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Smart trainers for office?

107 replies

CaseClosedWineOpened · 14/06/2026 20:57

I can’t be bothered to wear anything other than comfortable shoes to work.

What trainers would you recommend that pass as “smart enough” for the office?

OP posts:
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CaseClosedWineOpened · 18/06/2026 17:56

bridgetreilly · 17/06/2026 23:50

What about a ballet-trainer for summer? I think you could definitely get away with those and still be super-comfortable.

I have some adidas ballet trainers that I thought would look quite smart but I’ve decided they don’t suit me!

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CaseClosedWineOpened · 18/06/2026 17:59

SurferRona · 17/06/2026 20:29

Depends what you wear them with imo. I’m not a fan of trainers which are chosen to closely resemble office shoes, so low profile and neutral colours- I think just looks frumpy. I wear a lot of wide leg front pleat trousers with formal silk shirts or cashmere, so I need to balance with anti formal footwear and wear trainers a lot to do that. I think you need to go big and go outre, and ideally, pricey- or risk looking like you’re in nurses shoes (not my bag! But yes, comfortable). These will be divisive (or universally hated 😁) but I have a few pairs of these Stella McCartney Eclypse. My fave are red /orange and leopard skin.

Interesting perspective as I suppose I have been deliberately leaning towards a style that doesn’t draw attention, so no one really notices that I am wearing trainers and they just blend in with the outfit.

in terms of work clothes - I’m probably a bit boring and likely very uncool!

I like those trainers you linked a lot, but probably too much for my office.

OP posts:
teaandtoastwithmarmite · 18/06/2026 18:02

I wear my black adidas superstars mostly but also light green Nike AF1. My office is pretty relaxed

RampantIvy · 18/06/2026 18:02

I don't like shoes that draw attention either. My trainers are definitely on the conservative side.

CaseClosedWineOpened · 18/06/2026 18:18

I’ve appreciated all the ideas so far, and also the confirmation that I’m not the only one!

Since posting my social media ads have been heavily skewed towards trainers - surprise surprise. These popped up and I quite like the detail on the sides.

https://www.fairfaxandfavor.com/products/the-alexandra

OP posts:
AllaMova · 18/06/2026 18:58

At a previous job, I wore these leather Vejas. I wore them to death and was sad when I had to replace them.

www.schuh.co.uk/womens/veja-campo-white-and-beige-trainers/1982060620/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=surfaces-across-google&utm_campaign=organic-shopping&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22893852450

Vaguelyclassical · 18/06/2026 19:17

CurdinHenry · 14/06/2026 21:42

They definitely are! I don't think anyone in my office wears horrible hard shoes any more. Yuck.

There is a middle ground, you know; it doesn't have to be either trainers or "horrible hard shoes" and you can get good summer shoes or elegant closed toe sandals that are in softer leathers.

FriendlyGreenAlien · 18/06/2026 19:49

I think the safest bet is to steer clear of things that are obviously sporty, and I avoid white because I’m clumsy and they don’t stay box fresh for long. Plus if you’re wearing them because you want comfort / have awkward feet, what about a brand like Hotter? https://www.hotter.com/star-trainers-flint-grey-silver-2115

CaseClosedWineOpened · 18/06/2026 19:53

FriendlyGreenAlien · 18/06/2026 19:49

I think the safest bet is to steer clear of things that are obviously sporty, and I avoid white because I’m clumsy and they don’t stay box fresh for long. Plus if you’re wearing them because you want comfort / have awkward feet, what about a brand like Hotter? https://www.hotter.com/star-trainers-flint-grey-silver-2115

Ooh I like the grey

OP posts:
CatsFromSpace · 18/06/2026 20:47

I work for a very large retailer in the main offices, and most of our directors wear trainers, so yes they are office wear 😀

lots and lots different coloured adidas or converse can be spotted

CurdinHenry · 18/06/2026 21:20

Vaguelyclassical · 18/06/2026 19:17

There is a middle ground, you know; it doesn't have to be either trainers or "horrible hard shoes" and you can get good summer shoes or elegant closed toe sandals that are in softer leathers.

