Trainers with smart casual work when the trainers are clean, low-profile and simple in colour, and when the rest of the outfit has some structure. Plain white, black or two-tone leather-look low-tops are the safest choice; chunky running shoes and bright performance trainers are the hardest to pull off. Match the formality of the trainer to the trousers, keep the hem tidy, and trainers can look as considered as any pair of shoes.
Why trainers belong in a smart-casual wardrobe
Smart casual sits between streetwear and tailoring, and footwear is often where the balance is decided. A good pair of trainers relaxes a jacket and trousers just enough, while still looking put-together. The key is choosing the right style for the outfit, rather than wearing the same gym trainers with everything.
Which trainers work with smart casual?
| Trainer style | Smart-casual verdict | Best paired with |
|---|---|---|
| Plain low-top, leather or leather-look | Excellent: the most versatile choice | Straight-leg jeans, chinos, tailored trousers, polos, knitwear |
| Two-tone low-top skate style | Good, with a slightly more relaxed feel | Jeans, sweatshirts, quarter-zips, denim jackets |
| Minimal mesh runner in black or white | Works for relaxed smart casual and travel | Joggers, quarter-zips, tees, track jackets |
| Chunky or brightly coloured performance trainers | Difficult: tends to look sporty, not smart | Gym kit and weekend athleisure |
| High-tops | Possible, but harder with slim or cropped trousers | Straight jeans with a clean break |
How to wear trainers with smart casual: 6 rules
- Keep them clean. This is the single biggest factor. Our Leather-Look Low-Top Trainers have a PU upper that wipes clean, which makes upkeep simple.
- Choose a low profile. A slim sole and a low-top shape read smarter than a thick, sculpted sole. Retro basketball-inspired low-tops with perforated detailing strike a good balance.
- Stick to quiet colours. White, black, off-white or a simple two-tone. The Two-Tone Leather-Look Skate Trainers add a little interest without shouting.
- Get the trouser hem right. Trousers should finish at or just above the top of the trainer, with little or no bunching. Straight-leg jeans with a straight hem are ideal; our guide to smart casual jeans covers wash and fit.
- Raise the top half. A polo, knit crewneck, quarter-zip or jacket offsets the relaxed footwear. The Luxury Regular Fit Polo Shirt (240 gsm, 49% polyester, 42% cotton, 9% spandex) is an easy partner for clean white trainers.
- Match socks to trousers, or go invisible. Dark socks with dark trousers, or no-show socks with cropped hems. Avoid bright sports socks with smart outfits.
Five outfits: trainers that look smart
The polo and jeans classic
Navy or black polo, mid-wash straight-leg jeans, white leather-look low-tops. Smart enough for a long lunch, relaxed enough for the weekend.
The quarter-zip commute
A quarter-zip over a plain tee, dark straight-leg jeans and black low-tops. The BALIVENO Boxy Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt has a collared zip neckline and ribbed cuffs and hem, which keeps the look tidy.
The tailored-trouser update
Charcoal tailored trousers, a fine knit crewneck and minimal white trainers. Make sure the trousers have no break so the trainers sit cleanly beneath.
Relaxed travel
Straight-leg joggers, a long-sleeve tee, a stand-collar jacket and the Mesh Running Trainers, which have a breathable mesh upper and a simple black-and-white sole that works with most outfits.
Evening, toned down
All-black: black jeans, a black knit or mock neck and black low-top trainers. Tonal dressing makes trainers look sleeker than they would against a contrast.
How to keep trainers looking smart
Smart trainers only stay smart with a little upkeep. A few habits make a visible difference:
- Wipe them down after wear. A damp cloth on a leather-look upper takes seconds and stops marks setting in.
- Follow the care label. For our trainers that means hand washing in cold water, air drying and no bleach. Never put them in a hot dryer or on a radiator.
- Refresh the insoles. Removable EVA insoles, as found in our trainers, can be taken out to air between wears.
- Rotate your pairs. Wearing the same trainers every day wears them out faster. Two pairs in rotation, one white and one black, cover almost every smart-casual outfit.
- Keep the laces clean. Grey, frayed laces make even new trainers look tired. Swap them when they discolour.
When to leave the trainers at home
Trainers are welcome at most smart-casual events, but not all. If an invitation says "smart" or "business attire", or the venue is formal, choose leather shoes or boots instead. When in doubt, a plain leather or leather-look low-top is the safest compromise.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear trainers with smart casual?
Yes. Clean, minimal low-top trainers in white, black or a quiet two-tone are widely accepted with smart casual, especially when paired with straight-leg jeans or trousers and a polo, knit or jacket on top.
What colour trainers are best for smart casual?
White is the most versatile, followed by black. Off-white and simple two-tone designs also work. Bright colours and busy patterns push the outfit towards sportswear.
Can you wear trainers with tailored trousers?
Yes, as long as the trousers are cut to finish at the top of the trainer with little or no break, and the trainers are slim, low-profile and spotless.
Comfort, worn with intention
The right trainers make smart casual feel effortless: clean lines, quiet colours and a little care go a long way. Explore our trainers, pair them with something from our t-shirts and polos, and find the right trousers in our pants and sweatpants collection. The finest you can be, from the ground up.
THE FINEST YOU CAN BE
Shop the BALIVENO edit
A BALIVENO piece chosen to go with the ideas in this article.
Browse sweatshirts Explore menswear
