Just as all-black and all-white sneakers are essential to a well-rounded rotation, so too are neutral sneakers — mostly thanks to their versatility with regards to styling. The beauty about neutral-toned sneakers is that, while subtle in their appearance, they don’t have to be predominantly one color. This leaves a little more wiggle room to play with and opens up a lot of possibilities — both from a brand and a model perspective.
Additionally, another advantage of neutral sneakers is in the name itself; these sneakers are incredibly versatile across different styles, situations, and even seasons. Whereas white sneakers are probably best left for the dry summer months, neutral sneakers can practically be worn all year round.
More room to play with and less of a need to adhere to a certain color means we’re almost spoiled for choice when it comes to neutral sneakers. With a never-ending list of brands, models, and designs, it can become hard to choose the right shoe for you. That’s where we come in, with our team of curators working tirelessly around the clock to make sure you don’t need to get lost in online shopping to find the best neutral sneakers.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of our favorites. Take a look.
The best neutral sneakers to buy online right now
Highsnobiety x adidas ZX 8000 “Qualität”
ZX 8000 “Qualität”
Highsnobiety x adidas
One of the things we love about neutral sneakers is that other aspects are emphasized. That's exactly why we made this pair of understated ZX 8000s in a smooth, off-white palette. High-quality nubuck, mesh, and cork are highlighted by the subtle color scheme.
Stepney Workers Club Lister Canvas
Lister Canvas
Stepney Workers Club
Copping a pair of sneakers in a neutral colorway is a good start to full versatility, but if you want to take things to the next level you'll want a shoe with minimal detailing. Stepney Workers Club's Lister is about as simple as silhouettes come nowadays with its classic slip-on build.
Reebok x Maison Margiela Project 0 CC TL Sneakers
Maison Margiela Project 0 CC TL Sneakers
Reebok
Reebok's partnership with Maison Margiela is certainly not one that fades into the crowd. Split-toe sneakers tend to turn heads, but for those looking to represent the collaboration without dominating attention, the Project 0 CC TL Sneakers in smooth beige are a real winner.
Salomon XA-Alpine Mid Advanced Sneakers
XA-Alpine Mid Advanced Sneakers
Salomon
It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone to see Salomon featured in this list, due to the French outdoor brand’s expert ability to put together appealing colorways of all kinds. Whether that’s eye-catching all-red affairs or the above beige design, you’re always getting the best the colorists at Salomon have to offer.
Lanvin Clay Sneakers
Clay Sneakers
Lanvin
If you're in the market to spend a bit more on your sneakers, opting for a neutral pair is something to consider. It extends the lifespan of your sneakers as a neutral pair is more likely to transcend trends. Lanvin's Clay Sneakers have echoes of retro sportswear styling but feel luxurious and timeless thanks to their buttery suede outfit.
ASICS x SVD Gel-Lyte III OG
SVD Gel-Lyte III OG
ASICS
There was a time in not too distant memory when the ASICS Gel-Lyte III was the go-to collaboration silhouette. From Ronnie Fieg to Alife, the silhouette has seen its fair share of wildly hyped releases, but this collaboration pair with SVD leans a more understated direction.
Converse Chuck 70 High-Top Canvas Trainers
Chuck 70 High-Top Canvas Trainers
Converse
Talk about a classic, the Converse Chuck Taylor 70 is a bonafide, going-nowhere MVP when it comes to versatile sneakers. It's made even more easygoing by a smooth Ecru colorway that sees colorful detailing in a signature blue and red border to the sole unit.
Maison Margiela Replica Sneakers
Replica Sneakers
Maison Margiela
Originally designed by Adolf Dassler, founder of adidas, the German Army Trainer is a perpetual source of inspiration for sneaker brands large and small. Maison Margiela is the owner of arguably the most famous evolution of the style in the form of the Margiela Replica Sneakers. It's equal doses athletic and stylish, and in this Sand colorway it becomes even easier to style than it already was.
Nike x Off-White™ Air Jordan 4 Sail
Air Jordan 4 Sail
Nike x Off-White™
Virgil Abloh's Nike collaborations usually feature bold palettes and in-your-face detailing. It's what made the July 2020 Jordan 4 Sail such a surprise. The neutral palette features signature quotation-mark detailing to the sole unit but, aside from that, it's a highly minimal design.
adidas Parley Ultraboost 21
Parley Ultraboost 21
adidas
One of the best partnerships in the world of sneakers is that of adidas and Parley. The two brands have been working in tandem for several years now, combining adidas' iconic silhouettes with the sea waste that Parley deals in. The relationship has brought us a number of memorable reiterations of classic adidas sneakers and the Ultraboost 21 is the latest to get the Parley treatment with a non-dyed upper.
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