The rules for workplace footwear have changed “dramatically” in recent years, asserts Dan Leonardi ECCO’s head of sales; Americas. “Dress or lifestyle sneakers are now widely accepted—so long as they’re styled in a clean, professional way. ‘Clean’ is the keyword here: minimal logos, neutral tones, and free from visible wear and tear.”

Execs at active lifestyle brand Mykos state that “today’s consumers are looking for sneakers that can seamlessly transition from casual outings to more polished settings like the office.” Key features consumers care about include: minimalist, versatile design; breathable, flexible materials; protection and durability; and tech details such as comfort details or water-resistance.

At H.H. Brown, parent company of brands such as Align and Sofft, the company reports seeing consumers become more intentional with their purchases, and buying “fewer pairs of shoes overall but expecting more from each one — more comfort, more versatility and greater longevity.”

Materials matter. Shoppers are drawn to premium leathers and high-quality textiles that look refined and are built to last. Clean, modern silhouettes and timeless colors are in demand, with consumers seeking designs that transition seamlessly from work to weekend.

The white leather sneaker continues to be a core closet essential, notes Liam Bourke, EVP/GM, revere, but  he adds, “consumers are upgrading to premium materials and quiet luxury styling. Minimal stitching, off-white tones, and comfort-first construction are driving purchasing decisions.”

At Finn Comfort USA, health and wellness is a key focus, notes Justin Orrell-Jones, the company’s president and CEO. “All of the components in our footwear are designed to enhance comfortable and healthy walking, so our customer clearly appreciates that we have incorporated those components into a sneaker style that makes them look on-trend and feel comfortable!”

FINN / Interlagos

Crafted with premium vegetable-tanned leather on the upper and lining and a dual density outsole made with polyurethane and latex,  the Interlagos also features a contoured cork, jute, and latex footbed topped with suede.  This will form to the foot over time, creating a customized fit. MSRP $450.

Xero Shoes / Wynn

Seamlessly blending classic style with barefoot comfort and modern design, the retro-styled Wynn sneaker is inspired by Xero Shoes’ running footwear, offering a unique “barefoot” experience. The shoe design promotes natural movement while making a statement with its style, including a nylon upper, suede leather accents and serrated rubber outsole. MSRP $119.99.

Söfft/ Faro

Designed with sustainably made knit uppers and a comfortable fit, Söfft’s new classic knit sneaker is a feel-good addition for any wardrobe. Offered in recycled knit mesh, it has a padded heel collar, a heel tab for easy on and off, and is unlined for lightweight, breathable comfort. The Faro also has a leather-lined footbed, cushion for extra comfort and arch support. MSRP $114.95.

Rieker / Nash

Sleek and stylish with a court shoe silhouette, Rieker’s Nash sneaker offers a classic look for dressing up or down. The sneaker has a suede leather upper and also features a removable soft insole, delivering on all-day comfort. MSRP $160.

Mephisto / Dayana

A classic white style, this women’s cupsole trainer offers a touch of metallic fun. It features details such as the brand’s Soft-Air technology, a leather lining, and removable foot beds. Plus, it is crafted with ultra-soft leathers, and has couture stitch details, along with understated, stamped branding.  MSRP $329.

Alegria / Reah

This Fall ’25 style has a Retro Sport outsole, a leather upper and interior elastic bands for easy on-and-off. The clean silhouette has a removable microsuede footbed inside, along with an Arch One single-density footbed and built-in arch support. Reah also boast a slip-resistant outsole. MSRP $130.

Arcopedico / Diamond

Launching in Spring ’26 to honor Arcopedico’s Diamond Jubilee (60th anniversary), this simple laced sneaker embodies the foundational elements of Arcopedico footwear with its supportive sole and non-binding upper. The lightweight, comfy style can be paired with skirts and/or jeans for the office, or be worn around town. MSRP $145.

Taos / Pop Soul

A limited release, the leather lace-up Pop Soul boasts sporty suede accents and on-trend color combinations, along with the brand’s signature Curves & Pods premium removable footbed featuring arch and metatarsal support for all-day comfort and style. The footbed is treated with Antimicrobial Shield. MSRP $170.

