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10 Sneakers You Can Wear to Work
Wearing sneakers to work can be a cardinal sin if executed poorly. Whether you’re starting a new job or you’ve been working for years, it’s important to be well-presented in the office. No one wants to do business with someone who looks like they’ve been sleeping under a bridge. Luckily for some of us, our work attire doesn’t require a suit, tie and a pair of business shoes. The main thing to remember is just because we’ve been blessed with the freedom, this doesn’t mean we should take it for granted.
Sneakers are one of the best ways to express yourself in the office. So show off a bit of taste and personality in your work outfit and wear a pair of sneakers to work. If you’re worried about how you might pull off this rambunctious fit, fear no more. We’ve put got some tips to help you wear sneakers to work. Combine these tips with our list on the 10 sneakers you can wear to work and you’ve got a winner. Get out your best pair of cuffed pants and get ready to put the office on notice.
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Tips For Wearing Sneakers to Work
All jobs are different so use your discretion to determine which shoes are appropriate for your workplace. One last thing, always remember Jenny in accounts will never take you seriously wearing a pair of Carolina Blue Air Jordan XI’s. With that being said, here are a few simple tips:
- Keep It Simple – The best sneakers for work are ones that are simple and understated.
- Neutral Colours – Stick with neutral colours 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.
10 Sneakers You Can Wear to Work
When it comes to footwear, a nice pair of leather dress shoes are always a safe bet. They are not your only options, however. Don’t be afraid to go for a more daring and comfortable option by lacing on a pair of sneakers. Here is a list of the 10 best sneakers you can wear to work:
1. Common Projects – Original Achilles
The Common Projects Achilles is the sneaker that took the ‘dress sneaker’ trend to new heights. This simple shoe stuck out amongst the Jordans of the time and brought levels of minimalism to the footwear market. This shoe is for the man who only wants to impress those who ‘know’, and the shoe stands out only by the gold style code on the heal. CP’s can be dressed up as much as they can be dressed down, catering to the individual’s own sense of style. The Achilles is just as at home under some suit pants and a white button-down as it is with some fitted grey sweat pants and a hoodie. You can do what you want stylistically with this sneaker and you will look professional under all circumstances.
Made in: Italy
Sole: Rubber 100%
Lining: Leather 100%
Outer: Leather 100%
Features: matte finish, gold-tone logo, branded insole
Price: $490
2. Adidas – Stan Smith
Since its debut in 1971, the Adidas Stan Smith has been the choice for the style conscience office worker. This sneaker is the tennis shoe that birthed the popular white sneaker trend we see today. Although the stan smith doesn’t say much with its basic white tennis shoe aesthetic, it’s a great day-to-day shoe that you can wear under any circumstance. Like many other white sneakers, the stan smith will need to be kept fairly clean if it’s going to be a sneaker you wear to the office. The sneaker is available in a wide variety of colour options that change both the colour of the heel, outsole and the upper itself. We recommend choosing a stan smith in white with a splash of colour on the heel. The stan smith complements almost any outfit, from chino pants to cargos and jeans alike.
Sole: Rubber 100%
Lining: Polyester 100%
Outer: Leather 100%
Features: round toe, flat rubber sole
Price: $130
3. Alexander McQueen – Oversized Low-Top
You can probably see a trend here. The Alexander McQueen Oversized Sneaker is the younger brother of the Stan Smith. It’s the younger brother that took all the good bits of the older sibling’s work and made them bigger, better, and more luxurious in every way. The size of this oversized shoe is impressive, but it’s nothing for the faint of heart. While you might’ve been able to blend in with the stan smith, the AMQ will make you stand out, especially for those who know. The Alexander McQueen oversized sneaker is best worn with a neutral coloured button-down shirt, and casual suit pants (preferably cropped). Before you go ahead and cop a pair of these, make sure you have the closet that matches the designer aesthetic these portray. You run the risk of looking just as clunky in these as you would in a pair of Jordan’s.
Made in: Italy
Sole: Rubber 100%
Lining: Leather 100%, Fabric 100%
Outer: Calf Leather 100%
Features: round toe, chunky rubber sole
Price: $780
4. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star 70 High Top
The Chuck ’70 is the remastered version of the Chuck Taylor from the 1970s. The sneaker utilises vintage details to celebrate the original design by including stitching on the sidewall, heavier grade canvas for the upper, and a slightly higher sidewall. Put the current Chuck Taylor alongside the Chuck ’70 and you will notice these subtle changes amount to a more premium sneaker. It’s the subtle differences that can be the difference between acceptable office attire and an outfit that is best kept for the weekend. The Converse Chuck ’70 has an unmistakable design, one that is widely adopted by artists, musicians, thinkers and originals across the globe. This shoe is best paired with selvedge denim jeans, and a nice polo or bowling shirt to reflect the vintage vibes this shoe gives off.
