Let’s ensure we are at the top of our style game even at work
The biggest question is, What Does Business Casual Mean? And How does finding the best work shoes for men play an important role here?
Ensuring you always have the right shoes to get through life has always been a tricky affair. One of the most complicated and complex dress codes in the footwear business is smart/business casual. Way more challenging than smart-casual, but way less sharp and buttoned-up than straight forward business formals, it indeed is a tough nut to crack and define. Business Casual is a complicated overlap between smart formals yet relaxed casuals. A little extra of either of the two and one can surely land up not fitting in amongst others for sure.
Smart casuals could be beautifully tailored suits, paired with a knitted polo or a classic tee along with a relaxed and comfortable pair of chinos. But all this hard work and effort put in to ensure a great look can all come crumbling down if it isn’t paired with a great pair of Business Casual shoes.
In this article, we will try and show you the best work shoes for men, to ensure you can nail that Business Casual look.
How can we define the best work shoes for men? Or the best business casual shoes for men?
The best work shoes for men or business casual shoes can either be one of these two things, a casual pair of shoes with a smart and classy twist to it or an elegant business shoe with a casual twist. An example of the 1st kind could be a casual pair of sneakers, who’s classy twist is the fact that it comes with luxurious leather. An example of the second kind would be a pair of classic brogues, who’s casual twist is brought in by a wedge sole or a contrast suede color.
The article below helps guide you in selecting your pairs amongst the best work shoes for men or business casual shoes out there. We will ensure you are never put in a situation where you regret the work shoes you are wearing.
The Best Work Shoes for Men Reviews
Let’s dive in and look at our top 10 picks of the best work shoes for men.
Suede Derby- Calvin Klein Ramses Review
A pair of Derby shoes is customarily considered a more laid-back and relaxed version of an Oxford.
The Oxford has a lacing system that is closed, and the part where the shoes are laced is stitched down to the shoe body. However, in a Derby, this lacing system is an open system, making it more casual looking.
A difference so subtle distinguishes the two apart from each other.
The simplicity of the Derby makes it a very easy to wear pair of shoes; however, a crucial aspect while wearing them would be color matching. While wearing black trousers, ensure you opt for shades within the neutral three colors. While wearing chinos, opt for versions of brown, ensuring either are a shade darker.
These Calvin Klein Derby shoes are designed and styled with great progressive aesthetics. They are a pair of classy and easy to wear work shoes.
These are Calvin Klein’s best work shoes for men; they come with a flexible and comfortable to wear construction that ensures comfort and freedom to the feet. They are also well-cushioned with an insole made of foam, which helps with shock absorption and enhanced comfort.
Minimalist Sneakers Reviewed
Adidas Originals Men’s Stan Smith Sneaker Review
Cole Haan Men’s Grand Crosscourt Ii Review
Over the last few years, Sneakers have unquestionably come along way, from initially being only used for sports activities to now being a significant part of the fashion industry. They have slowly moved from the tennis courts into our formal wardrobes and thus into our offices.
However, as all of us know, sneakers can be very loud, especially with very loud branding. A couple of things to keep in mind while picking up a pair of minimalist sneakers for work.
- Ensure sober and minimal branding
- Try and pick a pair of sneakers which are made of a single tone leather
- Ensure the silhouette is clean and classy
- Try and go for a pair that has tonal laces
- Lastly, try and see if you get these shoes with a comfortable rubber sole to ensure comfort at work
With all the above, you should be able to ensure you get a great pair of shoes for yourself. Never the less, one must keep in mind that given the fact that these shoes are actually sneakers, they then to be positioned at the far end of the meter when it comes to business casuals.
Hence try and make a mark when you wear these sneakers; you could opt for a smooth and soft tailored blazer along with a tee or a polo inside. If a very dressed down look is what you are going for, try and pick out a pair of mocha sneakers and pair it with some washed chinos.
Adidas Originals Men’s Stan Smith Sneakers and Cole Haan Men’s Grand Crosscourt Ii Runner Shoes push the bar when it comes to multipurpose usage of shoes. They show us that no matter what, sport and lifestyle should go hand-in-hand. They both come with a classy and chic smooth leather finish and tonal laces, which ensure an elegant and business casual look.
The Cole Haans sneakers are available in a range of colors.
Contrast Sole Brogues Reviewed
Cole Haan Original Grand Shortwing Oxford Shoe Review
Cole Haan Men’s Grand Crosscourt Ii Review
When it comes to business casual shoes, no style can compete with a pair of brogues. Its perforated ornamental design on the leather is characteristic of a wonderfully designed pair of brogues.
The Pattern perforation is its true identity, and it is this that makes it very fancy and eye-catching. However, simultaneously ensuring it keeps you looking smart, chic, and confident.
These Brogues come with a rubber sole which ensures you the comfort you need during your work hours; these rubber soles are usually contrasting, which provides sufficient enough sharpness to crack all those business deals.
