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Skip the pumps and pull on a fresh pair of sneakers.
In a perfect world, we would all receive a universal income for keeping up with Real Housewives and petting at least one dog a day. Since the world is far from perfect, most of us have jobs at which we’re expected to adhere to a dress code. Wearing sneakers for work not only makes the rat race a bit easier to run but can also spice up your business causal wardrobe with a bit of fashion flavor. Thanks to celebrity-driven trends and luxury fashion brands dipping their toes into designing athletic footwear, you’ve got more options than ever before when it comes to your workwear ensembles.
Unless your professional demands women wear heels, there are plenty of sneaker styles suitable for the workplace. Whether you're looking for a pair of subtle sneakers that blend in with ballet flats and boat shoes or have a job that encourages freedom of fashion expression, you'll find a pair of sole-soothing work shoes in the roundup ahead.
Vibrant and Athletic
If you already own a pair of flashy running shoes, there's no reason not to work them into your business casual outfit rotation. Vivid hues keep this style of sneakers for work from looking like a commute pair scheduled for swapping with pumps once you hit the office.
A Pop of Color
Spring is in the air which means dresses are on our minds. Whether your work looks feature dresses with floral prints or more toned-down geometrics, a pair of neutral sneakers with a pop of coordinated color is a great choice for tying a look together.
Big Dad Energy
Normcore sneakers have come a long way recently. Whether you’re a fan of Brooks or New Balance, a pair of casual dad shoes can add an edge to structured suiting. Intentionality is key for nailing this look so we recommend reaching for a pair of wide-leg or puddle trousers that frame your sneakers just so.
Subtle Skate Shoes
For those of you who stick to a sleek, all-black aesthetic, a dark skate shoe is the perfect sneaker for work. A pair in suede or canvas also acts as a textural counterpoint that can be played up to great effect. When worn with a leather blazer, quilted jacket, or printed pants, these sneakers bring major multidimensionality to any business casual look.
Vintage Vibes
You don’t need to be a sneakerhead to appreciate a great pair of classic high-tops. A go-to shoe for skinny jeans and other denim pants, vintage high-top Jordans or similarly nostalgic shoes are our pick for a casual Friday ensemble. If your workplace is anti-jeans, it's worth noting that these sneakers also shine when worn with tailored trousers
Sleek and Streamlined
If you love long lines or oversized ensembles, a pair of sleek black or white sneakers like the celeb-loved Adidas Sambas deserve a starring role in your nine-to-five work look lineup. These understated sneakers’ silhouette isn’t far off from that of a loafer or ballet flat which makes them a stealthy option if you want to keep your sneaker-wearing under the radar in the office.
An Unexpected Silhouette
High fashion meets streetwear in this chunky and trendy sneaker style. Brands like Louis Vuitton, Louboutin, and Prada have all designed sneakers with strong lines and unexpected silhouettes making them ideal for fashionistas looking to inject loud luxury into their work wardrobe.
Monochrome Magic
Breathe life into a power suit by wearing it with a pair of bold, monochromatic sneakers. As with running shoes, the best way to style this sneaker for work is to fully commit. In this case, "go big or go home" is a great rule of thumb when it comes to color as well as the accompanying look. Oversized separates will keep your look chic and intentional.
Lightweight Leather
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.
Classic Canvas
For more casual workplaces, a pair of classic Converse sneakers can take the guesswork out of finding the right pair of shoes to wear with a great dress or skirt set. Natural canvas is a great choice for warmer weather while navy Converse low-tops pair well with pencil or ankle pants.