Want to know what types of shoes you should wear with business casual outfits? This guide has everything you need to know.
Business casual reigns supreme as the single most popular dress code for work. It has topped the workwear dress code for the past two decades, and it’s not changing anytime soon. Sure, offices are more casual post-pandemic, but they still use “business casual” as the official dress code. Are you new to business casual workwear or looking to change things up with your work wardrobe? If so, The Modest Man is here to help you find your way.
In our business casual guide, we discussed the history of this dress code and how it’s interpreted today. We also discussed outfit ideas and touched on what types of shoes to wear to work.
Let’s turn your eye downward and cover the best business casual shoes for men. This guide has everything you want to know about what shoes to wear with business casual outfits.
Do You Need Business Casual Men’s Shoes?
If you work in a casual workplace, you probably only need 1-2 pairs of dress shoes. You can reserve your two pairs for formal events like interviews, weddings and funerals.
But if your job requires business casual attire, you’ll want 3-4 pairs of business casual shoes to cycle through. At a minimum, we think every guy should have at least one appropriate pair for a business casual office.
Men’s Business Casual Shoes: What Not to Wear
Good style is like a good referee: it often goes unnoticed but rarely makes mistakes. If you want to avoid fashion faux pas in the workplace, never wear these types of shoes to the office:
- Athletic shoes (e.g., running shoes)
- Sandals/flip-flops
- Espadrilles
- Work boots*
- Boat shoes
- Patent leather shoes
- Velvet slippers
*Some work boots are dressy enough to wear with chinos or nice jeans (fitted, dark wash, no distressing). For example, the Allen Edmond Higgins Mill Boot works with a business casual outfit. However, the Dr. Martens 1460 looks very out of place.
8 Business Casual Shoes to Add to Your Work Wardrobe
We’ve talked about what not to wear, so let’s talk about the best business casual shoes for guys right now.
Remember that even though all of these shoes work with business casual attire, they vary in formality.
For most offices, you should receive any form of sneaker for casual Fridays. Technically, they are not formal enough for this dress code.
Let’s look at each style more closely.
#1: Oxford
TMM Pick: Beckett Simonon Dean Oxford shoe.
Formality Level: Very formal, great for formal business settings and events such as weddings, interviews, funerals, etc.
Defining Characteristics: Closed-lace construction
The main thing that makes an Oxford an Oxford is its closed lacing system. The eyelets are sewn under the vamp, giving the shoe a clean, formal appearance.
Aside from velvet slippers or patent leather whole cuts, Oxfords are the dressiest “dress shoes” you can buy.
Of course, not all Oxfords are created equal. There’s a big difference between plain-toe leather Oxfords, for example, and cap-toe suede Oxfords with broguing and other decorations.
The good news is, if you need a business casual shoe, almost any Oxford will work.
If you find most Oxfords uncomfortable for all-day wear, consider a “hybrid” dress shoe from a brand like Amberjack.
#2: Brogues and Wingtips
TMM Pick: ECCO Biarritz Men’s Broque Oxford.
Formality Level: Dressy but less formal due to the decoration.
Defining Characteristics: Decorative perforation on the toes and/or throughout the upper.
People use the term “brogue” to describe a type of shoe. Actually, it’s sort of a misnomer (I blame The Kingsman franchise).
Decorative perforation, or broguing, can be added to any type of shoe, regardless of construction.
In other words, some Oxfords are also brogues. So the whole “Oxfords, not brogues” thing doesn’t make sense and has caused much confusion.
Of course, many guys prefer shoes with decoration over plain shoes. This is great because brogues and wingtips work nicely with business casual outfits.
Due to the intricate design, they’re more casual than plain dress shoes or even cap-toe dress shoes. They are appropriate for a dressy-but-not-too-dressy workplace. Truly, they are the quintessential smart casual office shoes.
Wingtips have an extra piece of leather at the toe, forming a “W” shape over the upper. We consider these to be a more casual dress shoe.
#3: Derby (A.K.A. The Blucher)
TMM Pick: Beckett Simonon Sutton derbies.
Formality Level: Ranges from formal (but not as formal as Oxfords) to business casual.
Defining Characteristics: Open-laced construction.
Unlike Oxfords, derby shoes (also known as “bluchers”) feature eyelets sewn on top of the vamp.
This leads to a slightly less streamlined and more casual profile.
