Business Casual Shoes for Men: 7 Styles That Work

Business casual shoes for men are leather oxfords, derbies, monk straps, loafers and sleek Chelsea or chukka boots. In relaxed offices, plain leather sneakers count too. The style name matters less than the details. A thin sole, a rounded toe and clean leather keep a shoe business casual. A chunky sole, a square toe or canvas takes it out.

Key takeaways

• The seven business casual shoe styles, from most to least formal, are the oxford, derby, monk strap, loafer, Chelsea boot, chukka boot and leather sneaker.
• Five details decide whether a shoe qualifies: the closure, the color, the leather finish, the toe and the sole.
• Leather sneakers are business casual only in relaxed offices, and only when they pass every point of the sneaker test below.
• Dark brown is the most versatile color. Black suits finance and law. Tan suits relaxed offices and summer. Suede makes any style more relaxed.
• The hem has to suit the shoe. Loafers and sneakers want little or no break, and boots want a hem that covers the top of the boot.

What shoes are business casual?

Business casual shoes are leather shoes that sit between formal dress shoes and weekend sneakers. They look polished with chinos or wool trousers, but they do not need a suit. The seven styles, ranked from most to least formal, are:

1. Oxford: closed lacing, the most formal lace-up.
2. Derby: open lacing, one step more relaxed than the oxford.
3. Monk strap: a buckled strap in place of laces.
4. Loafer: a slip-on, in penny, tassel or bit styles.
5. Chelsea boot: an ankle boot with elastic side panels.
6. Chukka boot: an ankle boot with two or three eyelets.
7. Leather sneaker: a plain, low-top sneaker, for relaxed offices only.

The top of the list suits a client meeting. The bottom suits a relaxed office on an ordinary day. For the rest of the outfit, the business casual guide for men covers shirts, trousers and jackets.

How to tell if a shoe is business casual

A shoe is business casual when its details sit in the middle of the formality range. Five details set that range. Read them in this order.

• Closure: closed lacing (oxford) is the most formal. Open lacing (derby) is a step down, a buckle (monk strap) is a step below that, and a slip-on (loafer, Chelsea boot) is the most relaxed. All four closures can be business casual.
• Color: darker is more formal. Black sits at the top, then burgundy, then dark brown. Tan and light brown sit at the relaxed end.
• Leather finish: smooth calfskin is the most formal finish. Grained leather is a step softer, and suede is softer again. Canvas and mesh are not business casual.
• Toe: a round or gently tapered toe works everywhere. A square toe looks dated and pulls the shoe out of the category.
• Sole: a slim leather sole or a thin rubber sole keeps the shoe polished. A chunky, lugged or athletic sole makes it casual.

Two shoes with the same upper can land on opposite sides of the line because of one detail. A dark brown Chelsea boot in smooth leather on a slim sole is business casual in most offices. The same boot in suede on a thick sole leans smart casual. The guide to what dress codes really mean shows where each code begins and ends.

Business casual shoe styles for men

Each of the seven styles starts at a different point on the formality range. Color, finish and sole then move it up or down.

Oxford

The oxford is the most formal business casual shoe. Its closed lacing gives it a clean, close front. In dark brown or burgundy it suits business casual. In black it leans formal, which suits finance, law and client days, so wear oxfords when the day includes a presentation or a first meeting.

Derby

The derby is the more relaxed version of the oxford. Its open lacing gives it a slightly wider look and more room over the instep. A dark brown derby goes with chinos and wool trousers alike. It is one of the easiest first pairs to own.

Monk strap

The monk strap closes with a buckled strap instead of laces. A single monk is the quieter version, while a double monk has two buckles and draws more attention. Both are business casual, and suede monk straps lean more relaxed.

Loafers

Loafers are business casual in every office, from tech to law. The type of loafer changes how formal it looks.

• Penny loafer: the plainest loafer, with a leather strap across the front. It works in almost any business casual office. Dark brown is easier to wear than black.
• Tassel loafer: a little dressier than the penny. It pairs well with a sport coat.
• Bit loafer: a metal bar across the front adds polish. It sits slightly above the penny in formality.
• Driving loafer: soft construction and a rubber-nub sole make it a weekend shoe. It works only in the most relaxed offices.

The Italian leather dress shoes collection carries penny, tassel and bit loafers, monk straps, oxfords and suede chukka boots.

Chelsea boot and chukka boot

Boots are business casual when they stay sleek. A Chelsea boot has elastic side panels and no laces. In smooth dark leather on a slim sole, it works in most offices. A chukka boot has two or three eyelets and sits at the ankle. It is a little more casual than a Chelsea boot, and it looks good in suede in cool weather. A thick lug sole, a bulky toe or a rugged finish turns either boot into a weekend boot.

Leather sneakers

A leather sneaker is the least formal business casual shoe. It works only in relaxed offices, and only when it is plain. The next section sets out the test it has to pass.

