Best Sneakers to Wear with a Suit in 2022
A suit makes a statement. Okay, okay — so there’s nothing wrong with the common casual motif. In fact, it’s pretty difficult to come off as too caʒ in 2020, the year that Zoom became your office and that bathrobe turned into your idea of ‘business casual.’ But the recent relaxation of social distancing means that public gatherings are on the rise — including the formal ones. Business and client meetings, holiday parties, mitzvahs . . . time to suit-up, folks.
If returning to professional and formal getup gives your anxiety, try coupling your fancy duds with a pair of stylish, low-key sneakers. The best sneakers to wear with a suit are comfortable but stylish, so the team here at Gear Hungry has curated this short and sweet selection of suit-friendly tennies. Cheers, you classy human, you.
The Best Sneaker to Wear with a Suit
1Cole Haan Men’s Grand Crosscourt Ii Sneaker
Comfort meets style in all its glory in these Cole Haan Men’s Grand Crosscourt Ii Sneakers. These are the only sneakers you need to pack for a weekend away as they can take this classic sport-inspired oxford style from a relaxed and casual look during the day but still complete your evening look when you put on a suit for dinner.
These stunning classic sneakers are made with 100% leather with a durable rubber sole. The design is sleek and simple which is what makes them so versatile in pairing with any smart casual look, including a suit. Comfort is also important because nothing can make you lose that cool, confident look like a pair of shoes that cause you pain. Step out confidently with sneakers that feature an injected molded outsole with Grand 360 Design & Engineering comfort technology. There are also rubber pods in the heel and forefoot for an added layer of bliss for your feet.
100% Leather with Rubber sole
Sleek and simple design
Classic sport inspired oxford
Injection molded outsole
Rubber pods in heel and forefoot
Grand 360 Design & Engineering comfort technology
- BrandCole Haan
- ModelC26522
- Weight7.8 Ounces
2adidas Originals Men’s Superstar Sneaker
The adidas Originals Men’s Superstar Sneaker is without a doubt one of the most iconic sneakers on the market. This legendary staple of footwear has been around since the 1970s when the superstars of basketballs first started wearing them. Today these Adidas shoes are as popular as ever and the only thing that has changed is that they are now available in a range of colors and designs.
This is the sneaker to wear with a suit and the magic is in their simplicity. They are made from 100% full-grain leather and feature the very distinguishable shell-toe design these sneakers are famous for, as well as the quintessential three stripes Adidas is so well known for. For all-day comfort and a look that is just as bold and confident at the park as it is for a night on the town in your favorite suit, you simply can’t go wrong with a pair of these sneakers.
Made from 100% full-grain leather
Famous shell-toe design
Lace closure
Serrated 3-Stripes
Rubber cupsole
Ideal to dress up or dress down
- Brandadidas
- ModelCQ0676
- Weight13.2 Ounces
3Hugo Boss Men’s Sneakers
Whoever said sneakers can’t be elegant have never had the opportunity to wear these Hugo Boss Men’s Sneakers. These sneakers are the ultimate in luxury, style, and comfort. They are made from 100% calfskin with a rubber sole. They are a tennis styled trainer in burnished leather that will compliment your outfit and set you above the pack.
What really distinguishes these sneakers from the rest is the quality workmanship. They feature cemented construction for durability yet offer exceptional comfort as they are fully lined with a refined cognac lining. They look amazing and are the perfect sneakers to wear with a suit that will have self-proclaimed stylists looking twice to see if you are in fact wearing sneakers. For more best-selling footwear for men, browse our list of the top Reebok shoes for men.
100% Calf Skin with rubber sole
Tennis-style trainers in burnished leather
Cemented construction for durability,
Lace-up closure
Fully lined with refined cognac lining
- BrandHugo Boss
- Model50386945
- Weight2.9 Pounds
4Rockport Men’s Colle Tie Sneaker
It’s hard to imagine a sneaker to be tailored but these Rockport Men’s Colle Tie Sneaker definitely pull off the look. These stylish sneakers are made from 100% leather with a sturdy yet flexible rubber sole. They feature a breathable textile footbed cover and a textile lining for a comfortable fit. For extra comfort you need to feel to believe, these sneakers have a molded Otrholite footbed that cushions your feet. Best of all this footbed is removable for easy cleaning. As a final touch for your complete comfort, these sneakers also feature and EVA outsole so nothing is left to chance at assuring you have a comfortable pair of sneakers.
For complete and total style, these Rockport shoes will look awesome no matter what you wear them with. Go for a resort look in cargo shorts and a polo shirt before matching them with your favorite suit for s stylish evening look.
