As dress codes relax and the lines between smart and casual increasingly blur, our everyday uniforms are evolving to incorporate more casual staples that can be worn across various contexts. Think along the lines of overshirts, dark denim jeans, a sleek leather tote bag, and of course, a solid rotation of casual shoes. Versatile enough for both work and play, these are the best men's casual shoes that you should add to your wardrobe in 2024.
Must-have men's casual shoes
The white sneakers: JAK
There's nothing quite like a pair of box-fresh white leather trainers. Crisp, cool and classic, they'll pair well with anything from sweatpants to tailoring. We love this minimalist style from Portuguese label JAK. Meticulously crafted from full grain calf leather, they boast a clean aesthetic and streamlined silhouette that will subtly enhance your outfit without distracting from it.
The boat shoes: Velasca
Casual yet elegant, boat shoes are an underrated and under-worn summer staple that should be a fixture in every man's wardrobe. This Italian-made pair from Velasca is crafted from a soft rustic leather and a white anti-slip rubber sole. The tubular moccasin construction gives them flexibility and means they fit like a glove. Wear them on a warm summer evening with a breezy linen shirt and chinos in a soft muted shade like beige or navy.
The derby shoes: KLEMAN
French footwear label KLEMAN creates everything from boots to sandals, but its best-loved silhouette is the Padror leather moc-toe shoe, a functional worker shoe that fuses style and durability. Introduced in the '90s to fit SNCF (the French national railway company) agents, this classic Derby shoe has stood the test of time and will continue to do so. The combination of boxy moc toe and chunky sole, inspired by traditional Tyrolean mountain shoes, will lend your outfit a distinctive workwear look.
The driving shoes: Oliver Cabell
Suede driving shoes are a smart-casual staple that will serve you well on multiple occasions and take you effortlessly from day to night. These Italian suede drivers from American footwear brand Oliver Cabell get our vote thanks to their sleek style and ultra comfortable construction: crafted from Italian leather with a micro foam footbed, they offer all-day support. Choose from four versatile, easy-to-wear hues: Chestnut, Navy, Sand and Slate.
The Chelsea boots: Myrqvist
You can never go wrong with classic Chelsea boots, an all-rounder shoe that has been beloved for decades and remains a paragon of effortlessly cool style. Swedish footwear makers Myrqvist's beautifully crafted calfskin leather version boasts a timeless silhouette, with Goodyear welted construction for ultimate durability. Channel a workwear aesthetic by teaming them with a chore jacket and corduroy trousers.
The espadrilles: The Resort Co
Like slip-on trainers, espadrilles offer a fuss-free solution to summer dressing. We love this luxurious pair from The Resort Co, which are handcrafted from a premium Spanish suede upper that's hand-stitched onto jute soles reinforced with durable rubber. Team these summer-ready men's casual shoes with a linen shirt and chino shorts for effortless poolside elegance.
The loafers: Aurélien
If you’re after a classic, versatile shoe that’s just-smart-enough, then look no further than loafers. In particular, this pair from Aurélien, which are meticulously made from 100% French calfskin suede and designed for ultimate comfort, breathability and flexibility. Dress them up with smart tailored separates or keep things casual with jeans and an overshirt, the choice is yours.
The canvas sneakers: Cariuma
A pair of canvas trainers is a must-have in any casual wardrobe. As well as boasting a laidback look, they're much easier to clean than leather or suede trainers, and are a great choice for vegans or vegetarians who don't want to wear leather. We love this style from Brazilian brand Cariuma. Handcrafted from sturdy canvas with a vegan mamona oil and cork insole, they're flexible yet durable.
For more casual footwear essentials, check out our ultimate guide to minimalist trainers.
