To borrow the words of Britney Spears with some creative licence, there are two types of people in this world: those who plan their office outfits and those who throw together a last-minute look before pegging it out the door.
No matter which category you fall into, it’s no secret that office attire is a tough nut to crack. Different jobs require different uniforms, with the most common dress code being the irritatingly ambiguous ‘smart casual.’
However, we’ve cracked the code to said sartorial theme. Suit up in fine tailoring or button-up a beautiful frock and simply add trainers into the equation. Smart casual sorted.
A pristine pair of trainers are the epitome of comfort-forward fashion. Say goodbye to towering stilettos that conjure up anxiety with every step or blister-enduring loafers that look so good but hurt so much.
Brands such as Nike, Asics and New Balance are obvious choices when it comes to sneaker shopping. Their extensive ranges of classic white trainers are forever flooding social feeds, adorning the primed feet of style influencers across the globe. Are they ever used for their intended function of exercise? Who cares, they look great.
Fashion-induced flippancy aside, contemporary trainer models are engineered with sporting technology that cushions the feet and supports the arch. Take Salomon’s downhill chassis and lug geometry that promises optimum comfort and stability for example.
Purely aesthetic choices are equally important for those wanting to shift away from the Sporty Spice look favoured by Gen Z. Brands including Tory Burch and Bobbies produce timeless Nineties sneaker styles for women of all ages. Minimalist silhouettes are easy to pair with everyday dresses, jeans and trousers, meaning curating an easy-breezy workwear outfit becomes second nature.
If inspiration is running dry, look to Instagram. Somewhere in your feed, you’ll find Hailey Bieber in her beloved Supergas, the Duchess of Sussex in her go-to Vejas or Bella Hadid in her rare Nike Jordan High Dunks. Rumour has it that even Vans are coming back despite their chequered history.
Treat your feet to a new pair of office-friendly trainers which guarantee style and comfort during working hours.
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Nike P-6000
Our Nike P-6000s are one of our favourite buys of the year. Hands down the most comfortable shoes we own, the cool-girl shoes come complete with silver detailing, black accents and sporty lines. Breathable mesh panels allow the feet to stay fresh, while deluxe foam cushioning adds a lifted, lightweight stance and heavenly cushioning.
Buy now £99.95, Nike
New Balance 530 Trainers
Inspired by New Balance’s classic running shoes, the design of the beloved 530 trainer pays homage to the Noughties. It features a padded ABZORB footbed to absorb shock while walking, plus the brand’s cult insignia which will automatically assert your sartorial authority. With some blue jeans and a white shirt, you can’t go wrong.
Buy now £95.00, Eqvvs
Salomon XT-6 mesh and Rubber Trainers
Salomons are topping our footwear wish lists for many reasons. From the slick design, to the athletic lattice panels, we want it all. The brand’s running-inspired XT-6 trainers are made from lightweight, sage-green mesh with resistant TPU film that sits atop an EVA sole. In layman’s terms, this means the foot is always protected from injury and the mercurial British weather while out and about.
Buy now £160.00, Matches
Balenciaga X Adidas Triple S Faux-leather Trainers
Sneaker collectors, we hear you and we see you. Balenciaga’s faux leather trainers are the ultimate hype piece with the price tag to match. Borne out of a collaboration with Adidas, the trainers put a spin on Balenciaga’s iconic Triple S trainers that kickstarted the chunky trainer trend. Note the brand’s hallmark stripes, Trefoil logo and inch-adding monochrome sole.
Buy now £925.00, Matches
Asics Gel-1130
Available in three tempting colourways, Asics’ Gel-1130s are set to spark serious shoe envy during your commute. Designed as a stability running shoe, they possess all the necessary features to keep your feet protected and comfortable. These include GEL technology for all-day cushioning and a TRUSSTIC support system that stabilises the ankle when running for the tube at 8am.
Buy now £95.00, Asics
Bobbies Scott Sneakers
Support smaller businesses with Bobbies’ classic white sneakers with chocolate drop detailing. The shoes are handmade in Portugal, giving them a personal touch. A goat leather exterior and rubber sole provide a solid construction, while the lace-up design promises a secure fit for the most elegant of feet.
Buy now £185.00, Bobbies
Off-White 5.0 Distressed Suede, Leather and Canvas Sneakers
Inject your shoe collection with a luxury edge thanks to Off-White’s distressed sneakers. Casual with a touch of designer dazzle, these sneakers are for those who prioritise fashion over function. The flat sole may not cushion the feet like a sports brand pick, but the house logo, worn finish and green tag culminate in kicks crafted for a creative office space.
Buy now £252.00, The Outnet
Adidas Originals Response CL Trainers
Ice blue and fresh white colourways are married to perfection in Adidas’ Original Response CL trainers. Infinitely wearable with a throw-on-and-go quality, the kicks boast a durable rubber sole for a light, bounce effect, a thick padded tongue to sit gently atop the arch and a textured grip tread for when the winter elements set in.
Buy now £90.00, ASOS
Acne Studios 08STHLM Low Mtal Sneaker
If you work in a fashion-conscious office, you simply need these Acne Studios sneakers in your shoe rotation. Adopting a low-cut, basketball shoe silhouette brushed with a rose-silver pigment that offers a feminine twist, the shoes are a futuristic style statement. A perforated toe box promises all-day freshness, while the chunky silhouette adds height for the petite wearer.
Buy now £430.00, END
Tory Burch Clover Court Sneakers
A classic pair of court sneakers can never go awry. Tory Burch fuses old-school style and top performance with its seasonless court sneakers. Inspired by Nineties-era skate shoes, the trainers combine curved stripes, the house insignia and a cushioned sole which is stamped with a four-leaf clover for luck.
Buy now £255.00, Tory Burch
Adidas Gazelle
A favourite of Harry Styles throughout his seemingly unending tour, the Adidas Gazelles are a tried and true classic. Incredibly comfortable, airy and light with a sole that isn’t too thick - these trainers are otherwise known as ‘satellite stompers’ thanks to the UK-born star, and are sure to get you through a summer of dancing and grooving.
Buy now £80.00, Adidas
