The world of footwear has changed a lot since your father’s days of wearing Oxfords to the office and boat shoes to the barbecue. Now, there are plenty more casual options that carry you from place to place without the need for a shoe swap. The best casual shoes for men are ones that are comfortable enough to wear anywhere—whether you’re on the job, on a date or on an airplane. Many are sophisticated, some verge closer to sneakers, but all of them are laid-back and easy to style.
The best casual shoes for men are designed for everyday wear, offering both comfort and style in ... [+] equal measure. Outdoor Men's Fashion Lace Up Boots
Each of these pairs (including our best overall pick from Allbirds) goes with everything from a simple pair of jeans to a more polished pair of chinos or even a formal suit, in some circumstances. If you have specific needs—you’re a big walker, you prefer slip-ons or you have flat arches—there are options for you. Below, we selected the best men’s casual shoes that you can wear every day.
Sizes: 8 to 14 | Upper materials: Knit made from eucalyptus tree fiber | Sole material: Brazilian sugarcane (SweetFoam) | Colors: 7 total, including Jet Black and Mist
Perfect for everything from the workday to a plane trip to even some light exercise, Allbirds’s Tree Runners are simple to slip on and feel comfortable all day in. Between the light knit upper, cushioned sole and relaxed style, they’re an easy pick for your collection. You can feel good about wearing them too; every material they’re made with is sustainably sourced.
Sizes: 6 to 16 | Upper materials: Leather, nubuck, suede | Sole material: Rubber | Color: 9 total, including British Tan and Marine Blue
When you need a comfortable pair of shoes for the office, Cole Haan is a reliable source. Its Zerogrand shoes have been work staples for years, and this latest iteration seamlessly blends business with a touch of laidback style, particularly with the sporty sole and mesh upper. They’ll keep you looking like a pro, but feeling like you’re lounging about.
Sizes: 7 to 14 | Upper materials: Antimicrobial mesh | Sole material: CloudTec rubber | Colors: 20 total, including Glacier and Midnight
Whether you’re taking them on a job or just running errands, On’s popular Cloud 5 sneakers slip on easily with their pull lace-locking system and ultra-lightweight design. They look unique—and they’ve also been updated with 44% recycled materials. They’re pricey but well-made and built to last, which is important for a pair you can wear everyday.
Sizes: 6 to 14 | Upper materials: Leather | Sole material: Rubber | Colors: 15 total, including Burnt Copper and Driftwood
These lace-up boots from Thursday Boot Company are durable and rugged, but they’re also sophisticated enough to fit in at the office. With an upper made from hand-stitched, genuine leather, they’re designed to build character and patina—they only get better looking with age. There are over a dozen hues and finishes available, including sleek matte black and textured suede.
Sizes: 6 to 15 | Upper materials: Leather, synthetic materials | Sole material: Rubber | Colors: 10 total, including White and Black
Retro looks never go out of style—nor do crisp, white sneakers—and this classic throwback to ‘80s will keep you looking fresh with your favorite pair of jeans or shorts. Plus, Nike updated the construction with 20% recycled materials at minimum, so you can feel good about this pick. The supple leather is flexible, and the collar hits low on the ankle so you move with ease. And FYI, if you’re shopping through Amazon, keep in mind: The Nike Court Vision Low sneakers are listed as “Nike Men’s Basketball Shoe.”
Sizes: 6 to 17.5 | Upper materials: Leather | Sole material: Ethylene-vinyl acetate| Colors: 6 total, including Mocha and Black
The clogs that started it all. To add to their timelessness, they look just as good, if not better, with age. This pair is made with a classic leather upper for an extra dash of sophistication. It has the same German design and comfort that you remember, which has everything to do with the soft cork-and-latex footbed that molds to your foot.
Sizes: 7 to 16 | Upper materials: Recycled polyester | Sole material: Rubber| Colors: 19 total, including Midnight Ocean and Harbor Mist
The HOKA Clifton 9 is a lightweight running shoe that’s constructed with a compression molded EVA foam insole and a breathable mesh upper. But unlike a good deal of athletic footwear, this pair also fits right in with a pair of jeans or chinos, thanks to its structured silhouette. There are several color options to choose from, ranging from neutral gray and black to bold blue and orange. And, the ladies’ version of this style also happens to be one of our favorite walking shoes for women.
