(SPOT.ph) When you think of white sneakers, classic styles like the Stan Smith, the Air Force 1, or the Chuck Taylor are likely what come to mind. In fact, these silhouettes are so popular that their respective brands continuously (sometimes excessively) revamp them with new prints, colorways, and collabs to go with every new trend and season. And while we’ll always have a place in our hearts for these timeless pairs, we also think it may be time to start diversifying your collection—and more importantly, to know that you don’t necessarily need to own the most popular sneakers in order to be stylish. But that doesn’t mean we’re ready to let white sneakers go just yet.
Below, we list 10 underrated white sneakers that your current shoe rotation may be missing. Some are lesser-known silhouettes from popular brands, others are updated versions of decades-old classics, and a few are newer kicks that have yet to take over the mainstream sneaker scene. Each pair sports the kind of understated elegance and goes-with-everything reliability that only white kicks can offer.
Also read:
10 Classic White Sneakers That Will Never Go Out of Style
10 Classic High-Tops to Complete Your Sneaker Collection
These underrated white sneakers deserve way more hype:
Classic Leather Sneakers (P3,995) from Reebok
Reebok’s Club C 85 made waves in 2021 thanks to its sleek, tennis-shoe style and no-frills silhouette, but another pair from the brand worth checking out is the Classic Leather. With a monochromatic all-white colorway—punctuated by just a few color accents including some red details on the tongue, a Union Jack next to the Reebok logo on the outer window, and a caramel-colored rubber outsole with a toothed texture—and a sleek leather exterior, the pair promises both retro-inspired flair and a versatile, unfailingly fresh look.
Available online.
327 Sneakers (starts at P5,795) from New Balance
New Balance's 327 is one of those sneakers that would make you swoon at first glance—we even included the pair in our editors' personal list of favorite kicks. Drawing from 1970s fashion, the pair features simple but thoughtful design elements like a pointed shape, suede overlays, an enlarged N logo on the outer side, and a textured outsole. With each element sporting various (but complementary) shades, you get a white sneaker that works with a multitude of color schemes—but the predominantly white styles are, of course, our favorite—but still accentuates its unique silhouette every time.
Available on Capital’s website, New Balance’s Viber channel, and at New Balance stores in Alabang Town Center, Bonifacio High Street, Festival Alabang, Glorietta 4, Trinoma, and Robinsons Place Manila.
Bend Low Sneaker (P9,990) from Birkenstock
While Birkenstock is primarily known for their sandals—think ubiquitous styles like the Arizona, the Madrid, and the Gizeh—did you know that the German brand also makes lace-ups? Say hello to the Bend Low, a leather sneaker with a no-frills silhouette, a just-thick-enough rubber sole, and clean, simple stitching all around. But of course, you can’t have a Birkenstock shoe without their signature cork material on the footbed. Though you may not see it at first glance, the sneaker’s midsole is made of PU and cork, which work together for shock absorption. Look closely and you’ll see that the cork material can be seen through a small cut on the back of the sole, adding a subtle touch of warmth and texture to the mostly plain shoe.
Available at Birkenstock stores in SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, Alabang Town Center, Bonifacio High Street, and SM Aura Premier.
Also read:
10 Best-Selling Birkenstock Sandals in Manila
10 Underrated Birkenstock Sandals You Might Not Have Known Existed
Bryony Shoes (P5,000) from Adidas
With thick stripes on the outer side reminiscent of the Superstar sneakers, Adidas' Bryony shoe instantly fits into the brand’s design sensibility. But unlike more well-known styles like the aforementioned Superstar, the Stan Smith, or the Forum Low, this pair goes for a more understated aesthetic with a fuss-free silhouette. Believe it or not, the sleek style has origins in basketball, which is where it gets its vintage-inspired look. It’s a great pair for those who prefer low-key styles—you can dress it up or down depending on the occasion.
Available online; see a list of Adidas stores.
Tiger Horizonia (P5,590) from Onitsuka Tiger
When you see those classic red-and-white stripes, Onitsuka Tiger OGs like the Tiger Corsair or the Mexico 66 are probably what come to mind. In case you don’t know, the latter has been reimagined by the Japanese brand over and over throughout the decades. One of their latest iterations is the Horizonia, which maintains the '60s-era sneaker’s original elements, but on a bulkier, more modern silhouette reminiscent of contemporary streetwear.
Available online; see a list of Onitsuka Tiger stores.
NikeCourt Legacy (P2,895) from Nike
Though Nike is best known for its lace-up styles (the Cortez, the Air Force 1, and Blazer all come to mind), their shoelace-free NikeCourt Legacy is just as stylish, albeit much simpler. Free of bulk and bravado, the fuss-free style sticks to an unsuspecting design that’s perfect for minimalists and laid-back dressers. Punctuating the all-white sneaker is the Nike logo, which is stitched in black so as to stand out against the pair. A black line can also be seen on the sole, just slightly drawing more attention to the pair’s sleek silhouette.
Available online; see a list of Nike stores.
V-12 Sneakers (starts at P6,816) from Veja
Though Veja has been around for nearly 20 years, the French footwear brand remains more of a cult favorite than a mainstream mainstay—at least in these parts. Some of their bestselling pairs include the V-10 and the Esplar, but currently on our radar is the V-12. A white-sneaker enthusiast’s dream, the minimalist sneaker is available in a variety of colorways, most of which sporting a predominantly ivory upper. You can go for simple styles where the heel and V logo are in matching colors like green or navy, but if you want to add a little more color to your shoe rotation, go for pairs that feature contrasting colors—this pink-and-green iteration being just one example.
Available online.
Game Advance Luxe Leather Sneakers (P6,950) from Lacoste
Best known for their tennis-court-slash-country-club aesthetic, Lacoste shoes are typically on the simpler side of the design spectrum. However, the brand in recent years hasn’t been one to shy away from contemporary, streetwear-ready silhouettes—these Advance Luxe Leather sneakers are proof. With a white upper, clean stitching, and overlays in shades of ecru and eggshell, this pair combines a sleek monochromatic colorway with a bulky build that modernizes without compromising Lacoste’s signature style philosophy. And of course, the green crocodile logo can be seen on the outer side, standing out against the white exterior.
Available online; see a list of Lacoste stores.
GrandPro Rally Court Sneaker (P8,995) from Cole Haan
We first caught wind of Cole Haan’s GrandPro Rally Court Sneakers in early 2020—the pair’s delicate use of color accents made it immediately swoon-worthy. Aside from that, you also get a sturdy leather exterior and pristinely laid-out stitching. It’s the kind of pair that doesn’t immediately draw attention to itself, but elevates any plain old outfit. As of writing, you can get the white sneakers in four colorways—this iteration with a pastel blue heel being our favorite.
Available online; see a list of Cole Haan stores.
Therapy Shoes (P5,950) from Harlan + Holden
If comfort is your main priority, Harlan + Holden’s Therapy Shoes would make a great pick—and they don’t skimp on style either. You get a stretchy knitted upper that promises weightless wear and flexibility as well as a supportive, skid-resistant rubber sole, and a memory-foam insole for all-day cushioning. Combine that with the monochromatic colorway and lace-free design and you get an effortlessly elegant—and unfailingly comfortable—pair of sneakers that would go with pretty much everything.
Available online; see a list of Harlan + Holden stores.
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