The 5 Basic Sneakers Every Woman Needs

The secret to avoiding the conundrum of having nothing to wear is always keeping your closet stocked with the essentials. If you open your wardrobe and there are staples to pick from, getting out the door quicker (and with less stress) is a very real possibility. Of course, the classics run the gamut of categories including clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Today, we're focusing on a very specific genre because it's one that we all adore: sneakers.

We know we don't have to tell you that athleisure and sneakers have had a major moment the last few years, however, it's safe to say that this comfortable footwear trend is no longer trend but a mainstay. As such, there are a few key pairs that we think every woman would benefit from owning—five to be exact. Ahead, learn what these basic sneaker styles are, why you should own them, and shop our picks in case you need to fill the gaps this season.

Bright White

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(Image credit: Dvora/Shutterstock)

A clean white sneaker is the most versatile of the bunch; it goes with everything and always looks polished.

High Tops

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(Image credit: Andrew Morales/WWD/Shutterstock)

High-top sneakers will always feel on the slightly more cool side—and that's always a good thing.

Trainers

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(Image credit: Wayne Tippetts/Shutterstock)

Whether you're pairing them with a pleated skirt for the office or a tee and jeans for the weekend, a pair of trainers should always be in your rotation.

Slip-On

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(Image credit: Shutterstock)

For an element of ease and effortlessness, sip-on sneakers are the way to go.

The Icons

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(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Converse, Nike, Reebok, Fila, Adidas—the list goes on and on. Whichever iconic footwear giant you're loyal to, make sure you're representing in your shoe closet.

Up Next: The 10 most popular sneakers under $100.

Nicole Kliest
Freelance Contributor

Nicole Kliest is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City who focuses on fashion, travel, food, wine, and pretty much anything else that's amusing to write about. After graduating from Pepperdine University with a bachelor's in journalism and creative writing, she started her career back in 2010 as Who What Wear's photo editor and throughout the last decade has contributed to publications including Fashionista, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, The Zoe Report, PopSugar, Fodor's Travel, and several others. She also copywrites and has worked with clients such as Frame, Sea, 3x1, Intelligentsia, and others to develop brand voices through storytelling and creative marketing. She's very passionate about the ways we can improve our sustainability efforts in the fashion industry as well as cultivating content that's diverse and inclusive of all people. When she's not checking out the latest restaurant opening in her West Village neighborhood or riding her bicycle along the West Side Highway, she can be found scheming her next trip somewhere around the world. (Up next is Vienna.)