People say Derby shoes and bluchers are more comfortable for high insteps. So, if you find Oxfords to be too constricting, give the derby a try.
#4: Loafers
TMM Pick: Jay Butler Cromwell penny loafer.
Formality Level: Ranges from formal, but not as formal as Oxfords, to casual.
Defining Characteristics: Slip-on shoe, no laces.
Loafers come in all shapes, sizes, colors and styles, from very formal to very casual.
When most think of a loafer, they picture the penny loafer, a slip-on shoe you can dress up or down. In fact, Cole Haan makes a great, versatile penny loafer that we’ve reviewed.
You can wear loafers with jeans, chinos or trousers at any time of year. They come in leather and suede; you can wear them with or without socks.
Penny loafers are more casual than lace-up dress shoes (e.g., Oxfords or bluchers).
Hybrid loafers are a good choice for anyone who finds traditional loafers uncomfortable. Our favorite hybrid loafers are from Amberjack.
#5: Monk Straps
TMM Pick: Beckett Simonon Hoyt Monkstrap shoes.
Formality Level: Dressy but can be worn with smart casual outfits; less formal than non-decorated Oxfords and derbies.
Defining Characteristics: Single or double buckle straps, no laces.
Monk strap shoes have exploded in popularity over the past few years. They are so popular that they don’t seem to be going anywhere, at least not anytime soon.
While many assume monk straps are very formal, they’re less formal than your classic plain-toe or cap-toe Oxford.
This makes them extremely versatile and perfect for business casual settings.
You can wear single or double monk straps (often called “double monks”) with trousers, chinos or jeans. They’re best for guys who want to stand out from the crowd and don’t mind some extra attention.
If you wear a pair of polished leather double monks to work, I promise you will get a few compliments.
#6: Dress Boots
TMM Pick: Thursday Boot Co. Wingtip boot.
Formality Level: Less formal than dress shoes. You can wear dress boots with business casual or smart casual outfits. However, they are not appropriate for formal environments.
Defining Characteristics: Oxford or derby construction, above ankle height
You can wear dress boots all year round, but they’re a great alternative to dress shoes during fall and winter. This is because they offer more coverage and warmth than a low-cut shoe.
Like dress shoes from the ankle down, you can wear dress boots with jeans, chinos, trousers, and even suits.
If you wear dress boots in a formal setting, make sure they’re dressy. Choose an elevated leather pair. Not a chunky, matte finish work boot with a thick rubber sole.
#7: Chelsea Boots
TMM Pick: Thursday Boot Co. Cavalier Chelsea boot.
Formality Level: Range from dressy to casual depending on silhouette, materials and details. Typically, they are not appropriate for formal environments.
Defining Characteristics: Above ankle height, elastic side panel, no laces
Chelsea boots come in many shapes and sizes. They’re generally more dressy than other types of boots.
The laceless construction and elastic side panel make them a practical choice. Additionally, it’s not hard to find Chelsea boots that work well with more formal outfits.
You can wear Chelsea boots with a suit. Just ensure they have a sleek silhouette and a perfect, polished finish.
#8: Chukka Boots
TMM Pick: Thursday Boot Co. Scout chukka boot.
Formality Level: Range from dressy to casual depending on silhouette, materials and details. Typically not appropriate for formal environments
Defining Characteristics: Ankle height, open lacing, 2-5 pairs of eyelets
Like Chelsea boots, chukkas come in many different styles, some of which are too casual for office attire.
A chukka boot is really just an ankle-high boot with 2-5 pairs of eyelets, typically made from leather or suede.
Desert boots are a type of chukka that feature unstructured uppers and crepe soles. These are generally not formal enough for business casual outfits.
But a more formal chukka boot works perfectly with dressy jeans, chinos or slacks. You can even wear some with a suit. However, proper dress shoes are more appropriate in very formal settings.
TMM Bonus Pick: Minimal Sneakers
TMM Pick: Greats The Royale 2.0 Sneaker.
Formality Level: Smart casual to very casual; inappropriate for formal environments.
Defining Characteristics: Uniform color (typically white), no decoration or branding, sleek silhouette, made from high-quality leather.
Quick disclaimer:
I wanted to include them here because they’re becoming more acceptable in modern-day offices. Especially in big cities and coastal regions.
If nothing else, they work well for casual Friday outfits, as long as you go with sleek, minimal sneakers (e.g., Cole Haan, not Stan Smiths).
