Tempted to Ditch Trainers? This Celebrity-Approved Colour Trend Will Convince You Otherwise
Chic girls don’t turn their nose up at trainers—or skip an opportunity to wear them in this classic colour. Ahead, one fashion writer speaks to an expert about why white trainers are a modern wardrobe staple and what to look out for in the best pairs.
Trainer trends come and go, but the one style that lasts forever is white sneakers. Just ask Jennifer Lawrence, a street style savant rarely seen on the streets of New York without some iteration of ivory Adidas shoes, be it the classic Sambas or more sculpting Tokyo styles. Or Kendall Jenner, who is regularly spotted ducking out of Pilates classes in West Hollywood wearing a rotation of soft-as-snow Nike V2K sneakers and court-ready Asics Gel-Kayano 14 sneakers.
Bridging the gap between the biggest trainer trends of 2025—suede variations, metallic accents and charm details—the best white trainers for women are those that have stood the test of time and proven that, regardless of the current mode, these are the trainers that are in fashion now and forever. "White trainers feel modern and intentional, no matter what look they are paired with," explains Jamie Nelson the founder and creative director of Nelson Made, a Melbourne-based premium footwear brand. "They act as a neutral anchor - timeless, versatile, and endlessly wearable," she adds.
Indeed, the best white sneakers for women are those that work with everything, serving as a blank canvas for an array of looks and occasions. These include, but are not limited to, tramping to the office on your daily commute, layering under a floral dress for a chic but concise errands run, ducking to brunch after your morning gym class and even dressing down jeans and a nice top when heading out to dinner.
You see, white sneakers do more than supply comfort and arch support. Like the perfect white t-shirt, this stark shoe adds an element of refined simplicity that is unparalleled by other footwear options. They’re also an anchor point for your looks, making minimal outfits all the more expensive and thoughtful.
In a world where sophisticated simplicity is more relevant than ever, white sneakers’ place in fashion has never been so esteemed. Nelson echoes this statement, adding that white trainers "offer a blank canvas for interpretation and feel refined and contemporary."
And yes, it’s sometimes hard to shake the basic connotations associated with white sneakers, but consider them as a sort of market of fashion cache. If battered and worn with an oversized trench coat à la the Olsen Twins, they indicate a sort of cool carelessness like Mary-Kate’s bashed-up Balenciaga City bag. If polished and crisp, then these white sneakers imply a sense of elegance and polish.
Yet, with so many brands and styles available, how to separate the best white sneakers for women from the bland? Considering timelessness and trendiness, factoring in how sought after a style is versus whether it’s a sleeper hit and weighing up how comfortable they actually are—this is the defining quality of a good trainers, after all—I traced through the top styles to determine what pairs are the definitive best white sneakers for women in 2026.
I consulted Nelson before I cranked up my step count in these covetable styles. She told me, “A good trainer should feel soft and flexible from the first wear,” continuing, “Materials matter. Premium leather ages better and holds its shape, while slim soles and a low profile help make the look.”
"Softer leathers, slimmer soles, and minimal branding help white trainers feel relevant and wearable rather than technical," Nelson adds. "A slightly rounded toe or subtle vintage influence can also freshen the style."
From the Puma Speedcats everyone can’t stop wearing to the Salomon XT6 trainers used more for pub crawls than hiking trails, keep scrolling through to uncover the best white sneakers of 2026.
The 13 Best White Sneakers for Women
- The Best White Sneakers for Women: Adidas Sambas, £95
- The Best Luxury White Sneakers: Miu Miu x New Balance 530 SL Trainers, £850
- The Best High-Street White Sneakers: H&M White Trainers, £27.99
- The Best Leather White Sneakers:
- The Best White Sneakers to Wear With Dresses:
1. Adidas Samba Trainers
Why We Love It: Laced up and ready to go, the Adidas Sambas lead the pack as the most covetable—and therefore one of the best—white sneakers to shop in 2026. Don't think they peaked last year. Endless celebrity endorsements (Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber and even Kate Moss) have helped transition this style from the "trendy" camp into the certified "timeless" category. Of course, a collaboration with Wales Bonner helped cement its covetable status. I'm still holding out for the hopes that the silver metallic or yellow lace stripe pair will be restocked. Until then, this trusty style will do the trick.
