Office Sneakers

1. Overview

2. Dresscode and etiquette

3. Design and style

4. Material and quality

5. Comfort and suitability for everyday use

Sneakers in the office
Generally accepted in modern work environments
Basic rule: neat, discreet, stylish

Sneakers suitable for business
Simple, high-quality models
Neutral colors: white, black, brown, gray, dark blue

Material & Quality
Smooth leather looks particularly elegant and is easy to care for
Regular care is essential

Are sneakers allowed in the office?

Many companies are moving away from the traditional dress code, as the trend is toward smart casual. As a result, sneakers have become much more acceptable in the office. Especially in modern work environments, such as start-ups, agencies, etc., business sneakers have long been part of the everyday look. As a rule of thumb, you can remember: sneakers are okay—as long as they are neat, stylish, and discreet. In companies with a formal dress code, such as banks or law firms, sneakers are often still considered taboo.

Which sneakers are considered suitable for business wear?

Simple models with minimalist aesthetics and subtle colors, such as white, black, brown, or even blue. Your sneakers should also be made of high-quality materials, such as smooth leather. There are some clear no-gos that you should avoid. Particularly sporty models, such as classic running shoes with thick soles or eye-catching air cushions, can quickly look too casual and lose their seriousness. Bright colors, shiny effects, and oversized logos are also out of place in the office. The focus should be on restraint and elegance. Also, make sure to always wear clean shoes; unkempt or worn sneakers always leave a bad impression, no matter how stylish the rest of your outfit is. Last but not least, accessories also play a role: colorful tennis socks or unusual patterns are an unnecessary distraction. Plain, subtle socks are the better choice here.

What are the rules for sneakers in business casual attire?

Business casual is a dress code that is common in many companies today. Sneakers are generally allowed and are often worn with this style. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind: Choose business casual sneakers that are subtle and stylish. Models in neutral colors are ideal, with white establishing itself as a modern classic in business casual wear. Eye-catching patterns, neon colors, large logos, or sporty models can quickly look too playful or too athletic. Apart from that, your shoes should be in perfect condition, i.e., clean and well-maintained. Would you like to learn more about business casual? In this article, we go into detail about the dress code.
In short: Sneakers are definitely acceptable in business casual attire—as long as they are clean, simple, and high-quality. They should complement your outfit, not overshadow it. 

Which sneakers go well with a suit or jacket?

Not every sneaker is automatically suitable for wearing with a suit. Minimalist models with a narrow cut are ideal, as are neutral colors and high-quality materials, as already described. Fashionable business sneakers, which are specifically designed for a smart appearance in the office, often have a tone-on-tone sole, a clean design, and look almost like a classic leather shoe, only more comfortable. But the choice of suit is also crucial for a stylish look. Your suit should be cut to fit close to the body. The classic business suit with wide legs or wool fabric is less visually compatible with sneakers. Instead, slim-fit or modern-fit suits made of softly draping materials such as cotton blend, jersey, or light wool fabric work well. It is important that the pants have a cropped or ankle-length fit. This shows off the sneakers to their best advantage and gives the look a deliberately modern feel. Overall, sneakers with a suit are no longer a break in style, but a contemporary, confident style that is ideal for creative industries, modern offices, or informal business meetings.

Which colors are suitable for business sneakers?

How can you stylishly combine sneakers with office outfits?

You can create a stylish office outfit with sneakers by pairing them with fabric pants or chinos and a shirt, blouse, or polo shirt. Dark wash jeans are also a good choice when paired with a blazer or jacket. The pants should be slightly cropped or end at ankle height to show off your sneakers to their best advantage. Color-coordinated accessories, such as a belt in a similar shade to your shoes, complete your sneaker business look. However, you should not choose runners for your office outfit; classic sneakers with a high-quality look are the right choice.

What does a modern business outfit with sneakers look like?

A stylish office outfit with sneakers depends on the right combination of cut, color, and materials. It is important to create a harmonious overall look in which the sneakers complement the outfit rather than dominate it. Whether monochrome in black, tone-on-tone in beige, or modern in gray and light blue, you can create elegant yet comfortable business looks with selected basics such as chinos, pantsuits, or blazers.
Here are three great outfit ideas for women and men:

Which materials look high-quality for business sneakers?

Not every sneaker is automatically suitable for wearing with a suit. Minimalist models with a narrow cut are ideal, as are neutral colors and high-quality materials, as already described. Fashionable business sneakers, which are specifically designed for a smart appearance in the office, often have a tone-on-tone sole, a clean design, and look almost like a classic leather shoe, only more comfortable. But the choice of suit is also crucial for a stylish look. Your suit should be cut to fit close to the body. The classic business suit with wide legs or wool fabric is less visually compatible with sneakers. Instead, slim-fit or modern-fit suits made of softly draping materials such as cotton blend, jersey, or light wool fabric work well. It is important that the pants have a cropped or ankle-length fit. This shows off the sneakers to their best advantage and gives the look a deliberately modern feel. Overall, sneakers with a suit are no longer a break in style, but a contemporary, confident style that is ideal for creative industries, modern offices, or informal business meetings.

Are leather sneakers more suitable for the office than fabric models?

Yes, leather sneakers look more elegant and professional, and are often more durable. Leather is easier to clean and care for. Leather shoes are also comfortable in summer if the leather is breathable. Fabric models, on the other hand, usually look too casual for the office and are more difficult to care for.

How do you care for sneakers so that they look smart in the office?

Regular cleaning is essential to ensure that your sneakers always look well-maintained in the office. Ideally, you should remove surface dust or dirt daily with a damp cloth. Once a week, you should clean your sneakers more thoroughly. Use a colorless or matching leather care product to keep the material supple and maintain its shine. Especially with white sneakers, it is advisable to refresh the sole occasionally with a special cleaner. The laces can be replaced or washed separately if necessary. For a long life, you should also not wear the same pair every day; switching between two models will noticeably extend their life. Shoe trees also help to maintain shape and fit.

Which sneakers are comfortable for long days at the office?

ZFirst and foremost, you should pay attention to the right size and fit. Sneakers that don't fit properly will always be uncomfortable. Make sure that the shoe is neither too tight nor too loose. Your foot should be firmly supported without being constricted. A good rule of thumb: there should be about a thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe. It's best to try on new shoes in the afternoon or evening when your feet are slightly swollen – this will ensure that they are comfortable even after a long day.

An ergonomically shaped last and lightweight shoes also make for a comfortable fit. We offer particularly comfortable models with the X-Motion function. These are shoes that feature running shoe technology.

Are there business sneakers with insoles or good footbeds?

Yes, many sneakers offer removable insoles, allowing you to customize the shoe to your individual needs. You can find these shoes under “Removable Footbed.”

Can orthopedic sneakers also be worn in the office?

Yes, modern orthopedic shoes are visually indistinguishable from business sneakers. As described above, it is important to have a simple, unobtrusive look and a good fit.