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Best Casual Shoes For Men

Are you looking for a nice pair of shoes you can wear on a daily basis? A pair that are both comfortable and look great, but are not trainers? You may be looking for the best casual shoes for men, and we can tell you that you’ve come to the right place. We know how hard it is to decide on a pair of shoes, when there are so many to choose from these days.

Rather than you needing to take time out of your busy schedule to sift through these with a fine-tooth comb, though, the team here at Internet Eyes has done a lot of the hard work for you.

We have put together the guide below to the 10 best casual shoes for men. As we’ve covered a number of different brands and different types of casual shoes, we are sure this top 10 will be all you need to find that cool pair of shoes that’s just right for you.

In addition to the actual product reviews, we’ve also included a handy buyer’s guide to further help you make the best decision. So, read on to find out which shoes you should be slipping on, this year!

Best Casual Shoes for Men 2019

1. ClassyDude Men’s New Casual Black Leather Lace-up Shoes

The first pair in our guide are these cracking casual black leather lace-ups from ClassyDude. They have a mid-cut trainer/plimsoll-style design but with a high-quality synthetic leather upper. These shoes really take a lot of inspiration from trainers, down to the fact they have a sole with a rubber cup that makes them ideal if you do want to take part in some kind of sporting activity, but don’t require a pair of trainers.

They have a simple, but elegant lace-up closure and are extremely lightweight with a relatively small hell of just 1-inch in height. We like the fact that they’re halfway between dress shoes, thanks to the imitation leather outer (you can choose suede, if you prefer) and their smart colouring. These would look great with a pair of jeans and a t-shirt or a smarter pair of trousers and a shirt, if you wore them to work.

Pros
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Rubberised outer sole
  • Synthetic leather upper gives form and style
  • Versatile – could be worn in various settings
Cons
  • Look and feel cheap (but they’re cheap, so that’s expected)
  • Not very durable

2. Skechers Status 2.0 Pexton Boat Shoes

Next up we have a name that most reading this will be very familiar with. Skechers, as a brand, are best known for their brightly coloured high-performance footwear, with trainers being one of their areas that they focus on most. You know the Skechers name brings with it a sterling reputation and a commitment to design, comfort, style and durability.

That’s what you get with these boat shoes by the company. They have a canvas upper, which is very much in keeping with the casual styling and an easy-to-use lace-up closure. The thing we’re really taken by with this pair of casual shoes is the Air-Cooled Memory Foam soothing and comfortable footbed that’s incorporated into the shoes.

Much like the above shoes, these will look great for various situations and activities. You may even be able to get away with wearing them to work or a lunch appointment at a restaurant. But they still give you a lot of the comfort you’d expect from a more expensive trainer or similar type of shoes.

Pros
  • Extremely comfortable
  • Great for casual office smart working environment
  • Stylish design and colour schemes
  • The memory foam footbed lowers fatigue
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Not waterproof (though there are ways you can make them waterproof)

3. Timberland Bradstreet Plain, Oxford Shoes

Although Timberland is a name more readily associated with sandy yellow-style work boots and other utility footwear, with steel toe caps and rugged appeal, they can ramp up the style and sophistication while tuning down the rough and ready approach, occasionally to produce a smart pair of shoes. Like these Oxford-style shoes from the brand. The Bradstreet plain have a compact and lightweight top layer that gives you the maximum level of support and is made from leather on the outer, with a suitably comfortable and breathable textile used as the inner.

They have a rubberised sole that offers a degree of flexibility, so that they move with your feet, providing protections throughout each step. It’s made from gum rubber, so will last a long time, even if you wear these shoes regularly or daily. The laces are made from 100% organic cotton, which gives them an even more sophisticated look and feel.

We can’t imagine any situation where one of these shoes, apart from a black-tie event or a very formal business meeting or appointment, wouldn’t look out of place. They’re a complete contrast to the shoes you’d normally associate with the Timberland name.

Pros
  • Compact and breathable top layer design for maximum comfort
  • Nubuck leather used throughout for increased durability and quality
  • Oxford shoe style makes them ideal for various environments
  • Gum rubber sole offers flexibility while contouring and protecting your feet
Cons
  • The finishing on these could be a lot better
  • Scratch easily

4. Moodeng Leather Loafer Lightweight Round Toe Moccasins Shoes

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ball-Foot-Cushions-Women-High/dp/B07MQTFHDX/?tag=amizoa-21

If you’re looking to move away from the trainer-inspired casual shoes we’ve featured so far, why not give these some consideration. These are moccasins style slip-on shoes (with a small zipper closure). Whereas some of the shoes above may only suit you in very informal and casual office workplaces, you’ll be able to more or less get away with wearing these in even extremely smart business situations.

