The 9 Best Business Casual Shoes for Men in 2024, Tested by Style Editors

I’ve been wearing these classic, best-selling Cole Hann dress sneakers since 2021, to the office or any office-adjacent events—happy hour, client meetings, etc. I love that they’ve got the uppers of dress shoes but the footbeds of sneakers—it’s the best of both worlds, really. On more than a few occasions, I had to wear these for hours on end, and their added comfort from the EVA midsole and patented cushioning has never failed me once. And they look incredibly on-point with jeans for a true business casual vibe.

There are a half dozen earthy tones to choose from and the durability over time really is impressive, not to mention the old shoe comfort right out of the gate. You tend to know you’re getting something rock solid with Cole Hann but even these shoes punch above their weight (by a lot, as they don’t weigh much).

“They are the perfect blend of a dress shoe silhouette and the comfort of a sneaker. It’s one of my favorite pairs of business casual shoes that can take you from a client meeting, to out on the town, and lounging around,” says lifestyle influencer Steven Fingar.

Read more: Most Comfortable Dress Shoes

Step into something comfortable first before you step into success, like in these casual-looking dress shoes that are nothing but supportive and style. Having owned and worn these for a few months, I can say with confidence that these are perhaps the most comfortable dress shoes I’ve ever tested—all thanks to Amberjack’s athletic build. The foam arch support and the TPU outsole are both designed to let your feet move in comfort, and the upper is made with flexible materials.

The construction makes it a pair of dress shoes that won’t tire my feet out, but the overall versatile look for dressing up and down is also a highlight. In addition to an ensemble of button-downs and chinos, I’ve worn it several times with only a fit of t-shirt and jeans, and they still looked killer.

Scoring these on sale a year ago turned out to be one of the best purchase decisions on Amazon I’ve ever made. Style-wise, it’s a smart blend of chukka boots plus sneakers, which I’ve styled with a trucker jacket plus jeans or sweater over pants, and I’m never not satisfied by how it can transition from formal to casual and back and forth, just like that.

But the comfort for walking and being on your feet for hours on end is not to be underestimated, even at this price point: the outsole is light but tough, and absorbs impact to reduce underfoot fatigue; the leather upper is easily broken in; and the sponge insole is as comfortable as it comes.

Lastly, while you might think that because they’re cheap, they’ll wear out easily. Well, that’s a flat-out lie: I’ve even sported these several times during rainy days or on rough terrains, and thus far, there has been no wear, no tear, no stitching coming loose, or any sort of damage.

Driving shoes, especially in a moccasin style, naturally lean on the casual—and warm-weather-friendly—side, so these have been one of my default shoes to wear in summer to the office since 2021. I like wearing them with chino shorts and short-sleeve shirts; they’re a little different, yet appropriate for a business casual office. So, stylistically speaking, I’d rank these as more formal than dress sneakers but much more laid-back than Oxfords, and thus perfect for days where my professional game doesn’t need to be at a 10.

I also love how soft and flexible the fabric of these loafers feels which really brings out the comfort while walking. The lightweight outsole also won’t drag you down. All in all, weekend and Fridays in summer is when I’d like to wear them the most.

These are a pair of sneakers to the core, and there’s nothing wrong with that for business casual flair. In my several months of styling these, I find that they look the best with a casual blazer-over-jeans fit, but their versatility indeed takes them to infinity and beyond. Recently I started wearing them in warm weather with chino shorts, polo shirts, and no-show socks for hanging out in fancy restaurants and bars, and their minimalist but polished visage always delivered a smart casual vibe.

You shall also rest assured of their comfort. What I love most about them on this front is that the stitching connecting the upper to the sole is tightly done for water resistance, and the insole is made with OrthoLite® Hybrid™ to support your every step.

“Personally, I highly recommend the Capri Low-Top sneakers by Koio. These sneakers boast an ultra-minimal and clean design that complements a wide range of outfits. Besides their versatility, what sets them apart is their affordability compared to the similar styles from brands like Common Projects,” says personal stylist Turner Allen.

Since Common Projects first introduced the idea of this very premium, minimalist silhouette in 2004, the world hasn’t looked back. So, naturally, I had to test out these classics. At first glance, they sure leaned towards the casual side to me, so it was a risk when I decided to wear them with chinos and dress shirts in early 2022, but the worry instantly faded on its own soon as I realized how smart I actually looked in the mirror: the minimalist look keeps them refined, but the signature gold serial number stamped on the back keeps the vibe trendy. And, since they’re a pair of sneakers through and through, the comfort after breaking them in is no joke.

