When you’ve additionally Googled “options to white sneakers” previously few days, you are not alone.
There was a time when white sneakers have been virtually the one footwear I wore. Working errands? White sneakers. Heading to the workplace? White sneakers. Making an attempt to make a costume really feel extra relaxed? You get the thought. Their attraction is clear—they go along with the whole lot, they by no means really feel too try-hard and so they’ve been a stable wardrobe staple for years.
However just lately, I’ve discovered myself wanting one thing… completely different. Not a whole departure from the convenience of a white sneaker, however an replace—one thing with a bit extra character. When you’re feeling the identical, it is perhaps time you think about some alternate kinds. And because of me, I discovered simply the fitting 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 will generally really feel a bit predictable, particularly while you lean in the direction of a minimalist wardrobe like me. I’ve observed the identical sentiment from a couple of of our Gen Z editors, which, truthfully, shocked me. If anybody was going to be over our traditional, dependable millennial shoe of selection, I assumed it will be them.
However no—they’ve embraced white sneakers simply as a lot as we’ve, integrating them into their trend-heavy wardrobes in a method that makes them really feel recent once more. The distinction? They are not solely carrying white sneakers. As an alternative, they’re additionally reaching for extra elevated shoe tendencies generally—like boat footwear and ballet flats—in ways in which really feel relaxed and related.
The runways backed this up, too. The spring/summer time 2025 exhibits noticed a return to easy, wear-forever footwear. At Bottega Veneta, flats have been styled with sheer, barely-there materials, proving they will really feel as statement-making as a towering heel. At Miu Miu, boat footwear have been the star; fashions wore them with the whole lot from tailor-made shorts to relaxed suiting. And while loafers and Mary Janes proceed to have their second, I’ve acquired my eye on 4 classics that provide the identical versatility as a white sneaker however with a bit extra persona.
After all, practicality nonetheless performs a component. I want one thing that may deal with lengthy days of strolling, commuting, and working between conferences with out sacrificing model. Lo and behold, after some analysis (Instagram-stalking my favourite style folks), I’ve discovered 4 options that match the invoice, every providing a unique 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.
Maintain studying for my options.
Store Stylish Options to White Sneakers:
1. Boat Footwear
Fashion Notes: I am going to admit that boat footwear weren’t on my radar till just lately. For years, they felt a bit too “summering within the Hamptons,” however the brand new wave of kinds is much much less preppy and as a substitute, 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 technique to stability out their barely polished really feel. In addition they work surprisingly nicely with denim shorts and a crisp white tee for a low-key spring outfit that also feels thought-about.
Store Boat Footwear:
Miu Miu
Canvas & Leather-based Boat Shoe
A fashion-week favorite—I’ve seen these styled with the whole lot from maxi skirts to structured trousers.
Jeffrey Campbell
Yachting Day Boat Footwear
If you are going to do boat footwear, that is the pair to get. A real traditional that solely will get higher with put on.
Bally
Pathy Leather-based Boat Footwear
Bally makes a few of the greatest boat footwear round proper now.
2. Birkenstock Boston Clogs
Fashion Notes: When you’ve been on Instagram in any respect within the final 12 months, you have seen the Birkenstock Boston Clog. While they are not new, their attraction is not fading anytime quickly. They’ve that cool, barely undone vibe that makes any outfit look thought-about—even when you’re simply carrying them to seize espresso. I prefer to distinction their chunkiness with one thing softer—assume a silky slip skirt and a light-weight knit. In addition they work nicely with dishevelled denim and a easy tank for a extra relaxed really feel.
Store Birkenstock Boston Clogs:
Birkenstock
Boston Mushy Footbed Clog
The taupe suede model is essentially the most traditional, and so they go along with the whole lot.
3. Clarks Wallabees
Fashion Notes: Wallabees have all the time had a little bit of a cult following, however currently, I am seeing them in every single place. There’s one thing about their barely retro, ’70s really feel that makes them so fascinating. They’re informal however not sloppy, traditional however not boring—the right center floor. Trend individuals are carrying them with wide-leg trousers and a easy tee to let the footwear do the speaking. In addition they pair nicely with longer skirts for that cool sudden proportion play.
Store Clarks Wallabees:
4. Ballet Flats
Fashion Notes: Ballet flats are in every single place once more, and I could not be extra thrilled. They’re easy, traditional, and work with nearly the whole lot. However this time round, they really feel much less elegant and extra lived-in—good for dressing up or down. I really like the distinction of ballet flats with outsized items like unfastened 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 traditional.
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’d like an funding pair, look to Le Monde Beryl.
This submit initially appeared on Who What Put on UK.