The 12 Best Work Sneakers of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

Why We Love It: In 2025, retro sneakers are all the rage, and few kicks are more old school than the Adidas Samba OG, recognizable by its gum rubber sole and signature three stripes on the sides. Heavily influenced by the indoor soccer shoes of the ‘50s, Sambas are functional. Expect to be light on your feet, trust the shoe’s traction, and wear them for a long time. Their simple, flat-soled design is also one of the most versatile, and our tester Lauren wore them everywhere from her office to her weeklong vacation (impressively enough, they were comfortable right out of the box). “They’re extremely versatile and have become my new go-to sneaker for work and life in general,” she says. “They’re simple but elevate your outfit and make people stop and notice them.” Although these sneakers come in a variety of pigment-heavy colorways and patterns, few styles are more iconic than the retro black-and-white version.

Who It’s For: You’re as likely to see this style on the fashion crowd—Katie Holmes and Hailey Bieber included—as you are on your new next-door neighbor. It has mass evergreen appeal because it’s easy to style, timeless, and comfortable enough for everyone.  

Worth Noting: The Samba OGs have a flat sole without a ton of cushioning. Although they might not be the top option for support-focused shoppers, our tester says they were still very comfortable. 

Size: 5–15 | Material: Leather upper, nubuck suede toe cap, textile lining, and rubber outsole

Lauren, tester: “This shoe is one of the best I’ve ever worn. The style is so in right now and brings me back to the classic Samba soccer sneakers I had as a kid. They’re professional enough for my office and casual enough to wear outside of work. They’re a 10 out of 10 for me!”

Why We Love It: It’s hard to find sneakers better-priced than this Muji pair. With a classic silhouette (think Converse with a South of France edge), these are an easy addition to any summertime work outfit. Made of cotton treated with a water-repellent finish, the lightweight design holds its own in rain and sludge, and the cushioned insole is a valuable addition for long days on your feet. “I keep buying these shoes over and over again; they’re so affordable, and I love how they look with everything,” says McCown. Our tester Mariza shares the sentiment, as she was drawn to the wallet-friendly style’s versatility, simplicity, and comfort from the moment she put it on. Impressed by how they repelled water and remained breathable during long wear times, she had no trouble working these into her work wardrobe. “These are easier to style than Converse since they’re completely white with no logos or patterns to distract. I love that this gives any outfit a clean and put-together look,” she says. “For the price, the materials’ quality was great, and it was a perfect affordable option.”

Who It’s For: People who find that their shoes tend to get dirty—whether they’re working in busy restaurant kitchens or walking to work through rain puddles—will want a pair they can easily replace without breaking the bank. What’s more, these low-tops are so simple that they’ll look great no matter how you style them. 

Worth Noting: The insole has a texture that our tester could feel on the bottom of her foot whenever she wore the shoe. Although she was grateful for the built-in support, she would’ve preferred a smoother insole.

Size: 5.5–12.5 | Material: Cotton upper, rubber outsole

Mariza, tester: “This style is simple, sleek, and versatile, and it worked with so many different bottoms. I wore these with maxi skirts, jeans, slacks, ankle jeans, sweatpants, and a miniskirt, and it looked super cute with all of them. They held up great and transitioned super well from professional to everyday wear.”

Why We Love It: These New Balance sneakers draw inspiration from the brand’s ‘70s-era running shoes, but the platformed silhouette is as suitable for the cubicle as it is for the track. InStyle Associate Editor Claudia Willen needed no break-in time before wearing her pair for 12 hours at a time, with no pinching, rubbing, or painful blistering. The rubber outsole, with its divots, has excellent traction, making these shoes optimal for bike rides to work, walks through cobblestone streets, or jostling subway rides. “They give me a literal boost off the ground and have a cloud-like feel when I walk in them,” Willen says. “They really felt sturdy and lightweight, which is no easy feat.” They have the signature “N” (for New Balance) logo emblazoned on the outward-facing side. Although the letter is particularly large on this contemporary design, the sneaker is still versatile enough to slot seamlessly into your wardrobe, regardless of your style. 

Who It’s For: The 327s infuse a retro design with contemporary, trendy details—from their oversized logo to their chunky rubber outsoles. They’re excellent for anyone who wants a lightweight shoe from a classic, trusted brand with plenty of traction and support.

Worth Noting: According to Willen, the suede and nylon upper can stain and scuff a little too easily, which is worth considering if you have to trek outside for your commute (or you just don’t want to be bothered with regularly cleaning your sneakers). 

Size: 5–12 | Material: Suede and nylon upper; rubber outsole

Claudia Willen, associate editor: “I don’t typically wear sneakers to work, but with a high-waisted pant and button-down shirt, these look so chic. I also wore them with all black and received so many compliments. They give my outfits a retro edge and straddle the line between casual and office wear. I can’t recommend them highly enough.”

