Upgrade Your Everyday Footwear With These Casual Shoes

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

EVERYBODY HAS A favorite pair of casual shoes. You know, the reliable standby kicks that you instinctively grab when you just need to throw something on your feet. If you don’t, or you’re looking for an update, then you’ve come to the right place. The best casual shoes for men are comfortable, easy to wear, and, above all, complement pretty much everything in your closet. Rule number one is to stick to neutral colors - think white, brown, tan, blue, gray, or black - in solid or with minimal detailing, eliminating the possibility of clashing. The best casual shoes for men can be worn every day, if you are so inclined, and require no effort to style.

Casual shoes can be leather sneakers, boots, loafers, slip-ons, etc., meaning the best casual shoes for men will pretty much take on any shoe occasion you have in mind as long as it's not meant for formal attire like a tuxedo. That is to say, the best causal shoes are your go-to footwear for work, weekends, casual outings, dates, and more.

Now that we've got boundaries established, it's time to see our editors-tested picks of the 24 best casual shoes for men that you can count on in all types of everyday scenarios.

Canvas OCA Low

The OCA Low not only is one of the best everyday fashion sneakers we've tested out there, but it's also Ashton Kutcher's go-to kicks. The footbed feels incredibly comfortable with arch support—spring and cushioned. Right from the first wear, the fit felt perfect to us so we didn't need to break it in. The classic style just works as a versatile fashion sneaker; coupled with a canvas upper that breathes and a lightweight build, the OCA Low might just be your go-to kick.

Read More: Cariuma's OCA Low Review

Alejandro Woven Slip On 2.0

The benefit of a woven leather over traditional leather dress shoes is its breathability. That makes the Alejandro Woven Slip On a perfect summer shoe for elevated causal looks. Whether you wear no-show socks or no socks at all, your feet will get plenty of air circulation, cutting down on sweat and making for a generally more comfortable wear. The other benefit of woven leather is its increased flexibility, as the material moves with your foot more like a textile than standard leather.

Mach 5

Hoka stormed onto the running shoe scene a few years ago with dynamic sole designs. The King o Cushion also makes toned down models that are better for walking around on a daily basis. For adding a flashy dash of color to your casual fits, the Mach 5 is an excellent choice. A dozen different designs are available, all with the same balance of cushion and support for standing all day in.

Nomad Derby Shoe

Derby shoes are typically associated with formalwear, but they were the standard for casual every-day shoes before sneakers took over that role in the '50s. Todd Snyder takes the formal edge off of with a gritty brushed suede and chunky crepe sole. It's not only the most comfortable sole for leather shoes, it is also the cheapest to replace when it wears out. Rock this elevated casual shoe with jeans or chinos for a refined alternative to sneakers.

Baja Slip On

Simply put, the Baja from SeaVees is the most comfortable slip-on sneaker I've ever worn. Despite how lightweight this casual shoe is, the memory foam insole makes it very well cushioned. For those who go sans-socks, the snug fit and linen canvas keep friction to a minimum and allow your feet to breathe. A vulcanized rubber outsole with a finger tip-like grip provide exceptional flexibility and grip, even in wet conditions. The overall experience is barefoot-like feel and a no-brainer styling option that compliments everything.

Manele Golf Shoe

Showy socks may be a part of golf style heritage, but these golf sneakers from OluKai are actually designed to be worn barefoot. The breathable mesh upper, sock-like lining, and drop back heel are meant to just slip right on. This allows your feet to breathe as much as possible when hitting the links on sweltering days. Since the cleated outsole is entirely rubber, you can also rock it as a casual every-day sneaker.

Read more: Best Golf Shoes

Campus '80s Shoes

The Adidas Campus is an iconic sneaker that has gone through several updates over the past few decades. With the reissue of the '80s version, you can get your hands on the original design, which is arguably the most stylish. It is a little slimmer and lower profile than modern iterations, which looks better with slim fitting pants and shorts. This aqua blue color looks amazing with jeans and will complement with just about everything else in your closet.

Read more: Best Adidas Shoes

Patnoflex Travel

You may be familiar with Astorflex because of the Patnoflex plain toe loafer. Well, the Italian shoemaker created a Travel version with a slimmed down outsole and upgraded grip. What was already a comfortable loafer, is even easier wear thanks to enhanced flex, decreased weight, and a solid rubber heel block. If you need to dress up for a flight, or even a long commute, this is the shoe you want to wear. However, it really shines with a pair of chinos or linen trousers, topped off with a knit polo or short sleeve button down.