So, if you want a comfortable pair of shoes to wear to that business meeting with buyers, customers, shareholders or anyone like that, these are a great option. Made from high-quality leather, they have a very clear and smooth-to-touch texture and use double, soft hand stitching to give additional robustness and durability.

It doesn’t stop there with the outer, as you move downwards, the sole is non-slip and rubberised, so they will stay on your feet at all times and prevent fatigue from setting in, even on those days when you need to wear them 8+ hours. The sole provides great arch support and stability, especially in the heel area, meaning the only thing you need to worry about when you slip these on, is the job at hand.

Pros
  • Smart and sophisticated dress shoes
  • Excellent arch support and stability from rubber sole
  • Anti-skid sole means you can walk with confidence
  • High-quality leather construction
Cons
  • Run small, so choose a bigger size than normal
  • Zipper closure can be hard to use, some have noted

5. Skechers Status 2.0 Lorano Moccasins

Next up we have the second entry in our guide from Skechers. This is an even more informal shoes than the ones we previously highlighted further up the page. There is no escaping the fact that these look as if they were built for comfort, with the noticeably canvas upper and fabric lining. So, if you are looking for casual shoes that can occasionally perform the role of smarter shoes, these are not going to be your first choice.

They wouldn’t look out of place with a pair of dressy trousers and a shirt, we’re sure you could rock that look. But they’d be more at home paired with jeans, joggers or even shorts, if the weather permitted. In terms of the comfort they provide, they can’t be faulted, as they’re made with a breathable mesh on the inside and feature an EVA mid-sole for extra protection and comfort along the sole of your feet.

The fact that they’re made by such a reliable brand as Skechers is just the icing on another wise tasty cake of a pair of shoes (does that even make sense? If not, you know what we mean, we’re sure!)

Pros
  • Soft and comfortable canvas and fabric construction
  • Breathable mesh on the inside to prevent moisture build-up and discomfort
  • EVA foam midsole for enhanced support for the sole of your feet
  • Great looking pair of shoes
Cons
  • Too informal for some settings and situations
  • Not waterproof

6. Timberland Bradstreet Chukka Leather High-Top Shoes

With the traditional Timberland look we’re more familiar with, these Bradstreet Chukka Leather high-tops look like an awesome cross between basketball boot-style trainers and rough and ready work-suitable footwear. Made from Chukka leather, the quality of these shoes is undeniable, but they also offer a very snug and relaxing fit, thanks, in part, to the construction in general and the design of the padded collar.

To prevent your feet from sweating too much, a breathable textile has been used in the inside of the boot, while the Gum rubber sole gives you a hard-wearing grip that means you’ll be able to walk with confidence just about anywhere.

We’re bowled over at, despite their design, how smart they look. We’d happily pair these with a pair of dressy trousers or even a suit, if necessary and make for a great choice if your work involves you spending as much time in the boardroom or on the sales floor and office as it does the warehouse or even a construction site.

Pros
  • Chukka leather outer for robustness and durability
  • Padded collar for snug fit
  • Rubberised sole provides grip and support
  • Smart enough to suit most situations
Cons
  • Run small, but that’s a well-known issue
  • Laces are not up to the usual high-quality standard expected from the brand

7. Vans Atwood Canvas Low-Top Sneakers

Given their connection to the world of skateboarding, BMXing and punk/metal music, it’s fair to say that you wouldn’t normally expect to be able to wear a pair of Vans in a work environment. They’re known as being extremely casual, and often dazzling with colour and street appeal.  However, the Atwood canvas low-tops that we have here shoe that the company do know how to class things up a little.

They’re still very much a casual pair of shoes in all sense of the words, but because of their simplistic look and the choice of that lie somewhere between smart and laidback, you could get away with wearing them to work. We’d just advise wearing them to that all-important job interview or sales pitch meeting.

There is something very subtle about these shoes that we love. So, okay, they’re not as versatile as other casual shoes we’ve featured, but they’re still not as nearly informal as others have been. Although pricey, with the Vans branding you know you’re going to get quality to match the cost.

Pros
  • Subtle and informally smart
  • Lightweight and laidback canvas and textile construction
  • Vulcanised sole for added support and grip
  • Smart colour options
Cons
  • Wear out quickly
  • Laces are too long and con undone easily

8. Rockport Zaden Plain Toe Oxford Trainers

Another brand synonymous with style and durability, is Rockport and that’s the team behind the next pair of casual shoes in our guide. The Zaden line from the company is an attempt to take the athletic style and function of other shoes in their huge collection and present them in a more comfortable, laidback and lightweight shoe.

They’re not supposed to be for the serious competitor, rather these are designed with those active weekends in mind, when you are switching between different activities constantly. They’re made from lightweight materials and a build structure that provides flexibility and comfort every single step of the way. That’s not to say that all that simplicity has left them without some sophisticated tech. truTech is utilised effectively in the sole to provide you with a lightweight shock absorption option.

