Best work trainers to nail the casual office look
WHEN it comes to office wear, sometimes nothing less than total comfort will do. And since the pandemic, relaxed workwear looks are most definitely more acceptable, with slouchy fits and casual tailoring replacing more formal styles of days gone by.
If you’re looking to build a casual edge to your office look, trainers can make an excellent addition. However, it’s important to stay on the right side of off-duty; whilst running trainers and bold trends may look punchy, generally you can’t go wrong with a classic.
And the good news is, there are plenty of styles out there. We’ve rounded up the best work trainers, to suit any budget.
Best Work Trainers at a Glance:
- Best White Work Trainers: Reebok Club C 85 Gymnastics Shoe
- Best Eco-Friendly Work Trainers: Veja Women Esplar leather trainers
- Best Classic Work Trainers: Nike Air Force 1 Next Nature
- Best Black Work Trainers: Chloe Lauren Scallop Trim Leather Trainers
- Best Luxury Work Trainers: Alexander McQueen Leather Exaggerated Sole Sneakers
Reebok Womens Club C 85 Sneaker
- Reebok Womens Club C 85 Sneaker, £70 - buy here
A list of the best work trainers would absolutely not be complete without a Reebok Classic. These timeless sneakers are the epitome of sporty style, and when juxtaposed with some sharp capri pants and a blazer, provide the perfect office-casual look.
Reebok Classics first hit the shelves during the aerobics era of 1983, and are a super comfortable option for all-day wear.
These trainers are not waterproof, so it’s well worth investing in some Scotchguard water protector spray to keep them safe when the weather takes a turn.
Sketchers Graceful Get Connected Sneaker
- Skechers Women's Graceful Get Connected Sneaker, £38.61 - buy here
An ultimately more practical option, Sketchers are known for crafting durable and timeless designs that are friendly on your pocket. The brand blends comfort and style, with a range of options that are perfect for the workplace, especially if your job requires you to be on your feet for long periods of time.
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These Low Top Graceful Sneakers have a memory foam sole with a synthetic lining and upper, making them extremely comfortable for walking long distances and come with the added bonus of being machine washable, meaning you can chuck them in the washer should you get caught up in any inclement weather.
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Veja Esplar Leather Trainers
- Veja Esplar Leather Trainers, £130 - buy here
Cult brand Veja have dominated the work trainer market in recent years, due to their classic look and hard-wearing design. And wearing Veja makes a strong statement about your values too; the brand engage only in Fair Trade, and use a range of recycled materials in production in order to significantly minimise their impact on the environment.
Veja have also nailed the Vegan leather production process so successfully that their Vegan models are virtually indistinguishable from their animal-derived materials. Meaning that you’re not only making a strong style move, but an ethically conscious one as well.
Nike Air Force 1 Next Nature
- Nike Air Force 1 Next Nature, £110 - buy here
If you’re looking for a true classic, there’s arguably a none more recognisable shoe than the Nike Air Force 1 range. Affectionately known as “uptowns”, these iconic trainers have been around since 1982 and are eponymous with classic street style.
The flat sole and all-white design instantly elevate AF1’s beyond your typical trainer, meaning they look excellent paired with just about anything, from cigarette trousers to this season's ankle length denim skirts.
These Next Nature classics have been given an update for the ages, and have been crafted in synthetic leather using 20% recycled material, making them not only a seriously stylish sneaker, but good for the planet too.
Chloe Lauren Scallop Trim Leather Trainers
- Chloe Lauren Scallop Trim Leather Trainers, £450 - buy here
There are plenty of luxury work trainer options out there, and these Chloe Scallop Trim Trainers are top of our wish-list. Price-wise they are most definitely at the upper end of the scale, but if you’re looking to invest in a statement piece, these will certainly say all the right things.
With 100% leather upper and lining, these shoes are perfect for office-casual looks that will transcend the seasons. We’d pair these with an oversized blazer and a pair of crop capri pants. And you’re definitely going to want to invest in some Crepe Protect Ultimate Shoecare to keep them looking fresh.
Converse All Star Lift Hi Platform Trainers
- Converse All Star Lift Hi Platform Trainers, £79.99 - buy here
Classic Converse All Stars are surely the most iconic hi-tops in market, and for good reason. These trainers hold a long and proud history and were even the official shoe of the Olympic Games from 1936 until 1968.
Whilst the shoe has been synonymous with sports and skater culture since its inception in 1917, the Lift Hi Platform model has been given a modern-day boost with a flat platform sole, designed to look smart and stylish with long skirts, dresses and even micro-mini’s.
Office For Keeps Slip-On Trainers
- Office For Keeps Slip On Trainers, £44.99 - buy here
If you’re looking for a tailored boost without the hefty price tag, these Office Slip On Trainers could be considered the Chloe or Alexander McQueen Dupe.
With smart low-tops making for an excellent option for work trainers, these black pumps with silver detailing are a very solid option.
We love the slip-on design which could be incredibly handy if your work trainers are needed for the commute only.
Alexander McQueen Leather Exaggerated Sole Sneakers
- Alexander McQueen Leather Exaggerated Sole Sneakers, £450 - buy here
Chances are in the last 12 months you’ll have spotted the Alexander McQueen Leather Exaggerated Sole Sneakers in your feed. Beloved and adorned by celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Lopez and Elle Fanning, the luxury shoe is a go-to for those in the know - and those with the budget.
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The coveted classics from the late designer do not come cheap, however, the payback is an extremely versatile sneaker which can be worn with pretty much anything.
The design comes in a range of options, with 6 colour and fabric trims to choose from, including metallic gold and a bold red suede.
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