Read more: Best Dress Shoes for Men

Cloudtilt Running

The first thing that I noticed about the Cloudtilt running shoe is how lightweight it is. On's Speed Lacing design gives the appearance and secure hold of traditional laces, while allowing for a fast slip-on, slip-off wear. That one feature alone makes this comfy and sleek athletic sneaker a go-to option for heading to the gym or just grabbing a coffee.

Read more: Best On Cloud Shoes for Walking

Unisex Royal Lo Classic Leather Sneaker

Pro-Keds has a rich history that spans way back to the 1950s when they first made shoes for basketball players (George Miken wore the brand at one point). The Royal Lo is the brand's timeless retro sneaker that looks better as it wears with age. Just make sure to upgrade to the all-leather model.

The Authentic Original™ Boat Shoe

Cutting to the chase is the OG boat shoe design that has never looked out of style and definitely never will. As you slip your feet into them, you'll also find yourself reveling in the secure, customized fit provided by the signature 360° lacing system. What we love most about these OGs is that they now come with an OrthoLite insole to envelop your underfoot in comfort and provide shock absorption to each step. Coupled with the inclusion of an EVA heel cup that adds an extra layer of cushioning, we were even able to travel in these shoes for hours.

The RS01 Sneaker

The RS01 may look like a simple canvas sneaker, but it wears like a top-flight running sneaker mixed with a memory foam pillow. These editors-approved kicks are also a favorite of Pedro Pascal. They have a dynamic, retro-inspired knit upper to elevate any of your basic workwear trousers, while their durable gum sole guarantees these sleek kicks will provide the foot support you need for months or years of long wear.

These are perfect business casual work sneakers, especially if your business keeps you on your feet all day. And unlike other sneakers, these don’t require breaking in and are fully machine washable.

990v6

These dad shoes, born in 1982, are now upgraded with a streamlined outlook and better performance to make a case for dad shoes that are pretty damn cool. Whether it’s the propulsive foam that helps you get back on your feet fast or the midsole cushioning that provides all-day comfort, you’ll feel like the patriarch of your household in them—even if you’re not a father. With a midsole that absorbs impact and provides underfoot cushioning and a footbed that delivers support, this is also one of our best-tested walking shoes.

Read more: Best New Balance Shoes

OriginalGrand Shortwing Oxford Shoe

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 footbed of sneakers—it’s the best of both worlds, really. And 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.

Read more: Best Business Casual Shoes

Jack

If you're looking for a more elevated sneaker as your casual shoes, P448 makes its footwear in Italy with fine leather. The Jack sneaker styles have a luxe feel and come in a ton of fun variations and colors, making them a solid casual shoe pick if you're looking for expression. Plus, with memory foam insoles, each style feels damn comfy too.

The Chelsea

These business casual Chelsea boots are nothing but supportive and stylish. Having owned these for several months, I can say with confidence that these are perhaps the most comfortable boots I’ve ever tested—all thanks to Amberjack’s athletic performance build. The memory foam arch support plus the flexible outsole with extra support in the heel are both designed to let your feet move in comfort, and the upper is made with flexible materials. The construction won’t tire my feet out since it's soft and easy to break in yet very sturdy, but the overall versatile look for dressing up and down is also a highlight.

Chuck 70 High Top

There's hardly any retro sneaker more timeless and versatile than the Chuck 70. Todd Snyder gave the classic basketball shoe style that debuted over a decade ago a modern twist with a new thick textured canvas upper, a heavier recycled rubber gum sole, a comfortable cork liner, arch support, and durable stitching for everyday wear, even if you’re not double-dribbling.

Read more: Best Skate Shoes

Larson Weejuns Loafers

Having been around since 1936, the Weejuns is the OG penny loafer style that still looks great today. In fact, our Gear & Commerce Editor has had them since 2020 and affirms that their craftsman-like construction can hold up even after years of wear. 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.

Desert Boot

Known for their durability and versatility, owning a pair of suede Clark Desert Boots should be a no-brainer. With an origin that dates back to surviving the deserts in WWII, these boots are built for long walks. As for the OG style, Clarks’ desert boots are also versatile enough for dressing for summer and for the rest of the year, and you’ll have fun mixing-and-matching with your casual office looks.

Read more: Best Desert Boots for Men

Arizona Soft Footbed

Every man must own a pair of Arizona sandals in their lifetime. It's an unwritten footwear rule. The combination of comfort, versatility in styling, and incredibly long lifespan is why these bad boys take the crown. According to board-certified foot surgeon Brad Schaeffer, D.P.M., its design plus support structure work together to offer everyday comfort in a city-friendly design. "They have a solid cork footbed and contouring for our arch and toe box," Schaeffer says. "I love the overall feel and wearability of these sandals and have been wearer since my teen years."