Material: Black and white leather, grey suede and a rubber sole.
Size Range: UK 3.5 - UK 13.5
2. Salomon XT-6 Trainers
Why We Love It: Despite being crafted to endure harsh terrains, the Salomon XT-6's have found a place amongst city slickers navigating the concrete jungle. The fashion set has adopted the technical craftsmanship of the shoes, with everyone from Lily Collins to fashion brands including Maison Margiela and New Zealand's Wynn Hamlyn co-signing the slick style. I first clocked the shoes on the latter's Resort '23 runway, styled under tropical mini dresses or puffer jackets, proving them as the all-environment shoe du jour and the ultimate airport outfit finisher.
Material: Lightweight foam called EVA cushioning, abrasion-resistant TPU material and a proprietary Molded OrthoLite® sock liner (an insole moulded to the contours of your foot).
Size Range: UK 3.5 - UK 12.5
3. Toteme Sport Trainers
Why We Love It: From Stockholm to Los Angeles and London, Toteme has quietly entered the canon of minimalistic magnificence over the last ten years. While the brand's accessories (T-Lock handbag) and ready-to-wear (See: the viral Scarf Jacket) have become cult-pieces, their sneaker offering is still quite unsung. Allow us then to herald praises for the category and this style, in particular. The suede curves bring an unexpected textured touch to the contrast trainer trend and the stitching ties what is a basic white sneaker together.
Material: Terry-cotton lining, leather insole, suede and rubber sole.
Size Range: EU 35 - EU 42. (A.K.A UK 2 - UK 9)
4. Puma Speedcat Trainers
Why We Love It: From Jennifer Lawrence to Dua Lipa and Emily Ratajkowski, it's hard to ignore the prevalence of the Puma Speedcat trainers. Inspired by the footwear Formula 1 drivers would wear mid-race, the curved finish and turbo-charged shape have become one of the defining trainer styles of 2026.
Material: Calf leather.
Size Range: UK 3 - UK 13.
5. New Balance 530 Trainers
Why We Love It: Long gone are the days when New Balances were exclusively seen on father figures manning the barbecue. The brand itself is aware of the shoe's past connotations, even pointing this out in a 2019 campaign when they said the shoes were worn by "supermodels in London and dads in Ohio". Now, this shoe is the ultimate street-forward trainer, with the retro style even getting the designer sector's stamp of approval with this pair—the 530s—the style Miu Miu decided to makeover as part of the luxuriate's second collaboration with the sports brand.
Material: Mesh and synthetic fabrics.
Size Range: UK 3.5 - UK 8.
6. Adidas Taekwondo Trainers
Why We Love It: After the reign of leopard print trainers, fashion had to find a new design to sink its teeth into. Thankfully for sneakerheads, Adidas had conveniently timed the release of their cow print Taekwondo—a slip-on style, and often lace-free style, with a split sole. As the name suggests, the brand is inspired by martial arts, so you can channel your inner Gisele Bündchen (a known jiu jitsu fan and practitioner) when wearing them.
Material: Synthetic, leather and rubber.
Size Range: UK 3.5 - UK 9.
7. Chloé Kick Suede-Trimmed Leather Sneakers
Why We Love It: Chloé, especially under the reign of current creative director Chemena Kamali, is imbued with a sort of slick femininity and boho sleaze, and the brand's latest trainer, the ballerina-meets-boxer low-profile Kick sneaker, have all the bearings of her vision for the house.
Material: Calf leather, suede and rubber.
Size Range: IT 35 - IT 41. (UK 2 - UK 7)
8. Miu Miu x New Balance 530 SL Trainers
Why We Love It: It's hard to think there was a time before these white sneakers. Despite the Miu Miu x New Balance 530SLs stepping onto the scene in the brand's spring/summer 2024 runway—a collection that debuted at Paris Fashion Week in October 2023—the style set instantly clamoured for them, making them one of the most lusted-over shoes of the year. Fashion insight and resale platform Lyst dubbed them the hottest item of 2024's first quarter, but we'd contend their appeal hasn't waned from the moment they first graced the runway.
