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Every wardrobe has those essential pieces that work for a hundred different ensembles and situations. For some, it’s a well-fitted jacket. For others, it’s a little black dress. But for guys, they are men’s white sneakers. These days, this shoe is more than a business casual go-to or weekend option.
It’s become a versatile, sleek option for most office dress codes and social situations. The key? Choosing the right pair, styling them well, and keeping them in tip shape.
Here, we’ll walk you through our favorite men’s white sneaker styles, how to build outfits with them, and how to care for them. But first, let’s answer the main question on every man’s mind: Can I wear these shoes to the office?
Can I Wear Men’s White Sneakers to Work?
Yep! Men’s white sneakers are acceptable for many professions and office environments. That’s because they’re subtle, neutral shoes that don’t distract from your outfit, and keep you comfortable. They slip right into business casual without missing a beat, offering that sleek yet effortless vibe.
Now, whether you can rock sneakers in every office is another question.
White Leather Sneakers: The Ultimate Power Casual Office Shoe
Business casual sneakers for men are just that — business casual. That means they work best for any scenario where it’s okay to show off more of your personality and loosen up.
But, they don’t cut it in proper formal offices. You know, the type of places where wearing a suit is the norm. Here, your sneakers aren’t going to cut it.
That said, these work in most business settings, especially casual and power casual— a blend of polished professionalism and modern style.
White leather sneakers work best in these power casual settings. Men, these shoes perfectly balance dapper and practicality. They’re more formal than casual canvas sneakers or gym shoes without trying too hard. You can wear these with slacks, jeans, trousers, shorts, or a suit. From board meetings to Friday drinks, this has you covered.
Guidelines for How To Style Men’s Sneakers in a Business Casual Look
Before you grab any old pair of men’s white sneakers, there are a few dos and don’ts to go over:
Do
- DO go minimal – Stick to sleek, low-profile sneakers with a clean design.
- DO invest in quality – Choose luxe materials like leather, suede, or organic fibers to make your sneakers look intentional and polished.
- DO keep work and gym shoes separate – Have dedicated sneakers for professional settings.
Don’t
- DON’T buy trends – Avoid chunky dad sneakers or anything too flashy. The tech CEO sneaker trend has its limits.
- DON’T buy cheap plastics – 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.
- DON’T wear gym shoes to work – They’re meant for workouts, not the office. Keep them for the treadmill, not the boardroom.
NLW’s 5 Best White Sneakers for a Business Casual Look
Feeling more confident about wearing men’s white sneakers? Perfect! Keep reading for the best white sneakers for business casual offices.
1. Men’s White Leather Sneakers: The Classic Kicks
Product by Koio, shop here.
For a quality classic men’s white sneaker, 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. In addition to looking good, their OrthoLite Hybrid insoles offer all-day comfort.
Stylist tip: Reinvigorate your favorite suit with these Koio kicks and swap your button-down for a matching white polo.
2. Laser-cut, Lace-up Leather Sneakers
Product by Cole Haan, shop here.
Searching for the perfect summer/hot climate sneaker? Then the Men’s GrandPro Rally Laser Cut options from Cole Haan are the shoe for you. 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.
Keep the summer vibes by styling these business casual sneakers for men with breezy cotton pants and a short-sleeve button-down.
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3. 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 it uses superior textiles like suede and stands by superior values, like eco-conscious materials and working with factories that commit to paying living wages.
Stylist tip: Want to wear these men’s office sneakers from work to errands to grabbing a bite with friends? Partner them with black pants and a simple tee. Then, layer a straight-line jacket on top to give your look structure.
4. Athletic Additions
Product by On, shop here.
You don’t have to stick to super-slim trainers and low tops to pull off the white sneakers business casual trend. You can even shop shoes from an athletic brand.
Take this sneaker for example. They’re slightly bolder in profile but completely monochromatic, and still made of an all-over leather. No crazy bells and whistles, just a great, dependable shoe.
Stylist tip: Dominate your casual office dress code with sneakers, straight-fit chinos, and a solid sweater.
5. Men’s Sophisticated Leather Slip-On
Product by Tod’s, shop here.
Last but not least, Slip-ons. These are the go-to shoes 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 casual office attire 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 Clean White Sneakers
One of the biggest myths about men’s white shoes is that they’re high maintenance. Sure, they can pick up dirt, but don’t let a little grime scare you! Sneakers are meant to be worn, not stored on a shelf for special occasions.
At Next Level Wardrobe, we believe in wearing your pieces confidently—including keeping them in top shape. It’s not the most exciting topic, but trust us, a little care goes a long way. Regular cleaning keeps your sneakers looking sharp and ready for anything.
Spot a smudge? Grab a sneaker eraser and they’ll be good as new!
Elevate your style with white business casual sneakers
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 your closet and your approach to style and fashion.
Business Casual Sneakers FAQ
What are the different types of men’s white sneakers?
There are hundreds of types of men’s white sneakers, but the most work-appropriate ones are:
- Minimalist men’s leather sneakers
- Low-top trainers
- Slip-ons
- Athletic-inspired tennis shoes
How can you style white sneakers with outfits?
The beauty of white sneakers is that they go with everything. They can be business casual with chinos, blazers, tailored trousers, and a knit polo. If you have a more casual summer office, jump into a pair of chino shorts. Or, if your office loves a good casual Friday, jeans and a tee are always effortlessly cool.
Are any white sneakers unacceptable in a professional setting?
Yes! The office is not the place for chunky dad sneakers, basketball kicks, or beat-up Converse that have seen better days. If your shoes are scuffed, flashy, or bulky, hang them up. These sorts of things read as more appropriate for weekend errands. Stick to sleek leather, suede, or similar low-profile options.