Brogues come in a range of color options; however, brown leather usually is the most sort out; it is believed that the ornamental perforated design is more visible and stands out in shades of brown. However, they also come in other colors, mostly black and even in various types of leathers. Try and stick to a classy polished leather for a distinctive, elegant and business casual look.
These can be comfortably worn on chinos and denims for a classy business yet casual look. Indigo’s are well teamed with shades of brown, try and stay away from black denims or chinos which using these browns.
Cole Haan Men’s Original Grand Shortwing and Cole Haan Men’s Zerogrand Wing Ox Oxford Shoe are classy options that fit the bill. They come in a wide range of color options, but I would say go for the browns as they are a sure shot winner. They also have a very well-cushioned footbed, and they are textile lined shoes.
The main feature that makes them stand out is the outsole, which is very durable and flexible and is made from a rubber driver.
They are available in a range of colors and types of leather.
Penny Loafers Reviewed
STACY ADAMS Colfax Moc-Toe Review
Nunn Bush Noah Penny Loafer Review
Penny Loafers have always been associated with preppy culture from the 1940s and still stand as a favorite amongst many of the Hollywood icons.
There is only one tiny detail that distinguishes the penny loafer from other normal loafers, and that is the front slit strap that has a diamond-shaped cut-out. This was said to be able to hold a penny or an ornament inside.
These amazingly well-styled and all-time classy shoes have always been about the fit and ease of wearing them.
If you are looking for a tailored looking business casual, then opt for the classy leathers which are well polished. However, if you are looking at a more summer business casual look, then I suggest you go for a pair of suede penny loafers.
For those summer business casual outfits, go for a nice and rich pair of blue suede penny loafers, which can go well with your classy linen trousers. Look at a darker brown or a black to go with your softly tailored suits for the formal events.
The STACY ADAMS Men’s Colfax Moc-Toe and the Nunn Bush Men’s Noah Penny Loafer come with classy and premium quality suede and polished leather uppers. They non-leather outsoles, which ensure durability and comfort. They also have well-cushioned insoles made of memory foam for greater shock absorption and comfort. Lastly, they have well-padded sockliners for added comfort.
Both the above are available in a variety of colors and types of leather.
Monk Strap Shoes Reviewed
La Milano Double Monk Strap Review
Dunross & Sons Leon Dress Shoe Review
These shoes were created sometime during the 15th century, somewhere in the Alps by a monk who lived there. This genius dint realize at that time what he was giving the fashion industry; all he was trying to do is come up with a pair of specially designed sandals but ended up creating shoes instead. However, these shoes were further developed and popularized by the English.
These shoes have stood the test of time when it comes to fashion, even though they come from such a humble beginning.
These casual natured slip-ons have always been a classy yet casual fashion statement that many in the fashion industry and the acting world have pulled off well. The point toe and well-polished leather pushes the business vibe.
These beautifully designed and well-created shoes come with two distinctive strap options. The double monks and the single monks, as the name suggests, the double monks have two straps and are by far the most popular on the fashion scene. The single monks come with a single strap and are a very understated style.
I suggest that you pick out a double monk if you are leaning towards a more party or wedding kind of occasion, whereas you can pick out a single monk for a more formal workwear situation.
A classy pair of monks can make you go from traditional and heritage looking to fashion-forward and stylish, with just a change in outfits. They lean more towards the business formal look; hence you can pair them with a tailored ensemble rather than a pair of jeans. But the monk options that come with dandy looking buckles and are point-toe can easily go with a casual and comfortable pair of denims for a preppy and casual look.
Both La Milano Men’s Double Monk Strap and Dunross & Sons Leon dress shoes are stylish, classy, and sleek.
They are made of leather uppers and have comfortably cushioned insoles.
Dunross & Sons, though, are made of premium naturally tanned 100% Italian cow leather.
La Milano monks feature a trendy technique called the paint and brush, which is done on Argentinean leather.
Both these brands offer a range of color options in these styles, allowing you the opportunity to own more than just one pair of these amazingly fashion-forward business casual shoes.
Oxford Boots Reviewed
Thursday Boot Company Captain Lace-up Boot Review
Bruno Marc Dress Ankle Motorcycle Boots Review
Oxford boots are a classy yet casual pair of boots; as they say, there is a fine line between making a pair of shoes look casual. These shoes indeed make the pass. They are a replica of the normal oxfords, just that it has an ankle extension with more lacing, which makes it a pair of Oxford Boots.
These extended Oxfords have more leather covers than normal oxfords, ensuring that it covers up your ankles. This makes it an excellent bet for the crazy winter months. However, the advantage these oxford boots have over normal oxfords is that they pair well with a pair of jeans to give you a cool casual look, something a pair of normal oxfords would not be able to do with so much ease.
