Going through life in the right shoes is tricky business. And the most delicate dress code when it comes to footwear is business casual. Smarter than casual chic, but less chic than general business, it’s hard to define. It could mean lightly fitted suits with white t-shirts underneath or a knitted polo shirt over stone-colored chinos. But all that hard work nailing the dress code upstairs can be undone by not choosing the best business casual shoes.
“Business casual is that treacherous middle ground where you try to accomplish two things, smart but relaxed,” says Tim Little, owner and creative director of Grenson. “A good casual shoe can be one of two things,” says Little. “A casual version of a business shoe or a smart version of a casual shoe. The first route, for example, could be a classic brogue shoe but with a relaxed touch like a chunky wedge or colored suede. While the second route could be a sneaker but in a luxury smart leather.
Here we walk you through the best casual shoes for men, from chunky chukka boots to precious loafers, so you never get caught in the wrong work shoes again.
Derby shoes
The Derby shoe is the more laid back and laid back cousin of this pillar of businesswear, the Oxford. It all comes down to the laces, with the space between the eyelets sewn closed in the “closed system” on a pair of Oxfords, while they open when the laces are undone with the Derby. A subtle difference, of course, but one that makes all the difference. Relax the style even more with a suede finish to enhance the polished leather and make this a great pair of casual work shoes.
“This is a very clean style with no punching, so the suede will be highlighted,” says Little. “Make sure the suede looks good quality and the nap isn’t too ‘hairy’ or the shoe will look scruffy very quickly.”
The Derby’s simplicity makes it a versatile shoe, so the most important thing is to match your colors, not your pant style. Bright hues outside of the three neutrals will show up on black pants, while brown versions will work well with chinos as long as one shade is darker than the other.
Penny loafers
This is the favorite shoe of preppy style icon and Hollywood resident silver fox, Jeff Goldblum. The penny moccasin differs from other moccasins by the leather band which sits nicely on the front with a diamond cut detail.
“Penny loafers are all about form,” says Little. “It should barely slide in the back when you walk, but it shouldn’t be too tight on the instep. If you are not sure, walk away.
The waxed leather versions are the perfect punctuation for bespoke looks while the suede should be reserved for spring and summer. For the latter, go for a pair of rich blues and wear your loafers with wide-leg linen pants for a look that will have you wearing the superyacht hat.
Oxford Boots
An extension of the straight lace-up Oxford shoe, the boot has the same shape and design with limited stitching except on the toe cap and sometimes horizontally up to the eyelets.
The Oxford boot has the added benefit of more leather to cover your cuffs making it a more difficult alternative to wear during the winter months as well as a more casual outfit that can work with jeans when the Oxford shoe would look out of place.
“Perfectly versatile, the Oxford boot gives you the flexibility to dress up or down,” says Bhuller. “Look for shapes with a thick round toe for an up-to-date style.” Wear with equally durable wool pants for the perfect combat armor in the harsh winter.
Monk’s Thong Shoes
Thank goodness these are the shoes we took from the monks and not the hard to remove hairstyle. Originally created as an adaptation of the sandal when holy men needed a closed toe to protect their little feet during manual labor, the shoe has the relaxed nature of a slip-on with the pointed toe and the polished leather tilting it towards the commercial side of things.
Keep in mind that not all monk straps are created equal. “Single monks are a low-key choice,” Bhuller notes, “while double monk straps are more distinctive.” Pick for a clean single strap if you have a formal gathering, leaving double for weddings and parties when you need to make more statement.
“Monk strap shoes have the versatility of going from traditional to trendy just by changing up an outfit,” Bhuller explains. An integral part of the Peacock Pitti wardrobe, they work better with tailored looks than with jeans, where the dandy buckle and pointed toe can sometimes clash with casual denim.
Chukka Boots
The chukka boot was launched when the legendary style icon, The Duke of Windsor, wore a pair on a trip to the United States in 1924. Almost a hundred years later, we still wear the understated boot. The main ingredients include three pieces of leather attached by two or three eyelets. Sometimes referred to interchangeably as the desert boot, the main difference between the two is the spongy crepe sole that accompanies the desert, but not all chukkas.
“All boots like the chukka that reach ankle high are best worn with rolled hems,” Bhuller explains. Make the hemline an inch above the top of your chukka so that there is a neat and clear separation between the two.
The color and fabric make a big difference in where the boot lands on the dress code scale. The polished black leather versions are distinctly formal and will go naturally with dress pants, while the brown suede options are more casual and pair well with a pair of medium wash denim.
Chelsea boots
Named because they found their popularity among the well-heeled party scene that sprung up from West London in the 1960s, Chelsea boots are the quintessential casual boot.
“The best Chelsea boots have a nice, smooth curve from top to bottom,” Little explains. “If it creases heavily on the instep when you put it on, it hasn’t been blocked or preformed and is probably made from cheaper leather.”
Slim jeans that hug the curvature of the Chelsea boot will provide a smooth, unmatched silhouette that is part of the reason for their unwavering popularity. Escape to a subtle rock vibe at the office by teaming your Chelsea boots with black skinnies and a white Oxford button-down shirt.
Oxfords
When it comes to the different types of shoes, few styles show that you are serious like a pair of oxfords. You can spot an oxford shoe by the ornamental patterns that puncture and line the leather of the shoe. Despite such overworked whimsy, the brogue is an ever popular shoe in the office, perhaps due to its ability to grab attention while keeping your look classy.
Add a contrasting rubber sole and you’ve got the comfort and just enough elegance for the modern workplace – a casual sneaker that sits on the desk, while the brogue top does all the business.
Brogues are most often made of brown leather, so the perforations are more noticeable than they would be with black. These shades of brown pair perfectly with indigo denim, especially the more decorative styles that tone down the formal character of the shoe. Don’t try to glue them on black denim, it’s a minefield not worth walking around.
Minimalist sneakers
Sneakers have improved dramatically over the past decade and have slowly crept from the tennis court to the office. But just as you wouldn’t rush to work like a walking billboard wearing big logo hoodies, your sneakers should be pretty understated, too.
Focus on printing with a quality leather finish and simplistic, clean silhouettes, says Jasmine Bhuller, Senior Assistant Buyer at Dune london. “Look for tone-on-tone laces to enhance simplicity and soft, supple leathers with rubber soles for added comfort.”
Despite their rise in dress codes, even the most minimalist sneakers lean towards the casual side of business casual. Then take a side trip to the tie and wear them in a modern, relaxed take on couture with a white tee or polo shirt for your shirt. If you’re looking to dress up more, a pair of minimalist mocha sneakers will work wonders when paired with stone-colored chinos.
Faq
Which shoes are suitable for business casual?
The modern office is a great place to wear comfortable shoes. The best casual shoes for men are penny loafers, suede derbies, Chelsea boots, slingbacks, brogues, desert boots, and minimalist sneakers.
When you’ve just started a new job and you’ve been told the dress code is casual, it’s best to move on to the formal and become more casual once you get a feel for what your peers are wearing. .
Can you wear sneakers with a business casual?
Yes and no. You can wear smart casual sneakers with business casual outfits, but not the Nike you wear to the gym. Look for sneakers that have dressy elements, like a leather or suede finish.