The Best Casual Shoes Don’t Require a Serious Commitment
“Casual” is a slippery term, particularly in menswear. After all, when most of us wear jeans and sneakers to the office, is there really any distinction between our on and off-duty wardrobes? It’s complicated, too, by the fact that—with clothing as with dating—there’s really no fixed definition of what the word “casual” means: At differing times, it can refer to an item’s fabrication, shape, color, or, least usefully, its vibe alone.
But when it comes to footwear, at least, we can set some boundaries. So let’s be clear: This guide covers the best shoes for any occasion where you wouldn’t wear a pair of formal lace-ups. That probably includes your office, unless you work somewhere particularly old-school. It certainly includes your social life. And it’s likely to include a host of events throughout the year: dates, birthdays, dinners, bachelor parties, even visiting your grandma (unless she’s a particular stickler for smartness).
If it sounds like a pretty wide-ranging spectrum, fear not—it can actually be boiled down to a few core groups. So that’s what we’ve done, to help you kit out a shoe rack that’s relaxed and adaptable enough for everyday life, but still doesn’t compromise on style, authenticity, quality, and comfort of course. And hey, if you end up wearing these to smarter events too, we’re not gonna stop you.
The Best Men’s Casual Shoes, According to GQ
In This Guide
Classic Casual Shoes
Think of these as your A-Team: a trusted lineup of specialists you can depend on time and time again. As you might expect, this category is underpinned by a solid roster of sneakers. And broadly, they err on the side of simplicity: They’re classic because they work equally well with chinos, shorts, denim, and relaxed tailoring. Think Sambas, think Chucks, think New Balance—just don’t forget to keep them clean.
That said, a few non-sneakers have muscled their way in here. A pair of Blundstones, for instance, has the same throw-on appeal and adaptability as a classic pair of sneakers, but will liven up every pair of blue jeans you own. And, of course, it’s worth considering a pair of Birkenstock Bostons, which have become a staple in the casual wardrobes of well-dressed guys everywhere for their breezy, easy, slipper-like shape.
Trending Casual Shoes
So you’ve got the classics covered—or were never here for them to begin with. Now it’s time to throw in a few curveballs: design-led casual styles that will add a bit of oomph on days you don’t have to look quite so conventional. Still, we advise against too many bells and whistles, which can quickly look dated. Instead, look for modernised takes on technical styles – they’ll add a bit of character, without overwhelming everything else you’re wearing and veering into the dreaded territory of the ‘Statement Sneaker.’ Leading the pack here are French sportswear brand Salomon and Japanese label Asics, while venerable Grandparent-approved walking-shoe brand Mephisto has lately become a favourite of the menswear crowd, just as Prada’s Collapse sneakers have been a sensation among capital-F fashion folks. Wear these pairs with everything from cargo pants to shorts, but always with socks (and not the invisible kind).
Tailored Casual Shoes
Man cannot live on sneakers alone – for occasions that fall under the dreaded ‘smart-casual’ heading, you’ll need options that are of course relaxed, but still put-together enough to pair with tailoring. That means comfortable, low-fuss footwear with enough heft on the soles to prevent them from feeling too dainty. Like a pair of leather loafers, say, or a couple of lace-up options: a sprightlier pair in suede, like Clarks Wallabees, and a sturdier pair in black leather will see you through almost every event. To look more modern, consider an apron-front style, which has a raised panel around the shoe’s front section. Paraboot does them best, but brands like Mr. P offer them for a little less.
Casual Boots
Yes, you should have a roster of casual boots in your arsenal. For one, they look less dressy than severe black ones, so will look less jarring with casual fits. And second, unlike some pristine Saint Laurent Chelsea boots, the more scuffs they take, the better.
There are a couple of caveats, though. Whether you go for lighter or darker tones, richer shades are better than anything too yellow, which can look cheap. And it’s best to look for styles that riff on the classics: workwear boots, chukkas, and desert boots are masculine, hardworking, and ever-reliable. While a leather pair is a worthwhile investment, a version in suede will adapt well to warmer months, too: Drakes’ crepe-soled boots could be worn with everything from cotton chinos to linen suits.
Office-Appropriate Casual Shoes
The perfect business-casual shoe is all about understatement: you want them to underscore and complement what you’re wearing, not to stick out. That means streamlined, time-tested shapes in unobtrusive colours and the best-quality fabrications your budget will allow.
A Derby is a sound starting point: if the afternoon presentation stretches into post-work drinks, you won’t suddenly feel overly formal. And you could carry them through to the weekend by subbing your tailored pants for a pair of neatly-cut jeans. The same is true of a boat shoe, provided it’s all in a single color – anything too contrasting will look overly casual. But do also consider an elevated sneaker: Something in navy, black, or tobacco, and ideally leather or suede.
