Especially in Europe, smart casual has seemed to replace the more formal looks. And paired with chino or smart jeans some white sneakers can really complete your look. Here are my favourite white sneakers for men in 2024
Nike Sneakers
Nike offers multiple options if you’re looking to dress smart casual. My first choice should only be considered if you’re tall, 6-foot 4 or taller for example. And it does push the boundary of what’s considered smart casual. White sneakers can add a touch of elegance to most outfits.
If you’re tall: Air Jordan 1 Mid White
The Jordans were high on my list to try out. I love the overall look of the Mid 1 and they’re unbelievably comfortable. I own multiple different versions and iterations of the Jordan Air and I do have to say there seems to be a quality difference between models (high/low) and versions. The laces and tongue of the Jordans get dirty fast and after just 2 months the leather on the nose of the shoes has already cracked. These white sneakers, unfortunately, didn’t hold up as well as I’d hoped.
Favourite Nike’s: Court Royale 2
My favourite smart casual sneaker from Nike in 2024 is the Court Royale 2. This is a Nike Sneaker made with Sustainable Materials and uses 20% recycled materials. And has a very bright green inside which adds a nice touch. I selected the white version with the black swoosh. To keep things more formal I would opt for white on white for my next pair of sneakers. The Court Royale 2 is easy to clean and maintain. The tongue of the shoe is made from a different synthetic and after some time in the sun, there is a big colour difference compared to the rest of the shoe. This is something to keep in mind when considering buying the Court Royale 2.
The best white sneakers 2024: Veja Campo
I love the CAMPO-Low from Veja, after testing them for 6 months here are my thoughts: The first thing I noticed where the thick laces and that one was shorter than the other (could be a one-off). The second thing I noticed was that these white sneakers fit very comfortably from the get-go. They’re also very easy to clean and (this is personal taste) I very much appreciate the look of the Veja’s. The Leather veels high quality and is like the laces on the thicker side, it does start to wrinkle a little after heavy use. This is currently my nr1 favourite smart casual sneaker for 2024.
Overpriced: Adidas Stan Smith
I personally haven’t been a fan of the Stan Smith. To me, this model is over-priced hard to keep clean and damages easily. Especially the synthetic leather on the nose of the shoe damaged too quickly, I bumped my nose against an airplane seat in front of me immediately cracking the material. I do like the look of the model, especially the older versions. Compared to other white sneakers, these didn’t live up to my expectations.
Plane, but very good: Suitsupply
Another favourite of mine is an all-white plane as can be sneaker from Suit Supply. Made from Italian calf leather which you immediately notice. The shoes have some weight to them and to be honest, I needed to wear them in. At first, the high heel of the shoe was somewhat stiff and needed loosening up. The front lip of the shoes has a mesh imprint which makes it harder to clean them (although not impossible). The plane look is possibly exactly what Suit Supply’s customers are looking for. The brand could have added just that little bit of flair to them, as they are now it’s hard to recognise a pair on the street. Anyway, these white sneakers are a solid choice for a minimalist look.
Finding Your Perfect Pair
White sneakers have earned their place as an essential in every smart-casual wardrobe. Versatile, timeless, and effortlessly stylish, they bridge the gap between relaxed and refined, making them the perfect choice for nearly any occasion. But with so many options on the market, how do you find the right pair for you?
Start by considering your personal style. Do you prefer a minimalist design, or do you like subtle branding and textures that add a bit of personality? Classic silhouettes like the Adidas Stan Smiths and Common Projects Achilles Low offer sleek simplicity, while brands like Axel Arigato or Veja bring contemporary flair with sustainable materials.
Next, think about functionality. If you’re after all-day comfort, New Balance’s CT302 or Nike’s Air Force 1 could be great choices, offering extra support without compromising style. For those who need something more premium, Koio and Oliver Cabell provide high-end leather options that age beautifully over time.
Finally, don’t forget care and maintenance. White sneakers look best when they’re clean, so investing in a good sneaker cleaner or even opting for machine-washable pairs (like Allbirds Tree Pipers) can keep them fresh.
At the end of the day, the best white sneakers for a smart-casual look are the ones that fit your lifestyle, aesthetic, and comfort needs. Whether you’re pairing them with your favourite watch or tailored trousers, they’ll always be a go-to staple that balances effortless style with practicality.
