The Best Sneakers to Wear With a Suit on Any Occasion
On occasions that call for a suit, there's no reason you need to face the uncomfortable pain of dress shoes.
Fashion's continued preppy obsession has meant that formalwear is becoming something you no longer just pull out of your closet whenever there's a wedding on the horizon. But just because you're dabbling in more formal looks, that shouldn't mean turning in your sneakerhead credentials.
If you're going to tackle a formal look with sneakers, it's important to pay attention to silhouettes, colors, and materials that will help to elevate your tailoring.
What type of sneakers will best match your suit all comes down to what look you're going for — although it goes without saying that throwing gym-weathered beaters into the mix will impress precisely no one.
A pair of all-black or all-white classic leather sneakers are bound to blend in and not draw attention to the fact that you've opted for sneakers over dress shoes. Meanwhile, if you opt for some Chicago Jordan 1s or chunky retro runners, your footwear will likely become the centerpiece of your look.
Whether you’re embarking on the annual anguish of wedding season or you're looking to make a suit part of your wardrobe rotation, these are the sneaker styles that will help you nail the suit with sneakers look.
Monochrome Sneakers
New Balance 740
Creamy off-white sneakers are one of the easiest ways to give your suit a high-casual footwear upgrade. While crisp white kicks always work under a tailored fit, off-white sneakers offer a more refined, universally wearable alternative. The New Balance 740 brings that polish with the brand's signature comfort and durability—an easy swap if you love loafers but want something even more comfortable.
NIKE Zoom Vomero 5
Black leather is the default material when it comes to dress shoes, so when breaking tradition and switching to a pair of sneakers with a suit it's a safe option to go for all-black sneakers. This pair harnesses the technology found in the NIKE's extensive running shoe catalog, so you're guaranteed comfort.
FEAR OF GOD Aerobic Nubuck Sneakers
Take everything I said about creamy off-white sneakers and turn up the luxury dial. Fear of God's signature silhouette leans heavier into sleek minimalism, crafted from Italian nubuck with a tonal gum sole that elevates the entire look. Jerry Lorenzo's brand is known for its premium materials across apparel and footwear, and these so-called "aerobic sneakers" feel like they were made to sit under a suit.
Timeless Classics
Converse Chuck 70 Canvas Hi
Is there anything a pair of Chuck Taylors can't do? Maybe not. While I'm not the biggest fan of Chuck Hi's with shorts, pairing them with a suit? Absolutely. It's probably the most West Coast-friendly sneaker-suit combo, given the Chuck's deep ties to SoCal culture. The Chuck 70's canvas construction and vintage detailing bring a casual but intentional edge to a tailored look.
Nike Jordan 1 Retro High
It doesn't get much more iconic than a pair of Jordan 1s in the red, white, and black Chicago colorway. While most classic sneakers make for a low-key look, this famous basketball shoe is bound to make a statement. Pair the red from the shoes with your tie or pocket square and you've got a look.
Common Projects Original Achilles
The ultimate cheat code for wearing sneakers with a suit? A sleek leather minimal sneaker. Common Projects' Achilles Low remains undefeated in this category—effortlessly cool, refined, and just discreet enough to slide into a sharp tailored look without breaking too many sartorial rules.
Converse Chuck 70 Canvas
A pair of black Chucks looks good with practically everything, regardless of whether it's a suit or not. The iconic shape slots into any outfit effortlessly. When considering which sneakers to wear to loosen up a suit, color-coordinated Chucks make for some of the best casual add-ons available.
High End
Maison Margiela Replica
The clue is in the name. Margiela's Replica sneaker makes no secret of the inspirational cues taken from the German Army Trainer, a fundamental low-top that was later elevated by Margiela. The Replica sneaker is now one of the most beloved high fashion sneakers, and a style that has proven itself as impervious to changing trends. Although there are loads of sneakers in the Margiela universe, the Replica is easily the most versatile of the lot.
Our Legacy Klove Sneakers
Our Legacy's boot game is legendary, but its sneakers deserve just as much attention. The Klove sneaker balances athletic cues with the brand's signature minimalist aesthetic, crafted in suede leather with contrast panels. They're on the chunkier side, which makes them a statement shoe—but that's exactly what makes them great under a relaxed suit.
Acne Studios Velcro Strap Platform Sneakers
If you're looking to really make a statement, these Acne Studios platform sneakers are the ones. While most of the sneakers on this list lean into sleek minimalism, these embrace bold proportions and playful color blocking. It's a less traditional choice for suiting, but if your vibe is more avant-garde than classic tailoring, these will add just the right amount of edge.
Golden Goose Lightstar Metallic Leather and Mesh Sneakers
Silver sneakers are the footwear equivalent of a grey fashion staple—they go with everything. Golden Goose's Lightstar silhouette brings that versatility in a chunky, retro-inspired form. They're not just a flex, but a legit deep-cut in sneaker culture, making them a perfect wildcard pick for someone looking to mix streetwear and tailoring seamlessly.
Colorful Sneakers
Burberry Leather Matrix Sneakers
Color is one of the easiest ways to shake up a standard suit, and Burberry's pink leather Matrix sneakers do just that. Imagine an all-black double-breasted suit with these on foot—unexpected, playful, but still luxe. Sometimes, all it takes is a pop of color to turn a classic look into a personal statement.
adidas x C.P. Company Italia SPZL Sneakers
A deep cut for the sneakerheads. If you're running a monochrome blue suit, these adidas x C.P. Company Italia SPZL sneakers are the move. They're clean, well-balanced, and—best of all—designed to handle long hours on the go. One of my personal favorites in rotation, and a prime example of how the right sneaker can level up a suit.
adidas Originals + Bad Bunny
The adidas Originals x Bad Bunny isn't just a sneaker—it's a walking statement piece. Drenched in vibrant orange, deep burgundy, and electric blue, this pair is made for those who like their suits with a side of boldness. The mesh and suede build gives it that rugged, high-energy feel, while the chunky silhouette and green outsole accents make sure it stands out. Pair these with a neutral suit for a high-low mix that demands attention, or go all in with a complementary color palette. Either way, these scream confidence.
Nike Air Jordan Orchid
Pink, but make it power. Luxe suede, speckled cement hits, and that timeless Jordan 4 swagger—this one's got Paid in Full attitude with Parisian polish. Think street legend meets high fashion. Rock it with a sharp suit, and watch the fit go from boardroom to block party effortlessly.
Retro Runners
ASICS Gel Kayano Pure Silver
Kiko Kostadinov's ASICS collaboration didn't disappoint, as it won at really braiding together what we love about each of the participating parties' aesthetics – the techy and the playful, the funtionality and the pizzaz.
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66
Tiktok's favorite sneaker, the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66, is the type of simple retro running sneaker that pairs perfectly with suit pants thanks to its slim shape. Opting for the silver pair above means committing to a bold look so you better have an eye-catching suit to match.
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