So, if you’re looking for a pair of shoes that are stylish without being overly formal, and a pair of trainers that are no serious sports shoes, this is your happy medium between the two.

Pros
  • Sports shoes that don’t take themselves too seriously
  • truTech sole for shock absorption
  • Breathable textile lining
  • Leather outer construction
Cons
  • Run larger, so always look to get at least a half a size down from your normal size

9. Dereci Real Leather Designed Slip-On Loafers

Are you fed up with having to deal with zips and laces? Want something a little more laidback in its approach? Why not choose these Dereci loafers? They’re slip-on so don’t require any tying or tightening, when you want a laidback and casual shoe. The great thin about these shoes is, though, they’re very much on the smarter side of the casual spectrum.

We think you’d easily get away with wearing them in a more business setting, thanks to their slick and minimalist leather outer design.

Pros
  • High-quality leather
  • Slip-on design
  • Comfortable and sophisticated
  • Durable
Cons
  • May be too smart
  • Not much of a heel to them

10. Skechers Heston-Avano Trainers

The last in our guide are these smart and cool Skechers. The Heston-Avano have a very smart leather outer look and feel. These are definitely more on the smarter side of the casual shoe range. They have the EVA foam sole that you’d expect from the brand, so provide the required amount of support and stability and have the durable oiled leather outer upper construction that ensures they will last a long time.

Like all Skechers, they’re easy to wear and very comfortable. They don’t have that canvas look, associated with the brand, which may be a good thing for those times when you don’t want to look too casual.

Pros
  • Smart leather look
  • EVA foam supportive sole
  • Durable and robust construction
  • Don’t look like the average Skechers
Cons
  • Sole is a little tight for some

 

Best Causal Shoes for Men – Buyer’s Guide

The above is just a snapshot of what’s available with regards to men’s casual shoes. Even though we’ve managed to whittle the huge array of casual shoes down to 10 items, you still may struggle to decide which one pair of shoes is best for you.

That’s why we’ve put together this handy buyer’s guide. It discusses all the aspects and features of shoes you need to consider when choosing that casual pair.

Materials Used for the Outer

First in our guide we want to discuss the material used in the outer of the shoe. This is a crucial aspect to consider because it’s an indicator of a number of things related to the shoes Primarily it’s an indicator of the shoe’s quality and durability. As the outer is the part of the shoe that is exposed to the elements and adverse weather conditions, as well as wear and tear, the material used will have a huge bearing on how long it will last.

For example, if a shoe has an outer constructed from a soft fabric material, such as a canvas or something similar, it will not last as long as a similar shoe featuring an outer made of leather. However, it doesn’t really matter which material you have a shoe made from on the exterior, if you do not look after it properly, it will not last as long.

Material Used for The Inner

The material used on the inner of the shoe will determine how comfortable it is to wear. If you are looking for a casual shoe that’s extremely comfortable, then you’ll want one with soft materials and a kind of memory foam material such as EVA. These materials easily mould to the shape of your foot and provide it with the optimum level of comfort and support.

Another consideration you need to make when choosing a casual shoe and looking at the material used for the inner is whether or not it’s breathable. You want one with breathable material used throughout as this is what stops moisture building up and getting trapped inside the body of the shoe, particularly around where your fit sits.

The Design

Along with the materials used on the inside and outside of the shoe, you also need to consider the design and style. To figure out what is best for you, you need to think about the weather conditions and time of the year you’ll be wearing this particular pair of shoes and buy appropriately.

For example, a boat-style casual shoe will not be the most practical choice if the shoes are going to be mostly worn during Autumn, while casual boot style of footwear is not appropriate for hot weather and summertime.

The Sole

The sole, especially the outset sole, provides you with a comfortable base to walk on and also ensures you have the desired grip you need. Generally, you’ll find that most soles are made from some kind of rubber. This is the best quality material. Depending on the kinds of surfaces you’ll be mostly walking on, you may want a sole with a lot of grip or with just a little grip.

As well as the textured and raised design, some cutting-edge soles have additional features that enhance and strengthen the grip.

What Men’s Casual Shoes Can Be Worn With?

The good thing is about men’s casual shoes that they can be worn with a versatile range of different clothes. Despite the term casual being used to describe them, they will still look just as nice with a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, as they will with something a little smarter, such as a pair of smart suit trousers a shirt and a tie. It really depends on the type of casual shoes you get, of course.

Casual shoes that lean towards the trainers side of things will not go well with even the most casual of suits if the setting for wearing the clothes and shoes is even in the slightest bit more formal than normal.

Conclusion

There we have it guys, our look at the best causal shoes for men this year. There are plenty of options to choose from in our shortlist. From simple and sophisticated slip-ons to more laidback canvas trainers, we’ve tried to cover the fullest spectrum of casual shoes possible. With our selection and buying guide, you’ll definitely find those great shoes you’re after here.

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