Why you can wear sneakers if you work in the world of business
Whether you call them trainers, sneakers, or gym shoes, they come under the umbrella of athletic or sports shoes. But they are often used in many non-athletic settings these days. In fact, you can often wear them to work, even if you work in the world of business. In this short article, we’ll explain why, when, and how it’s possible. Plus, if you want to save money on your next pair, you can use this Footlocker discount code.
Different work environments have different types of dress codes. Sometimes it’s clear which, if any, rules you should follow, and other times, the lines can become blurry. But one thing for sure is that in many workplaces these days, it’s perfectly acceptable and appropriate to wear these types of shoes. Depending on the particular situation, if your office suggests casual, smart casual or business casual attire, it’s not always totally clear what these entail. Remember, though that long gone are the days when it was frowned upon to wear sneakers to work.
If it’s a very casual or even smart casual workplace, you can certainly wear sneakers. It’s a good idea to choose a leather or canvas material, and make sure that they are clean. Where possible, it’s best to avoid bold colours or designs. Men can wear them with jeans or khakis and a polo or button-down shirt. Women can team their stylish sneakers up with anything from trousers and sweaters to skirts and blouses.
One level up at business casual, it’s also often possible to wear sneakers. Remember that if your outfit is relatively smart, going for any stylish shoes, including sneakers, is highly acceptable. If you consider that they will dress down a look that is almost too formal, you can come up with a combination that strikes a balance between the two.
If you’ve got a commute that involves driving or travelling on public transport, it’s also a perfectly good reason to opt for a more comfortable and practical approach to footwear, so you can avoid the need to bring an extra pair of shoes to and from the office. Luckily most employers don’t expect you to carry an extra pair or leave them under your desk anymore which means less hassle for you!
For women, it’s been scientifically proven that wearing heels at work is not good for your health. So, if you are concerned that it’s necessary to enhance your status or professionalism, think again. You may think that men have had it easier in the workplace for reasons other than footwear, but at the same time, they may have literally paved the way for more casual, comfortable clothing and footwear for all employees, regardless of gender. Let’s thank the unrelenting shoe manufacturers that continue to offer us a huge range of variety and choices for shoes both inside and outside of the workplace.
If your area of work is particularly formal and professional, it may not be possible to wear more relaxed styles of footwear, especially if you have important client meetings or events to attend. However, more and more often nowadays, offices and workplaces globally are becoming more laid back when it comes to appropriate workwear in general, including what’s on your feet. If you have doubts about what is expected of you, we’ve got a foolproof tip: just spend some time watching what those around you are wearing at work and you’ll have a better idea of what is actually going on in terms of appropriate attire.
If you find yourself returning to work after a long period of working from home, you may notice just how much things are changing in the area of dress codes. If you want to learn more, check out the recent developments and guides here.
