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Shopping for women’s sneakers can be, well, a little overwhelming. That’s an understatement, really. The market is flooded with stylish footwear for women, to the point where a simple search will bring up thousands of potentials. Do you want white sneakers? But what about these classic Vans? Is it time to mix things up and buy a pair of eye-catching sneakers that can elevate your slip dresses and staple jeans?
Deep breaths. With a little planning, shopping for the perfect sneakers doesn’t have to be an anxiety-inducing task. First, consider what you wear the most in your wardrobe. If you’re someone who exclusively wears black, you’ll want to either pick up white sneakers, which will pair back really nicely with an all-black outfit, or stick to your favourite colour and go for black leather. Alternatively, if your jeans are what you reach for every morning, a classic white sneaker with some colour like Veja’s V-10 or Esplar can turn a super casual outfit into something a little more elevated.
Need some help with styling sneakers into your wardrobe? We love them teamed with either slightly cropped (ankle length) wide leg or straight-leg jeans and a classic white tee or crisp, oversized shirt. Alternatively, embrace Farrah Fawcett vibes and wear yours with a ringer tee and denim flares. For those who prefer minimalist style and want to wear sneakers to the office, team yours with a silk slip dress. If the weather cools, you can layer with a white tee or throw a denim jacket or blazer on top.
Check out our favourite white sneakers below!
Veja
Veja V-10
A favourite of Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton, Veja’s V-10 sneakers ($210) have an organic cotton and recycled polyester inner lining for comfort, with a leather outer that will last. The sole is made up of a recycled material blend incorporating bio-sourced Amazonian rubber, rice waste and sugar cane. We love a sneaker that’s also kind to the environment.
Myer
Tommy Hilfiger Stripe Insert Sneaker
The leather upper and gold hardware on these Tommy Hilfiger designer sneakers from Myer ($179) make them a great choice if you’re looking for a pair that can be worn on the weekend as well as in the workplace. We love these teamed with a crisp shirt dress or light denim.
The Iconic
Nike Court Vision Alta
If you’re after a pair of chunky sneakers, the Nike Court Visions ($110) from THE ICONIC are a great choice. With a platform sole and 80s-inspired look, they’re a good hybrid between a fashion sneaker and a sports shoe, and will look great with stylish trackpants and a baby tee.
Cotton On
Whitney Rib Platform Sneaker
Need affordable women’s sneakers, immediately? Rubi has you covered. These black sneakers ($29.99) have a slight platform with an on-trend ribbed rubber design — they’re cheap, but they don’t look cheap. These would look excellent with slip dresses.
The Iconic
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Ox
A classic style from Converse, a pair of Chuck Taylors will last you years and never go out of style. The high-top version is a great choice if you want to wear yours with dresses and skirts, but if you’re a jeans fan, the All Star Ox ($129) from THE ICONIC will see you through season after season.
Gucci
Gucci Women’s 1977 Tennis Sneaker
Looking for a pair of luxury designer sneakers? You really can’t go past Gucci. After the huge success of their Ace Sneakers, the fashion house has continued to create coveted footwear like the 1977 Tennis Sneaker ($1,135), which features the GG motif along the sole and a leather/canvas upper. These sneakers will be a strong investment piece in your wardrobe.
Vans
Vans Old Skool Sneakers
Another classic sneaker style that has remained on trend for decades, a pair of Vans Old Skools ($139.95) are a great casual sneaker for weekends, and will also dress down slip skirts and pant suits for the office.
Matches Fashion
Reebok x Margiela CL Memory Of Shoes Deconstructed Trainers
We love a good designer collab! This sneaker from Reebok x Margiela ($455) from Matches Fashion is fun yet versatile, it looks sporty with a pair of jeans yet still feels stylish thanks to its leather upper and felt panelling detail.
Net-A-Porter
Golden Goose Superstar Leather And Suede Distressed Sneaker
A cult women’s sneaker style, Golden Goose’s Superstars ($830) from Net-A-Porter are designed to look worn-in, giving you that scuffed, casual feel we all crave from our sneakers. Each pair is unique, with marks and wear distressed by hand. Expect plenty of comments.
The Iconic
Superga 2750 Cotu Leather Sneakers
If you find canvas sneakers difficult to wear in for comfort, the Superga Cotu in leather ($119.95) is for you. It retains the style of the classic Cotu (did you know the original was designed in 1911!) but has the softness of a leather upper which will wear in beautifully.
Von-Routte
Von-Routte Lyon Sneaker
Australian label Von-Routte is in the business of creating premium footwear. The Lyon sneaker ($300), for example, not only has a leather upper but a suede heel, adding contrast and making it the perfect black sneaker for both everyday wear and the workplace.
Marks & Spencer
M&S Collection Canvas Lace Up Trainers
We love the rubber sole on these white sneakers ($55) from Marks & Spencer — the natural colour sets them apart from most, and means scuff marks won’t show up as obviously. They also come in a variety of bright patterns, if eye-catching is more your vibe.
Surfstitch
DC Shoes Womens Manual Suede Shoe
These DC Shoes sneakers ($69.99) from Surfstitch are such a fun, vintage-inspired option for anyone looking to move beyond neutral black and white footwear. Featuring a suede upper and extra cushioning in the sole, they’re a really great price point considering the materials and shoe makeup.
Allbirds
Women’s Tree Dasher 2
These sneakers are for anyone who wants to buy footwear that can be both stylish and functional. A popular sneaker for running or the gym, Tree Dasher 2s ($215) are also sleek and minimalist, so they work as a casual shoe or a fitness shoe. Allbirds is also a sustainable label, with the Tree Dasher 2 sneaker featuring a eucalyptus tree fibre upper and sugarcane based midsole.
