Can you wear trainers in an office?

[Needhelpfeelingcold]

Or something similar?

I’ve got a new job and it’s in a massive really intimidating glass walled and chrome finishing type place.

I cant do smart shoes, ballets or heels. Are there any type of casual comfortable shoes to wear and not look rough? Could I wear clean smart superga’s or converse, as long as I’m dressed nicely?

Will you be on your feet much during the day? I would buy some bearable office-appropriate shoes and then wear your trainers on the walk in and switch.

Depends on the office and the industry. I work in the Civil Service and the dress code is quite relaxed. If I'm not in meetings or seeing someone of importance face to face I will wear jeans/trainers/all sorts As long as you're doing your job you can have pink hair and sleeve tattoos, you're judged on your work not your appearance... but my sister works in finance and it's the opposite.

I’m a lecturer in a creative/media subject, and wear trainers all the time for work, but they are fairly “smart” trainers, mainly black leather Stan Smiths. My colleagues who teach law or accountancy are far more corporate, and properly suited and booted.

If you want that "bounce" feeling of trainers have you considered a flatform brogue or loafer with a rubber sole? I wear some for work and they look smart enough and are so comfy! I also think if the sole is black (rather than white) it looks smarter and would be better for an office.

I agree brogues or loafers with rubber sole. I have some from Hobbs and timberland. Expensive but long lasting.

Of course you can wear trainers! Whatever makes you feel comfortable, regardless of the ‘organisational culture’ or how ‘intimidating’ the environment is,
esp being a new job. 90% of any people who may double take at your footwear are just jealous as their feet are Really hurting wedged into tottering heels.

I like the idea of rubber soled loafers or brogues, as long as the brogues aren’t too clunky.

Depends on the office dress code, surely.

Lots of offices are fine with trainers, some are not. Some are okay with trainers on dress down Friday.

Brogues are good, they go with pretty much everything. But have you considered getting custom insoles made? That way you could wear flat trainers and it would be fine. Also, M&S shoes ‘insolia’ shoes are very comfortable, even the heeled shoes.

My office is "office wear", and I wear black shoes that look like Toms, they're comfortable and light.

of course you can wear trainers! Whatever makes you feel comfortable, regardless of the ‘organisational culture’ or how ‘intimidating’ the environment is,
esp being a new job. 90% of any people who may double take at your footwear are just jealous as their feet are Really hurting wedged into tottering heels.

Completely disagree! There’s no “of course” about it. It entirely depends on the dress code.
People wearing trainers in my office are told in no uncertain terms not to do it again

@Goldenbaubles
They look super comfy. Really silly question but do you wear them barefoot or with tights / socks.

I used to wear Ecco black leather trainers to work with trousers in a Business Casual office and I was never pulled up on it.

I'd get a pair of fitflop shoes (I have some very smart ballet style shoes by them) which have very cushiony soles BUT I would keep them at work and wear trainers for the walk and just change when you arrive.

I work with different clients, different sites, different industries. All corporate professional. I've worn black North Face trainers, high top converse (a subtle pinkish), and others that I can't think of right now.

I have a little selection of footwear in my drawer at work as I walk in wearing trainers. I keep a pair of flats and a pair of heeled boots there to go with anything I might be wearing. It has been tempting to keep my comfy trainers on but not really the right image.

Have you been given your contract - we have dress code requirements within it. Failing that ask HR for a guide.

I'm an academic and staff in this university wear anything from suits and ties to denim jackets and ripped jeans. Academics don't tend to care what you are wearing, in my experience anyway. They are more interested in what you have to say. Wear whatever is comfortable.

Why can’t you “do” smart shoes? Loafers or Chelsea boots are smart enough for work and comfortable enough for all day. There is a smart shoe for you, you just need to find it.
My tip would be, buy leather, it gives. Avoid plastic like the plague, it is usually uncomfortable.

Would leather trainers (low-key, obviously) with a trouser suit work?

I work in a very casual office and wear brogues. (Clarks ones - think they're called Trik or Trek?)

If they are academics I suspect anything goes but check first - it's jeans and boots here

of course you can wear trainers! Whatever makes you feel comfortable, regardless of the ‘organisational culture’ or how ‘intimidating’ the environment is,

Totally disagree with this. Ask HR what the dress code is if you can't find it. Smart/casual would not include trainers ime.

If you've been wearing the wrong size shoes it is no wonder your feet hurt! My work shoes and boots are both clarks - insanely comfortable. Cheap ballet shoes hurt and wear out really quick. Proper ones made by shoe specialists (rather than normal designers) are a world away in terms of comfort and durability. They can be expensive though.

Definitely walk in to work in whatever is most comfortable!

Most women at every job I have ever done wear trainers or other comfy footwear for their commute and change into smarter shoes when they arrive.

My boss arrives in a pair of brightly coloured new balance running trainers with tights and a dress or skirt suit. She then changes into heels once she's at her desk. Personally I wear black sketchers for my commute and often keep them on all day if I don't have meetings.

Many women wear smart flats rather than heels, clarks are great.

I have very dodgy feet (plantar fasciitis, EDS, achilles problems) and have these for work:

www.amazon.co.uk/Fitflop-Women-Opul-Oxfords-Supernavy/dp/B00ZGUTPA0/ref=sr_1_2?rnid=1642204031&s=shoes&crid=3HM1WCVDGGO0&keywords=fitflop+oxford+shoes&sprefix=fitflop+ox%2Caps%2C221&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1558527386&sr=1-2

They look nicer in real life than in the photos and people are always complimenting them.