Clean girl
Chunky white retro sneakers
The chunky white sneaker borrows from late-80s and 90s running and court shoes: a thicker sole, a few overlapping panels and a slightly clumsy silhouette that somehow looks clean. It is the easiest way to make a dressier outfit feel relaxed, and it works across seasons.
What makes the look
- A thick, often layered sole in white or off-white
- Overlapping panels in leather or faux leather, sometimes with suede accents
- Small colour touches in cream, grey or a muted pastel
- A low-to-mid profile that shows a little ankle
- Rounded toe with a slightly oversized look
How to wear it
- Weekend
- Grey sweatpants, a crisp oversized shirt and a baseball cap.
- Office
- A relaxed suit in a soft colour with a plain tee underneath.
- Day out
- A midi slip dress with a denim jacket on top.
Check this before you buy
- Check the sole material. Rubber soles grip and last; hard plastic soles crack and slip.
- Look at reviews for sizing. Chunky styles often run large or narrow.
- Off-white and cream hide marks better than optical white.
- Skip any pair with a copied side logo or another brand's signature stripes. That is a counterfeit, not an alternative.
What to expect at each price
Under $30
Synthetic uppers, lighter soles. Fine for occasional wear.
$30 to $60
Better cushioning, leather or good faux leather uppers, sturdier stitching.
Over $60
Real leather and suede, rubber soles and insoles built for all-day walking.
Vetted picks
We're checking shops for this look right now. Three vetted picks, one per price range, will appear here once each shop has passed all six of our safety checks.