These boots can be your best friends, especially when you don’t want to overthink what you need to wear. They allow you to either dress them up with a pair of classy wool trousers during the peak winters or dress them down with a pair of casual denims just for an outing.
Thursday Boot Company Captain Oxford Boots are some of the best-handcrafted boots one can ask for. They have flat cotton laces, which are waxed and are also water-resistant. They are very well structured and designed to ensure the utmost comfort for its user. They also come along with many unique features that make them very comfortable and very well appreciated.
Bruno Marc Men’s Dress Ankle Oxford Boots are a more wallet-friendly pair of boots in comparison to the above. A feature that sets them apart from the Thursday boot company shoes is that they have a side zipper that helps aid an easy-on and easy-off for the user.
Both the above are available in a variety of colors and types of leather.
Chukka Boots Reviewed
Thursday Boot Company Scout Review
Florsheim Montinaro Review
Chukka is a word we would often hear in a game of polo; here the game is normally divided into a number or series of periods, each called a Chukka.
Chukka boots were originally a kind of desert boot, which was used during world war II by the Britain Army. These boots were known to be worn by polo plays in the past. However, they came to light in the fashion industry when the esteemed style idol the Duke of Winsor donned a pair during a trip to the United States of America in 1924.
Let’s give ourselves some credit, despite the passing of time; these low-key boots haven’t left our favorite’s list.
What makes these shoes stay on our favorite list of the best work shoes for men?
These shoes are made up of leather uppers tied together by laces through three or fewer eyelets. These boots are generally ankle-high and have either rubber or leather soles with open lacing.
They are a no-nonsense, no extra’s kind of boots. This corroborates its clean, neat, and classy look.
The kind of fabric the shoes are made of plays a very important part as to where it stands on the business casual scale. Classic, well-polished black Chukka’s are very strikingly formal and chic, hence go well with a classy suit. However, a suede alternative that is closer to the casual bracket can we well paired with denims or a chino.
Since Chukka’s are ankle height boots, they pair well with a classy or casual pair of turned-up hem bottoms. The fashion thumb rule says that there should always be a distinct separation between the hem of your bottom wear and the shoe top.
Both the Thursday Boot Company Scout and Florsheim Montinaro come with 100% genuine leather and breathable uppers, along with durable and flexible rubber outsoles. Full Superior cushioning is obtained by memory foam and well-cushioned insoles.
Chelsea Boots Reviewed
GIFENNSE Chelsea Boots Review
Calvin Klein Christoff Epi Review
When one talks about versatile fashion, the Chelsea boots come to mind. The reason being there are well structured, clean, classy, and elegantly designed boots that never go out of style.
These versatile boots are also known to many of us as Dealer boots, a name that is quite well known in the UK. They historically first came to be known during the Victorian era and were donned by women and men. They raised to fame in the ’60s, during the luxurious and affluent parties in west London.
The side elastic panel is one of its hallmark characteristics, which makes it very easy to distinguish from many other styles of boots on the market. They are normally ankle-high and close-fitted, with a fabric or leather tab at the top back. This is used to ensure an easy pull-on for the user.
These are conventional business casual shoes. One can style them with a classy well-tailored 4-piece suit and look uber chic, yet look cheery casual when styled with a pair of skinny jeans. If you are feeling a tat bit rocker while planning on heading to work, you can pair them with a pair of skinny black denims and a white buttoned-down shirt.
What makes these boots quintessential? Our answer is undoubtedly its versatility. These are the best business casuals for both men and women. This is a must-have for all you ladies and gentlemen out there who are looking for a classy, elegant, and very good-looking pair of boots.
The Gifennse Men’s Chelsea Boots and the Calvin Klein Men’s Christoff Epi both come with classy well finished leather uppers that have elastic side inserts and synthetic soles for better durability.
Conclusion
According to my research and understanding, my ranking of the best work shoes for men is as follows,
- Top Pick – Cole Haan Original Grand Shortwing Oxford Shoe
- Premium Pick – Thursday Boot Company Captain Lace-up Boot
- Best Value – STACY ADAMS Colfax Moc-Toe
- Wallet-friendly – Bruno Marc Dress Ankle Motorcycle Boots
- Most Stylish – La Milano Double Monk Strap
They say one can never make too much of an effort when it comes to picking out a great pair of shoes. It is essential to ensure you look classy and stylish at the same time keeping in mind the business casual dressing ideology.
So, let’s put our best foot forward to ensure we have stylish and comfortable shoes on our well-clad feet.
When it comes to ensuring we have the best pair of work shoes for men, it’s not only us thinking about long hours at work, presentations, and meetings, it’s us also thinking about weddings and post parties which need to be attended too.
If your work involves a lot of standing, then you can check out our article on The 3 Best Shoes for 12 Hour Shifts.
A great pair of comfortable and stylish business casual shoes is a necessity for all men out there.
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