These Sneakers Are So Chic, You Can Wear Them To The Office (2024)

These Sneakers Are So Chic, You Can Wear Them To The Office (1)

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Gone are the days when sneakers were relegated to the gym or casual weekend outings. Wearing sneakers to work might not be so groundbreaking in 2023, where the notion of business casual is the go-to dress code for anyone back in the office. Over the years, the humble sneaker has emerged as a must-have footwear for the young, modern professional. But you can’t just pick any old sneaker for the workplace. As a fashion editor and celebrity stylist, not only do I personally exclusively wear sneakers in my day to day, but I also am constantly dressing my clients in them.

Peep the best work sneakers to shop now, below

The best work sneakers are elevated, clean, sleek, and cool. And some can even add a little personality to an outfit. They are comfortable of course, but not too athletic. While we love a good workout sneaker, leave those for the actual workouts, because work sneakers fall into a slightly more elevated category. At Women’s Health, we believe in celebrating fashion's ability to adapt to the world's ever-evolving lifestyles, especially when it’s a sportier one. And the concept of donning comfortable sneakers to the office perfectly encapsulates this culture shift. So, I’m here to help you do it right. Whether you're dressing down a cool suit or pairing a pair of kicks with a floral feminine dress (chef’s kiss to this juxtaposition), stylish sneakers for the office strike the perfect balance between young professional, comfortability, and streetwear cool. As someone who used to wear comfortable heels on repeat, this is my favorite sartorial revolution yet— redefining office attire while empowering women through comfortable stylish footwear. Read on for my picks on the best sneakers for the workplace.

Most Popular Work Sneakers

Adidas Samba

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Most Popular Work Sneakers

Adidas Samba

At this point, the Adidas Samba is a reimagined cult classic. If you live in a city, chances are you'll see multiple versions each day you step foot outside. The style looks great with a relaxed suit and tee shirt for the office, with a midi skirt under a sweater, or floral feminine dress. The black and white is a classic, but if you're feeling adventurous it's now offered a variety of colors and prints. Pro tip: be sure to pay super close attention to the specified men's or women's sizing before checking out. It's a gender neutral style and many sites provide both sizing through one page.

Rave review: "Samba OG shoes deliver a perfect fusion of style and comfort. The classic design, coupled with durable leather and a gum sole, pays homage to adidas' heritage. Versatile on and off the court, though sizing may run narrow for some. Overall, they are a solid choice for a timeless and comfortable sneaker."

Size range5 to 15
Colors10+
MaterialsLeather with vegan leather options

Best Work Sneakers Overall

Veja V-90 Sneakers

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Best Work Sneakers Overall

Veja V-90 Sneakers

Veja sneakers might seem like a status symbol for the French girl chic aesthetic. While there are tons of work-appropriate styles from the Veja site, the V-90s are modern and sporty with a retro flare (and come in a variety of colors). But the V logo stands for something much bigger. The founders of Veja started the brand to reimagine the sneaker industry to be more sustainable, transparent, and fair to its factory workers overseas. Each sneaker is produced in high-standard factories in Brazil using top notch and organic cotton, leather, and canvas. At an under-$200 price point, you can score a pair that's not only high quality and chic, but you can feel good about supporting the brand's much bigger mission.

Rave review: "These are adorable sneakers! You can wear with jeans or dresses!"

Size range35-42
Colors7
MaterialLeather

Best Basic Work Sneakers

Everlane The Day Sneaker

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Best Basic Work Sneakers

Everlane The Day Sneaker

Now 40% Off

Everlane's Day Sneaker is a perfectly priced, clean, crisp shoe that you can quite literally wear with anything. It's one style that belongs in everyone's closet—whether you opt for the clean white or make a subtle statement in one of their muted colors.

Rave review: "To my surprise they are actually extremely comfortable and have more cushion than you would think just by looking at photos. The material is so easy to clean."