Material: Suede, mesh and rubber.
Size Range: UK 2.5 - UK 9
9. Prada Leather Trainers
Why We Love It: First, it was Prada loafers. Now, it's Prada white trainers. Fashioned with a discerning palette in mind, this is the definition of quiet luxury and can be paired back with the luxuriate's woollen tailoring and more outré embellished pieces.
Material: Leather, canvas, recycled Polyamide and recycled polyester
Size Range: EU 34.5 - EU 41.5. (UK 2.5 - 7.5)
10. Adidas Tokyo Trainers
Why We Love It: Low-cut around the ankles, Adidas has modernised the classic 1970s running shoe for a new century with their enviable Tokyo trainer. The style is quite fitted to the foot, giving it a more effortless effect that pairs well with wide-leg trousers and arch jeans.
Material: Off-white suede and black leather.
Size Range: UK 3.5 - UK 9.
11. Loewe Flow Trainers
Why We Love It: A slightly chunkier take on retro shapes, Loewe's Flow sneakers bring a lightness and brevity to bigger shapes. Remembering that personal style is a marathon, not a sprint, this iteration is designed to endure the trend cycle and support your outfits every step of the way.
Material: Leather and suede.
Size Range: IT 35 - IT 41. (UK 2 - UK 7)
12. H&M Trainers
Why We Love It: Low-profile sneakers are having quite a moment, and I love this marshmallow white version from H&M. Not only do they feel super elevated thanks to the suede trim and elasticated accent, but they're made of a dependable nylon that will make upkeep completely fuss free. Truly the perfect white sneaker that you don't need to worry about keeping clean.
Material: Polyester.
Size Range: UK 2 - UK 9.
13. Dries Van Noten Trainers
Why We Love It: The style that kickstarted the retro trainer trend. Inspired by '70s fashion, these shoes are not only the last sneakers designed by the Belgian designer himself, but are arguably leading the charge as the most in-demand designer style of 2025.
Material: Suede and rubber.
Size Range: EU 35 - EU 41. (UK 2.5 - UK 7.)
Shop More White Trainers Approved By Who What Wear UK Editors:
14. Nelson Made Lyn Sneaker
Why We Love It: Calling this a "considered, long-term staple", Nelson Made's Lyn sneaker is the only trainer offered by the brand, demonstrating its commitment to creating timeless wardrobe essentials that will endure each trend cycle. Perfect for city dwellers looking for something considered yet functional, this piece pairs well with everything from leggings to tailoring.
Material: Leather-trimmed suede, mesh and canvas sneakersChrome free leather upper, recycled leather lining, rubber sole
Size Range: EU 36 - 42. (UK 3 - UK 9)
15. Zara Contrast Ballerina Trainers
Why We Love It: We've now entered the reign of the 'sneakerina'. A sort of hybrid between a sneaker and a ballerina flat (hence the name), the design mixes sportswear with softness for an entirely new category not yet seen on the market. Puma has jumped on the bandwagon, as has Louis Vuitton. But I'm gravitating toward this Mary Jane trainer style from high-street favourite, Zara.
Material: Polyester and elastane.
Size Range: UK 2 - UK 9.
16. Asics Gel-Kayano Trainers
Why We Love It: You might've worn them if you grew up playing netball (guilty!), but Asics have gone from being a cult piece for the court to a hot item for the street. Lean into the athletic elements of the shape with cargo pants and a tank top à la that iconic Jennifer Aniston look from 1994.
Material: Rubber
Size Range: UK 3 - UK 9.5
17. New Balance 1906R Trainers
Why We Love It: Debuted in 2022, the 1906R is a reimagining of the brand's original must-have style from 2009. The metallic accents brings an edgier twist to the shape, but the technical basics are the same.
