Less is more: 4 of the best white sneakers to buy right now
This fuss-free basic should be a staple of every modern man’s shoe rack. From Uniform Standard to Unseen Footwear, here’s a small selection of the best to buy…
Words: Jonathan Wells
Apart from, perhaps, a well-stitched, well-starched white shirt, there is nothing more essential to a modern man’s sartorial roster than a lightweight pair of white sneakers. Easy to wear, even easier to style and – if you buy right – destined to only get better with age, it pays to invest in the best kicks that your basics budget will stretch to.
So, whether you’re in the market for a tennis-inspired design or a luxurious leather spin on the style, we’ve laced up four of the finest on the market…
North 89, No.2 Cloud (Breathable) Sneakers
Taking its style cues from classic tennis-court footwear, this silhouette is done out in a clean profile and its sporty feel comes courtesy of a cotton-mesh middle that allows for maximum breathability. The memory foam insole dials up the comfort factor, a rubber cup sole and nylon laces give durability to the build, and the athleisure aesthetic makes it ideal for pairing with slim joggers and a lightweight loopback sweater in grey.
LØCI, LØCI Seven Sneakers
Though, on the whole, we advocate that white sneakers remain unembellished so as to let the slick construction speak for itself, we’re rather drawn to LØCI’s geometric motif, for it makes for a slight change from the more mainstream logos, such as the tick and the three stripes. We also appreciate the subtle interplay between the grey and white tones, and, despite its substantial rubber sole, they have a lightweight feel. Moreover, as they’re made from vegan-friendly, recycled materials (20 plastic bottles are used to produce each pair), they have a solid green-minded slant.
Uniform Standard, Series 1 Sneakers
Elegant, pared-down and showcasing a palette of three complementary tones makes the ‘Series 1’ sneaker an all-time classic, its high design simply elevated by its use of premium materials – smooth Italian leather is used on the uppers, meanwhile the recycled-rubber outsole provides a firm foundation. The small details – the hand-stitching on the heel counter, the embossed logo, the cotton drawstring bag in which it arrives – all add a luxe finish.
Unseen Footwear, Marais Sneakers
The ‘Marais’ model goes against the grain in the sense that, rather than taking on a low-lying profile, it has a shapely, robust construction that’s underpinned by a chunky sole and a textured tread. The two-tone panelling adds a subtle injection of detail, and, for maximum impact, we recommend pairing them with some straight-fitting chinos and a slightly oversized T-shirt.
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