Sneakers vs Formal Shoes
Which one you need depends on where you're going.
The short answer
Sneakers are built for comfort and movement, formal shoes are built to match a dress code. Neither replaces the other well, which is why most people end up needing at least one solid pair of each rather than one do-everything shoe.
When sneakers are the right call
College, casual office environments, weekend outings, and anywhere you'll be on your feet for hours. Cushioned soles and breathable uppers hold up to a full day far better than leather formal shoes, which are built for shorter periods of standing and sitting rather than walking distances.
When formal shoes are non-negotiable
Office environments with a dress code, weddings, and interviews. A clean pair of oxfords or derbies signals effort in a way sneakers don't, regardless of how sharp the rest of the outfit is. This is less about comfort and more about what the shoe communicates.
Building a smart-casual middle ground
If you only want to buy one pair right now, a minimal leather sneaker in a neutral colour (white, black, or navy) is the closest thing to a do-everything shoe: dressier than a running shoe, more comfortable than a formal one, and it works with both jeans and smart-casual trousers.