Are sneakers business casual?

Sneakers are business casual only in relaxed offices, and only as plain leather or suede sneakers. A running shoe, a canvas shoe or a chunky trainer is never business casual. In finance, law and on client days, wear leather shoes instead, even if the office is relaxed on other days.

A sneaker passes the office test only if it meets all six points:

• Material: the upper is smooth leather or clean suede, with no mesh, knit or canvas.
• Shape: the shoe is a low top, with a slim toe and a close fit.
• Sole: the sole is thin, flat and one color, with no chunky midsole.
• Color: the shoe is white, off-white, black or brown.
• Branding: the shoe has no visible logo.
• Condition: the shoe is clean, with no scuffs or heavy creasing.

Fail one point and the sneaker reads as sportswear. Wear a passing pair with chinos or wool trousers and a collared shirt.

Tennis shoes and running shoes are not business casual. Their cushioned soles, mesh uppers and bright details are built for sport. A court-style leather sneaker borrows the low, flat shape of a tennis shoe. That shape is why it can pass the test.

White sneakers are business casual in relaxed offices when they are white leather with a thin white sole and no visible logo. They show dirt quickly, so clean them often. A dark brown or black leather sneaker looks more grown-up and hides wear better.

The Italian leather sneakers collection carries low-top Italian leather sneakers, including plain pairs in brown and black. Socially, sneakers have more room. The smart casual dress code guide covers when they work outside the office.

Business casual shoes by workplace

Your workplace decides how formal your shoes need to be. In a 2023 Gallup survey, 41% of US workers said business casual is what they typically wear to work. That covers offices with very different standards. Shoes change across five common workplaces.

• Tech or startup: leather sneakers, loafers, derbies and suede all work. Brown, tan and gray are common. Black is rarely needed.
• Creative or agency: the same range as tech. Suede and lighter browns are welcome.
• Corporate office: loafers, derbies, monk straps, oxfords and Chelsea boots. Dark brown is the default. No leather sneakers.
• Finance or law: oxfords, derbies, monk straps and dark loafers in smooth leather. Black or dark brown only. No sneakers, and keep suede for quiet days.
• Client-facing day: dress to the client. A dark brown or black oxford or derby is the safe choice.

Black or brown?

Dark brown is the most versatile business casual shoe color. It goes with navy, gray, khaki and olive trousers, and it looks right in every office. Black is more formal. It suits finance, law and client days, and it pairs best with gray, charcoal and navy. Tan and light brown are the relaxed end, best for summer and casual offices. Burgundy sits between dark brown and black. The shoe and trouser color guide lists the best shoe color for each trouser color.

The first three pairs to own

If you are starting from nothing, three pairs cover most business casual weeks:

1. Dark brown loafers for everyday wear.
2. Dark brown or black oxfords for meetings and presentations.
3. A third pair for your office: suede chukka boots for cold weather, or plain leather sneakers if your office allows them.

Rotate the pairs so no pair is worn two days in a row. Leather lasts longer when it has a day to dry out.

Comfortable business casual shoes

Comfortable business casual shoes have a cushioned or rubber sole, soft leather, and a fit that matches your foot. You do not need athletic shoes to be comfortable at work. Five things make the biggest difference:

• Sole: a rubber or leather-and-rubber sole grips better and absorbs more impact than a hard leather sole. Keep it thin enough to look polished.
• Leather: suede and soft unlined leather bend more easily from the first day. Stiff, heavily lined leather needs more time.
• Fit: a snug heel and room for your toes matter more than any material. Try shoes on in the afternoon, when your feet are at their largest.
• Break-in: new leather shoes feel stiff and can pinch for the first few wears. Wear them at home or for short days before a full day at the office.
• Style: leather sneakers and derbies on a rubber sole are the easiest to walk in. Laces hold the foot in place, and derbies have more room over the instep than oxfords. Loafers are easy to wear at a desk, but the heel can slip on a long walk.

On a day with a lot of walking, choose a derby on a rubber sole, or leather sneakers where your office allows them.

Trouser hem, socks and belt

Shoes look right only when the hem, the socks and the belt match them. These three details are where most business casual outfits go wrong.

The hem depends on the shoe. A break is the fold that forms where the trouser leg rests on the shoe.

• Loafers and leather sneakers: a shorter hem with little or no break. Both shoes are low at the front, and extra fabric collapses onto them.
• Oxfords, derbies and monk straps: a slight break, where the hem just touches the shoe.
• Chelsea and chukka boots: a hem long enough to cover the top of the boot when you stand.

A narrower leg opening suits loafers and sneakers. Boots need an opening wide enough to fall over the top of the boot without catching.

The guide to how long suit pants should be covers each break in more detail.

Socks match the trousers, not the shoes. Navy trousers take navy socks, and gray trousers take gray socks. The leg then reads as one line when you sit down. The dress socks collection has plain navy and black dress socks. In summer, loafers can be worn with no-show socks.