Size range5-11
MaterialsLeather and recycled materials
ColorsKalamatta, pale pink, parchment, white

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Most Comfortable Work Sneakers

Vionic Kimmie Slip On

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Most Comfortable Work Sneakers

Vionic Kimmie Slip On

Vionic is a podiatrist brand that prioritizes foot health for longevity. The Kimmi Slip Ons feel elevated in a leather finish but cool with a moderately chunky platform. They are a great work sneaker for people that are on their feet a lot, or that have a long walk to work. They have great support, a cushioned footbed, a padded collar and stretchy insets. It's an effortless yet stylish way to comfort.

Rave review: "I have medium, sometimes wide feet (depending on brand) and very high arches, and these shoes are so comfortable! They are comfy with thin socks. I am thinking about getting in every color!"

Size range5-13
Colors4
MaterialLeather

Best Platform Work Sneakers

Dolce Vita Daran Wedge Sneaker

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Best Platform Work Sneakers

Dolce Vita Daran Wedge Sneaker

Dolce Vita's Daran Wedge Sneakers are a perfect option if you're looking to add a little height without wearing compromising comfort. They give a shock-absorbing pep in every step. Plus, the textured style makes them a stylish statement that's just as eye-catching as heels.

Rave review: "I absolutely love these shoes, love the look and style and that they are comfortable. I love that the weave is different from other shoes. I get tons of compliments every time I wear them. Buy them!"

Size range5-13
MaterialWoven raffia, vegan leather, rubber
ColorMultiple styles

Best High Top Work Sneakers

Gola Tennix Mark Cox High Tops

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Best High Top Work Sneakers

Gola Tennix Mark Cox High Tops

High tops for the workplace can be tricky because they can easily be the focal point of your outfit when the goal should be to nicely compliment it. This style from Gola is the perfect option because they are made with a subtle and sturdy yet flexible canvas and a retro design. They are versatile to be rolled down or, when worn up, they look great under a pair of cropped ankle trousers or midi skirt.

Rave review: "Love these! wide enough in the ball of the foot, nice structure and good padding in the foot bed, although no arch support. Super cute, too."

Size Range5-10
Colors3
MaterialCotton, leather

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Most Elevated Work Sneakers

M Gemi The Cerchio

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Most Elevated Work Sneakers

M Gemi The Cerchio

Now 32% Off

This might be the closest sneaker to a dress shoe on the entire list, making them the most office appropriate in not-so0-casual settings. The woven, buttery leather makes these feel extra special and elevated without compromising on comfort. They are surprisingly lightweight and feature a memory foam footbed for additional cushion. M Gemi shoes are all made with impeccable craftsmanship in Italy making them a worthy investment that will last.

Rave review: "This is a beautifully crafted shoe and actually my second pair. It's truly one style for almost all occasions."

Size35-42
Colors6
MaterialLeather

Best Nike Sneakers for Work

Nike Cortez

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Best Nike Sneakers for Work

Nike Cortez

In a world of endless Nike sneakers, it can be hard to differentiate the difference between athletic, work-appropriate, and streetwear style sneakers. The Cortez strikes the perfect balance for the workplace (a version of it was once in a J.Crew collaboration). It makes any suit 10x cooler for all genders and pays homage to Nike classics. Designed in 1972, the Cortez was the first Nike shoe to feature the Swoosh. It's also a pop culture icon, featured in Forrest Gump among other movies. So basically, you're wearing a piece of history with these sneakers. The green suede feels super special, but there are a variety of leather colors available on Nike's site.

Rave review: "80s kids will love these. They are much lighter than the original similar pair I had in Junior High. They are super comfortable and they look great. I love that this style is back in fashion."

Size Range5-11
ColorsGreen (more options on Nike's site)
MaterialSuede

Best Slip On Work Sneakers

Vans Classic Slip-On

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Best Slip On Work Sneakers

Vans Classic Slip-On

No one does a slip-on sneaker quite like Vans. The classic style molds to your foot the more you wear them, making them feel like second skin. The all black is elevated and are an effortless go-to sneaker option for work days.

Rave review: "I have slightly wide feet and these really fit the bill in terms of not being too squished for my poor little feet. They are cute, go with everything, and are great every day shoe."

