When and Where to Wear Trainers
22 May 2026
It's been a long time since trainers were associated exclusively with gyms and other exercise environments. Now, it’s not unusual to see them out and about, in bars, restaurants, or even workplaces - in short, pretty much every corner of daily life. But knowing when and why trainers work is an important part of choosing to wear them.
In this guide, we’ll explore the when and why of wearing trainers. We’ll show you how to tell whether they’re appropriate for the occasion, how to style them for different situations and styles, and much more.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Trainers for formal occasions
- Trainers for going out
- Trainers for more casual occasions
- When not to wear trainers
- How to choose the right trainers for your occasion
Trainers for Formal Occasions
Wearing trainers in formal settings won’t stand out in the way it used to, but there are important contextual cues that help you determine whether they’re appropriate at all, and if so, which style(s). If you’re unsure, understanding whether trainers are smart casual can help guide your choice.
For formal occasions like work, interviews, weddings and funerals, here’s what you need to consider.
Can You Wear Trainers for Work?
Generally, yes, in most workplaces. Each workplace will have its own office culture, with dress code potentially being part of it. So, base your decision on whether or not to wear trainers on whether it’s allowed where you work.
Usually, creative, tech or casual office environments are more trainer-friendly than legal, financial or other formal settings.
The type of trainer matters, too: a clean, minimal black trainer makes a very different statement than a loud, chunky sports trainer. Choose appropriately!
Check out our men’s smart trainers collection to get a work-friendly pair.
Can You Wear Trainers to an Interview?
Maybe, but proceed with caution! Again, it depends on the industry and office culture, but it’s often better to err on the side of formal even if there’s a casual culture. Interviews are about making good first impressions, and a trainer could easily look out of place.
Even if you’re 100% sure trainers are OK, opt for something that isn’t too bold. You want to let your performance make the impression, not the vibrancy of your footwear. Clean, minimal, nothing that looks like you just finished a jog.
Browse our white trainers for women for interview inspo.
Can You Wear Trainers to a Wedding or Funeral?
As a wedding guest, let the dress code decide. Sometimes there’ll be a “no trainers” rule - follow it. Other times, there’ll be cues like “black tie” or “casual” - both with a clear stance on trainers.
As part of the wedding party, your outfit will usually be decided/influenced by the people getting married. We recommend following their preferences!
And if you’re a bride or groom, the choice is yours!
At a funeral, always err on the side of respect and formality. A traditional smart shoe is almost always more appropriate than a trainer, unless you’re quite confident ahead of time that the tone of the service will accommodate trainers.
Trainers for Going Out
“Going out” is a very broad spectrum, ranging from casual drinks at a bar to a tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant. So, in addition to the general guidelines below, we recommend checking venue dress codes, as these will always override everything else!
Can You Wear Trainers in a Fancy Restaurant?
This varies on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis. Some will have no qualms turning you away if you’re wearing trainers, while others have dress codes that accommodate. Check in advance to avoid disappointment.
If you can wear trainers, lean towards minimal styles and neutral colours. These are most often settings that want smart-casual at the very least.
Check out our casual trainers for men and women.
Can You Wear Trainers in Clubs?
Nowadays, in most cases, the answer is yes. But check in advance, because if you go to a club whose answer is no, there’s no chance you’ll convince them otherwise.
Remember that clubs mean a high potential for scuff marks or grubbiness: choose a black trainer rather than despairing when your nicest white pair gets covered in marks.
Browse our black trainers for men and women's black trainers.
Can You Wear Trainers to the Theatre?
Theatres aren’t known for enforcing strict dress codes, so you should be OK wearing trainers. Scale the type of trainer to how prestigious the venue and event are - a West End premiere is a different atmosphere to an am-dram production at your local theatre.
A clean leather pair of trainers with a smart outfit shows care and attention, while neutral colours like white or navy are likely to fit the mood of the evening.
Check out our blue men’s trainers or white women’s trainers for inspiration.
Trainers for More Casual Occasions
Casual occasions are where trainers come into their own. Bold colours, vibrant styles - all are more likely to feel appropriate in casual settings. Here’s what you need to know.
Can You Wear Trainers for Golf?
This depends on the club: private clubs usually require proper golf shoes, while public courses or driving ranges are likely to be more relaxed. If trainers are allowed, wear something with a flat, clean sole to avoid damaging the greens.
White trainers lend themselves perfectly to golf: here are our men’s white trainers and women’s white trainers collections.
Can You Wear Trainers for Hiking?
For light trails and easy walks, yes, as long as you’re happy for them to get muddy. For more advanced trails, always wear special walking boots - these will help you to avoid injury. Taking the wrong footwear on a hike can very easily lead to discomfort, pain or even trips and falls - so decide carefully.
Can You Wear Trainers for the Airport?
Absolutely yes: this is one of the best places to wear trainers, as comfort should be a priority before and during the flight. They’re also easy to take off: great for when you’re going through security.
Travel doesn’t mean giving up on looking good, though: consider a white or grey trainer, or even something bold like red if you want to make a statement.
When Not to Wear Trainers
Here’s a concise list of places not to wear trainers:
- Black tie or similarly formal events
- Funerals, the vast majority of the time
- Formal job interviews
- Religious ceremonies
- And the most important: any event where the host has specifically requested no trainers!
How to Choose the Right Trainers for Your Occasion
Once you know where you’re going, there are three quick checks that will help you choose the perfect pair of trainers.
Consider the Venue
This sets the tone: Does the venue have a dress code? If yes, follow it. If not, ask directly or look at pictures to suss it out in advance. The more formal a venue looks, the more formal your trainer should be - or, potentially, the more you should lean towards a smart shoe.
Consider the Weather
Wet weather is a no-go for suede trainers, while breathable trainers are a must in hot weather. The season also determines which colours and tones work best. Plan something that will be comfortable and aligned with the season’s style.
Consider the Full Outfit
Whatever footwear you go for should feel like part of a coherent outfit, not an afterthought. Let your outfit inform your trainer choice, and not the other way round. This makes it easier to avoid a style mismatch.
The Right Trainer for Any Occasion
Hopefully, now you feel more comfortable choosing the right trainer for any occasion. And our top tip: always have one reliable pair of smart shoes in your wardrobe to fall back on when the occasion demands.
If you’re looking for a new pair of trainers, browse our men’s trainers and women’s trainers collections today, or pop into your nearest store to browse in person.
