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Shoes are the biggest puzzle when it comes to packing. What’s versatile, won’t take up too much space or bring your luggage over the weight limit? If you’re not checking in a bag, choosing wisely is even more essential. The answer: A white sneaker.
That may sound surprising, but we love packing white sneakers for trips, as long as they’re properly prepped and maintained. “It’s a great staple,” says New-York based freelance fashion director Sam Chadwick. “White sneakers go with jeans or a dress. It’s a put-together look, and when you’re traveling, you’re usually walking a ton, so a white sneaker really maximizes your packing.”
Entrepreneur Alicia Liu travels frequently between New York and Los Angeles with her vegan ice cream brand, Lavender and Truffles. White sneakers are her go-to. “Traveling for work, I always want to look somewhat dressy,” she says. “White sneakers look professional, but they’re still great for travel—easy to take off at TSA, and the rubber sole means I won’t slip and fall on slippery airport floors when I’m racing to catch a flight.”
The perfect pair of white sneakers for travel balance comfort, durability, style, and practicality. Sustainable options are increasingly popular, with many brands offering eco-friendly materials without sacrificing performance.
Our top overall pick, the Adidas Samba OG, wins for its iconic style, versatility, and all-day comfort. It transitions seamlessly from sightseeing to dinner reservations, making it a classic (but never basic) staple for travelers who pack light but won’t sacrifice style.
Choosing the best white sneakers for travel comes down to a few key factors: Support, breathability, weight, versatility, and durability. Lightweight shoes are a must for packing, while supportive midsoles prevent fatigue during long walking days. Breathable materials help keep feet cool, and durable outsoles ensure you’re not slipping or replacing sneakers mid-trip.
Best white sneakers overall: Adidas Samba OG (women’s; men’s)
Why we like it: The Adidas Samba OG earns the top spot for its timeless design and versatility. Originally designed for indoor soccer, the gum sole provides excellent traction, making it suitable for checking out the local neighborhood. High-quality materials (leather, nubuck toe cap, reinforced rubber sole) mean these sneaks are made to last, adding lots of value for the money.
Keep in mind: The Samba OG runs narrow, which may not suit travelers with wider feet. These white sneakers lack arch support, but you could add an insole. In that case, you may need to size up.
Product details: Materials: Leather upper, rubber midsole and outsole | Sizes: Women’s 5-15; Men’s 4-14
(We found the best walking shoes for every kind of traveler)
Best white sneakers for women: Common Projects Original Achilles
Why we like it: The Common Projects Original Achilles sneaker combines minimalist design with premium materials. “I am such a huge fan of this sneaker,” says Chadwick. The Italian leather upper and liner, plus rubber sole ensure longevity, ideal for frequent travelers.
Keep in mind: These sneakers come in only whole sizes and run large. At $450, these sneakers are very expensive. For a less-expensive option, try our runner-up pick below.
Product details: Materials: Leather upper and lining; rubber outsole | Sizes: 4-12 |
Best white sneakers for women runner-up: Soludos Ibiza Platform
Why we like it: The Soludos Ibiza Platform offers a similar minimalist aesthetic as the Common Projects Original Achilles, but with the bonus of a platform sole for added height and comfort. The cushioned footbed makes these shoes ideal for long days of sightseeing, plus they’re made with recycled rubber soles and polyester laces, according to the brand.
Keep in mind: These white sneakers run small, so go a half size up for a better fit.
Product details: Materials: Leather upper, recycled rubber outsole, according to brand | Sizes: Women’s 5-11
(These are the best walking shoes for women)
Best white sneakers for men: Nike Air Force 1 ’07
Why we like it: A classic since the 1980s, the Nike Air Force 1 ’07 is renowned for its comfort, durability, and style. The thick sole provides plenty of cushioning, making it a great travel shoe. The minimalist design lends endless versatility too—you could even join a quick pickup game while traveling.
Keep in mind: This model runs large, so go down a half size.
Product details: Materials: Leather upper, rubber outsole | Sizes: 3.5-18
(These are the best walking shoes for men)
Best white sneakers for walking: Lululemon Cityverse (women’s; men’s)
Why we like it: The Lululemon Cityverse is designed for men’s and women’s specific foot morphology, which means the women’s sneaker isn’t just the men’s sneaker in a smaller size. The mixed material upper is soft and breathable, while the cushioned insole is comfortable for hours of walking. Even though the brand doesn’t advertise it, reviewers say this white sneaker is very water-resistant.
Keep in mind: These sneakers take a little longer to break in, but once they do, reviewers say they mold to your foot.
Product details: Materials: Mesh/synthetic upper, rubber outsole | Sizes: Women’s 5-12; men’s 7-14
Best white sneakers for Europe: Veja Esplar (women’s; men’s)
Why we like it: European travels often mean navigating cobblestones, uneven paths, and a wide range of weather conditions. The Veja Esplar has a sturdy rubber sole that holds up to the Old World environment and a stylish design that looks good with lots of outfits (great for travel capsule wardrobes). We also love that Veja is a Certified B Corp and says these kicks are made from ethically sourced leather and wild rubber from the Amazon.
Keep in mind: The leather can be stiff initially, requiring a short break-in period.
Product details: Materials: Leather upper, rubber outsole | Sizes: Unisex 5-10
Most comfortable white sneakers: New Balance 9060
Why we like it: The sportiest of our white sneaker picks, the New Balance 9060s are for travelers who prioritize comfort. With a plush cushioned insole and plenty of arch support as well as heel cushioning, these sneakers are the ones you want when walking is the main event on your travels.
Keep in mind: The chunky design is more athletic than sleek, so these sneakers are less versatile in terms of style.