Biza / Anita

This casual sneaker style from Biza’s Spring ’26 collection features leather and suede uppers with a full leather lining. The Anita combines all-day comfort with a stylish, versatile silhouette. The sneaker boasts a memory foam cushioned removable insole and stretch elastic laces for easy on and off. MSRP $139.95.

Mykos / Nigel

The Nigel casual sneaker is ready for wherever the road takes you. Designed for all-day wear, Nigel features a knit upper with suede eyestay, a breathable mesh lining and a removable molded Ortholite foam footbed. MSRP $69.99.

Glerups / Langdal

The first lace shoe from Glerups, a brand best-known for its wool slippers, the Langdal is designed for year-round, everyday wear with natural comfort as its key element. It features uppers made with 100% pure, natural wool and soft, chrome-free leather, organic cotton laces, and a natural rubber outsole. MSRP $250.

Marc Fisher LTD / Teddy

Sporting casual comfort in a light pink suede, the Teddy Laceup Sneaker from Marc Fisher features an almond shaped toe and sleek design. This everyday style is designed to become a perfect wardrobe staple. MSRP $120.

Align / Verano

This “go-to” retro sneaker comes in suede with a choice of leather or mesh accents to help keep things cool when the temps are blazing. It has a slip-resistant rubber outsole, Cloud heel counter and Align Dual Density Arch Support Insoles. MSRP $164.95.

Skechers / Slip-ins Work: Skech-Lite Pro Slip Resistant - Exdown

Athletic style in a shoe suitable for work or play — the Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins offer an easy fit and have a Heel Pillow that holds the foot securely in place. A Skechers Air-Cooled Memory Foam cushioned insole ensures comfort. The shoe is also Electrical Hazard (EH) safe design tested ASTM-F2892, and features a mesh upper with no-tie fixed stretch laces.

Mephisto / Oskar

This men’s cupsole trainer offers a fresh take on everyday luxury. Seen here in the off white colorway, Mephisto’s Oskar sneaker is crafted with ultra-soft leather, and features couture stitch details and understated, stamped branding. Other details include the brand’s Soft-Air technology, a leather lining, and removable foot beds MSRP $349.

Xelero / Nellie

Available in Spring 2026, Xelero’s new Nellie features patented Swiss technology making walking easier. The internal rocker and control plate combines stability and cushioning with a dynamic forward motion. Euro sizing. Available in Medimum and Wide widths. MSRP $249.99.

ECCO/ Soft 11

This women’s lace up sneaker is a classic lifestyle option, and will launch in late Q4 of 2025 as part of the brand’s SS’26 collection. New styles in this segment from ECCO feature a fresh manufacturing approach and a more modern aesthetic—ideal for a new segment ECCO is calling the “Functional Lifestyle Enthusiast.” MSRP $170.

Easy Spirit / Haigan

Designed to offer superior arch support, Easy Spirit’s Haigan sneaker steps up the comfort game with a lace-up front and a round toe. Plus, it offers a durable outsole for maximum comfort. The shoe is also orthotic friendly and aims to be an all-day, go-to style. MSRP $89.

FitFlop / RTG

The RTG (‘Ready To Go’) sneaker blends modern style with all-day comfort. Built on the brand’s ultra-light, flexible Anatomicush midsole with EVA cushioning, the biomechanically engineered tech works to optimize  body alignment. Featuring a casual court style silhouette, this premium leather sneaker includes soft padding, and breathability details for a clean, tailored look. MSRP $110.

Earth / Netta

A casual sneaker with a round toe, Netta features an easy to wear lace-up design with an additional easy zipper closure, a lightweight outsole and removable cushioned footbed with a plush layer of memory foam. MSRP $109.

Made Plus / skiff2

This USA-made brand focuses on premium, sustainable manufacturing with less waste. The skiff2 blends maritime performance with sustainable innovation — it has a sturdy insole cushion and non-marking, high traction tread soles by Michelin. Uppers are made with 100% recycled Repreve yarn for a quick-drying, lightweight upper. MSRP $180.

Astral / Loyak All Weather

The newest addition to the brand’s Loyak family offers minimalist style and weather-ready performance with a water-resistant, recycled polyester canvas and a breathable membrane to keep feet comfortable and dry. The G.15 Rubber outsole delivers grip. MSRP $125.