Do you want comfortable footwear for work but aren’t sure if sneakers are appropriate in the office? While 20 years ago this might have been controversial, modern suits and office outfits can now be paired with sneakers and still look professional and put-together. If you're wondering whether sneakers can be considered business casual for men, read on for a complete guide to achieving a look that, when done right, can be just as stylish as it is comfortable.
The new era of business casual
In recent years, we've seen a rise in adaptable work habits, like hot-desking and remote work, and it’s become clear that a little flexibility in the workplace is a good thing—and workwear is no exception. Although business casual style has long been used to create more relaxed office looks, sneakers were traditionally reserved for casual Fridays and working from home. But times are changing.
The New Must-Have for Men’s Office Wear
With a huge variety of stylish sneakers and hybrid styles dominating the market, the gap between dress shoes and casual footwear is narrowing. The vast range of available designs means that men’s office wear can now incorporate more personality and individual style than the formulaic suit and tie, with sneakers offering a comfortable yet professional and stylish option.
Can Men Wear Sneakers to Work?
Yes, but with some guidelines to ensure you stay elegant while wearing sneakers in the office. First, make sure your sneakers are clean and presentable. There’s a big difference between a deliberately styled pair of sneakers and a worn-out, dirty pair thrown on at the last minute. Although clothing doesn’t directly reflect someone’s ability to work effectively, it does send an outward message about their attitude and should be chosen with intention to be taken seriously.
When done right, a well-designed pair of sneakers can turn a stiff, overly formal work outfit into something more relaxed yet still elegant, projecting an air of confidence. Just look at Steve Jobs or Mark Zuckerberg—not exactly style icons, but they’ve been key figures in demonstrating the relationship between comfort, productivity, and authority.
What’s the Best Sneaker for Work?
When selecting shoes for work, consider your profession and the general office environment. You can find the perfect match by choosing dress sneakers for men that you can personalize from scratch, selecting every element according to your tastes and needs.
Sneakers as workwear are much more common in creative jobs like designers, architects, software developers, etc., where sneakers can be worn four days a week, with anything going on casual Fridays. However, it's possible to wear sneakers even in more formal offices when done correctly. Just be sure to keep a pair of formal shoes handy in a drawer for client meetings and formal events.
Guide to Choosing the Best Sneakers for Work
Since not just any pair of sneakers will do, here are some rules to avoid clashing with office attire:
- Running sneakers: An absolute "no." Designed for endurance, high-performance sneakers will completely clash with a suit or smart-casual work attire.
- Choose the right materials: Sustainable natural fibers and quality craftsmanship give a superior finish, last longer, and are easier to clean. Avoid cheap plastics that tend to crack and peel after a few uses.
- Keep the colors simple: Avoid big logos or bright sections to maintain an elegant business-casual look that blends seamlessly with the rest of your outfit.
- Go for sleek styles: Look for a hybrid between sneakers and leather shoes, or pair sneakers with casual trousers, a button-down shirt, and a blazer for a professional yet relaxed look.
- Color coordination: Sneakers should match the color of your trousers or suit to integrate with the outfit and create the illusion of extra height.
- Black sneakers: Black sneakers, especially in good quality, resemble formal work shoes more than other colors and can be a good transition option as you get used to the look and find your personal style.
- Sole design: If you want to go bold with a chunky sneaker silhouette, keep the rest of the design minimalist to fly under the radar. If you opt for bright colors, carefully consider how to complement the rest of the outfit.
5 Ways to Wear the Right Sneakers to the Office
Still unsure how to pair sneakers with men’s office wear? Try out some of the following ideas until you find the one that works best for you:
- Opt for low canvas sneakers in a neutral color.
- Choose classic vegan leather sneakers in white with a tailored fit that pairs well with any outfit.
- Try slip-on sneakers to bridge the gap between athletic shoes and loafers.
- Go bold with dress sneakers for a modern look that moves away from Oxford shoes.
- Experiment with semi-formal Chelsea-style vegan leather sneakers in black, flexible but almost indistinguishable from formal work shoes unless looked at closely.
Why Choose Bullfeet
We are a truly sustainable brand; our handcrafted shoes made in Spain use recycled materials—some of which include clothing destined for landfills or bottle caps from the ocean. Plus, we only produce on demand, staying true to our zero-stock, zero-waste philosophy, making each pair as unique as you are!
