4 Alternatives to White Sneakers Fashion People Are Loving This Spring

If you’ve also Googled “alternatives to white sneakers” in the past few days, you’re not alone.

There was a time when white sneakers were practically the only shoes I wore. Running errands? White sneakers. Heading to the office? White sneakers. Trying to make a dress feel more relaxed? You get the idea. Their appeal is obvious—they go with everything, they never feel too try-hard and they’ve been a solid wardrobe staple for years.

But recently, I’ve found myself wanting something… different. Not a complete departure from the ease of a white sneaker, but an update—something with a little more character. If you’re feeling the same, it might be time you consider some alternate styles. And thanks to me, I found just the right trends to appease this desire for change.

It’s not that white sneakers don’t still work—they do. But after seasons of heavy rotation, they can sometimes feel a little predictable, especially when you lean towards a minimalist wardrobe like me. I’ve noticed the same sentiment from a few of our Gen Z editors, which, honestly, surprised me. If anyone was going to be over our classic, reliable millennial shoe of choice, I assumed it would be them.

But no—they’ve embraced white sneakers just as much as we have, integrating them into their trend-heavy wardrobes in a way that makes them feel fresh again. The difference? They’re not only wearing white sneakers. Instead, they’re also reaching for more elevated shoe trends in general—like boat shoes and ballet flats—in ways that feel relaxed and relevant.

The runways backed this up, too. The spring/summer 2025 shows saw a return to simple, wear-forever footwear. At Bottega Veneta, flats were styled with sheer, barely-there fabrics, proving they can feel as statement-making as a towering heel. At Miu Miu, boat shoes were the star; models wore them with everything from tailored shorts to relaxed suiting. And whilst loafers and Mary Janes continue to have their moment, I’ve got my eye on four classics that offer the same versatility as a white sneaker but with a little more personality.

Of course, practicality still plays a part. I need something that can handle long days of walking, commuting, and running between meetings without sacrificing style. Lo and behold, after some research (Instagram-stalking my favorite fashion people), I’ve found four alternatives that fit the bill, each offering a different take on everyday dressing. Some lean more polished, others more casual, but all are just as easy to wear as a white sneaker.