Every type of wardrobe has that essential piece that works for a hundred different situations. For some, it’s a well-fitted jacket. For others, it’s a little black dress. But for guys, it’s men’s white sneakers. In 2023, this shoe is more than a casual wear or weekend option. It’s versatile and sleek enough to wear in a professional setting.
The key is all in picking the right shoes, how you style them, and how you look after them.
We’ll guide you through our favorite men’s white sneakers of 2023 and how to wear them with sophistication and style. First, let’s answer the question at the top of everyone’s mind: can I wear these shoes to the office?
Can I Wear Men’s White Sneakers to Work in 2023?
Short answer, yes. In 2023 Men’s white sneakers are acceptable to wear for a wide range of dress codes including the office. That’s because they’re low-key, neutral shoes that won’t distract from the rest of your outfit.
However, can you wear sneakers to every office is a different question. These shoes are perfect for casual and power casual settings. They also make the list of the best business casual shoes. Basically, any scenario where it’s okay to show off a bit more of your personality and loosen up.
Men’s white sneakers don’t cut it in true formal offices. Think of the type of places where you’re still required to wear a suit.
But let’s focus on those instances when this choice of footwear gets the green light. How did these kicks make the jump from casual to all-the-time acceptability?
That comes down to the casualization of style across the board. First, athletic and loungewear made it big in the fashion world. Then came a shift in the workplace from in-office to at-home.
Now, people feel less bound to only wear casual clothes in their time off and dress clothes for formal settings. They’re more comfortable blending the two worlds and that’s made room for sneakers to sneak into the workwear conversation.
Ground Rules for Wearing Men’s White Sneakers to the Office
Before you grab any old pair of men’s white sneakers, there are a few dos and don’ts to go over.
Do pick subtle pairs with a minimalist shape and low profile.
Don’t buy anything overly trendy, flashy, or chunky like dad sneakers. There’s a right and wrong way to do the tech CEO sneaker trend.
Do invest in elevated materials and luxe details. You want it to look intentional when you wear sneakers to work. And, you want your footwear to tie into the rest of your ensemble. Seek out a pair made of quality textiles like suede, organic fibers, and leather.
Don’t buy cheap plastic-made trainers. Poorly made synthetic shoes break down too quickly. Before you know it, you’ll have to make another trip to the store, wasting time and energy.
Do distinguish sneakers you wear for professional and day use versus gym shoes. Here’s a picture of gym shoes:
Photo by Pexels
Don’t wear gym shoes to the office or any other setting besides the gym. Those shoes are for working out, getting scuffed and dirty, and performance. Your day sneakers are not.
The 5 Men’s White Sneakers on our 2023 Professional Shopping List
Feeling more confident about wearing men’s white sneakers in 2023? Perfect. Check out the five sneakers that get the NLW seal of approval.
1. Men’s White Sneakers: The Classic Kicks
Product by Koio, shop here.
For a quality classic men’s white sneaker in 2023, you can’t go wrong with the Capri shoe from Koio. These are handcrafted in Italy from full-grain leather and finished with hand-painted edges. On top of looking good, their OrthoLite Hybrid insoles lend your feet all-day comfort.
Reinvigorate your favorite suit with these Koio kicks and swap your button-down for a matching white polo as seen above.
2. Laser-cut Lace-ups
Product by Cole Haan, shop here.
Searching for the perfect summer/hot climate sneaker? Then Men’s GrandPro Rally Laser Cut options from Cole Haan are your shoe. The perforated leather allows for maximum breathability even on the hottest of days. On top of that, Cole Haan is a true staple of men’s footwear with shoes for every occasion.
Use this image from the brand as an inspiration on how to style these shoes. Keep the summer vibes going by styling these shoes with breezy cotton pants and a short-sleeve button-down.
3. Men’s White Sneakers: Suede-trim Sneakers
Product by Veja, shop here.
Remember how we mentioned luxe details and superior fabrication? These suede-trim Esplar men’s white sneakers from Veja show you how it’s done. We love this brand because not only do they use superior textiles like suede, they stand by superior values. Like eco-conscious materials and working with factories that commit to paying living wages.
Want to wear these shoes from work to errands to grabbing a bite with friends? Use the ensemble above as a template. Partner them with black pants and a simple tee. Then layer a straight-line jacket on top to give your look structure.
4. Athletic Attention
Product by On, shop here.
You don’t have to stick to super-slim trainers and low tops to pull off the 2023 men’s white sneaker trend. In fact, you can even shop shoes from an athletic brand.
Take this pair from On for example. They’re slightly bolder in profile, but they’re completely monochromatic, and still made of an all-over leather. No crazy bells and whistles, just a great, dependable shoe.
Dominate your casual office dress code with sneakers, straight-fit chinos, and a solid sweater just like in the photo above.
5. Men’s White Sneakers: The Sophisticated Slip-On
Product by Greats, shop here.
Last but not least, Slip-ons. These are the go-to shoe for anyone who doesn’t have time for laces (like many of our clients). They’re also ideal for west coast clothing style. West Coast culture tends to be much more relaxed than the east. That goes for the office as well.
These leather slip-ons from Greats will have you dressing like a savvy entrepreneur in no time. Just partner them with a neutral-colored jean jacket and a monochromatic pant and shirt set.
How to Care for Men’s White Sneakers in 2023
One of the biggest reasons that more people don’t wear Men’s white sneakers in 2023 is out of fear. Fear that they’ll ruin or look dirty too quickly.
But here’s the truth. If you take care of your sneakers, you don’t have to keep them locked away for special occasions.
At Next Level Wardrobe, we believe that clothing care is just as important as owning the right pieces. Sure, it’s not trendy to talk about. But cleaning and respecting your clothes makes them last longer and keeps you from looking sloppy.
That’s why we recommend cleaning your trainers regularly. As you notice dirt on them, give them a quick scrub with these sneaker erasers. They’ll look good as new.
Want to learn more about other modern wardrobe essentials and how to style them? Apply for our men’s personal styling services. Our seasoned stylists are ready to revamp not only your closet but the way you approach style altogether.