No non trainers are as comfortable

Pearlstillsinging · 18/06/2026 22:41

Have a look at Moda in Pelle, they have smart trainers, if there is such a thing!

Blarn · 18/06/2026 22:46

Under trousers: converse hi tops. I have water-resistant ones for winter as well.

Leopardprintbikini · 18/06/2026 23:19

Watercooler · 16/06/2026 06:35

Ballet flats are awful. But I must have seen 20 women wearing kitten heels last week in the space of 400 yards and none of them looked elegant as they rolled their ankles trying to negotiate escalators and pavements. They also damage your spine. I'll be sticking to trainers!

Stop lying. Kitten heels are tiny. You're going on as if they're wearing Jeffrey Campbell shoes.

You may like wearing the ugliest trainers known to humanity, doesn't mean everyone else has to.

Watercooler · 19/06/2026 05:51

Leopardprintbikini · 18/06/2026 23:19

Stop lying. Kitten heels are tiny. You're going on as if they're wearing Jeffrey Campbell shoes.

You may like wearing the ugliest trainers known to humanity, doesn't mean everyone else has to.

They might be tiny but apparently very few people can walk in them.

I wear trainers due to a disability. I'm aware not everyone has to but it's a shame when shoes they've clearly picked out to be elegant make them look the exact opposite.

OrangeJellySnakes · 19/06/2026 06:00

do you wear trainers with dresses for work too or something else? I wear trainers with trousers but find it hard to look smart enough with dresses. I do have a dodgy hip so need supportive/cushioned shoes

maldivemoment · 19/06/2026 06:21

I have a pair of smart looking VIVOBAREFOOT. They seem to go with everything (so far) and I’m very happy with them ✅

familyissues12345 · 19/06/2026 06:52

I wear Stan smiths with wide leg trousers to work. I don’t work in a really formal office though (charity work)

EleanorMc67 · 19/06/2026 11:20

Leopardprintbikini · 18/06/2026 23:19

Stop lying. Kitten heels are tiny. You're going on as if they're wearing Jeffrey Campbell shoes.

You may like wearing the ugliest trainers known to humanity, doesn't mean everyone else has to.

What is it with you constantly accusing people of "lying" - & then going on to insult, mock & belittle them? Why is she "lying"? She's expressed a valid opinion!! You can argue with her taste in footwear - but her honesty? Bizarre.

@Watercooler is also correct. It's precisely because kitten heels are so tiny that many (most?) people find them tricky to walk in with ease - it usually takes quite a bit of practice.

With kitten heels, your entire body weight becomes concentrated onto a very tiny area of heel, so that your support is much less than with, say, block heels. It also puts pressure on the ankle joint to counteract any rolling or wobbling. And if they're backless they force the toes to grip more. The ones with only a toe thong (which are everywhere) are the trickiest as they're the least supportive.

TheEasterBunny3 · 19/06/2026 11:22

Ive got lots of colours of Adidas spezials- all suede. Light brown, cream, dark brown etc. All very suitable & smart for work. Most of the women in my office wear them or something very similar.

ThatTaupeJoker · 19/06/2026 11:38

I’ve just started a new job and most people are wearing trainers - including partners and senior managers.

I’m torn between these from Next and Vejas.. just not sure how much I want to spend! https://www.next.co.uk/style/su751560/w54981

Bjorkdidit · 19/06/2026 11:48

I can't work out trainer pricing. I know that you usually pay extra for brands which may or may not be any better quality than decent 'high street' versions, eg Next, M&S.

But I see that Next has several different styles of Adidas trainers that range in price from £50 to nearly £100. What's the difference?

Supersimkin7 · 19/06/2026 12:27

Arne trainers are exactly like lace-up shoes and are leather, not surfed, looking more formal - very minimalist sleek cut.

Supersimkin7 · 19/06/2026 12:28

Surfed? Suede.

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