IMO, these are the 10 best white sneakers for us grown women

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've seen that the hottest footwear for women over the past decade is a pair of white sneakers. However, the brand, style, and details of these white sneakers or tennis shoes keep changing as trends evolve. As grown women, we're often looking for the best bang for our buck, and that would be a white sneaker that feels good, looks good, and transcends the ever-evolving trends. Sneakers are (and will always be) the cool classic choice, and below, I share what I think are cool classics: the best white sneakers for grown women.

This post may look familiar; I republished it from a few years ago, so I can update with the most current information and products available.

The 10 Best White Sneakers for Grown Women

I will forewarn you, these are not sneakers for marathons or CrossFit. They may not be the best for arch support or fussy feet. These are casual sneakers and tennis shoes to wear with your wide-leg pants, your ankle jeans, your midi-length skirts, your floral sundresses, and your cut-off denim shorts. These are the sneakers you keep white and fresh because they are function as well as fashion, and if you treat them well, you likely can get several years of cool classic style from them.

Before we proceed, I want you to let go of that dated style rule that you don't wear a trend the second time around. Fashion is cyclical, and as grown women, we have the right to wear whatever we want, even if we rocked it in our teens or 20s or 30s or whatever. And there is no better category of fashion where it's fun to break this rule than footwear.

Think about it: if a shoe was hot when we were in our teens and it's still hot… that's a classic. And my hope is you find a stylish white sneaker that is cool, is on trend, but is a classic, so it doesn't have to be replaced each time the white sneaker trend subtly changes.

1. Adidas Superstar

I have been wearing the Adidas Superstar (also known as Adidas shellcaps or shelltops due to the shell-shaped plastic toe cap) since high school. While known for their three stripes on the side of the shoe, I am partial to the white-on-white version, which is more subtle, looks a bit more elevated, and is far more versatile. That being said, I also rock the classic black stripes. You can see me wearing them in my post on what I wore for my 50th birthday in Vegas from January, and here in my recent Instagram post.

I have had a pair of these sneakers in my closet for over a decade. I try to keep them clean, often wash the shoelaces, and when they get too beat up, I replace them, and the old pair becomes my gardening/walk the dog/go to festival shoes. I add a pair of these insoles for extra comfort and support.

2. Adidas Stan Smith

The Adidas Stan Smith is another classic white sneaker that has been stylish for decades. Offering a slimmer profile than the Superstar, the Stan Smith is a favorite across the globe for all genders, styled with everything from suits and skirts to t-shirts and soccer shorts.

Personally, I find the Stan Smith doesn't fit me. Otherwise, it would be in my closet. That being said, my sister has wide feet with volume and she swears by them even for long days of walking and being on her feet. While the Stan Smith comes in all white, the green heel detail is also pretty cool because it's the original version, and all the options are subtle enough to remain versatile.

3. Vans Old Skool

If you prefer a non-leather shoe, want to reminisce about your Betty days, or just have a more relaxed personal style, the Old Skool from Vans is a great white sneaker for grown women. While this shoe is available in a broad range of colors and prints, for this piece we're sticking with the white version of this sneaker (however, the black, gum/oatmeal, and some other versions are also great classics).

Vans come in men's and women's sizing, and I've found the men's sizing to be a bit wider than the women's. If you are a small women's size, consider trying the big kids' sizing, which is often more affordable and tends to run a bit wider. Unlike the above leather shoes, I think Old Skools look kinda cool with a bit of subtle scuffing that comes from ordinary wear.

4. Nike Air Force 1

While the Nike Air Force 1 isn't as popular as it was a couple of years ago, the shoe has returned to classic cool status, and wearing them in all white is a chic option for grown women who aren't sneakerheads. This version isn't a full high top, but has the solid silhouette that makes the Air Force 1 popular and looking great with jeans, dresses, and joggers.

The Nike Air Force 1 is a comfortable and supportive shoe; if you're familiar with Nike, these will fit similarly with plenty of cushioning. There is no specific Air Force 1 that is cooler than others, I just recommend sticking to one that is all white and free of any embellishments so it will remain stylish and versatile longer.

5. Soludos Ibiza

If you're looking for a classic and cool sneaker that is also sustainable, check out the Soludos Ibiza sneaker. Made from responsibly sourced leather and recycled water bottles, the Ibiza is surprisingly soft with a good amount of cushioning.

The Soludos Ibiza is a great sneaker for those with narrow or low-volume feet. They take little break-in time and are subtle enough of a style that they'll be on trend for many years to come.

6. Veja Esplar

Honestly, any style of Veja sneakers, at least for the past several years, has been considered cool. Veja is the original sustainable sneaker brand, paving the way for Allbirds, Soludos, Cariuma, and the like. A French brand, you will see stylish folk wearing Vejas on pretty much every continent. I chose the Veja Esplar because it is one of the most popular styles and one that comes in all white.

Using organic, recycled, and fair traded cotton for their canvas, recycled bottles for their plastic, and fair-traded rubber for their soles. Veja sneakers are usually stiff and you will need to break them in, but folks who have find Vejas to be durable, comfortable, and a favorite for many years. If in doubt, go up a half size.

7. Adidas Gazelle

I talked about the Adidas Gazelle in my article about best trendy sneakers for grown women, but let's dive a little deeper into this classic pair of white sneakers for grown women. This shoe comes in a handful of other colors, but we'll be sticking to the all-white colorway for this post.

