Not just for Fridays: Eurowings makes sneakers standard crew uniform footwear
May 18, 2026
Eurowings is now allowing crew members to wear their white sneakers with the Eurowings logo as part of their uniform every day. The airline’s policy previously allowed sports footwear only on Fridays as part of the so-called “Sneaker Flydays,” but now Eurowings has updated it to “Sneakers any day.”
The Lufthansa Group leisure airline is responding to employee feedback, with many seeking greater comfort in their day-to-day operations, and is introducing a fresh, modern look for cabin crew.
Eurowings’ Puma sneakers introduce ‘good vibes’ on board
The airline says the branded Puma white sneakers “bring visible ‘good vibes’ on board,” with a “contemporary travel experience” that fits the airline’s brand promise: “More ease for everyone.”
The airline says the white Puma sneakers, which feature the Eurowings logo on the sides and back, “add a fresh touch both on board and on the ground.” Employees also see the more comfortable footwear as more authentic.
Eurowings says passengers prefer seeing crew wearing sneakers, with the airline reporting that many have commented favourably on the footwear in customer feedback and on social media
“Whether travelling for business or leisure, no other shoe combines professionalism, comfort and ease quite as naturally as the sneaker,” says Max Kownatzki, CEO of Eurowings and himself a passionate sneaker enthusiast. “The modern look also underlines our identity as Europe’s value airline – with a clear ambition to differentiate ourselves from the traditional low-cost competition. That applies not only to the quality of our products and services, but also to the way we present ourselves.”
PLAY Airlines made crew sneakers fashionable
Iceland’s former low-cost airline PLAY made sneakers a standard in 2022, complementing its gender-neutral, casual-chic uniform designed by designer couple Gunni Hilmars and Kolla.
The airline selected white Nike sneakers with branded shoe laces.
Aerolineas Argentinas introduced slacks and sneakers in its new uniforms
With its stylish-casual new uniforms introduced in 2023, Aerolineas Argentinas also introduced branded sneakers in two of its brand blue tones, adorned with the airline’s condor motif.
The decision to introduce slacks and sneakers was part of the airline’s brand repositioning as a modern carrier and also addressed employees’ preference for a uniform that would provide greater comfort and convenience throughout their workday.
KLM also added sneakers as a uniform choice
KLM updated its uniform policy in 2024 to allow sneakers as standard uniform footwear for all staff. Employees could use their own sneakers if they met specific requirements, or they could buy either of two specially developed KLM navy sneakers, designed by Filling Pieces.
KLM said the policy shift was in response to staff demand for more comfortable work shoes.
“Some colleagues who wear pumps would like an alternative,” KLM stated. “Wearing sneakers under a uniform is becoming more common among airlines and is in line with current times.”
The airline conducted a pilot before introducing casual footwear, which showed that wearing sneakers improved employee well-being.
Despite practicality, many airlines still stick to their heels
While cabin crew uniform standards often require heels, these are not the most practical footwear for cabin crew’s primary responsibility: supporting aircraft emergencies.
Heels can damage escape slides and must be removed, potentially leaving cabin crew barefoot while assisting passengers on the ground. The stockings that usually accompany heels are also highly flammable, which could cause severe injuries to crew members in the event of a fire on board.
Still, crew uniform standards emphasising a professional appearance that requires skirts, stockings and heels for female crew members, established decades ago, linger at many of the world’s airlines, whether or not they are fit for purpose or reflect professional dress standards today.
Featured Image: Eurowings
