Men's Sneakers for Work

Want a comfortable shoe for work but not sure if you can get away with sneakers in the office? While it may have been a controversial take 20 years ago, modern office attire and suits can be paired with sneakers, and still look professional and well put together. Thus, if you're worried about whether sneakers are considered business casual for men, read on for a full guide on how to pull off a look that, when done right, can be as stylish as it is comfortable.

The past few years have seen an increase in adaptable working habits including hot-desking and working from home, it has become more apparent than ever that a little flexibility at work is a good thing - and work wear is no exception. Though business casual has long seen a more relaxed approach to styling office looks, traditionally sustainable sustainable sneakers were reserved for Casual Fridays and remote working, but things are changing.

With a huge variety of smart sneakers and hybrid styles dominating the market, the gap between smart and casual footwear is narrowing, and with huge range of designs available it means men's office wear can now be injected with more personality and individual style than the formulaic suit and a pair of oxfords; sneakers for work mean keeping feet comfortable, professional and stylish.

CAN MEN WEAR SNEAKERS TO WORK?

Yes. But that said, there are some guidelines to follow to keep looking smart that make it okay to wear sneakers to the office. Firstly, make sure they are clean and presentable. There will be a noticeable difference between an intentionally styled sneaker suit pairing, and an old pair of worn and dirty shoes thrown on at the last minute. While clothes are not a direct reflection of one's ability to work efficiently, they are nevertheless an outward representation of attitude, and need to be selected with intention in order to be taken seriously.

When done right, well-styled sneakers can take a suit or work outfit from rigid and stuffy to formal but stylish, offering a relaxed approach that actually appears more confident and authoritative - just look at Steve Jobs or Mark Zuckerberg; style icons they may not be, but they have been key in demonstrating the link between comfort and productivity with authority. 

WHAT IS THE BEST SNEAKER FOR WORK?

One consideration to take into account when selecting men's shoes to wear to work, is the type of profession and general office vibe. Either way, you can find the perfect match by choosing men's dressy sneakers, this way you can customize them yourself from scratch, choosing every single piece of them according to your taste and needs.

Sneakers for workwear are found much more commonly in creative jobs such as designers, architects, software developers etc, where formal sneakers are seen 4 days of the week, and come Casual Friday anything goes. But it is still possible to wear sneakers even in the smartest office if done right - just be sure to keep a pair of formal shoes handy in a drawer for client meetings and formal events.

As throwing on any old pair of sneakers is not an option, we have outlined a few rules to avoid looking out of place:

-Running and hiking shoes are an absolute no - specially designed for endurance, high performance shoes will look completely out of place with a suit or smart-casual workwear.

• Choose the right materials - sustainable natural fibres and quality manufacturing will yield a superior finish, last longer, and be easier to clean. Avoid plastics and cheap options that can be prone to splitting and surface flaking after just a few wears.
• Keep colours simple - avoid big logos or bright sections to keep a cohesive smart-casual work look that is in line with the rest of the outfit.
• Choose a sleek style of sneakers to pair with suits - look for a hybrid between sneakers and brogues or oxfords, or pair with smart-casual trousers and a button-down shirt and blazer for a professional yet relaxed look.
• Keep sneakers the same colour as the trousers - or suit to blend in for a seamless look that can also create the illusion of extra height.
• Black sneakers look closer to formal work shoes than other colours (if good quality) - and can be a great transitional option while getting used to the look and finding a personal style.
• If you do want to go bold and make a statement with a chunky sneaker silhouette - keep the rest of the design minimalist to blend in, or if you are going for bright colours think carefully about how to complement the rest of the outfit.

5 WAYS TO STYLE OFFICE-APPROPRIATE SNEAKERS

Still stuck for ideas about how to make sneakers work with men's office wear? Try a few of the below ideas until you find the right one for you:

1. Go for low-top canvas sneakers in a neutral colour.
2. Choose classic white vegan leather sneakers in a slim fit that will go with any outfit.
3. Try slip-on sneakers to bridge the gap between sneakers and loafers.
4. Give trainers a go for a modern look to move away from oxfords.
5. Try a semiformal commuter sneaker Chelsea style in black vegan leather that is flexible, but almost indistinguishable from formal work shoes without close inspection.

As with any new style trend, adopting the men's custom sneakers for work look into daily wear works well when done to complement personal tastes. There is no point trying a chunky streetwear sneaker when your go-to weekend look is canvas high-tops - it will just look out of place.

Instead, think about personal style and comfort first, and if in doubt, opt for a neutral closet staple sneaker that will work with any wardrobe item, and take the worry out of dressing for the office knowing they will get it right every time.

In order to help you achieve the best office outfit, at Bullfeet you have the opportunity to create your own sneakers from scratch. You are just a few simple steps away from your favourite kicks, thanks to our 3D shoe creator! Million choices available at your fingertips, from the sole to the laces, it's all entirely up to you. You have style, own it! 

We are a truly sustainable brand; our shoes made in Spain are handmade from recycled materials. Some of which include clothing destined to end up in landfills, or bottle tops from the ocean. Besides, we produce solely on demand, true to our zero stock, zero waste philosophy - this way, each and every pair is unique, just as unique as you!

Are you concerned about the future of our planet? Check out our blog "There is NO Planet B".

The Bullfeet Team ®