By Oswin Hyde · Last updated 11 October 2026
The short answer: smart trainers sit between a dress shoe and a sports trainer. The smartest are clean leather trainers with no logos and a slim sole, and brogue trainers, which take the punched detailing of a brogue and put it on a trainer sole. Wear them with chinos, smart jeans, knitwear and unstructured tailoring, in relaxed offices and at smart-casual events. For formal occasions, such as a suit with a tie or a wedding with a formal dress code, wear Oxfords, Derbies or brogues instead.
Types of smart trainer
| Type | What it is | Try |
| Brogue trainer | A wingtip brogue upper with derby-style lacing on a trainer sole | Stan Cognac, Stan Black, Stan Brown |
| Chunky brogue trainer | Full wingtip broguing and a toe medallion on a chunkier trainer sole | Tyler II Tan, Tyler II Black, Tyler Brown Suede |
| Monk strap trainer | A double monk strap and toe cap on a flat trainer sole | Nash Cognac |
| Minimal leather trainer | A clean, unbranded low-top with a plain toe | Harper White, Harper Tan, Harper Black Grain |
| Seven-eyelet trainer | A sleek, longer lace-up in smooth leather | Smith Black, Smith White, Hayes Brown |
| Laceless trainer | Slip-on with elasticated inserts | Smudge White, Colt Black |
What are brogue trainers?
Brogue trainers combine two classics: the decorative punched holes (broguing) and wingtip of a traditional brogue, with the flat, cushioned sole of a trainer. They look smarter than a plain trainer but are more relaxed than a leather-soled brogue, which makes them one of the most useful shoes for smart-casual dressing. Our Stan brogue trainers have a perforated wingtip toe, broguing along the wings and heel, derby-style lacing and a flat cupsole. For the history and styles of traditional brogues, see our brogues and Derby shoes guide.
Are brogue trainers smart or casual?
Smart-casual. The broguing and leather upper make them smarter than a sports trainer, so they work with chinos, smart jeans, a shirt and a blazer. The trainer sole keeps them casual, so they are not a substitute for formal shoes with a suit and tie.
Which colour smart trainers?
| Colour | Wear with | Good for |
| Cognac or tan | Navy, grey, olive, denim, stone chinos | The most versatile brogue trainer |
| Brown | Navy, grey, beige, denim | Autumn and winter, smart-casual offices |
| Black | Charcoal, black, dark denim | Evenings and darker outfits |
| White | Almost anything, especially in summer | Weekends and relaxed offices |
| Navy or suede | Grey, white, beige, denim | A second pair with texture |
How to wear smart trainers
- With chinos: navy or stone chinos, an oxford shirt or knit, and cognac or brown brogue trainers.
- With jeans: slim dark denim, a crew-neck knit or overshirt, and tan or black trainers.
- With tailoring: an unstructured blazer and trousers with a slight taper. Keep the trainers clean and minimal, with no sports branding.
- Trouser length: a short or no break, so the trousers rest just on top of the trainer.
- Socks: match your trousers, or wear no-show socks in summer.
Can you wear smart trainers to the office?
In most business casual and creative offices, yes. Choose leather, keep them clean, and pair them with chinos or smart trousers. For client meetings, interviews or a formal dress code, wear Oxfords, Derbies or brogues. See our business casual shoes guide.
Can you wear trainers with a suit?
With a relaxed or casual suit (cotton, linen or an unstructured cut), clean white or minimal leather trainers can look sharp, without a tie. With a formal business suit, a tie, or at a formal wedding, wear dress shoes such as Oxfords or Derbies.
Are white trainers smart casual?
Clean, minimal white leather trainers are the most widely accepted smart-casual trainer. Keep them spotless and avoid chunky sports soles and big logos. More in our white leather trainers guide.
How our leather trainers are made
Our trainers have leather uppers and soft lambskin leather linings. Most styles come in whole UK sizes 7–12; check our size guide before ordering. Wipe smooth leather with a damp cloth and condition it occasionally, and brush suede dry. See our leather shoe care guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are brogue trainers?
Trainers with a brogue upper: decorative punched holes and a wingtip on a leather upper, set on a flat, cushioned trainer sole.
Are brogue trainers smart?
They are smart-casual: smarter than a sports trainer, but more relaxed than a leather-soled brogue. Wear them with chinos, smart jeans and blazers.
What are smart trainers?
Leather trainers with a clean, minimal design and no sports branding, including brogue, monk strap and plain leather styles, that can be worn with smart-casual outfits.
Can you wear smart trainers to work?
In business casual and creative offices, yes. For formal dress codes, client meetings and interviews, wear dress shoes such as Oxfords, Derbies or brogues.
Can you wear trainers with a suit?
With a relaxed cotton, linen or unstructured suit and no tie, clean minimal leather trainers can work. With a formal business suit, wear dress shoes.
What colour smart trainers are most versatile?
Cognac, tan and brown go with the widest range of colours. White suits summer and relaxed outfits; black suits darker outfits and evenings.
Shop the pieces in this guide: leather trainers · brogues · casual shoes · suede shoes
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