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Whether or not you’re back to office and posted up in your cubical or still working from your “home office,” spring is the time to refresh your essentials, from light spring jackets to anything-but-boring chinos. And no item is more important for surviving the in-person nine to five than office-ready sneakers. A staple of everything from casual Friday to the inevitable can’t-bear-to-wear-brogues-again day, the dressed-up tennis shoes is a go-to style, especially after a yeah of slippers and slides.
Unfortunately, the formal sneaker has also been noticeably and unfairly pigeonholed into a truly terrible excuse for a shoe. Far too often, the default “causal office kicks” is a monstrous knit-derby-hybrid. Poorly constructed, throughly uncomfortable, and a general eye sore around the workplace, it’s time to put the faux-leather footwear to bed and grab an appropriate pair of sneakers for the office.
Unlike of the typical office abomination, the best work sneaks are concerned with craftsmanship as much as they are with comfort, with a soft-grain leather or high-quality suede benchmarks of the business-casual-bracket. Likewise, easy-pair colors— white, black, navy, and beige—are the name of the game when it comes to wearing casual kicks to work. Browse our picks below for the best pairs of office-friendly sneakers. Whichever pair you choose, your feet (and your co-workers) will thank you.
Greats The Royale Sneaker
A Greats shoe at an affordable price, The Royale is about as low-key as you can go for an office sneaker, boasting full grain-leather and premium footbed for maximum comfort in a minimalist package.
Koio Capri Castagna Sneaker
Draped with luscious, vegetable-tanned leather that shapes to your foot with each wear, Koio’s Capri Castagna looks right at home with some means-business tailoring, and maybe a tiny cup of espresso, too.
Beckett Simmons Rivera Trainers
A stylish homage to the golden-standard German Army Trainer, these gum sole trainers from Beckett Simmons combine a retro appeal with modern sensibilities.
Paul Smith Khaki Suede Zebra Print “Rex” Sneakers
Sir Paul Smith wants you to embrace the zebra, as do we. The Rex sneakers, with just-right accents and a modern cut, add that little bit of flair to an otherwise boring button-down/slack combo.
Clarks Suede Desert Treks
Clarks low-cut Desert Treks draw inspiration from the must have Desert Boot, while offering a more causal feel for the easy office days.
Florsheim Premiere Plain Toe Lace Up Sneaker
Looking for a pair of sneaks that won’t break the bank? Look no further. Florsheim’s affordable option still looks great with everything from a well-made suit to a semi-causal sweater.
On Running The Rodger Center Court Sneaker
Channel some Fed confidence with The Rodger sneaker, the king’s shoe collaboration with fellow Swiss performance brand On Running. Drawing from the court but ready for the office, you’ll ace workplace wear with a pair of these bad boys.
Grenson Sneaker 1
For the super formal sneaker, Grenson should be your go-to. The Sneaker 1 looks right at home with some your Sunday best, without the fuss of a stuffy Oxford.
Tom Ford Cambridge Suede Sneakers
Though perhaps more causal that business, the Cambridge Sneaker from Tom Ford makes the cut for it’s on-trend deportment, plush cushioning and curb (see: Tom Ford) appeal.
Mr. P Larry Suede Sneakers
The Mr. Porter in-house brand, gentlemen as they are, know that what make a formal sneaker great is attention to detail and a suave profile.
Fear of God California Foam Slip-On Sneaker
In case you haven’t heard, mules are office-appropriate now, so take full advantage and slip on FoG’s backless sneaker. Really, these are the only shoes you should own if the words “creative” or “director” apparel in your job title.
Vince Prescott Sneaker
The Prescott just gets everything you could want in a workplace-ready shoe right – an easy-on-the-eyes look, contrast stitching, and genuine leather make it a top contender for any guy in the market.
Common Projects Classic Achilles Sneaker
Common Projects are generally considered the best formal kicks money can buy, and one look at the Achilles explains why.
Polo Ralph Lauren Jermain Leather Sneaker
Dressed in a stunning shade of brown leather, the Jermain might look like a brogue or derby at quick glance, making them all the better for a Casual Friday at the not-so-causal office.
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