"I know that there are people in this world who enjoy getting dressed up for work. As they walk into the office, their blazer, trousers, and heels scream I am a successful woman, giving them the kind of confidence that simply cannot be replaced. They’re the kind of people who have a business-casual dress code and still give off I mean serious business energy. But my question to them is this: Do you really wear your heels all day? Do you commute in them? Do you ever dream of a sensible sneaker? Because I sure do.
I’ve never been—and will never be—the girl who takes the casual out of business casual. Luckily for me, I work from home, but when I do need to trade in my slippers for an office-appropriate shoe, you better believe it’s for a pair of sneakers. And because my love for them runs so deep, I’m always on the lookout for more, even when I really don’t need them (because I work from home, remember?). But let’s be real: That’s never stopped me from buying more sneakers. So whether you’re like me and are solely interested in comfortable shoes to wear to work, or you are looking for a sneaker to wear with your casual office outfits, for your commute, or really any other time you feel like it, we’ve rounded up the best work sneakers for business-casual clothes.
8 Work Sneakers For Business Casual Clothes
Low-top sneakers
When I think about business-casual sneakers, I think of low-top, white leather sneakers. They’re classic and can go with practically any outfit, and depending on which pair you get, can go with absolutely anything. If you’re going to buy any type of business casual sneakers, let it be these.
You can't go wrong with a classic pair of white low-top sneakers, and this pair from Sam Edelman is one of the best. Just ask our Assistant Editor, who loves them so much that she got a brand new pair for her wedding.
Considered one of the cool-girl sneakers of the year, you can't go wrong with this '70s-inspired low-top sneaker featuring canvas, suede, and leather.
Slip-on sneakers
I love slip-on sneakers because they’re incredibly laid-back and easy to style, but still look polished and sleek. Without having to worry about tying the laces, you can throw these on when you’re running out the door with just about anything and still look like you put thought and effort into your outfit for the office.
These slip-ons have a lightweight rubber sole, cushioned footbed, and suede inside the heel, so you're guaranteed to be comfortable and blister-free all day long.
2 colors available
These perforated skater-style slip-on Vans are a classic choice for any of your casual work outfits. Trust us, you'll reach for them multiple times a week.
High-top sneakers
Meet the cool-girl sneaker: the high-top. While they aren’t always the most appropriate option depending on your work environment or whether or not you have important meetings, you can definitely get away with them in a business-casual setting or on a casual Friday.
Perforated details and a cushioned footbed make for a comfortable, sporty style. We've been seeing the low-top Vejas everywhere for years, so we're loving this new take on the iconic sneaker.
2 colors available
Looking for an ultra classic shoe that you can wear with dresses, jeans, trousers, and literally anything else in your work(and casual) wardrobe? These are the high-tops for you.
2 colors available
Canvas sneakers
Canvas sneakers are the best option for anyone who’s looking for a pair of sneakers that they can change into after their commute. You can shove them in your work tote or laptop bag without ruining their shape, and the canvas material makes them super lightweight to carry.
Vans girlies know the drill: These canvas sneakers go best with a pair of jeans and your favorite T-shirt. Casual Friday, here you come.
10+ colors available
We're fans of all-things Coach right now, and these low-top sneakers are no exception. Since they have a comfortable cushioned insole, they not only look good, but feel good too, so they'll quickly become one of your favorite pairs.
Leather sneakers
Leather sneakers are arguably the most common type of sneaker that people wear both inside and outside of the office, and as far as I’m concerned, that’s for one reason only: they’re easy to clean. If you live in a city and commute to work or you’re just not easy on your shoes, these are the sneakers for you.
With a mix of leather, suede, and mesh, these sneakers offer a sleek and simple update to the traditional leather court sneaker, and for that reason plus their cushioning and arch support, we can't stop reaching for them.
If you're as big of a fan of this brand as we are, you'll be excited to know (if you didn't already) that they make lifestyle sneakers too that are just as comfortable as their running shoes.
3 colors available
Platform sneakers
If you want to add a little edge and a literal lift, opt for a platform sneaker. The most popular platform sneaker right now is, without a doubt, a pair of high-top Converse, but they come in a ton of different forms to suit anyone’s style.
These lower platform sneakers offer a streamlined profile and vintage-inspired details, like their mixed-media upper and raw-edged foam tongue.
7 colors available
Gazelle sneakers are having a moment this year, so why not take things up a notch and opt for the platform style? They're triple-stacked and totally cool-girl approved.
10 colors available
Dressy sneakers
If you work in an office that leans more on the business side than the casual side, but still want to be comfortable and wear sneakers to work, opt for a pair of sneakers that is dressier than your average pair. They usually have cleaner lines or can resemble a loafer. Below are a few of our favorites.
With the look and feel of a traditional sneaker but the design of a dress shoe, these leather sneakers will make even your more casual work outfits look like you're ready to tackle your to-do list.
10 colors available
The leather and nubuck details make these look way more like a dress shoe than a casual slip-on, so you can count on these for the days when you want to be comfortable but still look professional too.
3 colors available
Sporty sneakers
We love chunky, sporty sneakers paired with dresses and trousers, and these days, we’re seeing all different styles pop up from our favorite brands. New Balance, Adidas, and Anine Bing, we’re looking at you.
Are these not the coolest dad sneakers you've ever seen? Anine Bing knows how to take the '90s-inspired athletic sneaker and make it one we'll all swoon over.
With their breathable and lightweight design, these shoes are not only sporty and fun, but they're designed for all-day wear. You'll love these if you walk to work or are on your feet a lot.
3 colors available
5 Business Casual Outfits With Sneakers
With jeans and an oversized blazer
If this outfit doesn’t scream It-Girl, I don’t know what does. Pair your low-top sneakers with baggy jeans, an extra oversized blazer, a white sweater (or a T-shirt in the warmer months), and a huge bag, and trust that the entire office will be complimenting your outfit before you even get to your desk.
With cargo pants
Converse and cargos? I can’t think of a better combination. Paired with a black tee, a blazer, and a shoulder bag, this look will be one you will be recreating all throughout fall and winter.
With a denim maxi
If you’re one of the many girlies who unexpectedly fell in love with the long denim skirt trend, here’s a brand new way to style it. Grab your coziest sweater and your sneakers for a look that is not just trendy but comfortable, warm, and ready for the office.
With trousers
If you’re not sure how to make your Converse look dressy, look to this outfit combination for inspiration. Paired with a pair of trousers and a button-up cardigan, they instantly look more work-appropriate.
With a maxi dress
If you’re going for a girly-yet-sporty look, we love pairing chunkier sneakers with a dress—no matter the season. In the warm months, look to this outfit for inspiration with the sleeveless floral dress, crochet sweater, and white sneakers, and in the colder months, pair a long sleeve dress and a blazer or a sweater with your sneakers. It also happens to fit the wrong-shoe theory that our editors are loving this season.
