This is a reprint of an article that appeared in MMQB on April 7, 2025.

Choosing the right office chair these days feels oddly similar to shopping for sneakers—because apparently, your lumbar support needs to be just as stylish and brand-conscious as your footwear. The market is absolutely drowning in options, each one flaunting its unique mix of aesthetics, performance specs, storied legacy, and, of course, price tags that can make you question your career choices.

Much like sneakerheads obsess over kicks that align with their personal brand, lifestyle, or questionable design taste, architects and designers wade through a sea of office chairs, each promising to be the one. Some are chasing the legendary street cred of a Herman Miller Aeron (because nothing says “power meeting” like mesh), while others are more into the dependable utility of Steelcase or the cool, ascetic vibes of Humanscale.

So naturally, we turned to AI—because it's going to replace all of us someday soon—and asked: if contract furniture brands were sneaker brands, who would they be? The results were, well… ergonomically enlightening.

The Brand Matchups

1. Nike
Herman Miller → Nike

Known for its innovation and iconic designs, Herman Miller aligns with Nike’s reputation as a leader in performance and design-driven products.

2. Adidas
Knoll → Adidas

A brand steeped in heritage and design legacy, Knoll mirrors Adidas’ focus on blending timeless classics with modern innovation.

3. New Balance
Steelcase → New Balance

Practical, reliable, and performance-oriented, Steelcase reflects New Balance’s emphasis on functionality and comfort.

4. Under Armour
Haworth → Under Armour

A solid, performance-driven brand that focuses on versatility and dependability, Haworth aligns with Under Armour’s approach to high-performance products.

5. Skechers
HNI → Skechers

Value-oriented and widely accessible, HNI fits Skechers’ image of delivering mass-market appeal and affordability.

6. ON
Humanscale → On Running

A brand that prioritizes ergonomics, health, and sustainability, Humanscale resonates with On Running’s focus on cutting-edge technology, comfort, and eco-consciousness.

7. Asics
Teknion → Asics

Known for balanced design, reliability, and being performance-focused yet understated, Teknion reflects Asics’ no-frills, high-function approach.

So, did AI totally nail the furniture-to-sneaker brand matchups? Maybe. Maybe not. Let’s just say it held its own better than some of the chairs we’ve tested.

But hey, at least it’s a fresher take. The contract furniture world loves comparing itself to the auto industry—heritage, engineering, performance, blah blah blah. And while that analogy might be technically more accurate (yes, we’ve heard the “ergonomics are the new horsepower” line before), this sneaker metaphor just feels more now. More wearable. More relatable. Plus, let’s be honest—mileage may vary either way.