Product details: Materials: Suede/mesh upper, rubber outsole | Sizes: Women’s 5.5-15.5; Men’s 4-14
(Slip-ons are the no brainer travel shoes we love)
Best budget white sneakers: Vans Old Skool
Why we like it: For travelers on a budget who don’t want to give up style, the Vans Old Skool are an affordable, durable classic—around since 1977. At about 70 bucks, you get a lightweight canvas upper and a rubber sole that provides good traction for urban exploring.
“Canvas sneakers aren’t only classy, style-wise, they’re easy to pack because you can fold them down,” says creative director and brand consultant, Trinity Rose. “You can even stick them in your bag if you don’t have space in your carry-on.”
Keep in mind: The canvas stains easily, so pack cleaning wipes if you’re concerned about keeping them pristine. You can also try a protective shoe spray before you travel.
Product details: Materials: Canvas/suede upper, rubber outsole | Sizes: Unisex 3.5-18
Best white sneakers with arch support: Brooks Addiction Walker 2 (women’s; men’s)
Why we like it: If you need serious arch support, the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 may be a good bet. It’s designed with a supportive insole and an extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB) to maintain your stride. With responsive cushioning and four widths from narrow to extra-wide, these sneakers have earned the American Podiatry Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance. Translation: You can walk comfortably for days.
Keep in mind: The orthopedic design isn’t the most fashion-forward, but the comfort payoff is worth it.
Product details: Materials: Leather upper, slip-resistant rubber outsole | Sizes: Women’s 5-12; Men’s 7-15
(Hectic trip ahead? Try these super comfortable travel clothes for women)
Best breathable white sneakers: Allbirds Tree Runners (women’s; men’s)
Why we like it: According to Allbirds, the Tree Runners’s knit mesh upper is made with sustainably sourced eucalyptus tree fiber that helps maximize ventilation. The cushioned midsole is made from sugarcane while the shoelaces are made from recycled plastic bottles, says the brand. We love that these lightweight sneakers are machine washable—a huge plus when dealing with dust and dirt while traveling.
Keep in mind: The knit material may not be ideal for rainy conditions and these shoes lack sufficient tread to tackle slippery surfaces. We’ve worn Tree Runners for years and can attest to their comfort and light weight. However, the mesh upper wore down faster than we had hoped.
Product details: Materials: Eucalyptus tree fiber upper, sugarcane-based EVA | Sizes: Women’s 5-11; Men’s 8-14
How we chose the best white sneakers for travel
We evaluated dozens of sneakers based on the following criteria:
• Third-party reviews: Aggregated consumer feedback highlight real-world performance and durability. We paid particular attention to common pros and cons across different sites.
• Expert opinions: Input from travel and fashion pros provided insight into comfort, functionality, and style. We also tapped our own personal experience as longtime travelers.
• Materials: We prioritized sustainable options where possible and looked for high-quality materials made to last.
• Versatility: White sneakers have to transition easily from sightseeing to business meetings.
• Weight and packability: We wanted white sneakers that don’t take up too much suitcase space. Sneakers that can fold easily were a plus.
Tips for buying white sneakers
Consider your destination
Cobblestone streets require sturdy soles, while hot climates call for breathable fabrics. If you’re going for a flaneur around Paris, try the unisex Veja Esplar. Travelers would do well with a lightweight pair of Tree Runners (women’s; men’s) when the temperature rises.
Think about your itinerary
Long walking days call for extra arch support and cushioning. You can try the Lululemon Cityverse (women’s; men’s), or for extra arch support, the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 (women’s; men’s).
Look for sustainable materials
Brands like Veja and Allbirds (women’s; men’s) say they offer earth-friendly materials like sugarcane midsoles and Amazonian rubber without sacrificing performance.
Factor in maintenance
White sneakers show dirt easily—choose materials like leather that you can wipe clean or machine washable styles like Allbirds’ Tree Runners (women’s; men’s). You can also invest in a stain-repellent spray to keep them looking spiffy.
Test for fit and break-in time
A snug fit prevents blisters, but make sure there’s enough room for swelling after long flights. A good rule of thumb? Use your thumb—that’s about how much space, widthwise, you should have at the toe.
Frequently asked questions
How do you clean white sneakers when traveling?
“The best trick for cleaning white sneakers is the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser,” says Chadwick. “Cut one in half or quarters and throw it into a [bag]. It’s a great tool to have while you travel.”
Travel-sized cleaning wipes also come in handy or use a soft brush with mild soap. Quick cleaning after daily use prevents long-term stains.
“Keep the bottom of the shoe clean too,” advises Liu. “The dirt creeps up and dark denim jeans can rub off onto the white, so watch out.”
Also important, prep your white sneakers well before you travel with a stain-repellent spray. Just make sure to test the spray on an unnoticeable area.
What’s the best material for white sneakers?
Leather is durable and easier to clean, while mesh provides breathability. Sustainable options like recycled polyester and eucalyptus tree fiber can also be durable and lightweight. While Chadwick appreciates vegan leather, she warns that they can get hot and sweaty. “If you get a rip in a vegan leather sneaker, you can’t fix it,” she says.
What makes sneakers comfortable for travel?
Look for cushioned midsoles, arch support, and breathable uppers to reduce foot fatigue and prevent overheating. Additionally, make sure your sneakers fit correctly, adding about an inch of toe space to accommodate swelling after long travel days.
Maggie Kim is a lifestyle journalist and avid traveler, who spent over a decade living in Paris. Now based in Los Angeles, California, she covers beauty, food, fashion, and travel. Follow her on
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*Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.
