Blending comfort and style

By Do Je-hae

• Published May 2, 2013 5:12 PM KST
• Updated May 2, 2013 5:12 PM KST

Today’s professionals are

always strapped for time.

Walking or biking to work is a

great way to save time and

keep in shape, but this would

only be possible with the right

shoes.

More healthy and fashion-conscious

office workers are opting

to wear a variety of atheletic

footwear.

A guide to how to pick

work-appropriate sneakers so

you don’t look like you’re

going to the gym.

Athletic shoes making mark in workplace

By Do Je-hae

Remember U.S. actress Melanie Griffith in the 1988 film "Working Girl," trotting along Wall Street in a formal suit with a pair of white sneakers?

The look may have caused some to cringe. But years later in Korea, it is not uncommon to find office people completing their work look with atheletic footwear.

As the corporate world readjusts itself toward a more creative, employee-friendly environment, formal suits have become a thing of the past within some company settings. This gives room for flexibility in choosing office footwear, particularly for those who are willing to make time to walk or bike to work.

In keeping with the times, a wide range of shoe manufacturers have redoubled their efforts to create models that blend seamlessly into a more "business casual" office.

"There is more demand among consumers for shoes that allow exercise in everyday life as people become more health-conscious. The competition among sports brands for such shoes will become fiercer," an industry insider said.

The office sneaker

A Samsung Fashion Institute survey last month found 60 percent of workers in Seoul's office clusters ― Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu; Seoul City Hall area and Yeouido ― were commuting to work in a casual dress code.

Sales figures at major department stores in Seoul demonstrate the rising popularity of athletic footwear.

The Lotte Department Store's athletic shoes sales showed a 20.6 percent year-on-year increase, while dress shoes recorded only a 4.4 percent growth.

This has led netizens to coin new terms ― "Woondonam" and "Woondonyeo" ― to describe men and women who go to work wearing sneakers.

"I like to walk before and after work, but there were days when I couldn't because my high heels were hurting my feet. Now I go to work in dark sneakers and change into heels at the office," Eunice Kim, a marketing director in Seocho-dong, Seoul, said.

Various sports brands including Nike, Adidas, Reebok, North Face, Prospecs, New Balance, and Fila carry models that are soothing yet respectable for the workplace.

These brands are easily seen in Seoul's major department stores.

"People who came to buy sneakers used to look for functions for specific activities like running or walking. Since the emergence of 'Woondonyeo' trend, more customers come in asking for light-weighted ones that are suitable for all occasions," a sales person at the New Balance store at Hyundai Department Store in Mok-dong, Seoul, said.

These days, consumers opt for sneakers that weigh around 100-250 grams. Some designs add sophistication by using suede or leather. Wedge sneakers are also a hot item among fashion-conscious office women.

Office-appropriate look

For a work-appropriate look, it is important to match the shoes with the right fashion items. Here are some guidelines.

SHOES:

Consider one's office culture as well when selecting a pair of work sneakers. Go for minimal and a tad formal models that look like real shoes than gym shoes, like the "The Stan Smith," in black by Adidas. Made of Argentine leather, it is a classic design that works for both men and women.

There are many options, but one ought to keep in mind that dark colors are easier to maintain.

Renowned fashion houses have also been eager to launch their own line of athletic footwear, including Armani Collezioni, MCM and Kenzo in collaboration with sports brand Vans.

Grey, black and navy are good office colors.

BAGS

Carry sizable bags in case there is a need to store the sneakers and change into heels or dress shoes before walking into the office.

CLOTHES

For women: Minimal dresses and jackets; shorts, blouses and jackets; jumpsuits and vests

For men: For offices with strict dress codes, one can be more playful with ties to go with the sneakers. Remember to match the color of the suit with the sneakers. For the summer times, Bermuda pants and jacket will go well with sneakers.

WHAT TO AVOID

Dirt: Keep your sneakers looking clean.

Bare ankles: Make sure to wear socks in plain black or gray, without sporty emblems.

Cuffs: Cuffed pants with sneakers can look messy and unprofessional. Stick with straight legs and dark fabrics.