Deciphering these dress codes can be a bit tricky, however, so we went ahead and researched all the options that would be acceptable for a variety of office settings. Most of our favorite styles are either closet classics that have maintained their symbols of status over time or fashion-forward picks favored by the street-style set, so you know you’ll be in good company with a stylish crowd.
Here, you’ll find sneakers such as Loewe’s Flow Runner and Chloé’s Kick sneaker, both of which have a retro-inspired design that feels modern and fresh. Alongside our designer selects, the clean lines of Nike’s Vintage Cortez and Adidas’ Japan styles offer sartorial-level choices at more accessible price points. If you prefer to play it safe, simple, lace-up designs made from durable leather, such as those from Common Projects, Banana Republic, and Veja, are fitting for every work environment.
Below, shop the 15 best work sneakers for women that adhere to dress codes while providing the ultimate in everyday comfort.
Retro-inspired sneakers are definitely trending but they have classic appeal that works well for the office. Chloé’s have plenty of designer flair, with a medley of fabrications (suede, leather, and mesh) that will look just as chic with a trouser pant as they will with clean-cut jeans.
Sizes: 35–42 IT
Colors: Brown, beige, cream, white
Materials: Suede, leather, mesh
Best White
Miu Miu Leather Low Top Sneakers
Minimal, white sneakers are fail-proof when it comes to dressing for the office. Miu Miu’s low-tops have a vintage runner feel, but work well with all your standard workplace garb, such as suiting, knit dresses, and maxi skirts.
Sizes: 35–41 EU
Colors: Avorio
Materials: Leather upper, rubber sole
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Best Black
The Row Mica Sneakers
Whenever The Row introduces a sneaker to their footwear offerings, they tend to go fast. These lightweight lace-ups are sleek while the black color way works well for a long work day on your feet. Pair with a cropped pant and oversized knit for a casual workplace outfit idea.
The Achilles has long been in the Common Projects permanent collection. Customers love the modern, minimalist look made from durable leather. What’s more, their constant versatility provides endless styling opportunities and the clean design makes it a winner for the office.
Sizes: 35–41 EU
Colors: White
Materials: Leather upper, rubber sole
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Best Suede
Dries Van Noten Suede Sneakers
Another hot style on our list is this Dries Van Noten sneaker, which has taken the fashion crowd by storm. We love the simplicity of the design (another one with a retro inclination!) and how easy it is to style with dresses, jeans, and suiting for work. The rich cognac color also offers a ’70s feel.
Sizes: 35–41 EU
Colors: White
Materials: Suede, leather, rubber outsole
Best Reissue
Nike Cortez Vintage Sneakers
The Cortez is a mainstay style from the Nike archive, but the brand has revamped the shoe with a few modern tweaks to keep it relevant today. Firm side panels that don’t crease with wear and a wider toe panel will ensure you are able to stand, sit, walk—essentially everything you need to do in a work day.
Materials: Leather upper, textile lining, synthetic sole
What customers are saying: “My new favorite shoe. So comfy and stylish. Green suede is unheard of but these sneakers are so unique. Can’t wait to style these! Looking for other color ways because they’re so comfortable.”
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Best Low-Top
Adidas Japan Low Top Sneakers
Trade out your Sambas for the Japan style from Adidas, which is quickly rising in popularity. Our prediction is that it will be a street style favorite of models and influencers alike, thanks to its simple design and straightforward ease. This one works well for a professional setting as well, when styled appropriately.
Sizes: 5–11 US
Colors: White, black, off white, scarlet
Materials: Leather and textile upper, textile lining, rubber sole
What customers are saying: “These sneakers are super cute. So sad I wasn’t aware of this shoe before other colors sold out. I love how simple the design is and how comfortable they are. If you’re wondering if you should get it… Go For It!”
