10 Sneakers You Can Wear to Work That Won't Get You Fired

Image via Complex Original

Yes, a brightly saturated red such as this is a risk. But it’s also psychologically linked to dominance, empowerment, and achievement (think: Tiger Woods, Daredevil, Kanye in 2010), which could help your image around the office. Stick to the monochromatic Suede Classics for a clean look that’s more trendsetter than skate park.

Keep your office kicks minimal and luxe, choosing rich looking leathers and treatments over anything that looks too flashy or performance-driven. While the white colorway is definitely an attention-seeker, the smooth leather and classic gum sole should balance out any unwanted “wow” factor around the cubicles. 

You might be wary, but if you’re boss is a dad from the East Coast, he probably owns a pair of these. Granted, they are from the early ‘00s and in the traditional grey colorway, but these will serve as a great conversation-starter for the two of you. Tell him his favorite dad shoes are cool and thank us later when you get the promotion. 

Retro tennis classics silhouettes are practically the wingtips of the sneaker world, so the Stan Smiths are an easy pick for your work wardrobe. Keep it simple with the White/Navy colorway, and when your co-workers ask, “What are thooose?” you can school them with your impressive amount of historical tennis knowledge. 

Maybe the most casual on our list, the layers of suede make up for the running-style silhouette. Pair this sporty kick with a more buttoned-up look to balance out the athletic vibe. 

Keep a low profile with a pair of retro runners in a stealth hue. The Sequoia green hue goes well with your go-to chambray shirt for casual Fridays, or black cords for the rest of the week. 

This OG soccer shoe won’t ruffle any feathers in a low-key denim colorway. Thanks to a premium suede upper—originally debuted in ’82—the Hamburg wouldn’t have been allowed through reception then, but in comparison to today’s standout kicks, you’ll be just fine in these. 

If you’re feeling the subtle appeal of the now-popular retro tennis kicks but want something with a little more unexpected, look to Common Projects. Yes, the silhouette looks familiar, but the $400+ price tag and elusive gold branding will leave your co-workers asking questions (the positive kind). 

If you work in a creative environment of any kind, these are a go-ahead. If you’re in law or medicine or anything that demands a life-or-death seriousness, steer clear until you’re OOO. That said, the first-ever Air Jordans are totally acceptable if you’re climbing the corporate ladder in Silicon Valley. Go with a color way other than the predictable red / black / white to avoid twinning with an office mate. 

While Adidas did us all a favor this year and rolled out the Superstar in every color of the rainbow, restrain yourself for the 9-to-5. Opt for a neutral hue to balance out the wider silhouette and pair with socks that complement your look.