Why We Love It: If there were a contemporary remake of a John Hughes movie, the characters would all wear this shoe. It gives the classic Converse design—with its high-top canvas, lace-up front, ankle patch, and license plate—a twist. The elevated platform elongates your legs, allowing you to pair them with your favorite work jeans or trousers for a casual yet style-forward look. “The platform was a nice touch for adding height without a high heel,” says one tester, Elena. Beyond its visual benefits, the platform creates a cloud-like cushion for your feet. Walk thousands of steps in them; they won’t let you down.

Who It’s For: Everyone should own at least one pair of Chucks in their lifetime, and this lifted version is an excellent choice for people who want a slight height boost or just want to play with exaggerated proportions. Because of their simple exterior, you can easily incorporate them into your office outfit rotation, making them a classic high-low addition to your closet. 

Worth Noting: One of the main draws to these Converse sneakers is that they elongate your legs, but our tester advises you to keep your shoe size in mind—she says the high-top and platform combo make her relatively large feet look disproportionately long if she doesn’t style them well.

Size: 5–11 | Material: Canvas upper, EVA foam cushioning, and rubber outsole

Elena, tester (not pictured): “This Converse style is a solid shoe that you can wear to work or to run errands. It won’t be the shoe you slip on and run out of the house in because of the high-top design and laces, but with the right outfit, it can make for a super cute look.”

Why We Love It: Previously named Style 36, the Premium Old Skool Shoe dates back to 1977 as Vans’ second-ever skate shoe (and the first to have its signature Jazz Stripe). “These Vans are a good universal shoe to have in your closet regardless of whether you’re headed into the office or having a picnic in the park,” says InStyle writer Essence Wiley, who adds that the low-tops lean more casual than buttoned-up and probably don’t work in all office environments. That said, “they have that easy breezy vibe that makes your outfit look effortlessly cool,” says Wiley. The low-top canvas design has a standard lace-up front and a waffle-pattern outsole, providing the necessary traction to keep you steady and stable during even the longest work days. Wiley says they were durable and felt secure on her feet, never making them feel overheated or cold. 

Who It’s For: As the new moniker states, these shoes are old school. Whether you’re a skateboarder or not, they’re perfect for the shopper who wants a laid-back work shoe. “Flat sneakers are on-trend right now, so they’re a modern option to have in your closet when you don’t necessarily feel like dressing up in heels, boots, or loafers for work,” says Wiley. Although these have a Sola Foam All-Day Comfort insole to give you a little extra interior cushioning, they are still very, very flat. If support is a priority, you might want to look elsewhere. These Vans come in many bright colors and patterns, so the pair can be as neutral or bold as you make it. 

Worth Noting: Wiley’s Vans didn’t come laced, and she warned that the extra step took some time and patience. 

Size: 5–14.5 | Material: Canvas and leather upper; leather collar lining; padded collar; and rubber outsole

Essence Wiley, writer: “I used to work at Journey’s, where I used to get a significant discount on shoes, and these really took me back—I had like 10 pairs of Vans at one point. They were just like I remembered: a shoe with an easy breezy vibe that makes your outfit look effortlessly cool. It’s more of an everyday style that can pass for business casual, and I plan to keep wearing these with casual outfits. The traditional black-and-white colorway is super classic and easy to style with jeans and a blazer or work pants and a blouse.”

Why We Love It: Thanks to a recent surge of tennis-inspired trends, people who’ve never stepped foot on the green or clay are reaching for their crispest whites—Reebok Club C 85 Shoes included. Originally launched as a casual tennis shoe, the white leather sneaker looks just as spiffy off the court. Its clean stitching and minimalist lines pair effortlessly with work attire. Plus, you can wear them straight into your post-work pickleball game. Although our tester Abby usually prefers a shoe with slightly more arch support and flexibility, she found this Reebok style to be a high-quality, durable, and breathable work sneaker. “They don’t feel heavy and have a nice, neutral platform. The traction is great, and I feel secure walking on multiple surfaces,” she says. “I was surprised by their versatility, even with such a bold accent color. My office ranges from casual to business casual, so these are a good fit. The white creates a polished look, and because they’re leather, they’re easy to clean.”

Who It’s For: Love a throwback style but don’t want to compromise on contemporary comfort? Reebok’s Club C 85 Shoes marry retro vibes with an activity-focused design. They’re perfect for someone who wants a sneaker they can easily stand in all day while still looking put together. 

Worth Noting: These sneakers run slightly narrow (particularly near the toe area), so our tester advises that shoppers with wide feet size up. 

Size: 5–11 | Material: Leather upper, rubber outsole

Abby, tester: “These Reeboks are very comfortable for walking and versatile. They’re fun if you’re looking for something a little different and retro to mix into your shoe collection. The white is timeless, and the pop of green can add a nice touch to a neutral outfit.  I had fun pairing them with vintage crewnecks and jeans for a casual look. I can also see myself wearing these with a sundress in the summer.” 

