace-up tongue features oversized Burberry lettering that feels sophisticated instead of flashy.
Alexander McQueen
Dipped Oversized Sneakers
While the basic Alexander McQueen Black and White Oversized Sneakers feel a bit, dare we say it, been there, done that, this modern two-tone update feels fresh for 2021. The minimalist sneakers fuse sleek city vibes with just the right amount of gorpcore outdoorsiness. While they can be styled as everyday white sneakers, they are much, much more.
The Alexander McQueen Dipped Oversized Sneakers feature the same best-selling design with a thick black rubberized trim instead of the OG contrasting heel cap. Because the shiny rubber finish on each white sneaker is painted by hand, each pair is a little unique.