The belt matches the shoes. Wear a brown belt with brown shoes and a black belt with black shoes. Match the finish too: a suede shoe can take a suede or matte leather belt. The leather belts collection carries brown, tan and black belts.

Business casual outfits built around each shoe

Business casual outfits change with the shoe. Each outfit below is built around one of five main styles.

1. Oxfords for a client meeting: a navy sport coat, a white dress shirt, mid-gray wool trousers, dark brown cap-toe oxfords and a dark brown belt.
2. Loafers for an everyday office: a light blue oxford button-down, khaki chinos, dark brown tassel loafers and a brown belt.
3. Monk straps for an ordinary office day: a gray textured sport coat, a white shirt, charcoal wool trousers and brown suede monk straps.
4. Chukka boots for a cold day: a fine merino crewneck over a collared shirt, charcoal flannel trousers and gray suede chukka boots.
5. Leather sneakers for a relaxed office: a white oxford button-down, navy chinos and dark brown leather sneakers. Wear this only where sneakers are already common.

Business casual shoes for each season and occasion

Business casual shoes change with the season: loafers in summer, Chelsea or chukka boots in winter, and smooth leather on a rubber sole in rain.

• Summer: loafers in tan or mid-brown, or suede loafers. No-show socks keep the look clean in heat.
• Winter: Chelsea or chukka boots in dark leather or suede. Choose smooth leather over suede when roads are wet or salted.
• Rain: smooth leather on a rubber sole. Suede marks easily in rain.
• Casual Friday: loafers, suede chukka boots or leather sneakers, if your office already wears them.
• Conference or travel day: a derby on a rubber sole, or leather sneakers where allowed, for long hours on your feet.
• New job: dark brown loafers or derbies for the first weeks. Dress one step up until you have seen what the office wears.
• Interview: polished black or dark brown oxfords or derbies, and no sneakers or casual boots. The guide to interview attire for men covers the rest of the outfit.

Common business casual shoe mistakes

Most business casual shoe mistakes come from a few details:

• Square toes: they date any shoe. Choose a round or gently tapered toe.
• Chunky or athletic soles: they undo good leather. Keep the sole slim.
• Canvas and mesh: they read as weekend wear. Office sneakers should be leather or suede.
• Hybrids on a thick sole: a dress-shoe upper on a thick, cushioned sole fails the sole test. Judge a hybrid as a sneaker.
• Boat shoes: they are summer weekend shoes. Keep them out of the office.
• Open-toed shoes: sandals, slides and flip-flops are not business casual in any office.
• Scuffed or worn shoes: dull leather drags down a good outfit. Polish leather and brush suede regularly.
• A belt that clashes: a black belt with brown shoes splits the outfit in two.
• Ignoring the office: the right shoe for a tech office can be wrong in a law firm. When unsure, wear the more formal pair.

Frequently asked questions

Are loafers business casual?

Yes. Penny, tassel and bit loafers are business casual in every office, especially in dark brown leather. Driving loafers are the exception. Their soft rubber-nub soles suit only the most relaxed offices.

Are tennis shoes business casual?

No. Tennis shoes and running shoes are built for sport, with cushioned soles and mesh uppers. A plain low-top leather sneaker is the closest business casual alternative, and it works only in relaxed offices.

Are white sneakers business casual?

White sneakers are business casual in relaxed offices if they are white leather with a thin sole and no visible logo. In finance, law and on client days, wear leather shoes instead.

Are boots business casual?

Yes, when they are sleek. A Chelsea or chukka boot in smooth dark leather or clean suede, on a slim sole, is business casual in most offices. Work boots, hiking boots and thick lug soles are not.

Are open-toed shoes business casual?

No. Sandals, slides and flip-flops are not business casual for men in any office. Choose loafers in warm weather instead.

Are suede shoes business casual?

Yes. Suede loafers, monk straps and chukka boots are business casual. Suede looks more relaxed than smooth leather, so keep it for ordinary days rather than formal meetings. Avoid it in rain.

Are black shoes business casual?

Yes. Black leather shoes are business casual, and black is the most formal color. Black suits finance, law and client days. In a relaxed office, dark brown looks more natural.

Do business casual shoes have to be leather?

Yes, for the most part. Business casual shoes are smooth leather, grained leather or suede. Knit, mesh and canvas shoes read as sportswear or weekend wear, even in relaxed offices.

Do socks have to match your shoes?

No. Socks should match your trousers, so the leg reads as one line. Match the belt to the shoes instead.

What are the most comfortable business casual shoes?

Leather sneakers and derbies on a rubber sole are usually the most comfortable business casual shoes, because the laces hold the foot and the rubber absorbs impact. Loafers are comfortable for a day at a desk. Fit matters more than style, so choose a pair with a snug heel and room for your toes.