Why We Love It: This shoe has an eternally flattering silhouette. Think of it as your jack-of-all-trades sneaker; depending on how you style it, it can skew summery, sporty, minimalist, or professional. Veja makes it from Brazilian bovine leather without using any hazardous or prohibited chemicals. The first time InStyle Associate Editorial Director Shannon Bauer wore hers, she tested how they’d fare throughout a 15,000-step day, traveling from Brooklyn to Manhattan and back. The verdict? No blisters, just an editor-approved leather sneaker that’s polished enough for the office and stylish enough for weekend wear. The removable insole, crafted from wild Amazonian rubber, offers plenty of arch support for all-day wear, and the numerous colorways are all neutral enough to style easily.

Who It’s For: If you’re shopping for a clean leather sneaker with a light Euro bend, look no further than the Veja sneaker—a natural successor to classic Keds or old-school basketball sneakers. 

Worth Noting: Like many leather sneakers, the Esplars squeaked the first few times Bauer wore them. However, she says the noises stopped after the first couple of wears.

Size: 5–11 (EU35–EU42) | Material: Leather upper, recycled polyester lining, and rubber outsole

Shannon Bauer, associate editorial director: “These are absolutely going to be my most-worn shoes this spring and summer. My Croatia trip isn’t ready for how many times I will wear them.”

Why We Love It: Everlane’s The Court Sneaker proves that less can be more. The brand uses soft Nappa leather from a tannery rated Gold by the Leather Working Group to create a simple, low-top silhouette. The cushioned insole and generously sized toe box will carry you through your commute and office days in stride. After just one day wearing the sneakers, our tester Gabrielle says they began molding to her feet and started feeling surprisingly comfortable (we say “surprisingly” because they look like they have minimal cushioning). They proved breathable, durable, and sturdy enough for our tester to wear them on a range of surfaces—concrete, wood, vinyl—without slipping or sliding. Plus, you can easily style these environmentally friendly sneakers with jeans or sweatsuits, particularly if you choose the all-white colorway. 

Who It’s For: Minimalists who want a shoe that meshes well with their work outfits (without stealing the show) should shop this sneaker. At the end of the day, it’s a versatile, high-quality option that’s comfortable to wear for long periods of time. So, if you prioritize functionality and style, these Everlane sneaks are a solid choice. 

Worth Noting: Because these Everlane sneakers are all white, they can be hard to keep clean. 

Size: 5–12 | Material: Leather upper, recycled polyester lining, and rubber outsole

Gabrielle, tester: “They’re truly timeless, with a retro-inspired silhouette that’ll never go out of style. It’s easy to build different outfits around the classic design. You can dress casually or professionally with these shoes, and they hold up very well after repeated wear.”

Why We Love It: Nike has updated its Cortez sneaker, one of its oldest and most beloved styles. It keeps the general silhouette but widens the toe area and adds more structure to the sides via panels. The result? A classic shoe with maximum comfort and wearability. Our tester Eliza found the Cortez extremely comfortable (so much so that she never felt tempted to take them off during her eight-hour workday), with plenty of cushioning for foot support and secure traction that fared well on various surfaces. The suede material elevates the shoe, making it work-appropriate and particularly well-suited for fall, winter, and early spring. “It’s a super interesting and unique material I’d never come across before, and I appreciate how it almost looks worn out because it helps with long-term wear and tear,” says Eliza. “Overall, the shoe has a vintage old feel, which is fun.”

Who It’s For: These low-tops should be an automatic purchase for anyone who loves a retro-inspired shoe with a contemporary twist. Because they’re suede, make sure to protect them before wearing them on a commute.

Worth Noting: Our tester says the laces on her Cortez sneakers were slightly too short and kept coming undone. However, you can always replace them with a longer option. 

Size: 5–12 | Material: Suede upper, foam midsole, and herringbone rubber outsole

Eliza, tester: “They’re the perfect transition from work to after-hours plans. I typically prefer to wear loafers and heels to work, but this shoe would be my go-to work sneaker, especially on a lazy Thursday when I just want to be chill. They didn’t feel like an eyesore and toed the line between casual and professional.”

Why We Love It: With its rounded toe box, classic lace-up front, and monochrome leather upper, this shoe is a staple, and it’s certainly on the more polished end of the sneaker spectrum. Right out of the box, their classic leather exterior immediately stood out to our tester, Sidney (Quince makes the low-top design with leather sourced from Leather Working Group tanneries). And even though the sole is pretty thin, it cushioned her feet day after day of wear. There was plenty of traction on the bottom, making our tester feel very stable on a variety of surfaces as she went about her day. Other thoughtful design details, like the tongue length, won her over as well. “Super specific, but the length of the tongue can sometimes cause rubbing on the top of my foot, but I found this sneaker to be great,” she says. In fact, this shoe felt comfortable on our tester’s foot right away, in part because of its ortholite insole for added support. By the end of the testing period, there were minimal visible signs of wear on the sneakers. Given their durability, stylishness, and versatility, our tester says they’re well worth purchasing. 

