Shoes and sneakers
Sneakers for the office: what's acceptable in 2026
By sneakersInn team · Updated
In 2026, plain leather or suede sneakers in white, black, grey, navy or brown are acceptable in most smart casual, tech and creative offices, as long as they're clean and worn with tailored trousers or chinos. In formal offices such as banks, law firms and government ministries, and on days with client meetings, leather dress shoes are still expected.
| Office type | Sneakers OK? | What kind |
|---|---|---|
| Formal (banks, law, some ministries) | Rarely | Only on casual Fridays, if allowed |
| Business casual | Often | Plain leather, dark or white, very clean |
| Smart casual, tech, startups | Yes | Leather, suede, minimal designs |
| Creative, media, fashion | Yes | Wider range, including runners |
| Client meetings anywhere | Usually not | Wear derbies or loafers |
What makes a sneaker office-appropriate?
- Material: smooth leather or suede, not mesh or canvas.
- Design: low-top, slim sole, few or small logos.
- Colour: white, off-white, black, grey, navy or brown.
- Condition: spotless uppers, clean soles, fresh laces.
What should I wear with office sneakers?
Tailored pieces. Sneakers look office-ready when everything else is sharp:
- Navy chinos, light blue oxford shirt, white leather sneakers.
- Grey tailored trousers, navy knit, black leather sneakers.
- Stone chinos, white shirt, navy blazer, suede sneakers.
See layering a knit over a shirt for more ideas.
How do I know what my office allows?
Look at what senior colleagues wear on normal days, check the dress code if there is one, and ask HR if unsure. The safest move is to start with leather shoes and switch to sneakers once you've seen what's normal.
What sneakers should I keep for weekends?
Chunky runners, high-tops, bright colours, mesh and anything with big logos. See how to style chunky sneakers.
What about Friday wear?
Many Ghanaian offices observe Friday wear, with locally made print shirts or smocks. Clean leather sneakers or loafers usually suit a print shirt and tailored trousers. See Friday wear.
Questions
Are white sneakers too casual for business casual?
Not if they're plain leather and very clean. See business casual in Ghana.
Can I wear sneakers with a suit to work?
In relaxed offices, with a relaxed suit. See how to wear a suit with sneakers.
Should I keep dress shoes at work?
It helps. A pair of dark derbies at your desk means you're ready for an unexpected meeting. See derbies, oxfords and loafers explained.
Where can I find plain leather sneakers?
In our shop. Our sneakers are high-quality replicas of popular designs, and every product page says so.