Size range5-17.5
Colors11 (more on the Vans site)
MaterialCanvas

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Most On Trend Work Sneakers

New Balance 550

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Most On Trend Work Sneakers

New Balance 550

You've seen this style on Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and even Taylor Swift. It's an "it sneaker" that lives up to the hype, turning any basic outfit into something cool. The New Balance 550 phenomenon is an '80s resurgence that isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Although they require a break-in period, the more you wear them, the more you'll love them.

Rave review: "These are very cute, comfortable, and I got many compliments from people."

Size6-11
Colors3
MaterialLeather

Best Dressy Sneakers for Work

Cole Haan Women's GrandPrø Topspin Sneakers

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Best Dressy Sneakers for Work

Cole Haan Women's GrandPrø Topspin Sneakers

Historically, Cole Haan is known to make some of the best dress shoes around. The brand added sneakers to the lineup, and naturally they are elevated, dressy, and sleek, living up to their original reputation. The GrandPro Topspin sneaker gives dress shoe vibes with sneaker heaven comfort.

Rave review: "If you are looking for a SUPER comfortable sneaker you should look at these! There is comfort right out of the box. No break in time for me."

Size range5 to 11
Colors5
MaterialLeather

Best Work Sneaker Boots

Birdies The Falcon

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Best Work Sneaker Boots

Birdies The Falcon

Now 50% Off

Once you've stepped foot in a Birdies' footbed you'll find it hard to wear any other sneaker. This version is a weatherproof sneaker-boot, perfect for rainy days and even slight snowfall. The all leather feels elevated enough for the office. It even has a hidden wedge heel for a little height.

Rave review: "I love the cushy feeling of the footbed. I have some knee and pain with my feet from time to time and these are very comfortable."

Size range6-12
Colors6
MaterialLeather

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Best Statement Work Sneakers

Charlotte Stone Darby Sneakers

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Best Statement Work Sneakers

Charlotte Stone Darby Sneakers

When you are looking to make a sporty statement—whether that's through a cool suit and graphic tee, or pair of simple trousers and a sweater, sneakers from Charlotte Stone are the way to do it. The brand's color combos are more like color stories. These are fun, modern, and fresh. Plus, they have a memory foam insole and bring sufficient support to any type of foot arch.

Rave review: "These sneakers are so comfortable and cute! I wear them walking around cities and even to the office with a monochrome suit. I love the memory foam footbed. I always get so many compliments."

Size range4-13
Colors2
MaterialDune and cabana

How we selected the best work sneakers

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Vanessa Powell is a seasoned stylist and fashion writer with more than a decade of experience. Previously, she was a fashion editor for People Magazine and Health Magazine, and has styled celebrities including Sydney Sweeney, Bailee Madison, Hilary Duff, and more. For this story, she evaluated more than 60 sneakers that she's personally tested in the past year, judging their fit, comfort level, and just how great they looked for the office. She regularly uses most of the work sneakers on this list.

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These Sneakers Are So Chic, You Can Wear Them To The Office (27)

Vanessa Powell

Vanessa is an established editor, stylist and shopping expert covering all things style, gear and wellness. She lives in Los Angeles and is passionate about sharing innovative products, tips and trends for people and the planet.

These Sneakers Are So Chic, You Can Wear Them To The Office (2024)

FAQs

Is it appropriate to wear sneakers to the office? ›

The typical lace-up sneaker can be a great fit for a business casual workplace. As lace-up sneakers have a more casual look than a slip-on, a neutral color and leather material will help provide a clean look suitable for the office.

How do I make my sneakers look chic? ›

PAIR WITH ANKLE LENGTH MODERN SKINNY JEANS (UNDER $60 ON SALE): The first of 3 tips for how to look chic in sneakers is to wear form-fitting modern denim. I find that wearing sneakers with long baggier jeans looks frumpy and doesn't create the right balance in a look.

Which sneakers for office? ›

If you've got a great business casual look that you want to take center stage, keep your footwear simple and opt for a pair of lightweight leather sneakers in a neutral tone like white, off-white, or tan. This shoe style is capable of supporting and enhancing a bold outfit without distracting or pulling focus.

