But why get sneakers in white leather? Sure, they take more effort to maintain than other colours and easily attract dirt, but if you manage to keep them clean, they’ll be one of the best footwear investments a man can make. The fact that they’re made in leather makes them easier to clean – other materials like canvas attract grim more easily, while leather sneakers only require wipes to keep them sparkling clean.
I’ve cycled through a numerous pairs of white leather sneakers over the years, but time after time, I find that I turn to classic silhouettes that look modern because they and work with any outfit. Here are some of my favourite minimalist white leather sneakers.
Common Projects Original Achilles Low Sneakers
Any sneaker list would be incomplete without a mention of Common Projects. Possibly the original contemporary brand to bring minimalist sneakers into the mainstream, Common Projects is known for its clean lines and classic construction. This sneaker has a leather lining and insole for a luxurious touch. The rubber role unit makes it last longer and suitable for all-day wear. Like all Common Projects sneakers, it has a unique coding adorned on the side which marks its colour, code and size.
House of Future Hi Top Micro-Leather Sneakers
Designed to be a modern reinterpretation of the classic basketball hi-top, this pair of sneakers from indie Australian brand House of Future is minimalism at its best. The rubber roles make it easy to clean and wipe down. While this is made from micro-leather and not full leather, we can turn a blind eye to this.
MOBS Tread Low Sneakers in White
This pair of sneakers from MOBS is for those who like things classic but with a twist. The low-top silhouette makes it easy to match with jeans or shorts, while the little markings at the top give it an edge. The leather upper and leather lining construction means this pair of sneakers is comfy and breathable for hot summer days.
Svensson Classic Low White Leather Sneakers
This low top sneaker from Svensson epitomizes the classic and no fuss approach Swedes have towards men’s style. The leather upper is supported by a padded leather tongue and is kept unadorned for a versatile look. These sneakers are made in Italy and comes in Italian sizing, so make sure you get a size smaller than your usual size.
FEIT Handsewn Cordovan White Leather Low Top Sneakers
Made in Italy, these ‘The Royale’ sneakers from Greats Brand are made from full grain leather so they only get better with age. This is lined in the same soft leather, so socks are optional. The cotton laces are also waxed for easy cleaning and maintenance.
The Kooples High-Top White Leather Sneakers
Distinguished by the prominent zip detail at either size of the lacing, these high-top sneakers from French brand The Kooples strike the perfect balance between looking classic and rock ‘n’ roll. Wear them with denim for a weekend look, or wear them with shorts when the heat comes.
SL/01 Court Sneakers in Off-White Leather from Saint Laurent
These classic sneakers from Saint Laurent are inspired by tennis shoes and have “SL/01” embossed on along the ankle in fine print. It is made from supple calf leather and has a gold-tone logo stamp at the tongue and off-white rubber sole. It also features stitched lines on the sides which keeps the aesthetic classic.
Maison Margiela Low Top Future Sneakers
Margiela isn’t know for doing anything middle-of-the-road, so when they create minimalist sneakers, they make them futuristic too. Case in point: these low-top ‘future’ sneakers are sleek in design and defined by distinctive lace guard panels. Crafted in soft white leather, they also feature Margiela’s signature white stitch at the heel.
Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Low-Tops
Sneakers don’t get more timeless than Nike Air Force Ones. This pair in all white leather is the perfect companion to any man’s wardrobe. Keep them with clean with leather wipes or an old piece of cloth.