February 20, 2025
Dressed Up, Kicked Back: How to Rock a Suit with Sneakers
While pairing sneakers with a suit might’ve been a fashion taboo years ago, sneaker culture has completely rewritten the rules of fashion. What began as functional footwear has become a global style phenomenon, and yes, it’s now confidently stepping into the world of sharp tailoring.
Pulling off a men’s suit with sneakers is an art and, when done right, is the ultimate cool-guy look. The secret is knowing how to choose sneakers that don’t clash with your suit to create a look that feels both effortless and intentional. This guide is your roadmap to making it work, from finding the right suit to choosing sneakers that help you own your style.
When Can You Wear Sneakers with a Suit?
If you’ve seen pictures of any red carpet recently, chances are you’ve spotted at least a couple of suit-with-sneakers outfits, which raises the question: when is formal attire with sneakers appropriate in the real world?
Sneakers and suits can work in a lot of settings — but not everywhere. For semi-formal or creative occasions, they’re a great option. Think outdoor weddings, cocktail parties, modern workplaces or industry events where the dress code is sharp but not rigid. As long as the sneakers are clean, minimal and complementary to your suit, they can elevate your style while still keeping that cool guy casual vibe.
Of course, there are situations where sneakers aren’t the best choice. Black-tie events or anything explicitly formal — like traditional weddings or galas — are better suited for classic dress shoes. The same goes for venues that have stricter rules about footwear or settings where sneakers would stand out for the wrong reasons. In other words, it’s all about reading the room and knowing when the pairing feels fresh and cool rather than out of place.
What Suits Can You Pair with Sneakers?
While the sneakers you choose matter, it’s just as important to know what kind of suit actually works with them. Why? Because not every suit cut is a good match. Here are the best suit options for sneakers:
- Slim-fit suits: Slim-fit suits are a natural choice for sneakers thanks to their clean, tailored lines, which work perfectly with low-profile shoes.
- Unstructured suits: With their softer shoulders and relaxed construction, unstructured suits are ideal for settings that call for style but aren’t too formal.
- Single-breasted suits: A classic single-breasted suit is versatile enough to handle sneakers. Stick to neutral colors or subtle patterns to keep the outfit balanced and elegant.
- Lightweight summer suits: Suits made from fabrics like linen or cotton have an easygoing feel that pairs perfectly with sneakers. They’re a great choice for warm-weather events or more low-key occasions.
- Casual suits: Looser cuts or suits in relaxed fabrics like jersey or lightweight wool naturally lend themselves to sneakers.
- Tuxedo suits: This one may surprise you, but you can wear a tuxedo with sneakers. Modern styles with a more relaxed, slim cut can be paired with sneakers for a stylish and unexpected twist.
The 8 Best Sneakers to Wear with a Suit
Knowing what kind of suit works with sneakers is one thing, but the real game-changer is picking the right sneakers to pair with it. Not every sneaker is going to work — some will elevate the look, and others will make it feel clunky and mismatched.
Here are the best sneakers to wear with suits:
1. Lace-Up Sneakers
A classic for a reason, lace-up sneakers look great with just about any type of suit, from slim-fit to unstructured styles. Their simple and clean design makes them incredibly versatile and easy to dress up or down. However, be sure to go for white leather or darker tones to add a modern touch and avoid overcomplicating things.
Styling tip: For an edgy, contemporary vibe pair white lace-up sneakers with a navy or charcoal suit. Keep the rest of your outfit streamlined — like a crisp white shirt or a lightweight knit vest — to let the sharp contrast between the sneakers and suit stand out.
2. Slip-On Sneakers
Slip-on sneakers are a good choice for warm-weather events and casual daytime settings. They also look elegant and intentional with more relaxed suits. Lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton work especially well with slip-ons, making them ideal for summer weddings or outdoor gatherings.
Styling tip: Try pairing neutral-colored slip-on sneakers with a light gray or beige suit. Avoid patterned slip-ons unless the rest of your outfit is completely solid, as too many patterns can make the look feel busy instead of balanced.
3. Espadrilles
Is a destination wedding to Europe in the cards this year? Even if it’s not, a pair of espadrilles can add some of that relaxed charm to your suit game. With their woven soles and lightweight fabrics, espadrilles are a great choice for warm-weather occasions — especially beachside or outdoor settings.
Styling tip: Go for neutral or earth-toned espadrilles and combine them with a light linen suit. Skip the tie and opt for an open-collar shirt to keep the outfit relaxed and seasonally appropriate.
