Trends come and go but a white sneaker is forever. Maybe not forever white (unless you are very good at cleaning shoes), but definitely forever stylish. They can dress-down a suit or gown, make your athleisure look a little less boring, or give you professional tennis player vibes. Like the white t-shirt, the white sneaker is a versatile part of your wardrobe that’s casual and cool, but also put-together in a Scandi-cool wardrobe.
The options are many. Here are a few of our favorite classic Scandi sneakers and shoes:
Common Projects Low Top Trainer
The distillation of Scandi-simplicity, the Common Projects low top trainer is perhaps one of the most sought-after white sneakers on the market. The price tag (€330) is high, but the wear you’ll get out of a pair is significant. Sleek enough to look professional, these sneakers have set the bar for high-end casual footwear.
Veja Esplar in Extra White
Velcro straps may be trendy right now, as they were back when you were five years old, but the Veja take on this childish look is surprisingly mature. Veja is a brand worth checking out for their commitment to ethical production and sourcing practices, as well as their good-looking footwear.
The Last Conspiracy Jorge in White
A sneaker for the avant garde set, the Jorge is both simple and a little artsy. It’s a chunkier sneaker than Common Projects or even other high-tops like the PF Flyers below, and in that fluffiness is its unique shape. These shoes are pricey at €229 but they’re handmade by artisans in Portugal, as are all Last Conspiracy shoes, and their production practices are both transparent and fair trade.
Adidas Stan Smith Originals
An iconic sneaker that puts your rolled-up jeans or sweatpants on another level, the Stan Smith Originals are a great choice if you’re still not sure white sneakers are for you. The lines are classic and the hint of green on the back tabs is just enough color to make the shoe feel fresh.
Superga Cotu Classic
Easy to wear, easy to wash, affordable and still sleek: there are many reasons the Superga Cotu Classic remains a crowd favorite. A great everyday shoe.
PF Flyers Made in USA Centre Hi
I refuse to make a list of white sneakers and not include the PF Flyer high top, which encapsulates everything I believed to be cool as a child. This iteration, with its leather cap and and midsole stripe, is a sports-loving aesthete’s dream. Though I prefer the Sandlot Center Hi as a shoe, unfortunately it doesn’t come in white.
ARKK Copenhagen Pythron S-E15
If you’re into this shoe, buy it quick because they sell out fast. ARKK has marked themselves as the up-and-coming sneaker brand in Copenhagen, and their sleek styles and detail-oriented design are evident in every pair. This is the brand that sneakerheads and people who just want a nice shoe can both agree on.
Converse Chuck Classic All Star High Top
Doesn’t get more classic than this, does it? Lovers of Kurt Cobain and Wilt Chamberlain aren’t the only people rocking Chucks; this shoe is as versatile and easy-to-wear as they come. Also available in special edition leather.
Acne Studios Adriana Patent Sneaker
A little bit more high-fashion, a little cartoonish, and a lot of Swedish style. We’re big fans of Acne’s footwear, and their sneakers in particular have become instant classics.
Eytys Mother Canvas in White
With a thick platform sole and a sleek upper body, this is the perfect chunky-yet-slim shoe. It’s a little bit playful, but looks just as good with a cropped pant as it does with a dress.
Woden Ydun Full Grain White
This is a great casual sneaker with a retro silhouette. The rounded back and sharp sole make it timeless, with an athletic vibe.
Tretorn Nylite Canvas
This flexible, easy-to-wear canvas sneaker is an icon of the Scandi scene, thanks in part to its history as the tennis shoe of non other than Swedish dreamboat Björn Borg. It’s a light shoe that is also comfortable, so perfect for summer and sliding on after a day at the beach. The navy detailing on the side gives it an athletic edge. You can also get it in leather if you’re after something more swanky!
