The Fresh White Sneaker That Everyone Can (and Should) Wear This Spring
SHOP $80, adidas.com
Welcome to The Esquire Endorsement. Heavily researched. Thoroughly vetted. These picks are the best way to spend your hard-earned cash.
I love white sneakers. A lot. Like, "I have one for every possible type of sneaker-appropriate occasion" a lot. Or like, "If you were to ask me what items I might grab on my way out if ever my apartment building might burst into flames, I would ditch the kitschy sentimental items and grab every sneaker I could" a lot. I live in an old New York City apartment, likely to burst into flames at any point-so I've thought about this. A lot. An if it were a real emergency, and I could only grab one of my precious white sneakers, which would it be? Right now: the Adidas Continental 80.
This shoe has all the makings of a perfect white sneaker. While I'll never not love my trusty Stan Smiths or ever betray my very beat-up Reebok Club Cs, something about the Continental is just ideal. It's low-key, but its signature navy-and-red stripe give off the kind of "if you know, you know" vibe in a way that works. It works dressed up, dressed down, or completely undressed. Kidding, except for that it will be summer soon-and with that comes the rise of the white sneaker once again. Here's why you should get this one.
It's just low-key enough.
While there's always room for a statement shoe, more often than not, you're looking for something you can wear every day. The simple silhouette of the Continental means it looks good, no matter what you're wearing it with. It's not so bulky that it looks super sporty-like something that belongs with joggers or basketball shorts-but it's also not so thin that it looks too delicate to pair with jeans. In other words: It strikes the right balance. Feel free to wear it with everything from cropped chinos to a full-on suit.
SHOP $80, adidas.com
It has just a touch of nostalgia.
Some white sneakers are highly minimal in design and thus look ultra modern-and that's great! I love those, too. But there's always a special place in my heart for a retro-ish sneaker that's made to feel updated but not futuristic. These are a newer take on the brand's '80s tennis style, and were re-released as part of the "Yung" series. For true sneaker fiends, you'll notice the Adidas logo box next to the laces, which is an old-school Adidas move. It's just the amount of nostalgia-and it feels good.
It's comfy. Very comfy.
Growing up, I thought that one day-one day-I would understand that a good shoe was worth breaking in for it to eventually feel comfortable. Turns out, I grew up and that day never came. So, that means I only opt for shoes that are comfortable right out of the box. Continentals are exactly that. My toes don't feel trapped or squished, and the back of my heel never rubs uncomfortably against the back (two of my least favorite ways to feel uncomfortable in new sneakers). These just fit, and they just fit well. I'd imagine they're even pretty good for running out of a burning building. You know ... just in case.
Prop styling by Summer Moore
('You Might Also Like',)
