The best work sneakers for men are designed to be worn to the office. Just because we’re in the era of business casual doesn’t mean you can throw on any old pair of sneakers and wear them to work. You need a pair that balances comfort with minimalist style, and we’ve curated a list of our favourite silhouettes below to cover all these bases. Whether you’re starting a new job or you’ve been at the same workplace for years, it’s important to be well-presented, and no matter where you sit on this great formal-wear timeline, our list of the best sneakers for work below has you covered.
Best Sneakers for Work at a Glance
Highlights from our list include the following options:
- Best overall: Common Projects Original Achilles Low
- For value for money: adidas Stan Smith Lux
- For comfort: Acne Studios Steffey Friend Sneakers
Now that you’ve read our favourites let’s check out the complete list.
Table of contents
- Best Sneakers for Work at a Glance
- 1. Common Projects Original Achilles Low
- 2. adidas Stan Smith Lux
- 3. Alexander McQueen Oversized Sneaker
- 4. Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star 70 High Top
- 5. Maison Margiela Replica Sneakers
- 6. Reebok Club C 85
- 7. Veja V-12
- 8. Golden Goose Super-Star
- 9. Salomon XT-6
- 10. Maison MIHARA YASUHIRO Peterson 23 Low Top Sneakers
- 11. Air Jordan 1 Low ’85 ‘Neutral Grey’
- 12. Acne Studios Steffey Friend Sneakers
- Alternatives to These Work Sneakers
- Tips For Wearing Sneakers to Work
- Your FAQs Answered
RELATED: These are the best sneakers for men, according to us.
1. Common Projects Original Achilles Low
Price: from AUD$400
- Pros: Comfortable, made from premium leather, and goes with everything
- Cons: They can take a while to break in, and they’re very expensive
Still the best sneaker to wear to work, The Common Projects Achilles practically launched the idea of wearing sneakers to the office when it was released in 2004. Today, it’s an absurdly expensive sneaker (after being subject to constant price rises), but few brands have managed to create a better shoe for less. The distinctive gold size and style chart on the heel lets everyone know exactly what you’re wearing, and it’s visually perfect with a flat rubber bottom, premium leather upper, and leather heel tab that adds structure to an otherwise basic shoe.
We’ve owned our pair for the best part of 10 years, and we’ll note that they take time to break in, so don’t expect out-of-the-box comfort from the Common Projects Original Achilles Low. We’ve also tried Common Projects alternatives from brands such as KOIO and Oliver Cabell. However, we’d recommend only two brands over CP: Crown Northhampton and Zvelle.
Ultimately, this shoe is for those who want to fly under the radar and impress those who know. You can dress them up and down, which means they cater to the individual’s own sense of style, no matter the occasion. They’re just as at home under some suit pants and a white button-down as they are with fitted grey sweatpants and hoodies.
Made in: Italy
Sole: Rubber
Lining: Leather
Outer: Leather
Features: Gold-tone logo, branded insole
2. adidas Stan Smith Lux
Price: from AUD$230
- Pros: These are affordable, and we recommend the adidas Stan Smith Lux model which uses higher-quality leather than the standard model
- Cons: Can be a little too casual in design for some office environments
The adidas Stan Smith debuted in 1971 as a performance tennis shoe. However, it has recently found a second life as a go-to men’s sneaker for office wear. Also one of our favourite white sneakers for men, it’s perfectly suited to work environments with its white leather upper, midsole, and outsole. It doesn’t stand out much because of this, but it does have a distinctive green tab on the heel.
The value-for-money proposition here is second to none, especially the adidas Stan Smith Lux, which we’ve selected because of its premium materials that are more true to the original.
You can have your adidas Stan Smith in a wide variety of colours that can change the colour of the heel, outsole and the upper itself. However, we recommend choosing a simple white Stan Smith with a splash of colour on the heel (as pictured). The shoe perfectly complements your work outfit and goes with pleated chinos, suit trousers, and jeans. You could even get away with wearing a clean pair with a suit in Summer.
Sole: Rubber
Lining: Leather
Outer: Leather
Features: Round toe, flat rubber sole
3. Alexander McQueen Oversized Sneaker
Price: from AUD$990
- Pros: Designer alternative to the adidas Stan Smith with an iconic, classic design
- Cons: Not a shoe for the fashion faint-hearted because it’s a chunky shoe and can look clunky
You can see a trend forming here with our selection of office sneakers because the Alexander McQueen Oversized looks like the younger brother of Stan Smith, that couldn’t stay off the Big Macs. It stole all the good bits of the older sibling’s work and made them bigger, better, and more luxurious. The size of this shoe instantly gives it designer sneaker vibes.
This shoe is best worn with a simple button-up shirt and casual suit pants (that break just above the ankle). However, we should remind you that before you purchase a pair of these, you must ensure your closet matches the designer’s aesthetic. If you don’t, you risk looking as clunky in these as you would in a pair of Air Jordans.