Material: Polyester and rubber
Size Range: UK 3.5 - UK 7.5
18. Veja Campo Trainers
Why We Love It: B-Corp fashion brand Veja has redefined everything we know about French style. While we previously assumed Parisians never wore trainers, the sustainable label turned everyone into a sneaker adherent with their elevated take. From Catherine, Princess of Wales to Emma Watson, this is probably the most timeless style on this list.
Material: Organic cotton and responsibly sourced Amazonian rubber.
Size Range: UK 3.5 - UK 7.5.
19. Reebok Club C Trainers
Why We Love It: There's not much that Sofia Richie Grainge can't convince us of, so when the newfound face of Reebok stepped out in Beverly Hills wearing the Club C white sneakers with a Loro Piana bag worth nearly £6000, we paid attention.
Material: Leather and fabric.
Size Range: UK 2.5 - UK 8.5
20. Vans Authentic Trainers
Why We Love It: Right from its inception, Vans has been a lasting presence in skate and surf culture, making it the ultimate 'cool girl' shoe. (Championing from Zoë Kravitz and Kristen Stewart backs this claim up.) The waffle sole and flat rim of rubber make the Vans Authentics just that—a bona fide marker of taste, counterculture and youth.
Material: Canvas and rubber.
Size Range: UK 2.5- 15
21. Converse Chuck Taylor Trailers
Why We Love It: There's no white sneaker more iconic or instantly recognisable than Converse's Chuck Taylor All Star. Originally a basketball shoe, the style has graced the feet of countless celebrities like Kaia Gerber and Alexa Chung. They even made their Met Gala debut in 2021 when Timothée Chalamet wore them with sweatpants and a Haider Ackermann jacket.
Material: Canvas and vulcanised rubber
Size Range: UK 3 - UK 8.
22. Saint Laurent Court Trainers
Why We Love It: Always a little sexy and a little rock and roll, Anthony Vaccarello's Saint Laurent shakes up more polished silhouettes with sensual edge and ease. Take these shoes, for instance. Referencing classic kicks like Keds and athletic pursuits like trainers, this pair has perforated accents and suede textures for a more grungy finish.
Material: Certified cotton.
Size Range: UK 1 - UK 9.
23. Isabel Marant Beth Trainers
Why We Love It: Isabel Marant's wedge sneakers will always have a place in our heart. But while they're not for the faint of heart, try this more grounded silhouette complete with a jagged edge finish and sweet velcro straps.
Material: Suede and leather.
Size Range: FR2 - FR41. UK 5 - UK9.
24. Superga 2750 Trainers
Why We Love It: Italian brand Superga has been quietly flying under the radar for a number of years. The chances are you probably walked past a pair in the street today, but their simple look is all about understated, off-duty cool, so these aren't brash sneakers that fight for attention. Minimalists will love their pared-back, vintage feel and versatility as these are the perfect trainers to carry a tonal look, or as part of your weekend uniform.
Material: Cotton and rubber.
Size Range: UK 4 - UK 13.5
25. Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Trainers
Why We Love It: They're the shoes spotted all over social media (and Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill). The yellow pair of Onitsuka Tigers emerged as the first real contender to the Adidas Sambas. But, where the balmy pair can feel a little dated, this crisp pair serves the fill the white trainer gap in your wardrobe.
Material: Leather, fabric and rubber.
Size Range: UK 2.5 - 13.
26. Nike Shox TI Trainers
Why We Love It: While the Air Force 1 is Nike's obvious nomination for the best white sneaker, celebrities and I agree that the Nike Shox shoe is the far superior style. Kendall Jenner has made this her gym shoe, proving you don't need to jeopardise style for performance.
Material: Mesh.
Size Range: UK 2.5 - UK 9.5
27. Adidas Japan Trainers
Why We Love It: Where some all-white trainers can feel quite clinical, Adidas understand that the secret to making the best white sneaker is injecting a hint of colour into the shoe. In case of the softer light-grey suede, the crimson accents serve as a "pop of red" to bring contrast and tension to your look.
Material: Leather, suede and rubber.
Size Range: UK 3.5 - UK 9.
