Guide: Business Casual Shoes For Men | MORJAS (2024)

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February 18, 2021

Team Morjas - 6 minute read

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Guide: Business Casual Shoes For Men | MORJAS (1)

What types of shoes should you wear in a business casual environment?
This guide has everything you need to know.

Business Casual Shoes for men

What types of shoes should you wear in a business casual environment? This guide has everything you need to know.

If you work in a more casual workplace, then you probably won’t need more than 1-3 pairs of dress shoes that can be reserved for more formal settings.

But if your job leans more towards business casual, you’ll want some more shoes to rotate between.

A good rule of thumb is to at least own one pair of dress shoes in your wardrobe, regardless if you work at a casual office or not.

Five Business Casual Shoes

  • Oxford Shoes
  • Derby Shoes
  • Penny Loafers
  • Chelsea Boots
  • Sneakers

Oxford Shoes

The Oxford is often referred to as the most elegant one amongst all of the dress shoes. It’s characterized by the closed lacing construction where the shoelace eyelets tabs are attached under the vamp.

The Oxford is the most dressier shoe of them all, but they are not all created equal. There are differences between a plain toe Oxford in calf leather and an Oxford in suede with decorative perforations.

How to wear them:​ Wear them smart. What we mean by that is to wear them together with dressier clothes such as a suit or at least dressier trousers and a nice shirt.

Related: What is the difference between an Oxford and a Derby Shoe?

Derby Shoes

Derby shoes with brogue details are a less formal alternative to the Oxford. It’s more relaxed and for many considered the perfect daily companion to both denim and tailored garments.

How to wear them:​ A pair in dark brown, burgundy or black calf works well with a suit while suede often adds a casual yet polished touch to denim or chinos.

Penny Loafers

If you don’t already own a pair of penny loafers, it’s time to add it to your collection. These shoes are an obvious essential item for any man. They can easily be worn in both casual or more dressed up settings.

How to wear them:​ A typical outfit amongst the men at the Morjas office usually consist of straight-legged jeans, knitwear in cashmere and a pair of penny loafers in suede or calf. You can also dress them up together with a suit. It will be more formal but not as formal as it would be with a pair of Oxfords.

Related: How to wear loafers with jeans & How to style the Penny Loafer?

Chelsea Boots

The Chelsea Boot comes in many shapes and sizes and they are often a bit more polished and dressier than other types of boots due to the sleek and minimal look.

How to wear them:​ If you want a more casual look then go for a pair of suede Chelsea boots together with denim or chinos. Want to take it up a notch and be a bit sharper? Go for the calf and wear it with a pair of smart wool trousers or even a suit.

Related: How to wear Chelsea boots & Two Essential Winter Shoes

Sneakers

Wearing sneakers in a business casual environment may feel a bit strange. But the key here is to make sure that they are clean, sleek and not too bold. Preferably in muted colours. A good rule is: Bend the rules but don’t break them completely.

How to wear them: You can wear them more casually together with a heavy knitted polo and a pair of denim, or dress them up with wool trousers and a cashmere sweater.

Related: The Sneaker & What to Pack for The Weekend Getaway?

Business Casual Shoes

Five Business Casual Shoes

The OxfordBlack CalfLeather sole349.00USD
The OxfordBurgundy CalfLeather sole349.00USD
The DerbyBurgundy CalfRubber sole399.00USD
The DerbyBrown CalfRubber sole399.00USD
The Penny LoaferBlack CalfLeather sole349.00USD
The Penny LoaferBurgundy CalfLeather sole349.00USD
The Chelsea BootBurgundy CalfRubber sole399.00USD
The Chelsea BootBrown CalfRubber sole399.00USD
The Sneaker 01Navy Suede156.00USD195.00USD
The Sneaker 01Grey Suede156.00USD195.00USD
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Guide: Business Casual Shoes For Men | MORJAS (2024)

FAQs

What are the rules for business casual shoes? ›

Shoes. Loafers or dress shoes are always appropriate. Avoid sandals and sneakers. There aren't too many rules about color, but keep it as professional and polished as possible.

