The new white shoe (sneakers) brigade

THE humble white sneaker has bounced out of the gym and onto the street, but most noticeably into our workwear wardrobes. No longer just a sports shoe, the classic all-white sneakers have made it into the fashion mainstream.

Travelling through Italy more than 20 years ago, I was struck by the number of stylish women wearing white shoes under their sharp black Prada suits. Some wore lace-up oxfords, others wore white patent Tod’s loafers, but the vast majority were just white sneakers. It wasn’t about the style of footwear, it was all about the colour — white.

At the time, I was rather bemused because in Australia, a white shoe is associated with the rather unfortunate “White Shoe Brigade” — those retired gentlemen (generally from the warmer climes of the Gold Coast) whose uniform of choice includes walk shorts, long socks and white shoes.

But there in Rome, Florence and Milan, three of the most fashionable cities in the world, women were making an obvious fashion statement wearing white shoes under their everyday workwear office outfits.

So what does one do when in Rome? Do as the Romans. So I bought a pair of white patent Tod’s loafers. (And, of course, a matching white patent tote bag.) Back home they became a staple of my wardrobe, as I worked them back with my sharp black Saba suits (the original Joe Saba styles), a variety of pants, skirts and dresses, and jeans.

I’ve championed the look for years — swapping out the white patent loafers for white canvas Converse, Vans and Supergas, and a pair of lace-up leather Church’s brogues.

How to keep your white sneakers (and shoes) white

Fast forward 20+ years,  white sneakers are all the rage in Europe — again. Actually I don’t think it ever really went away. And just like denim jeans and the classic white shirt, the white sneaker is also ageless, classless and timeless. Just what every woman needs!

Meanwhile, a younger fashion set have ditched their predecessors’ love of stilettos for more sensible footwear — mostly sneakers — a trend coined as “normcore”. Needless to say the fashion industry, which often takes its cues from the street, has in recent seasons featured more athletic-inspired and the very on-trend sports luxe looks on the runways. As a consequence the traditional sports shoe has transformed into more contemporary versions and is being paired with everything from couture to casual.

Here is my selection of some of the best.

1. Minna Parikka Bunny Ears white leather high-top trainers
2. Ecco women’s soft leather 7 high tops
3. Superga Cotu
4. Wittner Bea sneaker
5. Converse Jack Purcell core leather
6. Lacoste Showcourt Lace
7. Adidas Superstar Foundation
8. ETQ Amsterdam low-top 1 sneakers
9. Topshop Conner plait trainers
10. Woman by Common Projects Achilles Retro low sneakers

Are you a fan of white sneakers? How do you wear yours? To the office? Maybe you wear them in different ways. Would love to hear from you. Ever stylishly yours …