Stick with solid colors and high-quality leather or suede. Then wear your
You can wear a jacket with
How Many Pairs of Business Casual Shoes Do You Need?
Like so many fashion-related questions, the answer really depends on your situation. But let’s take a look at a hypothetical scenario.
Let’s say your week looks like this:
- Mon – big staff meeting, you’re presenting to your boss’s boss.
- Tues/Wed/Thur – business as usual, no big meetings.
- Fri – casual Friday, happy hour after work.
Three pairs of shoes would be plenty for a week like this.
On Monday, you wear your dressiest loafers and throw on a jacket for good measure.
Then, Tuesday through Thursday, you rotate between derby shoes and Oxfords. It just depends on your outfit and mood.
Last, you bring out the suede Chelsea boots on Friday for a comfy, casual look. This pairing lets you transition in style to happy hour (and beyond).
Of course, you can also wear these shoes outside of work. Therefore, it’s not like you need to buy shoes specifically for the office.
Some styles, like the chukka boot, work for almost any scenario, from casual to smart casual to business casual.
So you can still keep a lean collection of shoes, even if you work in a business casual environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Casual Shoes
Don’t sweat it if you still have questions about casual shoes. Here are the answers to some common questions about business casual shoes.
What are Business Casual Shoes for Men?
Business casual shoes are shoes you can wear with business casual attire, which is between casual and formal.
What Shoes Are Appropriate for Business Casual Attire?
A lot of shoes are great for business casual outfits. Oxfords, brogues, Derbys, loafers, chukka boots, Chelsea boots, dress boots and monk straps are all fantastic choices.
Are Boots a Business Casual Option for Men?
It depends on the type of boot. Chukka boots, Chelsea boots and dress boots are solid business casual options. You can even wear some boot types, like Chelsea boots, with a suit.
Are Joggers or Running Shoes Business Casual?
No, running or gym shoes are not business casual. Stick to some of the styles mentioned above and leave the joggers for the gym.
Are Vans Considered Business Casual?
Most Vans styles are way too casual, and you shouldn’t wear them with business casual outfits.
Can I Wear White Sneakers for Business Casual?
While some offices consider white
Are Lace-Up Boots Business Casual?
It depends on the type of boot. Some dress boots would be perfect for business casual wear.
Closing Thoughts on Business Casual Shoes for Men
Now you know what types of shoes are appropriate for business casual attire. Take a look at your current shoe collection and see if there are any gaps or duplicates.
Maybe you need to buy another pair. Or maybe you can part with a pair (or two) to make room in your closet.
Either way, remember that business casual shoes for men are one of the most essential parts of a business casual getup. Be sure to give them some thought!
Questions? Comments? Leave them below!
Hey Brock, thank you for your website and blog. You continue provide great resources for men to up their style game.
I have narrow feet (b width) and find it difficult to locate other men shoe brand besides Allen Edmonds , who can at times be a clunky. Any recommendations offered would be greatly appreciated.
Appreciate the help and style, I’m into sharp clean look and style. Need white gold silver neck chains. And Chelsea style leather dress boots to Skecher/Vionic/Nobull slip inside one shoes. Again Appreciate your options and time.
I think there’s some consideration that can be made for climate where you live too. Thinking about some of these heatwaves were seeing in certain places where it’s hitting over 100 degrees, I think you could make the case for a nice pair of darker brown closed toe huaraches.
Chelsea is best for formal settings
If you’re into low-cut boots, apart from the Chelsea boot (I’m not a fan personally and I think they are overpresent) and the chukka/desert boot you may also want to consider Jodhpur boots, which are held together by an upper buckle and can be quite stylish.
For higher-up dress boots, several variations exist, generally some variation on either the soldier boot or the Balmoral boot. The soldier boot you’d want to look for obviously in a sleek design and in my opinion work best as non-Oxford brogues. The Balmoral boot really only works as an Oxford and in my opinion should be a simple non-brogue wingtip. Traditionally Balmoral boots are made with the upper part a lighter color than the lower part, but unicolor and faded variations can also be found.
As far as wearing a jacket with sneakers go, I’m say veto it. If you try to pull off a casual jacket with handkerchief and nice and polished look but you put on sneakers? Eternal damnation.
Chelsea boots are my favourite shoes without any doubt they go with business as well as casual clothing too!