Made from 100% leather with rubber sole
Textile footbed cover
Strobel Construction
Textile Lining
Removable molded Ortholite footbed
EVA outsole
- BrandRockport
- ModelCH1742
- Weight1 Ounce
5Lacoste Men’s Baylisss Sneaker
The nautical look is one that compliments anyone but you need to polish this relaxed but tailored style with sneakers you can wear with a suit. The sneakers you need are these Lacoste Men’s Baylisss Sneaker.
These stylish but very comfortable all-black sneakers for men feature a combination of leather and synthetic materials in vulcanized lace-up sneakers with a punched collar detail. They have a distinctive nautical styling influence that will complement a casual suit for that cocktail party on the boat or marina with your best buddies. Comfort is also important and these sneakers can easily be worn for an all-day event that extends into the evening. They are lightweight and comfortable with a classic, simple silhouette that is dressy without being over the top.
All-over leather
Vulcanized lace-up sneaker
Nautical styling influence
Stylish punched collar detail
Classic, simple silhouette
Lightweight & comfortable
- BrandLacoste
- Model737CMA007302H
- Weight11 Ounces
6JOUSEN Men’s Retro Oxford Sneaker
For a fantastic all-round sneaker, you can’t go wrong with these JOUSEN Men’s Retro Oxford Sneaker. They are made from synthetic faux leather uppers with a flexible and slip-resistant rubber sole. The lining is well made and features perforations for breathability to keep your feet cool. The collar is padded for a better fit and the laces ensure you can fit them snugly limiting the possibility of blisters when you’re on your feet all day.
What you’ll really appreciate is the fitted memory foam insole that hugs your feet for sublime comfort. Not only are these shoes well-made and super comfortable, but they also look great with suits, jeans or shorts making them ideal for work or play.
Synthetic faux leather upper
Flexible and slip-resistant rubber sole
Padded collar for a better fit
Fitted memory foam insole
Well-made lining & perforations for breathability
Available in stylish colors and finishes
- BrandJOUSEN
- Weight2.05 Pounds
7adidas Men’s Advantage Tennis Sneaker
There is no doubt that adidas make some pretty impressive footwear and these adidas Men’s Advantage Tennis Sneaker are a testimony to quality in terms of both style and craftsmanship. These are a more compact or stripped-down style of sports shoes and have been inspired by the features of tennis shoes. They feature a smooth leather upper in a regular fit with a lace closure.
To give these sneakers the distinctive three-stripes so iconic to adidas but without being so much in your face, the sneakers have a perforated 3-stripes detail that is still very much adidas but with a little bit of subtlety. The perforations also give the sneakers a bit of breathability for extra comfort. The inside of these sneakers is just as impressive as the outside with a cushioned sock liner that cradles the feet. These are a regular fit sneaker with a lace closure that offers the perfect look to complete a suit or anything else you plan on wearing. If you want to go for a more casual look, check out our list of the best Converse shoes for men.
Stripped-down sports style
Tennis-inspired shoes
Smooth leather upper
Perforated 3-Stripes detail
Cushioned sockliner
Regular fit with lace closure
- Brandadidas
- ModelF36423
- Weight1.64 Pounds
8Steve Madden Men’s Fenta Fashion Sneaker
Steve Madden took the world by storm by designing sneakers that were dressy and stylish enough to be worn with jeans and shorts, but could also be dressed up making them a great sneaker to wear with a suit. This Steve Madden Men’s Fenta Fashion Sneaker offers the best of comfort and style in a dressy sneaker that is lightweight yet durable making them ideal for when the weather is warmer. They feature a low-cut silhouette with textile uppers and a smooth fabric lining.
These dressy sneakers have a classic style that looks great and they are available in a range of colors that you can pair with most of your wardrobe. For more casual but stylish footwear, browse our list of the best-selling boat shoes for men.
Comfort and stylish dressy sneakers
Fabric uppers with rubber soles
Low cut silhouette
Smooth fabric lining
Lightweight yet durable
Available in stylish colors
- BrandSteve Madden
- ModelFenta
- Weight1.81 Pounds
9Timberland Men’s Groveton LTT Chukka Leather & Fabric Sneaker
For something a little different, these Timberland Men’s Groveton LTT Chukka Leather & Fabric Sneaker are a unique pair of sneakers to wear with a suit. They are available in a range of different colors and designs and your choice of 100% premium leather uppers or 100% recycled Cordura EcoMade canvas.
Comfort should always be at the forefront when it comes to criteria for the perfect pair of shoes and these sneakers feature an EVA footbed which is like adding a cushion to the shoe. Not only are these Timberland shoes some incredibly great looking sneakers you can wear with a suit, but they also use a variety of recycled materials making them friendly to the environment.
