For men, first impressions are important. So finding the perfect pair casual dress shoes can be a difficult task.
Let’s be honest, dress shoes are the gold standard when it comes to men’s footwear, but they’re often some of the least comfortable options in your closet. While sneakers might make it feel like you’re walking on a cloud, they feel out of place when attending nice events. So next time you’ve got an important meeting or a casual night out, why not throw on a shoe that will make a statement without sacrificing comfort?
Lucky for you, we’ve handpicked this list of the best casual dress shoes for men. Each option can be used for a specific purpose or lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to pick up something cheap or something expensive, this list should have you covered.
So, let’s step up your style with 8 of the best casual dress shoes for men.
The Key Takeaways
In order to compile this list I considered my experience with each of these brands, and which shoe was best for what purpose. I also took into account style, material and comfort as they are all very important aspects to consider before buying a shoe. The Loafer by Amberjack is one of the top casual dress shoes available for men. This is a contemporary take on the classic shoe, which is an essential for casual and formal wear. The Statesman by Thursday Boot Company is another great choice with its rugged and slick design.
Why they’re great: The Loafer elevates classic loafer designs with modern technology. Although these shoes have a formal look, they actually feel more like sneakers. The dual-function insoles and outsoles, which are heat-activated, increase comfort. These shoes also feature many of those benefits that are associated with typical loafers like being able to slip on and off.
How to wear: You can wear these loafers with any smart-casual ensemble. They’d even look great with a pair of chino shorts and a short-sleeved button-up shirt during the warmer months.
Who are these for? The Loafer is for those who want a classic shoe design with a modern twist–something familiar, yet fresh.
There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. The profile of these shoes tends to run on the narrow side and they aren’t currently offered in wide sizes.
Sizes Available: 7-15 | Material: Full-Grain Leather/Suede | Colors Available: 11
Why they’re great: The Aurélien City Loafer is a unique take on the classic Loafer design. This shoe is a hybrid of a dress boot and a shoe with an ankle high cut. This loafer is also made with Aurélien’s supple “Softey” suede. The shoes’ refined rubber outsole and smooth leather lining make them comfortable to wear all day.
How to wear: These city loafers have a distinct European aesthetic. You can wear them with a polo, lightweight pants or shorts and a stylish blazer.
Who are these for? They are ideal for those who want a pair of shoes with a luxurious feel and a lot of comfort.
Despite flaws in the design, it is not a deal-breaker. City Loafers is only available in 6 sizes. They may not suit men with feet that are larger or smaller than the average.
Sizes Available: 40-45 | Material: French Calfskin Suede | Colors Available: 16
Why they’re great: The Velasca Baladüch shoe features a design reminiscent of a moc-toe boot, which is a timeless staple that will likely never go out of style. The Vibram winter outsole, despite its large size, is lightweight and offers great traction for slippery environments. The ankle-high design makes it easy to put on these shoes.
How to wear: These shoes were designed for winter wear and snowy climates. The shoes might also work for fall but are too bulky to wear in spring or summer.
What are they for? These Baladüch shoes would be great for someone seeking reliable footwear to handle rain and snow. They’re also fairly chunky, so if you’re into that style, these could be perfect for you.
Flaws are not the end of the world: These shoes may require some break-in time until they’re fully comfortable–especially with the smooth leather options which tend to be stiffer at first.
Sizes Available: 5-14 | Material: Calf Leather/Suede Calf Leather | Colors Available: 3
Why they’re great: The Bruno Marc Mesh Oxford Sneakers have a classic oxford shape with a mesh upper. The flexible EVA outsole provides support and flexibility for long hours on your feet. They’re also available with a standard toe design or a wingtip toe design for some added style.
How to wear: The shoes look great with both casual and smart-casual looks. Wear them with a pair of jeans, a T-shirt and some slacks for a more sophisticated look.
Who are these for? These modern oxfords will appeal to someone looking for a stylish, yet casual shoe for special occasions. They’re also designed to be worn in warm weather.
Flaws are not dealbreakers As a low-budget option, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that these sneakers aren’t made with the highest quality materials. The sneakers should be worn only on special occasions.
Sizes Available: 6.5-13 | Material: Knit Mesh | Colors Available: 10
Why they’re great: The Steve Madden Fashion Sneakers Fenta feel like a combination between classic Derbys and Vans. These shoes have a minimalistic look with a padded inside for maximum comfort. You’re also able to choose between a canvas-style fabric upper and a leather upper depending on your preferences.
How to wear: They will look great with any casual, simple outfit. You can wear them with a t-shirt, jeans or chinos.
What are they for? These shoes are perfect for those who love Vans, but need something a little more sophisticated on certain occasions.
