Trend: White Sneakers

Runway shows for spring and summer all highlighted these cool white kicks with an old-school touch. If you’re a vintage guy or you just have a thing for a touch of retro, white sneakers are certainly the way to go.

White sneakers are the one must-have trend that doesn’t warrant much consideration. Crisp, clean sneakers can complement anything and everything, and this season’s designers took advantage of their universal appeal. Whether they are paired with crisp tailored suits or slouchy trousers-and-jackets combos, this footwear essential always looks absolutely at home.

Classic

No matter what your personal style, chances are that you crave a clean look from time to time. The white sneakers trend is a perfect way to get country-club flavor alongside your tennis duds. Solid colors and striped pieces drove the look home on several Spring/Summer 2007 runways.

One way to work the clean, simple trend is to show off your white sneakers like we saw at Costume National Homme’s Spring/Summer show. Steely gray hopped down the runway alongside traditional navy in blazers, flat-front twill trousers, and unbuttoned shirts. Michael Kors also played with these classic sneakers in a highly successful runway collection. White shorts and a basic, neutral palette complement a summer tan and a sporty lifestyle. White sneakers complete the look as fresh accessories where no other footwear would be right.

Ironic

So what if you love your suits? That doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to the white trainers trend of the season. Interestingly, white seemed most appropriate with tailored smart styles. If you love a funky flair to your menswear, pair trendy white trainers with everything from casual duds to formal suits. At Junya Watanabe, primary colored trousers and jackets were showcased with the white sneaker trend. Bold looks were our focus when worn with white retro Nikes complete with the old-school “swish” that also adds a certain sporty flavor.

Futuristic

Whites are taking on another role in our summer wardrobes. Besides being linked to athletics and healthy living, they also play a part in more futuristic fashions with modern silhouettes.

Duckie Brown’s Spring/Summer show was a perfect example of how the white sneaker trend can really complete your look. Duckie Brown combined classic colors like natural tan in interesting loose shapes with sneakers that had an updated effect with all-white soles, laces, and uppers. Ultramodern looks were found in nearly every piece that went down the runway, including multicolored vests and waistcoats, cowl neck tan tops, and coats with almost helmet-like hoods.

How to Wear
White sneakers gladly go with everything, so pair them with you crisp preppy looks from Lacoste and Ralph Lauren, a more distressed pair with your natural-inspired wardrobe, and any jeans combinations under the sun. You’re in luck: not only are white sneakers completely in, but they’re positively versatile. Try yours with everything from your summer jeans to your tennis shorts, but don’t forget—white shoes are best done on a sunny summer day.