Made in: Italy
Sole: Rubber
Lining: Leather, fabric
Outer: Calf leather
Features: Round toe, chunky rubber sole
4. Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star 70 High Top
Price: from AUD$150
- Pros: Iconic design that’s perfectly suited to more relaxed office settings
- Cons: Not wearable in more professional settings because of this relaxed design
The Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star 70 is a remastered version of the Chuck Taylor from the 1970s and can be viewed as a premium alternative to the modern Chuck Taylor. It is the most accurate representation of what that sneaker looked like when it was new. It celebrates the original design with vintage details, including stitching on the sidewall, heavier-grade canvas for the upper, and a slightly higher collar. These subtle differences can distinguish acceptable office attire and an outfit best kept for your favourite music festival.
Of course, the Chuck Taylor is a more relaxed option for wearing to the office, but it is perfect if you work in a more relaxed setting because of its iconic design. We recommend pairing these with Japanese denim jeans and a nice polo or bowling shirt to reflect the vintage vibes of this shoe.
Sole: Rubber
Lining: Canvas
Outer: Canvas
Features: organic cotton canvas, OrthoLite cushioning
5. Maison Margiela Replica Sneakers
Price: from AUD$1,050
- Pros: The best German Army Trainer replica on the market, iconic design with premium quality
- Cons: Prohibitively expensive for most buyers, rarely found on sale
First introduced in 1998, the Maison Margiela Replica sneaker found a trend and ran with it. The shoe replicates the German Army Trainer shoes of the 1970s and is commonly referred to as the Margiela GAT for its resemblance to the army sneakers from which it gets its name. The Replica was introduced by Margiela in his fashion shows throughout the 1990s after the popular silhouette entered army surplus stores after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Today, the Replica is worn by the most fashionable people in the business.
It continues to be one of the best sneakers for office wear, mostly thanks to its pared-back minimalist design and use of premium materials. We recommend these for more casual office settings, and you can pair them with chinos or quality denim jeans.
Made in: Italy
Sole: Rubber
Lining: Leather
Outer: Leather
Features: Round toe, suede panels
6. Reebok Club C 85
Price: from AUD$140
- Pros: Comfortable, iconic design, relatively affordable
- Cons: Can get dirty very easily and quickly lose its ability to be worn in professional settings
If the adidas Stan Smith isn’t for you, check out the Reebok Club C 85, which is another tennis-inspired shoe from the archives of one of the biggest sneaker brands in the world. This simple white shoe comes in various colourways, but we recommend the all-white pair to wear to the office. They remain one of the most popular sneakers in the office today because they can be worn with almost anything. The low profile cut and soft leather upper lend themselves to infinite comfort and can be easily worn for long periods in environments that require a good amount of walking.
Sole: Rubber
Lining: Polyester
Outer: Leather and polyester
Features: Low-cut, lightweight EVA midsole cushioning
7. Veja V-12
Price: from AUD$260
- Pros: Sustainable choice that doesn’t compromise on quality, professional look
- Cons: Can be hard to find in men’s sizing with limited retailers
While Veja sneakers are manufactured sustainably and without compromise, that’s not why they’ve made our list of best work sneakers for men. These shoes are comfortable, and the simple design lacks obscure logos, so they’re ready to wear to the office. Every shoe in the brand’s lineup comprises high-quality materials, such as organic cotton and wild rubber from Amazon forests, and innovative fabrics, such as recycled plastic bottles, and you’d struggle to find someone who doesn’t believe in recycled sneakers, especially if they look this good.
The Veja V-12 featured here is also flexible enough for everyday wear. We recommend pairing it with straight-leg denim jeans or suit pants for a professional look.
Made in: Brazil
Upper: Leather
Logo V: Amazonian rubber (26%), silica mineral (22%), synthetic rubber (14%) and others (38%)
Insole: Amazonian rubber (11%), biobased E.V.A. (42% sugar cane), recycled E.V.A. (11%), organic cotton (12%) and others (14%)
Outsole: Amazonian rubber (40%), silica mineral (23%), recycled rubber (10%), synthetic rubber (11%) and others (16%)
Lining: Tech (100% recycled polyester)
Laces: Organic cotton (100%)
Features: Round toe, flat rubber sole
8. Golden Goose Super-Star
Price: from AUD$790
- Pros: Modern design that’s quickly made these shoes some of the most popular on the market
- Cons: The distressed look is not for everyone. The toe box is narrow and takes weeks to break in.
The Golden Goose Superstar has become an icon in its own right, and while it might appear broken, distressed, and second-hand, that’s the charm. Everyone does (or should) know exactly what this sneaker is because of this distinct look, and if they do, they’ll know exactly how much money you paid to get your hands on a pair. Not that price always matters, but it might when you’re in a professional environment.
We recommend wearing your new Golden Goose Superstars with minimalist outfits, e.g., mostly earthy tones, linens, and monochrome colours.
From our experience, Golden Goose Superstars are unsuitable for people with wider feet. While the supple leather will mould to your foot over time, the toe area is cramped, making them uncomfortable for extended use.