100% premium leather uppers
Streamlined styling for versatility
Multidirectional lugs for better grip
40% recycled plastic ReBOTL fabric linings
EVA footbed
Gripstick rubber for traction
- BrandTimberland
- ModelTB06743A001
- Weight14.7 Ounces
10ECCO Men’s Soft 7 Long Lace Sneaker
If you’re looking for a shoe that you can wear anywhere, look at these ECCO Men’s Soft 7 Long Lace Sneaker. These impressive looking sneakers will elevate the look of your suit with 100% leather uppers and a synthetic sole. The leather uppers are made of a rich nubuck leather that is famed for being soft to the touch, yet still quite durable for footwear. Nubuck also looks luxurious making this a perfect sneaker to wear with a suit.
These high-quality sneakers have a removable leather-covered inlay sole and the ECCO comfort fiber system offers increased air circulation. You’ll also have the added bonus of wearing these through airports without removing them from checkpoints as these sneakers are airport friendly in design and materials. If you want to go with a classic, opt for any of these timeless white sneakers for men.
100% leather with synthetic sole
Uppers made of rich nubuck leather
Full anatomical last shape
Removable leather-covered inlay sole
Ecco comfort fiber system for increased air circulation
Direct-injected, two-component pu/tpu outsole
- BrandECCO
- Model430304
- Weight1.15 Ounces
Sneaker To Wear With A Suit Buying Guide & FAQ
Features to Look for in Sneakers to Wear with a Suit
There are sneakers for every type of activity and almost any occasion as well. Consider these features when choosing the pair for you:
Style - Keep the style simple with a lower profile. If you go for chunky looking sneakers, your look is going to look a little too funky. Regular-fitting sneakers with nice slim lines are forever in vogue. Choose a style depending on the occasion. For a formal event, choose the sneakers that bridge the divide between shoes and sneakers, but for a casual affair, you can pair a business-casual suit with low-profile sneakers.
Color - The most common colors are timeless — black or white, or some combo therein. However, bright and zany-patterned trainers have made quite a comeback in recent years.
When pairing a great pair of sneakers with a suit, neutral or subdued colors tend to look the cleanest. Think earth tones like tan, beige, and brown or darker colors like navy, charcoal, and khaki. Keep the color choices a little on the conventional side. You want to stand out with your sense of personal style and class, not for having shoes that belong on a clown.
Comfort - Here's where things get interesting. Apart from being a definite style feature, the main point of wearing sneakers with a suit is comfort. How often have you attended an all-day event in dress shoes? By the end of the event, you most likely ended up with feet so painful they feel like they've been in a vice. Sneakers offer you a shabby chic elegance that looks awesome with a suit but without the pain. Choose sneakers with a cushioned insole and an outsole that is lightweight and flexible. The uppers should also incorporate durable materials without being stiff. It also helps if the shoes are breathable as the suit and sneakers look often sees events during the warmer months.
Fit - The best sneakers to wear with a suit should fit in much the same way all of your sneakers do. You should be able to tie the laces snuggly, and the length should give you just a little bit of wiggle room in the toes. It's worth noting that current fashion generally boasts slimmer-fitting tennies.
Sneakers to Wear with a Suit FAQ
Q: Is it OK to wear sneakers with a suit?
A: Once upon a time, it would have been a major fashion faux pax to wear anything but dress shoes with a suit. Not anymore, though. It is now perfectly acceptable to wear a pair of sneakers with a suit, but it does depend on the occasion. If you're off to a pool party or a BBQ in the evening and it's not your typical "beer with your buddies" type of event, then sneakers with a suit are the way to go.
You can also wear the sneakers and suit combination to resorts or events on the water. In fact, there are very few occasions where you can't rock this look as long as you pair your trainers and suit tastefully.
As a general rule, don't try to pull off this look if you are going for a job interview in a corporate office. Show up to that interview dressed to kill for interview.
Q: What kind of sneakers do you wear with a suit?
A: The best sneakers to wear with a suit are usually the simplest ones. Keep the colors and the styles clean and understated. Chunky sneakers will look awkward, outlandish colors out of place. Go for a style that's a happy medium between a tenny and a dress shoe.
Q: How do you pair a suit with sneakers?
A: Before you pull a suit out of your wardrobe and grab your sneakers, there are a few things you should consider so that you look stylish and composed instead of looking silly and out of place.
Shoe Color - Neutral colors, black or white shoes are the way to go. Stay away from bright colors.
Shoe Shape - Stick to low silhouettes. Low tops look more like shoes, so these sneakers are easier to pair with a suit. High tops are also acceptable, but they are trickier to wear with suits.
The Suit - The combination of sneakers and a suit look better with some of the more modern, slimmer fitting suits. The pants of the suit should be tapered and slim-fitting and sit right on your ankle. This look doesn't lend well to full-length pants so if your pants are longer, roll them up just a touch. The jacket is also important; look for narrow lapels and jackets that sit on the waist.