Best Retro-Inspired
Loewe Retro Runners
Leave it to Loewe to create a sneaker with incredible lasting power, that still lives up to the hype. For now, you can wear with trousers, jeans, and the usual winter work looks, but come spring, take inspiration from the brand’s runway show, and pair them with something floaty, floral, and feminine, a great idea for the office.
Sizes: 35–41 EU
Colors: Black, white, beige
Materials: Calf leather, suede, rubber sole
What customers are saying: “Beautiful sneakers and very comfortable. Great for traveling and walks.”
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Best Color Range
Vince Oasis Sneakers
Vince’s Oasis sneaker comes in over thirteen color ways, so you have plenty of choices. If you are working within a stricter dress code, go for clean, black or white, but if you are in a casual office with a little more freedom, we are loving this Malbec hue for a little color pop, that still feels earth-toned and grounded.
Sizes: 5–13 US
Colors: Malbec, black, milk, silver, chalk white, and more
Materials: Leather upper and lining, rubber sole
What customers are saying: “I love the soft leather/suede material. My feet did not feel over heated during these hot summer days. I love the neutral beige color that goes w/ my dresses. Very very comfortable, no break in time needed. It perfectly fit my high arch slightly wide feet. True to size. I am going back to get me another pair!”
Best Mixed-Textile
Isabel Marant Bryce Sneaker
Take cues from the French label with this sporty-meets-classic sneaker that pairs well with everything from a leather pant to a pleated trouser. Just add an impossibly cozy knit or crewneck sweatshirt and a blazer on top, and you’ve got an easy, office look with that certain je nais se quois.
Sizes: 35–41 EU
Colors: White
Materials: Leather, suede, rubber sole
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Best Brown
Toteme Retro Runner Sneakers
Lean into all things chocolate brown, the trending shade of the moment, with Toteme’s minimalist, retro runner. It has a cool, color-blocked feel thanks to a nylon and suede upper with a contrasting gum sole for that additional sporty edge. We love the idea of these with a full suit and menswear style coat all winter long.
Sizes: 35–42 EU
Colors: Espresso
Materials: Polyamide and suede upper, rubber sole
Best Simple
Banana Republic Nickola Leather Sneaker
If you search hard enough, great quality can be affordable. Lucky for you, we already did the research. Grab these Banana Republic for an elegant option for your everyday commute and beyond. They’re made with OrthoLite cushioning, so they are actually comfortable, too.
Sizes: 5–11 US
Colors: Black, white, beige
Materials: Leather upper, rubber sole
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Best Investment
Prada Leather Sneakers
Investing in a Prada shoe is never a bad idea. These sneakers will go the distance in your work wardrobe and beyond. They are clean, classic, and we can’t think of anything they won’t pair well with, yet still have that little designer edge to keep the office oohing and aahing.
Sizes: 35–41 EU
Colors: Beige khaki
Materials: Leather upper, rubber sole
Best Maximalist
Gucci Sneaker With Interlocking G
If your office is a little more lax about dress codes, feel free to have a little fun with your fashion choices. Gucci’s sneaker feels like the perfect middle ground. There is color-blocking, punchy logo prints, and fine detailing with plenty of designer appeal, while the brown color way still feels appropriate enough for an office setting.
Sizes: 35–41 EU
Colors: Brown, white, light beige, light blue
Materials: Suede, canvas, rubber sole
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Best Eco-Conscious
Veja Esplar Logo Sneakers
If you want to go the mindful route, reach for Veja’s minimalist sneaker on the daily. The simple design is work outfit-friendly, while the materials the sneaker is crafted from range from recycled water bottles and recycled rubber to rice waste. They’re truly a worthy investment.
Sizes: 35–42 EU
Colors: Extra white/black
Materials: Leather, rubber sole
What customers are saying: “I had my eye on these Vejas for a while, not just because they look good and are well made, but also because I read that this style had a little room for wider feet. They fit great, with no pain or rubbing like some other shoes I’ve bought.”
Shop more editor-approved work staples
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