Made in: Italy
Upper: Cow leather
Lining: Cow leather, cotton
Sole: Rubber
Features: Low-top, round toe, shearling lining
9. Salomon XT-6
Price: from AUD$300
- Pros: Comfort, technical design, and durability
- Cons: More of a casual look, not suitable for an office
Salomon sneakers went from an overnight success to a mainstay in the sneaker and fashion communities. While it has been a few years since the trend started, they’ve remained a go-to work sneaker for many thanks to their comfort and technical, retro design. If you work in an office, we’d recommend a simpler, more basic design with monochrome colours. However, if you can nail your outfit, they suit a variety of professional environments, too. Pair them with pleated chino pants, cargo, and even suit trousers.
Upper: Mesh upper with TPU coating
Lining: Mesh and textile lining
Sole: EVA midsole, rubber outsole
Features: Quickpull lacing system
10. Maison MIHARA YASUHIRO Peterson 23 Low Top Sneakers
Price: from AUD$580
- Pros: Recognisable designer silhouette, comfort, and simple design
- Cons: Expensive for what is a melted Converse Chuck
Maison MIHARA YASUHIRO takes inspiration from Chuck Taylor with their Peterson 23 sneakers. However, the brand has been around since the late 1990s, so we wouldn’t exactly call these sneakers a blatant rip-off with a designer price tag. They’re better described as a Japanese-style Chuck, with the designer’s iconic uneven sole (modelled using clay) seen here on the new Peterson 23 sneaker.
Like Chuck Taylor, these sneakers go with everything, but we recommend pairing them with a semi-formal outfit in which the trousers break just about the shoe’s collar.
Upper: Canvas
Sole: Uneven rubber, modelled using clay
Features: Contrasting thick laces
11. Air Jordan 1 Low ’85 ‘Neutral Grey’
Price: from AUD$240
- Pros: Minimal silhouette with a low collar that works in casual offices
- Cons: Not suitable for professional environments, can’t wear with a suit
If you want to wear Air Jordans to the office, ensure they’re Air Jordan 1 Low ’85s. These are the simplest, most acceptable pair of basketball sneakers for work because of the low-cut ankle collar and minimal silhouette, which gives them a clean look without attracting unwanted attention. Wear these in a more casual office setting and pair them with chinos or suit trousers with a button-up shirt.
Upper: Smooth leather
Lining: Textile
Sole: Rubber
Features: Nike Air cushioning, nubuck accents
12. Acne Studios Steffey Friend Sneakers
Price: from AUD$820
- Pros: Designer silhouette that works in semi-formal settings, comfortable Thermoplastic outsole
- Cons: Velcro closures aren’t for everyone, not as professional as a Common Projects Achilles
One of our favourite designer sneakers, the Acne Studios Steffey Friend stands out with its velcro closures and designer silhouette, equal parts casual and semi-formal. These are a great alternative to shoes like the Alexander McQueen Oversized, a shoe that can be a little chunky for some buyers. Wear these with suit trousers, chinos, and casually with cargo pants and even shorts. Suitable for casual offices and more professional environments where semi-formal dress codes are accepted.
Upper: Cow leather
Lining: Recycled polyester
Sole: Thermoplastic polyurethane
Features: Round toe, velcro closure, face logo detailing, Acne Studios branding
Alternatives to These Work Sneakers
- Valentino Garavani Rockrunner (from AUD$1,470): An unofficial signature at Valentino Garavani, the rock runner has changed its camo several times yet remains one of the most recognisable designer sneakers today. The camouflage print and colourful accents of the rock runner are best paired with shades of grey or black that won’t clash, allowing the sneaker to do its job of impressing everyone around you. For a shoe that flaunts camouflage and colour, the shoe plays a remarkably understated game when worn with designer slacks or chinos. If you want to change it from white sneakers to rock something a little more flashy in the office, check these out.
Tips For Wearing Sneakers to Work
Our expert style editors have put together a short list of tips for pulling off sneakers at work:
- Keep It Simple – The best sneakers for work are simple and understated.
- Neutral Colours – Stick with neutral colour sneakers such as blacks, whites, greys and navy.
- Don’t Stand Out – Avoid bright colours, metallics and overpowering patterns.
- Keep It On the Court – Remember, these are the best sneakers for work, not on the court.
- Clean is Key – Don’t rock up in your beaters. Make sure they’re free from scuffs and dirt.
Pro tip: Remember that all jobs are different, so use your discretion to determine which shoes are appropriate for your workplace. If your company has a dress code, stick to it. More importantly, remember that your old mate in accounts will never take you seriously wearing a pair of Carolina Blue Air Jordan XIs. If you’re ever in doubt, check out these loafers, which cover all bases.
Your FAQs Answered
Sneakers are one of the best ways to express yourself in the office. You can show off a bit of taste and personality in your work outfit and wear a pair of sneakers to work. All jobs are different so use your discretion to determine which shoes are appropriate for your workplace.
Aim for a pair of white or neutral coloured leather sneakers like the Common Projects Achilles if you're going to wear them in a semi-formal workplace. You might be able to experiment with the likes of the New Balance 990v5 at a more casual workplace.
GAT Sneakers resemble the 'German Army Trainer' shoes of the 1970s. GAT's became popular after they were found in army surplus stores after the fall of the Berlin wall in 1989. Margiela showcased GAT sneakers on his runway shows throughout the 1990s before bringing them to the public in 1998.