It’s not all bad: The rubber sole of these shoes is usually the first part to break down. You shouldn’t expect to use these shoes as a daily driver if you want them to last a long time.
Sizes Available: 7-17 | Material: 100% Fabric/Leather | Colors Available: 8
Why they’re great: These Cole Haan Zerøgrand Oxfords are some of the most comfortable casual dress shoes you can find. The knitted mesh upper provides just the right amount support and padding, while also regulating foot temperatures. The EVA wedge is designed to support you feet wherever you are.
How to wear: As Cole Haan puts it, these shoes feature a “wear-with-anything” design that makes them perfect for everything from formal to casual. These shoes can be worn with a suit, or a simple button up and slacks combination.
Who are these for? These shoes are perfect for those who want a stylish, casual dress shoe. They’re also comfortable.
There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. These shoes aren’t available in wide sizes and the leather tag on the back could cause blisters if worn without socks.
Sizes Available: 6.5-16 | Material: Stretch Knit | Colors Available: 2
Why they’re great: The Monterrey by Tecovas offers a rugged, yet elegant take on a Venetian loafer. The hybrid outsole has rubber in key places to give traction and still features a classic design. The interior suede heels grips your foot firmly in place, while still remaining comfortable.
How to wear: The shoes are perfect for the warmer months. You can pair them with tapered trousers and a polo, or button up shirt.
What are they for? The Monterrey is great for anyone who wants a familiar, classy shoe to slip on at a moment’s notice. This shoe is available in both a D width and EE width, for men with wide feet.
There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. Size is the trickiest part to nail down with these shoes–they might be too wide or too narrow depending on your feet. There are more sizes than other shoe options.
Sizes Available: 7-15 | Material: Bovine/Suede | Colors Available: 4
Why they’re great: The Thursday Boots Statesman derby shoe is classic with a dash of ruggedness. The “Army Track” rubber outsoles feature aggressive treading which not only gives these shoes excellent traction, but it makes them more versatile. The durable Kevlar lace is designed to last for many years.
How to wear: This shoe has a simple style that goes with different outfits. They can be worn with dark denim, a jacket and dark chinos.
What are they for? Whether you’re trying to catch the subway or head to the office, the Statesman is perfect for any daily endeavor–it would also make a great travel shoe.
Flaws are not a deal-breaker: Due to the chunky soles, these shoes are relatively heavy if you’re accustomed to sleek dress shoes. Thursday Boots also doesn’t offer any wide sizes at this time.
Sizes Available: 6-16 | Material: Rugged & Resilient Leather/Waxed Horween Leather/Suede | Colors Available: 4
Buy Casual Dress Shoes with Care
Shoe Type
It is important to choose the right type of casual dress shoes for your needs. The most common types are loafers, derbies, and oxfords; however, there’s a whole world of options to choose from. Shoe type determines the kinds of outfits you can pair with your shoes and how frequently you’ll be able to wear them. Each shoe type comes with its own pros and cons that you can weigh based on personal preference.
Material
When choosing the best men’s casual dress shoes, you should also consider material. Full-grain leather can be used in casual dress footwear. Suede is another great option for its naturally laid-back style–it also tends to be more comfortable than many full-grain leather counterparts. The flexibility and breathability of mesh uppers has made them more common in recent years. They’re still very on-trend right now and it’s hard to beat the sock-like feeling of these shoes.
Comfort
Comfort is also crucial when throwing on a pair of casual dress shoes because that’s typically the whole point of wearing them in the first place. Casual dress shoes often incorporate sneaker technologies to increase comfort and offer a consistent feel. Rubber outsoles as well as foam insoles are among the many technological advancements that have been made over the past few decades. These innovations help create a comfortable environment for your feet. When you buy a pair of quality casual dress shoes they will only become more comfortable over time.
Why you should trust us
As a writer at FashionBeans, I’ve done my fair share of research into men’s attire and style trends. I’ve also been putting these principles into practice for over a decade, trying out different brands and determining what’s best. The vast range of footwear is a perfect example. I chose only the very best to be included on this list. I narrowed down the choices by dozens. These suggestions should give you a good idea of what to expect if you are looking for the best casual shoes for men.
Final Verdict
In short, it’s hard to beat The Loafer from Amberjack because of its sheer flexibility. This is a modern, comfortable shoe that has the timeless look of classic loafers. The Thursday Boot Company Statesman Shoe, on the other hand is a solid option for everyday wear.
You can find out more about this by clicking here.
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Nearly all classic dress shoes have been redesigned with a casual, modern design. Because of their comfort, flexibility and style, loafers are often worn as casual dress shoes. Leather sneakers can be worn with a variety of outfits.
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