Get some colorful running shoes and a baseball cap and you'll look just like a frat boy!

Since you asked .... Sneakers - OK - but white sneakers? Get a pair of one of the new, cooler looking darker colored running shoes (aka sneakers). That will give you a look in between the white sneaker/khaki and loafer/khaki look.

Seems like most feel it's ok.

But some feel darker colors would be better?

OK, if you want to get serious here, tell us where you will be (northern vs southern California, big city like SF or LA vs smaller or resort area like Santa Barbara or Carmel). Also what sorts of activities -- museums, golfing, Disneyland, opera, etc.

Personally I would dress differently as a tourist in LA or Santa Barbara than in SF (weather alone would dictate that) and perhaps a little more conservatively in a smaller city like Fresno or Sacramento.

Also, when? I would tend to wear darker colors in winter, but in LA that's irrelevant.

marilyn, would be mid October. Going up and down the California coast. SF, Carmel, down to LA, so running the gamet you might say.

By the way, I know this isn't all that important, but fun advice nonetheless.

Don't really know your lifestyle, t-and-g, but I've lived in California for 35 years and IMHO dress is very casual for most people in most places. I simply cannot imagine anyone giving you a second look if you are wearing sneakers of any color with khakis. (I assume you will have something more dressed up if you plan dinner in a nice restaurant.)

Men wear khakis year round here. Women wear white year round as well, which was a definite no-no when I was growing up in the midwest. You don't need darker colors or heavier clothes in October. It will be warm and probably sunny in southern CA, likely in the 70's and if you're lucky, it will still be beautiful up here in no Ca as well, although temps more like the 60's.

It does get quite chilly in the evenings in SF and coastal areas like Carmel, so be sure you bring a jacket or light sweater. Layering is the key to dressing in SF -- forget about the colors! And mid-Oct, it's possible it could rain.

I am with tandoori girl. NO WHITE SNEAKERS. Darker ones would be OK but you would be better off with loafers, Doc Martens or Sketchers.

It will definitely be cooler in Northern California but should be much warmer in SoCal. I know next week in LA the temperatures will be in the high 70's, maybe hitting 80. You could wear shorts during the day although it was been cooling down quite a bit a night so you'd probably need to change to pants in the evening. Also, is a little cooler at the beaches but yersterday for example at the beach was in the 70's.

I think the real question is how old are you? And are you trying to look good--or just not strange enough to attract attention?
LOL
I'm sure your white sneakers would be fine, although not particularly stylish.
Seriously though, if you are considering buying some new shoes, check out Merrell brand shoes. My husband wears them and he has zero tolerance for uncomfortable shoes. They are kind of a crossover shoe. Some of their styles are really ugly, but check out the Primo, World Piece, and World Summit.
I looked up the the style names for you at sonomaoutfitters.com, but there are tons of places that sell that brand.
Have a great trip!

Thanks Marci.....don't need to look real stylish....just not geeky.

Thanks Marilyn and Paula. I'm still hoping it's warm enough to just wear shorts!

By the way, why are only women answering this post???

Why are only women answering this post?

Ask your wife , travelinandgolfin LOL

I think few men on these boards pay any attention to the threads with shoes or clothes in the title

travelinandgolfin, in my book, you get a big A+ for effort

Thanks ladies. Just don't want to embarrass my wife!

Honey, I seriously doubt you would embarrass your wife

In white sneakers, I don't think you'll get any funny looks or embarass your wife (in fact you'll probably see others in the same attire). However if you are trying to get on Ken Blackwell's list (which I doubt you are), there are probably better options. Maybe a very casual slip on loafer or driving mocassin - would be very comfortable and you don't have the hassle of laces. But either way, I think you are fine.

you didn't mention where you are going. My J. bought some great Mephisto sandels that he said wear the most comfortable shes he ever wore.
But each of us fit differenly in shoes.