“These shoes have a sleek silhouette and have a minimal design—making them a great shoe to wear with a pair of chinos and a casual dress shirt. They’re a staple in my closet, as I can wear them casually around town, out to dinner, or even a quick client meeting at a nearby coffee shop,” says lifestyle influencer Steven Fingar.

Pros

• Great with all wardrobes
• Sophisticated aesthetic
• Tremendous traction

In our testing, we’ve found that suede simply doesn’t miss—it’s simultaneously sophisticated yet easygoing. And Peter Millar’s suede slip-on is truly one of the most versatile shoes in the game. The tone can complement any fit, and the design is not busy or distracting for office dress codes.

Our favorite part is working these suede slip-ons into our daily wardrobe: whether it’s t-shirts or jeans shorts, they will effortlessly elevate without looking boring. We were also impressed by their construction which is lightweight and slip-resistant, but the downside is that the support shows itself to be lacking after standing or walking in them for too long. So I personally like to save and wear them only for special events.

“Peter Millar offers a great variety of budget-friendly and quality shoes. For summer, I love a brown suede loafer like this one. This style is a modern option for someone looking for a bit more stylish option. This style pairs well with lighter colors and fabrics, for the warmer summer months,” says personal wardrobe stylist Grace Thomas.

Our Gear & Commerce Editor has had these OG penny loafers since 2020 and can now firmly stand behind them as the perfect shoe for dressing up even the most casual attire. He started with an all-brown pair but has recently added an all-black for more versatility in his loafer lineup simply because of how dressy, elegant, yet versatile they are. When it comes to business casual, we also love that these fit within the trend of wearing jeans with loafers, but also are foolproof when it comes to chinos and dress pants.

The downside, according to our editor, is that the Larson has an incredibly tough break-in period, so be sure to keep your socks on when wearing them until they are soft enough around the ankle and top of the foot, otherwise, you are in for some serious chafing.

“For a touch of elegance, you can’t go wrong with a timeless penny loafer. Penny loafers are the perfect mid-point between casual sneakers and formal Oxfords. The original Weejuns from G.H. Bass is my top pick. These loafers possess an innate style and comfort that is apparent right out of the box,” says personal stylist Turner Allen.

Although one of the more expensive—and dressier—options on the list, our testing shows that these classic Allen Edmonds are worth the splurge. The look is timeless and classic through and through, and when tested on a suit, we love that it was able to exude sophistication and refinement. Our testings editors were also equally impressed by the quality—which makes up most of the price tag: a calfskin leather that’s guaranteed to last while offering a versatile style that complements any business casual ensemble.

What Are Business Casual Shoes?

“While it really depends on the level of formality at your particular workplace – especially after a massive return-to-office paired with a hybrid work-from-home schedule, there is a fairly wide variety of definitions of business casual when it comes to shoes,” says Luke Grant, the Head of Marketing at Charles Tyrwhitt. And since our office dress code—or business casual dress code—is more blurred and “up to your own discretion” than ever, the definition of business casual shoes is thankfully broadened.

According to Norm Gress, Senior Design Director for Wolverine, business casual shoes can now go beyond the traditional Oxford, chukka, and Chelsea uppers. “Casuals allow for a blend of rugged, comfort, and refined styling. Styles can be more expressive, often transition from work to evening activities, and work well with denim and more casual clothing.”

What Men’s Shoes Are Considered Business Casual?

Our experts believe that business casual shoes should be defined by the looks of the shoes, not the styles—i.e., even sneakers can work if they are dressy enough. “I’d say business casual shoes can mean anything between a sneaker and a hard-soled dress shoe, which includes some of my favorite shoes, like moccasins, penny loafers, bluchers, desert boots, driving mocs, and deck shoes,” says Michael Bastian, the Creative Director at Brooks Brothers.

John Peters, the CEO of footwear brand Amberjack echoes and zooms in on the sentiment of “anything works” by suggesting shoes that can work well with slacks, khakis, or suit pants as the best business casual shoes—so please, nothing too funky! “That usually means brown or black lace-up dress shoes, boots, or loafers with a leather or suede upper… nice leather sneakers can definitely work for a more smart casual look,” says Peters.

All in all, the look is all that matters. For dress shoes, Oxfords, brogues, derbies, loafers, or even monk strap shoes—so long they look the part, they’ll work. For dress boots, chukka boots and Chelsea boots are both no-brainers for business casual shoes