Few things have been worse for men's sense of style than the emphasis on corporate-style efficiency. From the lack of variety of garments to the quality of the garments offered. in no other element of menswear is this atrocious trend more apparent than the mythical idea of a "does it all" outfit. There is no such thing as a perfectly ubiquitous base outfit that can be endlessly dressed up or down. Every style and outfit is limited to a certain degree and a variety of factors. With this in mind, I must break the hearts of many a midwit by stating that it is IMPOSSIBLE to dress up your athletic sneakers, and every time you wear them outside of an athletic event, you are doing yourself no favors.
Some time in the 2010s, an unknown, deeply disturbed sadist or cabal of sadists, fresh from convincing men to wear skinny trousers, started spreading the vicious lie that you can wear sneakers with a suit to bring some kind of youthful energy to the suit. Similar to the profane names that millennial restauranteurs like to give their "artisan" cheeseburgers, the trend caught on as a way to say "this isn't your grandpa's suit." Athletes were doing it, movie stars, were doing it, and just about every 2010s menswear content creator has a style guide on coordinating your running sneakers with your suit/blazer.
Unfortunately, this trend has had some staying power on the basis of efficiency, the deadliest word in the style world. Wearing your white sneakers with your blazer and khakis isn't efficient in the sense that you've saved a bit of time getting dressed, its "efficient" in the sense that you don't have to use your brain to find a proper dress shoe that compliments your style and is actually flattering.
Naturally, women broadly seem to have no problem with "dressing up" the running shoe. In an age where men are generally seen as accessories to a woman's life, keeping men looking harmless and not too put together is vital to retain their style identity as an accessory. When I see that church outfit of an ill-fitting blazer, open collar shirt, and slim stretchy khaki pants framed by a pair of white athletic sneakers, I can bet, without fail, that his wife or girlfriend picks out his outfits whenever they leave the house. No tasteful man wants to look like a DC intern or young finance bro that has no idea what a good shoe is.
If you are going to take the big boy step and save the running shoes for the gym, what should you replace them with?
Luckily, there is a massive variety to choose from based on your personal style and level of formality you are looking for.
1- Leather sneakers
A modern, stylish casual shoe intended for a comfortable, leisurely day out that frames your look well. They come in numerous styles, from the thicker-soled, streetwear inspired styles like the Gemsbok, or something that takes more inspiration from its more formal cousins like the Cadby II.
2- Loafers
The elegant man's summer/leisure shoe. An ultra-stylish classic, slip on dress shoe that comes in near-infinite variety. Perfect for the semi-formal, warm-weather outfit. When you've got your blazer and khaki outfit put together, ditch those white running sneakers and slip into a pair of Gustaves.
3- Boots
The autumn equivalent to a loafer in its "daily driver" functionality. They can be paired with chinos, jeans, and depending on the style, even a suit. Their hardy, functional nature lends themselves well to just about anything. For a more casual outfit, step out in the Gemsboot, for something more dressed up, give the Rainsford Boot a spin.
4- Lace-up Dress shoes
On the other end of the spectrum from those running shoes you love is the lace-up dress shoe. Similar in fit to the loafer, but without a doubt more formal. However, there are styles that lends themselves to a more "everyday" function. A good rule of thumb is that the black Oxford (Rainsford) shoe is peak formality. The further you depart from that, the more casual you are. Broguing, decoration, and colors all contribute to making the dress shoe more versatile depending on what you are wearing them for.
The epidemic of putting your favorite, beat-to-hell running shoes on for every possible thing is over. Unless you are a child with sensory discomfort or an elderly man who cannot walk in anything else without debilitating pain, it's time to grow up and save those white trainers for the gym.