If you're looking at these and thinking they look familiar, chances are you saw their original 1991 version, which they've reissued for a more modern approach. The Adidas Gazelle is a straightforward approach to a classic white sneaker, with a small gold logo right on the side of the shoe.

8. Puma Speedcat OG

Puma sneakers have been around for a while, fading in and out of the spotlight as trends tend to evolve. But, as I said earlier, shoes are the best time to pave your own way. The Puma Speedcat OG is another classic sneaker I've recommended as a trendy sneaker for 2025, and fortunately, they come in a cream/off-white color.

This is a great choice if you need something to wear with a variety of outfits but don't want something stark-white. And, in traditional Puma fashion, these shoes feature their logo directly on the round toe. This year, you will see a lot of ivory, cream, and winter white with crisp white; these sneakers are a fun addition to your collection of white sneakers for grown women.

9. Reebok Club C 85

These Reebok Club C 85s really capture that vintage-meets-retro-meets-modern vibe perfectly. They look like your classic, everyday sneaker, and they can go with just about anything—from comfy throw-on-and-go looks to more polished, business casual wear.

The leather material makes the Reebok Club C 85 arguably stronger and more durable than most classic white sneakers on sale right now, which means you can get a good amount of wear out of them before you feel like you have to clean (or toss) them for the next pair. Sitting just below the ankle, you can wear them with anything from wide-leg trousers to flowy summer dresses.

10. Cole Haan GrandPro Breakaway

Court shoes are among the most versatile options to add to your collection of white sneakers for grown women. Thanks to their balance and cushioning, they're a fairly comfortable pair to wear if you plan to be on your feet for an extended period.

Aside from comfort, you can easily pair these Cole Haan Breakaway sneakers with anything from casual wear to more professional looks with ease. They don't look too technical to throw off an outfit, but they also don't look like you picked them out of your closet from years and years ago.

How To Clean White Sneakers

I've posted tips on how to keep white sneakers clean with household basics, so make sure to check that out if you haven't already. Let's look at a few old and new methods I've discovered since that post:

White Toothpaste

A brush with a little bit of white toothpaste will do wonders for cleaning your white leather sneakers—especially if you're experiencing staining or discoloration in the cracks and crevices of your shoes. Make sure that it's not a gel or colored toothpaste, and dry your shoes off quickly so they don't shrink or become stiff.

Oxiclean

Oxiclean and other oxygen-based powder products is another tried-and-true method for cleaning white sneakers, specifically canvas ones. After combining with water, use your toothbrush to work it in thoroughly. After you let the Oxiclean sit for a few hours, rinse them clean by soaking them in a bucket or simply throwing them through the rinse cycle.

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is great for cleaning scuffs and rubber soles. Just wet it with a little bit of water and get to work! Avoid using this on suede or leather to prevent damage to the finish.

Baking Soda and White Vinegar

This method will be your best friend for cleaning white canvas sneakers. Make a paste with baking soda and white vinegar, and gently scrub the discolored areas with a toothbrush. Leave the paste on for up to 30 minutes, then rinse and air-dry.

Micellar Water

Did you know micellar water can help clean leather, fabric, suede, and rubber? It's true! Just apply it to a cloth and rub the shoes until the stain begins to disappear. If you're not noticing much improvement, ensure that you're soaking the cotton round or cloth thoroughly with micellar water. The more the better in this case.

Dish Soap

Dish soap, a little bit of water, and a soft cloth are magic. It removes oils, wine stains, blood, and stubborn stains from white sneakers. Mix warm water with dish soap (Dawn is particularly effective) and gently scrub the shoe with an old toothbrush or a soft cloth. Let them air dry when done.

Baby Wipes

If you have a few surface stains that need to be wiped away quickly between deeper cleans, baby wipes will do the trick. Please make sure they're unscented and alcohol-free, as you don't want to damage your shoes.

Cornstarch and Talc Powder

Oil stains are by far the most difficult to remove, which is why cornstarch or talc powder can be a lifesaver. Apply either product to the stain, let it sit for a few hours so it can absorb all of the oils, and then brush it off.

But What About [Insert Other Style of White Sneaker Here]?

There are dozens of brands of sneakers on the market, and each brand offers dozens of styles of white sneakers. You can find sneakers for as little as $15 and as much as $1,500. I selected the 10 best white sneakers for grown women that are consistently available from season to season, renowned for their quality and longevity, and feature a relatively timeless silhouette. This doesn't mean another brand or style isn't stylish. You know your budget, your feet, and your style best.

My only advice is not to buy a budget sneaker and pretend to be a designer one. A good guide is to go to a department store like Neiman Marcus, visit their sneaker department, and organize the offerings from high to low price. This way you will see the buckles of Roger Vivier, the distressing of Golden Goose, the red and green ribbon trim of Gucci, and then when you see that replicated by Steve Madden, ALDO, or Walmart, you know it's a cheap copy.

If you can't afford a designer, I recommend going with an established athletic shoe brand like Nike, Adidas, or New Balance, or else a very simple, clean style without a lot of logos or details. For stylish shoes without brand logos, check out clothing retailers like Madewell, J. Crew, and Quince.

If you have a pair of the best white sneakers for grown women or tips for buying white sneakers, do share in the comments! Your suggestion may be exactly what another member of the Wardrobe Oxygen community has been needing!