The Best Business Casual Shoes for Men

Depending on your job, commute, and daily routine, your requirements for a business casual shoe might vary quite a bit. Of course, your own personal approach to style is likely to come into play too. With such an enormous range of shoes to choose from, it can sometimes be hard to put your finger on the right shoes for you. Luckily for you, we’ve done our research.

In this article, you’ll find a series of selections we’ve hand-picked as our top recommendations for the most comfortable business casual shoes. Whether you’re after something relaxed, breathable, supportive, boots, sneakers, or something in-between – there’s something on this list for everyone.

1. Clarks Desert Boot

Desert boots are always a great option when it comes to business casual shoes for men. The Clarks Desert Boot comes in a number of classic and more contemporary colourways and a minimal yet progressive design. These durable boots are great in all kinds of weather, thanks to the premium beeswax leather upper that repels water and keeps your feet dry.

2. Cole Haan GrandPro Tennis Handstain Sneaker

A versatile option for those who want something to wear to the office or on their day off, the Cole Haan GrandPro Tennis Handstain Sneaker has a smart but sporty design that doesn’t compromise comfort. Cole Haan uses their proprietary Grand.OS® technology to offer up a lightweight footbed that comfortably and responsively cushions your feet throughout the day.

3. GREATS Men’s Royale Sneakers

Offering up a classic tennis shoe design in seven stylish colourways, GREATS live up to their name with this quality piece of footwear that’s versatile enough to wear to both the office or casual events. The Men’s Royale is made in Italy with 100% cowhide leather and a rubber sole. It also comes with a convenient, removable leather insole.

4. Allen Edmonds Williamsburg Chukka Boot

It’s hard to beat the simplistic style of a classic black chukka boot. Allen Edmonds’ Williamsburg Chukka Boot is easy to slip on in a hurry. These boots come with specially designed CustomCork insoles that gradually conform to your foot’s impression creating a comfortable, tailored footbed.

5. New Balance 626v2

Built for endurance, the New Balance 626V2 might suit you well if you find yourself on your feet all day. The clever design of this sneaker features a compression moulded midsole that’s designed to contour to the shape of your foot for improved support. The outsole is also built for great traction and maximum durability — ensuring a high-quality, performance shoe for daily use.

6. Oliver Cabell Driver

If you’re looking for something a little different that wouldn’t look out of place in the office, we recommend taking a look at the Driver by Oliver Cabell. This Italian suede shoe not only looks stylish but offers ample support with an Arneflex micro-foam support built-in which moulds to the shape of your foot and promotes better circulation.

7. Amberjack The Original

With all the bells and whistles of contemporary shoemaking nestled within a classically-inspired design, the Amberjack Original marries the best of the old and the new into one perfected piece of footwear. This smart casual shoe comes with heat-activated arch support that works similarly to memory foam to increase support while you’re on the move – pair that with its dual-density outsole and incredibly soft buckskin lining, and you get a shoe that’s built for nothing less than maximum comfort.

8. Cole Haan OriginalGrand Ultra Wingtip Oxford

This unique shoe flawlessly blends the classic with the modern with its contemporary twist on the classic Brogue aesthetic. The OriginalGrand Ultra Wingtip Oxford has that classic perforated design but with more modern, sporty details in the sole and cuff. This lightweight ‘neo-oxford’ comes with a cushioned GRANDFØAM footbed that offers optimal comfort and a sock-like ankle fit thanks to the Stitchlite™ bootie.

9. Dr. Martens 1461 Shoe

With a slightly more formal approach than some of Dr. Martens’ other products, the 1461 has a simple, business-appropriate design with just a touch of that Dr. Martens style. Of course, you don’t buy Dr. Martens without the proprietary outsole design, which is air-cushioned, slip-resistant, oil-resistant, and abrasion-resistant to make it not only super supportive but also highly durable.

10. Merrell Freewheel Lace

If you commute by bike, you may know how frustrating it can be to try and find work-appropriate shoes that are suitable for cycling. The Merrell Freewheel Lace combines all of Merrell’s best features into a lightweight, business-casual sneaker that’s built for biking. These shoes feature various waterproofing and moisture-wicking technologies to let moisture out without letting it in and keep your feet fresh. It also features a specially designed CycleTread outsole to offer rigid midfoot pedal power without compromising on flexibility.

11. Thursday Boot Company Men’s Captain Cap Toe Lace-Up Boot

Forget brogues; forget Oxfords. One of the most stylish things a man can wear on his feet is a good set of stylish leather boots. These leather business casual boots feature a classic yet minimal design with a stacked, half-inch heel. Handcrafted from genuine leather, these boots are available in a range of sophisticated leather tones like Black, Brandy, and Burnt Copper.

12. Ace Marks Maximo High Top Dress Sneakers

If you’re a sneakers guy, definitely take a moment to check out the Maximo High Tops from Ace Marks. They’re smart enough for the casual workplace but comfortable enough to look after your feet all day, thanks to a pillow-padded cushioned tongue and sleeve. What’s more, they’re hand-made in Italy from genuine full-grain calfskin leather, so you know you’re getting good quality.

13. Oliver Cabell Low 1 Lion

Another classic tennis shoe that’s perfect for business casual use is the Low 1 Lion from Oliver Cabell, which is hand-stitched in Italy from full-grain Italian leather. The Low 1 Lion has a removable moulded insole for you to get the best of comfort out of these shoes even with extended use and a highly-coveted Margom Italian outsole, ensuring the best of build quality.

14. Ace Marks Duke Dress Sneaker

The thing that stands out most about this sneaker is the exquisite leather finishes you get to choose from – each dyed and burnished in Italy, where the shoes are made by hand. Like the Low 1 Lion, the Duke Dress Sneaker comes with a top-of-the-line Margom outsole and also features shock-absorbing insoles to look after your feet, ankles, knees, and shins when you do need to get a stomp on.

15. Clarks Men’s Bushacre 2 Chukka Boot

If you’re after something with a more rugged look, it’s worth considering the Bushacre 2 Chukka Boot from Clarks. This boot comes with more overt stitching and a selection of stylish, polished leather finishes. A fully synthetic outsole is used for maximum durability, meaning you should get plenty of use out of these boots even with daily wear.

16. Red Wing Men’s Iron Ranger Leather Boot

As far as business casual leather boots go, Red Wing’s Iron Ranger has to be one of our top picks. With a rugged stitching and premium full-grain leather finish, these boots have a stylish, masculine design rooted in the classics but with more modern details like a durable rubber sole and breathable leather lining.

17. Oliver Cabell GAT

The GAT has a classic sneaker design but with Oliver Cabell’s infamous attention to detail when it comes to perfected shoe design. These summer business casual shoes are made in Italy to the highest standards, which comes across in their comfort and resistance to wear. A 70 Shore rubber outsole balances support and durability with comfort and flexibility, and waxed cotton laces will keep stains at bay on those muddy winter commutes.

18. Vance Co. Ryden Casual Perforated Sneaker

The Ryden Perforated Sneaker is the perfect business casual sneaker for warmer climates or the summer months – particularly if you find yourself on your feet for most of the day. The unique, perforated design and lightweight construction on these business casual brown shoes mean this breathable sneaker stays fresh and cool even with intense exertion. It’s also highly comfortable, with a plush, Comfort Foam™ insole that contours to the shape of your foot.

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