Forget Basic White SneakersāThese 6 Styles Are Blowing Up in 2026
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Moriah PolkThu, April 2, 2026 at 6:46 PM UTC
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6 White Sneaker Trends That Are Anything but BasicGetty Images
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Fashion editors arenāt exempt from loving the basicsāI adore a white sneaker as much as the next person. Itās endlessly versatile, pairs with anything, and survives nearly every season, but sometimes, it can feel a little dullāand I donāt believe in dull shoes of any kind. Thatās why this yearās white sneaker trends feel so exciting. None of them is boring. If you adore flashy embellishments, thereās something for you. If you prefer minimalism, thereās a pared-back option that still feels contemporary.
This yearās runways delivered serious inspiration. Celine stood out with a dressed-up derby, a glossy lace-up style that reads as a mid-century Oxford shoe, shifting the silhouette from athleisure staple to a playful addition to polished spring looks. Meanwhile, Fendi, Miu Miu, and Prada offered their own striking takes on the white sneaker, proving that even a basic can command attention. Yet, no matter how bold or distinct these styles are, they still work for everyday wearāno special occasion required.
We spotted six major runway trends poised to take off this year, and youāll want to get ahead of them before they sell out.
Nothing But Net
Fendi spring/summer 2026Daniele Venturelli - Getty Images
Last year, mesh jellies had a moment. Now, the look has moved into white sneakers. Functionally, a mesh, crochet, or netted pair is a must-have as temperatures climb to balmy levels. From a style perspective, the material adds texture that feels lightweight and summery. Take a cue from Fendi, which uses the sneaker to build dimension from the ground up without feeling heavy.
Aerosoles Jettson Sneaker Mule
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Aerosoles Jettson Sneaker Mule
nordstrom.com
$99.00
LāAgence
Jarah Sneaker
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LāAgence
Jarah Sneaker
L'AGENCE
$295.00
Veronica Beard Riviera Mesh Sneaker
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Veronica Beard Riviera Mesh Sneaker
nordstrom.com
$300.00
Pelle Moda Kimsy Lace-Up Sneaker
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Pelle Moda Kimsy Lace-Up Sneaker
nordstrom.com
$165.00
Specks of Silver
Simone Rocha spring/summer 2026Victor Virgile - Getty Images
These arenāt your glittery childhood sneakers. Todayās silver-speckled white sneakers show restraint but still bring enough shine to elevate any spring capsule. Like the sneakers in Simone Rochaās spring/summer 2026 collection, theyāre easy to slip into everyday outfits, not just the wardrobes of die-hard maximalists. Youāll find options that range from bold rhinestone detailing to subtle contour piping, so thereās something for every level of sparkle.
Adidas
Sambae W Shoes
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Adidas
Sambae W Shoes
adidas.com
$110.00
Dansko Milana Slip-On Sneakerina
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Dansko Milana Slip-On Sneakerina
amazon.com
$154.95
Golden Goose
Yatay Model 1B Sneaker
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Golden Goose
Yatay Model 1B Sneaker
goldengoose.com
$350.00
Vionic Monarch Sneaker
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Vionic Monarch Sneaker
nordstrom.com
$140.00
Derby Days
Sportmax Spring/Summer 2026Pietro D'Aprano - Getty Images
Many of this yearās trends feel like a retro revival, and the derby shoe is a prime example. Itās the sister accessory to the bowler bag, both rooted in midcentury design with clear nods to the 1950s and ā60s, yet still feel modern. Celine helped define this seasonās standout derby, typically crafted in leather with contour lines reminiscent of an Oxford or another lace-up dress shoe. Still, its slim profile keeps it from feeling too formal.
Sperry x Aritzia
Slim Jogger
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Sperry x Aritzia
Slim Jogger
sperry.com
$140.00
Coach
Soft Sneaker
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Coach
Soft Sneaker
Coach
$155.00
Coach
Zara
Leather Derby Shoes
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Zara
Leather Derby Shoes
zara.com
150.00
Reformation
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Buffy Oxford
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Reformation
Buffy Oxford
The Reformation
298.00
Coastal Soles
Miu Miu Spring/Summer 2026Peter White - Getty Images
Espadrille sneakers had their rise last spring, but theyāre firmly in the spotlight this year, especially in white. They bring depth and texture to a silhouette that can sometimes feel flat, while offering a fresh take on the classic gum sole. The rope detailing lightens the look and feel, making them an easy choice for resort wear or beach days.
Ralph Lauren
Luize Canvas & Suede Espadrille Sneaker
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Ralph Lauren
Luize Canvas & Suede Espadrille Sneaker
ralphlauren.com
150.00
Free People Serendipity Sneakers
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Free People Serendipity Sneakers
freepeople.com
$168.00
Toms
Valencia Lace-Up Platform Espadrille
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Toms
Valencia Lace-Up Platform Espadrille
nordstrom.com
$90.00
Tretorn
Nylite Canvas Sneakers
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Tretorn
Nylite Canvas Sneakers
amazon.com
$65.00
City Slippers
Prada Spring/Summer 2026Victor Virgile - Getty Images
Youāve heard of bedroom slippers and ballet slippers. Now, meet the city slipper. What exactly is it? A comfortable satin sneaker that evolves the sneakerina trend while nodding to the boudoir aesthetic. It builds on the slim sneaker, a throughline across this seasonās color trends, but feels especially delicate thanks to its soft, feminine finish.
Mango
Lace-up Leather Sneakers
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Mango
Lace-up Leather Sneakers
shop.mango.com
89.99
Jewel Badgley Mischka Imara Sneaker
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Jewel Badgley Mischka Imara Sneaker
nordstrom.com
$99.00
Vivaia
Cristina Square-Toe Sneakers
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Vivaia
Cristina Square-Toe Sneakers
amazon.com
$159.00
Puma
Speedcat Anodized Sneaker
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Puma
Speedcat Anodized Sneaker
nordstrom.com
$110.00
Less is Mule
Anteprima Spring/Summer 2026Justin Shin - Getty Images
Iāll admit it: Iām guilty of stepping on the backs of my sneakers when I canāt be bothered to put them on properly. Fashion houses have caught on to that habit and turned it into the backless trainer. Brands like Miu Miu and Dries Van Noten have embraced the silhouette in a range of colors, but itās especially sharp in white. Itās the ideal grab-and-go shoe, easy to slip on and polished enough to wear out the door without a second thought. Plus, with less material, it feels lighter than your standard white sneaker.
LarroudƩ Stella Mule
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LarroudƩ Stella Mule
larroude.com
$250.00
Vince Solstice Mule Sneaker
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Vince Solstice Mule Sneaker
nordstrom.com
$250.00
Silent D Solly Sneakers
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Silent D Solly Sneakers
anthropologie.com
$135.00
Frankie4
Lincoln II Sneaker Mule
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Frankie4
Lincoln II Sneaker Mule
nordstrom.com
$214.00
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