4. Alpargatas
Similar to espadrilles, alpargatas are great casual shoes to wear with a suit, especially for daytime events during warmer months. Made with lightweight canvas and a flexible sole, their simplicity and comfort make them a perfect match for less structured suits or those in breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
Styling tip: Pair canvas alpargatas with a tan or light blue suit and a button-down shirt in a soft, neutral tone. If you have to wear a tie, make sure it matches or closely resembles the color of your shoes.
5. Running Sneakers
While dressier footwear in neutral colors might be your safest bet when it comes to pairing casual shoes with a suit, running sneakers can make a statement all on their own. Perfect for more experimental or street-style-inspired looks, these sneakers can add some serious edge to your outfit and show off some personality. They work best with suits in relaxed cuts or those with unique fabrics to allow the sneakers to stand out without clashing with the overall look.
Styling tip: Pair bulkier running sneakers with a simple, solid-colored suit — think black, charcoal or navy — to let the shoes do the talking. Keep accessories minimal and opt for a plain t-shirt or a slim-fit turtleneck to bring a contemporary, fashion-forward finish to the whole look.
6. Boots
We know, we know — this isn’t technically a sneaker-suit combo. But a pair of casual boots can be a stylish addition to a suit with a variety of options. For a sleek and modern look, go for Chelsea boots in leather or suede, which work well with slim-fit or tailored suits. Chukka boots like our Navis offer a more casual vibe, pairing best with lighter fabrics like cotton or linen for a smart-casual look. If you're feeling bold, lug boots can add an edgy twist to a dark, structured suit, but keep the rest of the outfit minimal to maintain balance.
Styling tip: Stick to neutral boot colors like black, brown, or oxblood to ensure they complement your suit effortlessly. Just make sure the pants break above the boots for a sharp, cohesive look.
7. Suede Sneakers
Suede sneakers are the perfect mix between a dress shoe and a casual option, which makes them an excellent choice for pairing with suits. They’re particularly great for events where you want to feel dressed up without being overly formal. The suede material brings a textile twist to the look, drawing the eye and adding a unique touch of sophistication.
Styling tip: Match tan or gray suede sneakers with a navy or olive suit, sticking to clean, neutral tones for the rest of your outfit to highlight the texture of the suede. If you’re going to be wearing a formal black suit with sneakers, steer clear of light suede and instead opt for darker shoes.
8. Loafers
Loafers are a classic for a reason. They’re a timeless and versatile shoe option that pairs effortlessly with suits for a polished yet relaxed look. Their slip-on design brings an element of ease, making them perfect for both formal and smart-casual occasions. A well-structured suit pairs best with sleek leather loafers, while suede options work well for a more laid-back feel. For a modern take, wear them with a slim or cropped suit to showcase the shoe.
Styling tip: Brown or black casual loafers look great with a tailored suit in a neutral tone, like gray or navy. Keep the socks low-profile or skip them entirely to stay on the sophisticated side of casual.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Wearing a Suit and Sneakers Outfit
When it comes to how to wear sneakers with a suit, there are a few simple rules to make sure the look comes together in the right way. A well-executed suit-with-sneakers outfit can turn heads for all the right reasons, but getting it wrong can leave you looking out of place.
Stick to these do’s and don’ts to get it right every time:
Do’s
- Keep the sneakers clean and in good condition
- Combine tailored or slim-fit suits with low-profile sneakers. It’s okay to show a little bit of sock
- Match the vibe of the outfit to the occasion
- Add subtle details like a matching pocket square to elevate the outfit without overdoing it
- Embrace tonal looks — matching your sneakers and suit in similar shades can be a nice choice
Don’ts
- Wear suits with loud patterns that compete with the sneakers
- Wear sneakers that are scuffed or too worn out
- Pair sporty socks with sneakers and suits
- Try to force sneakers into a setting where traditional dress shoes are expected
- Tuck your shirt into overly casual or relaxed suits — it can look awkward or mismatched
Wear TOMS. Wear Good.
So now that you know how to pull off a good suit-with-sneakers combo, the next step is finding the perfect pair to complete the look. TOMS has you covered with men’s sneakers that strike the perfect balance of clean design and all-day comfort.
You won’t just look good. Every pair you choose helps us support communities and create meaningful change. Learn more about our impact.
Browse our men’s dress casual collection to find the perfect pair for your next event!