Styling Suits with Sneakers: A Gentleman’s Guide

A soft tailored suit and sports sneakers have long co-existed in a man’s wardrobe, but both were considered to be mutually exclusive of one another until more recently. While just five years ago it would have been unthinkable for a man to pair his suit with anything other than an impeccable pair of dress shoes, dressing down a suit has quickly become the key summer trend in offices up and down the UK. But as often happens with new fads, we have encountered many misjudged attempts at dressing down a suit that will only encourage awkward glances and peals of laughter from colleagues. To avoid disaster, we’ve handpicked five pairs of sneakers to dress down a suit that will only attract approving nods from friends and co-workers.

1. PS by Paul Smith Men's Miyata Leather Trainers - White Seta Calf

PS by Paul Smith Men's Miyata Leather Trainers - White Seta Calf

PS by Paul Smith

A trainer style that should be an integral part of every man’s wardrobe, an all-white pair of low-tops is the go-to trainer of choice for slim-fitting navy and grey suits. This pair from Paul Smith is made with fine-grain leather uppers and a level of craftsmanship that will outdo most of your colleagues’ dress shoes.

2. Novesta Star Dribble Canvas High Top Trainers

Novesta Star Dribble Canvas High Top Trainers

Novesta

Pairing some longer trousers with high-tops allows you to achieve that dressed down, office casual look without showing off the whole shoe. Converse has long been our number one for high-tops—and a monochrome pair of All Stars is a great choice—but this season we are also enjoying these alternative, retro-looking high-tops handcrafted by Novesta in Slovakia.

3. Polo Ralph Lauren Men's Harvey Suede Trainers - Charcoal Grey

Polo Ralph Lauren Men's Harvey Suede Trainers - Charcoal Grey

Polo Ralph Lauren

When wearing a grey suit, navy low-tops offer a complementary contrast but a grey pair of suede low-tops also work to provide an elegant tonal look. Polo Ralph Lauren has long been held as the king of preppy style, and these ‘Harvey’ trainers allow for a more casual look while retaining an air of sophistication.

4. Oliver Spencer Men's Ambleside Low Top Trainers - Navy Leather

Oliver Spencer Men's Ambleside Low Top Trainers - Navy Leather

Oliver Spencer

A timeless trainer that looks its best under the summer sun, your navy low-tops work well with both tan and grey suits. This pair from Oliver Spencer offers a unique take on a classic style with suede detailing and contrasting orange lining.

5. BOSS Orange Men's Soundmid Leather Hi-Top Trainers - Medium Brown

BOSS Orange Men's Soundmid Leather Hi-Top Trainers - Medium Brown

BOSS Orange

A casual take on the navy suit-brown brogue combination, a well-made pair of brown leather high-tops are the perfect dressed down finish to a sharp navy suit. We are big fans of the BOSS Orange ‘Soundmid’ high-tops for their sophisticated tonal design and supple suede tongue.