Who It’s For: These leather sneakers are fashion-forward, comfortable, and affordable—an exceedingly rare combination. So, if you want a sophisticated, well-made low-top that you can wear for days on end, season after season, go with this Quince pair.  

Worth Noting: These aren’t the most breathable shoes (our tester’s feet got hot at the end of the day), so factor that in if you’re prone to sweating. 

Size: 5–10.5 | Material: Calfskin leather, cotton lining, and rubber outsole

Sidney, tester: “I found these sneakers to be reliable, comfortable, classic, and cute. A plain sneaker is a must-have, and these are versatile enough for work and play—I even wore them on a Saturday to run errands. They go with dress pants, jeans, skirts, and dresses for professional and casual environments. The leather also feels really high-quality, and the sole’s generous cushioning (despite looking flat) is amazing.”

Why We Love It: No matter which hue of these monochrome sneakers you choose, they’ll pull your look together. Each pair incorporates several materials, from nylon mesh to suede, giving them an intriguing textural mix. They’re far bolder and sporty-looking than the footwear our tester Allison would typically wear to her job, but after styling the durable design with business-casual attire (which elicited many coworkers’ compliments) and experiencing how wonderful they feel on her feet, they’ve become her top choice long office days, walks to the library, and post-work plans. “I genuinely love these shoes. They offer cloud-like comfort from morning to evening and are really nice to kick around in,” she says. Municipal uses its M.Float Comfort System, which has four layers of three different kinds of foam, to create a shoe with plenty of cushion, support, and durability. Really, what more could you ask for in a work shoe?

Who It’s For: These shoes have an edge, thanks to their texture combination, and their single-color design makes them straightforward to slot into your office wardrobe without a hitch. In short, they’re cool and fun to style. According to our tester, they’re ideal for anyone who wants a sporty-chic shoe with support and style. Go with the denim or mauve options to add a splash of color to your outfit, or opt for the stone or white if you’re looking for a neutral choice. 

Worth Noting: The suede details can be tricky to clean, so make sure you carefully read the care instructions and do your best to avoid getting them wet. 

Size: 5–18.5 | Material: Natural suede, nylon, polyester, and polyurethane leather upper; rubber outsole

Allison, tester: “These sneakers have quickly become my favorite shoes. They’re so blissfully comfortable, and the quality is great. I’m a runner gearing up for a half-marathon next weekend, and these shoes feel fantastic on Mondays at the office following long weekend training runs.”

Why We Love It: One of the sportiest options on this list, Nike Dunks definitely make a statement. The padded high-tops were originally a collegiate basketball shoe in the ‘80s before gaining popularity among skateboarders. Now, they’ve emerged as an iconic streetwear shoe. Our tester Chantia used to wear her Dunks regularly about three years ago, and when she got a new pair for this trial period, it was like no time had passed. She wore the colorful blue and white kicks for over 12 hours straight—including during a Brooklyn-to-Manhattan commute, a full office day, and an after-work event—and she never felt a hint of discomfort. Although she would’ve preferred the flat shoes to have a tad more arch support, they proved functional, with enough traction to keep her from slipping and sliding on indoor and outdoor surfaces and enough breathability to keep her feet from overheating. Styled well (with dark-wash jeans or an all-black outfit, for example), Dunks can be completely suitable for more relaxed work outings. “They are a very fun shoe that can be dressed up for work or dressed down,” says Chantia. “The high top really gives it that edge.”

Who It’s For: Work sneakers don’t have to be boring. If you’re seeking an option with character, look no further than the Nike Dunk High Next Nature. The sporty style comes in various colorways, so you can tailor it to your favorite sports team or choose an option that blends seamlessly with your existing wardrobe. 

Worth Noting: The Dunks were overall comfortable on our tester’s feet, but the tongue did graze the top of her foot. If you have this issue, consider wearing thicker socks or loosening the laces. 

Size: 5–12 | Material: Synthetic leather upper, rubber sole

Chantia, tester: “Anyone who knows me knows I love to add pops of color and my own flavor to my work outfits, so this worked perfectly with my personality. I wasn’t limited to wearing it with only white or blue clothing items—I wore it with some army green, pink, and yellow. It was amazing for my summer work ‘fits, but I would definitely feel comfortable wearing these sneakers in my everyday life. All in all, they’re professional enough for a casual corporate environment but don’t camouflage in more tight-button necked work environments.”