Sole: Rubber 100%
Lining: Canvas 100%
Outer: Canvas 100%
Features: organic cotton canvas, OrthoLite® cushioning
Price: $130
5. Maison Margiela – Replica
First introduced in 1998, the Maison Margiela Replica sneaker found a trend and ran with it. The shoe resembles the German Army Trainer shoes of the 1970s and is even referred to as the Maison Margiela GAT for its resemblance to the army sneakers it gets its name ‘replica’ from. The Replica was introduced by Margiela in his fashion shows throughout the 1990s after the popular silhouette made its way into 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 and is as good looking as it is historical. The Replica is best worn with a pair of cargos or quality denim jeans. It is one of the easier sneakers you can wear to work.
Made in: Italy
Sole: Rubber 100%
Lining: Leather 100%
Outer: Leather 100%
Features: round toe, suede panels
Price: $594+
6. Reebok – Club C 85
The Reebok Club C 85 is another tennis-inspired shoe from the archives of one of the biggest sneaker brands in the world. This simple white shoe flaunts a gum bottom for a vintage look that is all class. They are one of the most popular shoes today, and for good reason, they can be worn with just about anything. The low profile cut and soft leather upper lends itself to infinite comfort and can be easily worn for long periods in environments that require a good amount of walking.
Sole: Rubber 100%
Lining: Other Fabrics 100%
Outer: Leather 100%, Other Fabrics 100%
Features: low-cut, lightweight EVA midsole cushioning
Price: $130
7. Valentino Garavani – Rockrunner
An unofficial signature at Valentino Garavani. The rock runner has changed its camo more than a few 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. For a shoe that flaunts camouflage and colour, the shoe plays a remarkably understated game when worn without too much pop on top. The rock runner is for the kind of man who wants to change it up from the white sneakers and rock something that’s a little more flashy.
Made in: Italy
Sole: Rubber 100%
Lining: Polyester 100%
Outer: Leather 100%
Features: almond toe, flat rubber sole, tonal pyramid stud detail
Price: $990+
8. Veja – V-10
Veja sneakers are manufactured sustainably and without compromise. The Veja lineup is made out of a variety of materials, from organic cotton, wild rubber from the Amazonian forest and innovative fabrics such as a recycled plastic bottle. The shoe demonstrates respect for both the environment and humans alike, as such, they have become a demonstration piece of sorts for the environmental conscience. You would struggle to find someone who doesn’t believe recycled sneakers isn’t a good idea, especially if they look this good. The Veja is as flexible as any other white sneaker, partner them with some light wash denim jeans or cargos and they become a sneaker you can wear to work.
Made in: Brazil
Sole: Rubber 100%
Lining: Fabric 100%
Outer: Vegetable Fibres 100%
Features: round toe, flat rubber sole
Price: $210
9. Golden Goose – Superstar
The Golden Goose Superstar is synonymous amongst the fashion-forward. While the sneaker isn’t necessarily minimal by design, it is best paired with a minimal outfit. Look to pair this sneaker with an outfit that consists mostly of earthy tones and linens. The Superstar has become popular for somewhat controversial reasons, many people can’t imagine spending over $600 on a shoe that’s intentionally ‘distressed’. It is for this reason though that the sneaker has such a strong following amongst some of the most fashionable industry names.
Made in: Italy
Sole: Rubber 100%
Lining: Ovine Leather (Top Grain) 60%, Calf Leather 40%
Outer: Calf Leather 89%, Ovine Leather (Top Grain) 11%
Features: low-top, round toe, shearling lining
Price: $660
10. New Balance – Made in US 990 v5
Get your norm-core Steve Jobs fit off in the office with the New Balance 990 v5. If you shy away from the thought of getting up in the morning and putting together an outfit this is the sneaker for you. This is the sneaker you can wear to work and everywhere else. Pair the 990 with a pair of checkered suit pants for a play on tradition or match it with some baggy corduroy pants for a traditional feel, the choice is yours. If you only had one shoe for the rest of your life, the New Balance 990 V5 would be it. It brings a lot to the table, premium construction, comfort, and a vintage dad shoe vibe that works under all circumstances, including the office.
Made in: United States
Sole: Rubber 100%
Lining: Fabric 100%
Outer: Suede 100%, Fabric 100%
Features: blown rubber outsole, dual density collar foam, ENCAP midsole cushioning
Price: $280
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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.
Sneaker News #18 – Nike Goes Sweet with the ‘Strawberry Lemonade’ Air Max 1
11 Best Sneaker Stores in Sydney
Nike’s Controversial New Sneaker Aims for an Over-Reaction
Can you wear sneakers to work?
What are the best sneakers for work?
What are GAT sneakers?
Mr Mark Jessen
Mark Jessen studied English at Brigham Young University, completing a double emphasis in creative writing and professional writing/editing. After graduating, Mark went to work for a small publisher as their book editor. After a brief time as a freelance writer, Mark entered the corporate world as a copywriter. These days, his hours are spent mostly in proofing and editing, though he continues to create content for a wide variety of projects. In 2017, Mark completed UCLA's Creative Writing Certification. A prolific writer, Mark has over 20 years of experience in journalism.