Can I wear vejas to work? ›

Avoid vibrant colors or any sneakers that resemble a running shoe — instead, aim for clean and neutral shoes that pair well with other business casual attire. For a couple of examples, these white and black Vejas are perfect for womens business casual attire, and these brown leather sneakers are a great choice for men!

What shoes are not appropriate for the office? ›

Avoid sandals that are too informal, like flip flops, or inappropriate for the office, like strappy heels. When wearing open-toe shoes, pick ones that correspond to your business attire for a professional look in keeping with your company dress code.

Can sneakers be used as business casual? ›

Another option for business casual footwear are trainers/sneakers. While trainers may not be appropriate for all workplaces, they can work well in more relaxed environments. Smart trainers/sneakers can be worn with a variety of clothing items, including dresses, skirts, and trousers/chinos.

Can sneakers be chic? ›

The key to wearing sneakers in a stylish, chic way is to let the sneaker style speak for itself. If a shoe has lots of colors or patterns, it loses the classic feel and can actually distract from the overall look of the outfit. I stick with shoes that have 2 colors or 2-3 shades of the same color.

How do you wear sneakers to work and look professional? ›

A tailored midi skirt is another perfect way to wear sneakers for work. In this outfit, I styled these sneakers from Veja with a cotton midi from A.L.C. and a blue cotton button-up from Frank & Eileen to create an effortless business-casual appropriate look.

What style jeans look best with sneakers? ›

Universally flattering, straight-leg jeans pair well with low-top sneakers of any kind. We're partial to black and white pieces with medium-wash blue jeans for a timeless look.

What color sneaker is best for work? ›

Material: Leather and suede are going to be the best materials for business casual sneakers. That's not to say canvas can't sometimes work, but anything fabric-based will make an outfit look even more casual. Color: Men's office sneakers should stay in the neutral color lane. That means black, brown, white, and gray.

What color shoes are best for office? ›

A neutral color is always a safe choice for a business casual shoe, especially at more formal offices. It is always a good idea to have a quality pair brown or black leather shoes in your closet. Its versatility will be appropriate for both formal and casual occasions.

What are good work sneakers? ›

3 Best Work Shoes in 2024
  • Best overall. Hoka Bondi SR.
  • Best comfort. Hoka Clifton LS.
  • Best arch support. Brooks Addiction Walker 2.
Apr 10, 2024

Are VEJA still trendy in 2024? ›

Veja takes time over each and every design, with the end goal being that each pair would still be wearable in ten years' time – while the sneakers are on-trend, they are also timeless and simple.

Why is VEJA so popular? ›

Fair wages, sustainable practices and sustainable materials, and organic materials make Veja one of the best brands out there. And they are made with wild rubber (and mostly raw materials) from the amazon rainforest. What is this?

Are VEJA sneakers still trendy? ›

Influencers can't get enough of them, editors wear them 24/7 and even celebrities like Emily Ratajkowski and Emma Watson are fans, not to mention literal royalty Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle have been spotted wearing the trendy shoe while they're out and about.

Can you look professional in sneakers? ›

Sneakers and a Suit: Wearing sneakers with a suit or even just a blazer can make you look professional but still feel comfortable. This is a cool vibe that you can totally pull off. Try to get a suit that isn't your average colour. A blush pink suit can look awesome with a pair of white sneakers.

What is not appropriate to wear in an office? ›

Generally, business casual is not jeans, T-shirts, overly tight or revealing clothing, athletic wear, beach-type clothing, flip flops, hoodies, hats, crop tops, visible undergarments, and torn clothing.

Are white sneakers office appropriate? ›

You can wear many styles of sneakers to work, but I think a classic slim-fitting white sneaker works well. Although I stuck to pants for this post, I've also seen many outfits with dresses for work that look great with sneakers.

What shoes to wear to the office? ›

A neutral color is always a safe choice for a business casual shoe, especially at more formal offices. It is always a good idea to have a quality pair brown or black leather shoes in your closet. Its versatility will be appropriate for both formal and casual occasions. However, don't be afraid to experiment with color.

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