What shoes not to wear for business casual? ›

Avoid wearing bright or overly flashy trainers/sneakers to keep the overall look professional. In conclusion, there are several options for business casual footwear, and the key is to choose shoes that are polished and professional.

What is business casual dress code for men? ›

A dress shirt and a blazer (ideally fitted) are always safe bets. Ties are optional, but you should make up for your lack of neckwear with your sense of style. Even while some businesses allow business casual attire, make sure the pair of jeans you wear is very great.

Are sneakers okay for business casual? ›

To put it simply, business casual involves combining traditional business attire with casual components, and this can also involve sneakers. Now, this doesn't mean that all kinds of sneakers belong to that category. Overall, it's best to stick to minimalistic and clean sneakers, the less detail the better.

What does business casual shoes look like? ›

A neutral color is always a safe choice for a business casual shoe, especially at more formal offices. It is always a good idea to have a quality pair brown or black leather shoes in your closet. Its versatility will be appropriate for both formal and casual occasions.

Are open toe shoes ok for business casual? ›

Closed-toed flats or small heels are the best option. Leather shoes, formal open-toed shoes, and heels are okay too — but absolutely no sandals, flip-flops, rarely sneakers, or casual boots.

What is not allowed in business casual? ›

Here are several things you should avoid wearing in a business casual environment: Well-worn athletic sneakers or tennis shoes. Flip-flops. Stained or wrinkled clothing.

What is the difference between business casual and smart casual? ›

Smart casual is a less formal extension to business casual. While business casual is great for the office and meetings, smart casual is for everything outside of work. Unless you work in a very informal environment.

Can I wear flat shoes for business casual? ›

Flats are always a best option to wear for interviews as they reflect the overall personality of a women. For business casual interview, its preferred to wear black or brown closed toe flats or low heels.

What should men not wear for business casual? ›

For men, appropriate business casual attire is dress slacks or chinos, a button-down shirt, dark socks, and dress shoes. Avoid wearing polo shirts to an interview, even if they are acceptable for the job in question. Do not wear jeans or shorts.

Can business casual men wear jeans? ›

Are jeans business casual for men? Yes, however, as previously mentioned, it all comes down to the style. Opt for tighter, more tailored fits, as opposed to loose baggy jeans.

How do I make my sneakers look business casual? ›

Tailoring is Key. Business casual sneakers look best when paired with a well-tailored outfit. Baggy clothes will give an unkempt look, accentuating the more casual nature of the sneakers.

Do you wear socks with business casual shoes? ›

No show socks are a great look on the weekends, but they're probably a bit too much on the casual side for wearing to the office. That means you should stick with over the calf or mid-calf dress socks even with business casual, and leave your ankle-length athletic socks at home.

Can you wear loafers for business casual? ›

One of the most popular leather shoes for men to wear in business casual situations is loafers. It expertly finds a blend of casual and professional use, combining a relaxed slip-on shape with a more formal dress shoe's heel and structure.

What are the rules for work shoes? ›

Work boot safety standards require that personnel wear safety footwear at all times. Safety shoes or boots must have a leather upper, non-skid soles, oil resistance and impact and compression resistance ratings of 75. The shoes must also have built-in toe caps to meet requirements.

What classifies as business casual? ›

The "Dress for Success" advice from the University of Toronto sums up business casual as "a classic, clean cut, and put together look where a full suit is not required," which means slacks, khakis, or skirts; blouses, polo shirts, or shirts with collar but no necktie; some sweaters; and closed-toe shoes.

Do I have to wear heels for business casual? ›

Business casual includes trousers, pencil skirts, slacks, khakis, blouses, button-down shirts, polos, sweaters and sports coats. Accessories may include simple jewelry, belts or ties. Business casual shoes include loafers, lifestyle sneakers (with leather or canvas), mules, flats, Oxfords, boots and heels.

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