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The Office-Friendly Sneakers ELLE Editors Wear on Repeat
Comfortable and cute sneakers for commuters.
It’s safe to say that this decade is seeing a drastic change in style and culture like no other. And undoubtedly, the shift from the once-standard Monday-Friday, 9-to-5 model to a hybrid schedule has changed how we dress for a corporate setting. These days, it’s looking a lot less Suits and a lot more brunch with friends. We’re no longer constrained to long pencil skirts and stuffy gray ensembles. Instead, comfortable work sneakers and, on occasion, casual jeans are completely acceptable staples to wear in your cubicle—even your old-school manager is swapping her stiletto heels for ballet flats.
The Office Sneakers Shopping List
- Best Suede: Dries Van Noten Leather-Trimmed Suede Sneaker, $585
- Most Flexible: Tory Burch Field Sneaker, $250
- Best Everyday: Everlane The Day Sneaker, $104
- Best Leather: Common Projects Original Achilles Low-Top Sneaker, $565
- Best Street Style: Salomon Gray XA Pro 3D Sneaker, $140
- Best Low-Top: Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66, $190
- Best Sporty: New Balance 530 Sneakers, $100
- Best Brown: Alohas Tb.490 Club Sneaker, $168
- Best With Foldover: Adidas Samba LT, $120
- Best Navy: Larroudé Stella Sneaker, $175
Can you wear just about any sneaker to the office? Well, it depends on your profession, but it’s safe to say there’s a distinction between your workout trainers and an office-friendly sneaker. Breathable mesh panels and supportive insoles don’t always fit in the boardroom. Instead, look for sleek, stylish shoes you can style with a dress or tailored trousers. Materials like leather and suede will automatically give your kicks a more sophisticated touch. Beautiful shoes take you to beautiful places, so choose the ones that lead you to your next dream job or well-deserved promotion. Ahead, shop the best sneakers for the office.
The key to wearing sneakers to work is opting for sleek, smart designs that don’t scream athletic wear. These Dries Van Noten shoes were certainly not meant to be worn on a tennis court. Instead, the all-black leather-and-suede shoe goes well with pleated trousers or a midi skirt. Alexis Bennett Parker, ELLE’s commerce content lead, says, “With a suit or dress, these are the type of sneakers that you can get away with wearing everywhere. Plus, the suede details instantly elevate the sporty silhouette.”
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: Tan
Materials: Leather, suede
These newly released Tory Burch sneakers have editors such as senior fashion commerce editor Dale Arden Chong excited to try a pair. They feature a low-profile silhouette and a slip-resistant rubber sole. A soft exterior makes them comfortable for all-day wear, too, bending and molding with every step you take.
Sizes: 5-13
Colors: 9 options
Materials: Leather, suede, rubber
Customer review: “I love the chic, slim profile of these sneakers! Perfect for a day of running around the city. Comfort and style combined!”
As the name suggests, these leather sneakers are perfect for daily wear. They have a smart and casual appearance, which is ideal for the office, and the green accent at the heel differentiates them from a simple all-white shoe.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: White, White/Green, Canvas Tan/Bluebell, Parchment
Materials: Leather, suede, rubber
Customer review: “These have to be the comfiest trainers I have ever found (along with the Court sneaker), they are so comfy but also really smart, they hold up incredibly well and are really easy to clean and maintain.”
A white leather sneaker is about as professional sneakers get. Even in the most buttoned-up environments, you can get away with pairing them with slacks and a tailored shirt. The leather looks sharp while being easy to clean and maintain.
Sizes: 7-14
Colors: Black, Grey, Moss, White
Materials: Leather, rubber
While the chunky shoe may not be suitable for all professions, the trendy Salomon sneaker is great for more casual offices. Assistant accessories editor Madison Rexroat says, “I really love my Salomon sneakers both for work and the airport (which sometimes feels like a second office these days). They’re easy to slip off—if your TSA line is still doing that—and add a sense of industry-insider cool to any outfit.” Instead of traditional laces, these tighten via an adjustable drawstring—a unique feature that sets it apart from the masses.
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: Gray
Materials: Synthetic textile, rubber
As Asics’s more stylish sibling brand, Onitsuka Tiger offers style, comfort, and ease with its shoes. The Mexico 66 can be paired with just about anything, as the simplistic appearance offers a neutral addition to any outfit. Style it with your favorite jeans, a flowy skirt, or a comfortable dress.
Sizes: 5-14
Colors: 8 options
Materials: Leather
What was once synonymous with a father’s weekend wardrobe is now every trendy girl’s go-to sneaker. The chunky silhouette adds a casual touch to your corporate attire (just keep your look polished with more tailored silhouettes rather than jeans).
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: 13 options
Materials: Polyester, rubber
Customer review: “I was looking for a pair of sneakers that could go with anything and also perfect for going on walks. These check both of those boxes! They are so lightweight and perfect for everyday use. I’m so happy!”
The Adidas Samba hardly needs an introduction, seeing that the style already counts Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber as fans. And while it may be among the most popular slim-fit sneakers of the moment, not many opt for the version with the fold-over lip. “Sambas admittedly aren’t gentle on my Achilles, but the nostalgia hits hard—I loved them in the ’90s and still do today,” says Claire Stern Milch, ELLE’s digital director.
Sizes: 5-10
Colors: Black
Material: Leather, rubber
A navy suede sneaker might not be your obvious pick, but the dark hue is a great option for a gray suit or an all-white ensemble. It offers a cooler alternative to standard black or brown. The white accents add a visual flair, too.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: Black
Materials: 12 options
Customer review: “These sneakers are so retro cool and beautiful in this navy blue. The lace choices are also such a plus! They are soooo comfortable as well.”
Without a doubt, you can’t go wrong with a white sneaker. And guess what? These are a favorite of Milch, who says that “Rod Tidwell might disagree, but I’m a fan of Reebok. The Court Advance Sneaker is super comfortable and cushioned enough to wear all day.” They conveniently go with everything, making them a reliable option to own.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: 29 options
Materials: Leather, rubber
Customer review: “I wear these basically everyday at work. I’m on my feet a lot and they’re comfy. I can wear them for long periods of time.”
Here’s an underrated sneaker to keep on your radar. The Palermo is the ultimate combination of style and comfort, and the silver hue feels especially current.
Sizes: 5.5-11
Colors: 12 options
Material: Leather
Customer review: “Love them. No break-in period. Super comfy. Cute with jeans or a dress.”
New Balance designs sneakers for all aspects of life—including the office. The brand’s sleek 327 is perfect for commuters, thanks to a thick sole that offers extra cushioning.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: 8 options
Materials: Polyester, rubber
Customer review: “Very comfortable. I love the neutral tone to wear with any outfit. My new casual work day go-to.”
This neutral pair proves you can wear a pair of chunky sneakers with your work outfits.
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: White/Birch
Materials: Leather, textile, synthetic, rubber
Customer review: “Stylish, super comfortable, and soooo easy to pair with anything! I use it for casual days and at the gym. It’s definitely a great purchase.”
Really, though, does it get more classic than a pair of Chucks? We think not. Beauty director Kathleen Hou agrees. “I’ve been wearing these classic sneakers since high school. I buy a new pair every single year because they get so much wear, from weekdays to weekends.”
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: Parchment
Materials: Canvas, rubber
Customer review: “After wearing out my old Converse All Stars, I purchased these Chuck 70s. They redesigned the insole and they're so much more comfortable. I can now wear them all day and not feel fatigued.”
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