Sizes: 7 to 18 | Upper materials: Leather | Sole material: Leather, ethylene-vinyl acetate| Colors: 2 total, including Black and White
These very elegant leather sneakers look just as good in a boardroom as they do when you’re wearing board shorts. Between the clean design, nice mix of sporty materials and bits and pieces of leather contrast, you’ll look sharp, whether you’re sporting jeans and a tee or a cool, casual suit.
Sizes: 7 to 15 | Upper materials: Leather | Sole material: Rubber | Colors: 3 total, including Tan and Stone
Everyone loves a throwback, and this style of slip-on was favored by James Dean, Elvis and many others. These highly rated loafers are easy to wear with jeans or chinos and add a touch of polish to your casual, everyday look. And yes, they’re comfy and already broken in for you.
Sizes: 8 to 13 | Upper materials: Leather, suede | Sole material: Vibram rubber | Colors: 3 total, including Sand and Toast
A classic pair of slip-on shoes—for the boat, barbecue and backyard party—will never go out of style. So choose one that’ll last you for years and years. Easymocs are made in Maine, age extremely well since they’re crafted from natural leather and suede and hold up through thick and thin with a durable Vibram rubber sole. They’re easy on the eyes, too.
Sizes: 6 to 14 | Upper materials: Recycled polyester, leather, sheepskin lining | Sole material: Rubber | Colors: 3 total, including Navy and Black
For days spent sightseeing, traveling or simply strolling through town, you need shoes that offer lightweight, breathable comfort. These knit derby shoes are just a hint fancier than your typical sneaker: the mesh upper leans slightly sporty, while the leather details add a refined touch. They pair effortlessly with jeans, joggers and shorts.
Sizes: 7 to 13 | Upper materials: Leather, cotton canvas | Sole material: Rubber | Colors: 4 total, including Empire Steel-Golden/Yellow and Clove Brown
If you’re experiencing foot pain, you need shoes that support your arches (without looking orthopedic). You’re in luck: This sporty pair of sneakers from Kuru has built-in arch support that cradles your foot so you can get a cushioned step wherever you go.
At Forbes Vetted, we’ve covered fashion stories across the board, including many on men’s fashion, in particular. This story was penned by Vetted senior fashion editor Kari Molvar, who holds a certificate in fashion styling from the Business of Fashion. Molvar has years of experience covering a wide range of menswear topics, from golf shorts to dress sneakers.
To ensure all of our selections are still the best in their designated categories, we update this article regularly. In October 2023, fashion writer Claire Epting added two new picks to the list: a pair of lace-up boots from Thursday Boot Company and a pair of walking shoes from Wolf & Shepherd.
When selecting the best casual shoes for men, we sought out brands with stellar reputations for crafting high-quality footwear, including Nike and Birkenstock. We also took a deep dive into specifications such as upper and sole materials, highlighting shoes made of durable leather and fabrics that will hold up over time. In addition, we made sure to showcase a wide range of styles for a variety of situations—you’ll find business-casual loafers, relaxed sneakers and everything in between.
I am a staff writer on the vices beat, covering cannabis, gambling and more. I believe in the many virtues of vices. Previously at Forbes, I covered the world’s richest people as a member of the wealth team. I have been a staff writer at Inc. magazine where I wrote about entrepreneurs doing business in the legal fringes of society. Before that, I reported stories that took me to the West Bank, Moscow and Brooklyn.
I am a staff writer on the vices beat, covering cannabis, gambling and more. I believe in the many virtues of vices. Previously at Forbes, I covered the world’s richest people as a member of the wealth team. I have been a staff writer at Inc. magazine where I wrote about entrepreneurs doing business in the legal fringes of society. Before that, I reported stories that took me to the West Bank, Moscow and Brooklyn.
For product reviews, gift ideas, and latest deals, Subscribe to the Forbes Finds newsletter.
For product reviews, gift ideas, and latest deals, Subscribe to the Forbes Finds newsletter.
Sports shoes for men and women I am a staff writer and product reviewer for Forbes Vetted currently residing in Austin, Texas. I primarily cover deals and consumer shopping, and previously worked as a deals staff writer for Wirecutter. My byline has also appeared in the New York Times. I have over four years of experience writing in the e-commerce sphere, and spend most of my time scouring the web for the latest consumer news and best discounts.