When it comes to trainers, there's a whole lot of choice out there. Do you go for canvas or leather, slip-on or lace-up, Nike or adidas?
If the trainer trends 2025 are to be believed, the adidas Tokyo trainer is the new Samba. But if you ask me, adidas Stan Smith is the style that cuts through all the noise. The sleek, minimalist profile transcends trends and works with everything from jeans to dresses, making them a great option if you're looking for the best white trainers.
Named after tennis legend Stan Smith, these were created in 1971, and over the years there have been many different colours and collaborations. Mine are a style designed by Stella McCartney, and in 2025 adidas is even supposedly debuting a Stan Smith espadrille.
Price: RRP £85
Size range: UK 3-13.5 (including half sizes)
Fastening: Lace up
Upper/sole material: Leather or faux leather, rubber cupsole
Meghan Markle, Sienna Miller, Amal Clooney, Reese Witherspoon and Victoria Beckham have all been spotted wearing Stan Smiths over the years, so there's no question they're a stylish pick. They've been popular for years and have sold more than 100 million pairs globally.
I'll happily admit that as a fashion editor, I'm pretty picky when it comes to trainers. For me, these are up there with the most comfortable trainers, and since I've bought at least five pairs in the last few years, you can trust that I really have put these shoes through their paces over time.
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At the time of writing, these have more than 17,400 reviews and a 4.7 star rating on the adidas site. I personally have several pairs, and so does my husband. It's the one fashion item we agree on completely!
Adidas Stan Smith: comfort & support
These started out as a tennis shoe, so they feel different to the lower profile, football-style Samba. The Stan Smith silhouette is better-suited to me, as I find the high cut heel on the Sambas can rub.
The only drawback for me with the Stan Smiths is that the tongue is very long, so it can cut into the front of my ankle a bit. However, I find that you can push it down underneath the laces when you slip them on, so it's never stopped me from wearing them, but it could be a downside for some people. The laces are also quite long, but again this is an easy thing to get around.
I've read reviews from people who say the lack of arch support isn't ideal. I've worn these all day when walking around cities like London and New York, and have never found them uncomfortable, but if arch support is a priority for you, it's worth considering.
Adidas Stan Smith: style
You can find white Stan Smiths with pretty much every any colour heel trim you can imagine. I used to have a pair with a tortoiseshell heel, which I loved. The three starry stripes on the side make them instantly recognisable, and all Stan Smiths have a portriat of the man himself of the tongue.
They pair well with tailored trousers, denim, dresses and skirts, so they score 10/10 if you're after versatility. They're one of adidas' bestselling and most iconic styles of all time for a reason, and of course you can try all the prints, colours, trends and fabric finishes you want, but you'll never go too far wrong with a classic pair of white leather Stan Smiths.
Adidas Stan Smith: cleaning & care
This is an area in which these trainers really excel. Made from either leather or in my case, vegan leather, the Stan Smiths simply wipe clean. I'd advise replacing or washing the laces every once in a while to give them that just-out-of-the-box feel, but otherwise, they age really well.
Let's face it, where white trainers are concerned, cleaning is a huge factor. There's nothing worse than stepping out in a box fresh style and then by the time you get home, they're looking - well, a whole lot less than fresh.
I wear trainers every single day, whether that's to the office or on a dog walk - and for everything in between too. So my adidas Stan Smith trainers have had plenty of wear and tear! For more advice on how to clean white shoes, read our tips and tricks here.
Adidas Stan Smith: verdict
There's no doubt in my mind these are my all-time favourite trainers. The minimalist design makes them smart and versatile, and the fact I keep going back for more pairs speaks volumes.
If you're an adidas novice they're a great place to start, but trainer pros won't be disappointed either. They last a lot longer than canvas styles when it comes to cleaning, and I've never found them to be anything other than extremely comfortable.