Captain Cap Toe Leather Boots

They say that fine wine gets better with age. The same can be said for a great leather boot, such as the Captain lace-up dress boot that you’ll want to keep within arms reach for years to come. Made with Goodyear welt construction, it’ll last you a lifetime. With footbeds that form to your feet and provide all-day comfort, you’ll want to sport them 24/7. Dress them up or down, your choices are endless.

The Pastoso Uomo

Driving loafer? Penny loafer? The answer is yes. M. Gemi’s ingenious design combines the summer laidback panache of moccasin driving shoes with the classic design of the penny loafer to take the guesswork out of your “What type of loafers look best on me?” concern. We love that it’s incredibly lightweight and barefoot-friendly, even for walking. Our favorite part; however, is the oval toe that offers a comfortable fit and no-break-in-needed wear right out of the box.

The Pacific

If there's ever a pair of shoes you can wear straight from a long stroll in the park to lounging at home to attending an opera at night, it's Ponto's The Pacific. A dress sneaker at heart, this hybrid between easy and dressy is snug to wear for hours. The upper is recycled leather scraps and the soles are biodegradable plant-based foam, plus the lining, made of woven wood fibers, is naturally breathable, water-repellent, odor-resistant, and sweat-absorbent. No socks needed!

Mid Top Chukka Sneaker Lace Up Dress Boot

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 these business casual shoes can transition from formal to casual and back and forth, just like that.

But the comfort of 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.

What to consider in casual shoes

When picking out a new pair of casual shoes, keep in mind that you want to be able to wear it all the time. Look for something that is simple to style, comfortable to wear, and easy to clean.

Style

Casual shoes are meant to be worn any time we aren’t dressing up, which is most of our lives, so you want to be able to wear them with as much of your wardrobe as possible. Versatile styling is crucial for the best casual shoes. Look for solid colors or minimal detailing. The simpler the shoe looks, the easier it is to match with an outfit. In that respect, a solid white sneaker is the most useful shoe you can own.

Of course, there are casual shoes that are meant to stand out. These are typically athletic and running sneakers. It is handy to have a pair or two of these on hand to add some flavor to low key outfits like joggers and a hoodie, or shorts and a t-shirt.

Support

We tend to find a casual shoe that we really like and wear it more than every other shoe we own. So when you’re picking out a new casual shoe, make sure it provides ankle, heel, and arch support. Reliable support will keep your feet comfortable, which is crucial for any shoe that you plan on wearing often. Any supportive features will be listed in product descriptions but there is no replacement for trying a shoe on. Nailing down the right size is key to getting the most comfortable wear.

Maintenance

Spending all day on the ground, shoes inevitably get dirty. Casual shoes are meant for going about your everyday life, which exposes them to all kinds of dirt, grime, dust, and the occasional spilled drink. So the easier it is to clean your casual shoes, the more likely you are to wear them.

Nylon, polyester, and other synthetic fibers are easier to clean because you can generally just wipe them off with a wet cloth. Tougher stains can require specially designed shoe cleaner or simple dish washing soap.

Cotton and canvas sneakers require a little more effort. The best way to clean these natural fibers is with a coarse scrub brush and either dish soap or laundry detergent. Simply wet the shoe, put a dime sized amount on a brush, and scrub vigorously. For smaller cracks and details, use an old toothbrush.

Leather shoes require more routine maintenance to keep them in tip-top shape. Use a leather cleaner or saddle soap every few months for shoes that are worn frequently. Clean any spilled substances as soon as possible to avoid staining. In the winter, wipe clean any sidewalk salt immediately because nothing deteriorates leather faster. When leather gets wet, wipe it down with a towel and let it air dry. Never use hot air because this will cause damage.

How we selected

To curate the best casual shoes for men, our editors and writers have personally tried on and tested a variety of styles, such as attending casual weekend hang-outs in Cole Haan's dress sneakers, running everyday errands in New Balance's 990v6, or commuting in and wearing Amberjack's Chelsea boots to the office.

To get a feel for how these casual shoes for men really felt and how they held up, we vetted our options by taking notes of their fit, comfort, materials, construction, price point, versatility, and overall comfort such as support, cushioning, and breathability. We examined whether they fitted well and true to size, whether their footbed or soles could withstand hours of movement, and whether they could be worn for more than one occasion.

Read more: Learn How Men's Health Tests Products

Read More About Men's Casual Shoes

Best Wedding Shoes | Most Comfortable Dress Shoes | Best Work Shoes | Best Cheap Shoes Under $150 | Best Sustainable Shoes

You Might Also Like

• The Best Hair Growth Shampoos for Men to Buy Now

• 25 Vegetables That Are Surprising Sources of Protein