Smart casual shoes – This very specific footwear category is pretty simple to master when you put some thought into it. You can take a pair of brogues, for example, but instead of choosing a fine brown calf leather, you would simply choose suede instead, and perhaps in a slightly less-common colour such as blue or grey.
Certain boot styles can be considered smart casual too, or you can even turn to loafers and moccasins, as they’re incredibly versatile.
It could very well be a shoe you’ve not given much thought to before, but get it right and your outfits will be upgraded to unrivalled heights.
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If you’re looking to add a versatile pair of smart casual shoes to your closet, these brands are the ones to check out; as they produce the casual shoes for men.
Amberjack
1/18Price: From $179
Sizes: 7-13
Material: Leather
Customer Reviews: “These shoes are very comfortable for being a “dress” shoe. I am very impressed with them! I will be buying another color soon. Fits true to size. Highly recommended!”
A relatively new brand, launched in November 2020, is Amberjack. The Amberjack team has had years of experience though, working with some of the biggest heavyweights in the men’s footwear industry such as Cole Haan, Allen Edmonds, and Adidas.
They only have one shoe to offer, ‘The Original’, which is a smart-casual dress shoe available in four timeless colours. But this shoe is secretly a serious game-changer when it comes to men’s dress shoes. The soles of The Original are crafted with new, proprietary materials created by Amberjack that deliver comfort all day long! The shoes also feature heat-activated arch support made with foam (that’s more durable than memory foam) that when heated by your body warmth will mould to your foot for custom arch support.
Not to mention a dual-density outsole with high-performance athletic technology in the front for flexibility and strong hiking boot material in the back for support. Oh, and the sustainably sourced Italian suede used for the upper is water repellent, meaning you can wear these dress shoes in rain or shine, and the suede will stay protected and fresh.
Johnston & Murphy
2/18Price: From $145
Sizes: 8-14
Material: Leather
Customer Reviews: “These are light weight and conform to your feet instantly! Perfect for when you want to look good but have to be on your feet all day.”
American shoemaker Johnston & Murphy lays claim to being the footwear manufacturer of choice for multiple US Presidents, owing to their impeccable quality and rich heritage. Not only are they a purveyor of fine dress shoes, but several of their pairs transition into smart casual territory.
The Casteel Plain Toe model takes on a more formal Derby silhouette, but its colour contrasting sole with fully visible stitching gives them a more casual appearance. Put together in Italy and made from a selection of fine leathers, they also gain a cushioned “sport sole” to help you endure long periods on your feet.
Cole Haan
3/18Price: From $160
Sizes: 7-16
Material: Leather
Customer Reviews: “These shoes are well made, the most comfortable I have ever owned. They are like sneakers.”
One look at American shoemaker Cole Haan’s collection of Oxfords and you’ll immediately recognise their smart casual nature. They take a traditional Oxford look including brogue detailing and pairs it with a super-chunky, yet functional, sole.
These Zerøgrand Wingtip Oxfords, for example, benefit from a sole that is made from a triple-density foam to provide incredible amounts of cushioning and comfort for easy all-day wear.
Clarks
4/18Price: From $110
Sizes: 7-13
Material: Leather
Customer Reviews: “Shoes are comfortable and are a good fit very happy with both the shoes & the friendly efficient service.”
British shoemaker Clarks was founded close to 200 years ago and has remained a prominent figure in the shoe buying habits of many, whether it be kids going back to school or businessmen looking for a pair of shoes for the office, Clarks does it all.
The company’s desert boot is easily one of the most iconic boots of all time and is one of the absolute masters within the smart casual space. Helped by its crepe sole, these boots are about as informal as you can get, without going into sneaker territory. If wearing for a smart-formal event, we’d suggest looking at the full section of colours first.
Camper
5/18Price: From $165
Sizes: 7-13
Material: Leather
Customer Reviews: “Great, excellent shoes!”
Spanish footwear brand Camper likes to do things a little differently, with the vast majority of its collections blurring the boundaries between sporty and smart. This, for example, could see a pair of Oxfords fitted with a sporty, cushioned sole, or a pair of Chelsea boots being designed to be worn on long hikes.
The Pix lace-up is a prime example, arriving in either this safe all-black model or a number of more outlandish colour combinations, they’re made from a full-grain leather and rock an EVA lightweight outsole for all-day comfort.
Ted Baker
6/18Price: From $170
Sizes: 8-12
Material: 100% Bovine leather
Customer Reviews: “The material is very good, the design is the most beautiful I’ve ever seen and the size is perfect.”
British designer menswear label Ted Baker is one that likes to have fun with its collections, incorporating pops of colour wherever possible and using refreshing detail to keep them wholly modern. Ted is definitely a label to shop for all manner of smart casual needs.
The Eizzg derbies are made from a brown suede with a leather heel piece, making them destined to be paired with jeans, while the two-tone colouring on the sole injects that little bit of aforementioned fun.
Grenson
7/18Price: From $460
Sizes: 6-12
Material: Leather
Customer Reviews: “The quality was so good, I then even bought another pair!”
Northampton-based shoemaker Grenson has been in business since 1866. Consistently at the top of its game and staying true to its luxurious and premium mission statement, helped in part by its dedication to traditional construction techniques, Grenson is a brand of heritage and quality.
Grenson is best known for its Oxfords and Brogues, and this pair of Archie brogues is a perfect example of how this often formal shoe can be presented in a more casual way.
Duke & Dexter
8/18Price: From $250
Sizes: 7-13
Material: Italian leather
Customer Reviews: “As pictured, nice fit, nice weight, nice finish.”
British shoemaker Duke & Dexter designs and makes every single pair from its catalogue in England. Materials are sustainably sourced and its Northern England-based factory is run to incredibly high ethical standards. It’s this commitment to good practices, and not to mention a great-looking range of shoes, that has allowed it to find favour with high-profile celebrities.
Duke & Dexter’s range of loafers features shoes that are all perfect for smart-casual wear as they’re a versatile footwear choice. Available in a variety of colours and styles, no matter which pair you choose, you’ll look effortlessly put together.
Sperry
9/18Price: From $80
Sizes: 7-13
Material: Leather
Customer Reviews: “The quality is very high, the color is perfect, the laces are leather, and yours have white soles, which most do not. They look great that way. And they are affordable.”
Sperry is the brainchild of the late Paul Sperry, who set out to develop a pair of non-slip shoes he could wear on his boat following a fall overboard. Using his pet dog’s paws for inspiration, he created a sole design that would eventually lead to the induction of the term ‘boat shoe’ into everyday language. Sperry still produces those boat shoes to this day (which are mimicked by countless other brands) alongside a range of other shoe styles.
The Sperry boat shoe has long been associated with preppy style, which in itself is synonymous with smart casual. Made from a full-grain leather that is resilient to both salt and freshwater and they also retain the one-piece lacing system that can be customised in a variety of ways. And of course, they rock the Wave-Siping non-slip sole design.
G.H. Bass
10/18Price: From $155
Sizes: 7-13
Material: Leather
Customer Reviews: “They aren’t stiff, they’re very comfortable.”
American footwear brand G.H. Bass practically invented the penny loafer in the late 1800s and has continued to make them to an incredibly high quality ever since. If it’s loafers you’re after, and for smart casual outfits, they work incredibly well, G.H. Bass is the first brand you need to check out.
Scarosso
11/18Price: From $300
Sizes: 6-13
Material: Leather
Customer Reviews: “Quality and beauty are the core of this brand that I highly recommend to anyone.”
Italian footwear brand Scarosso was founded to give consumers high-quality, handmade Italian shoes, without the price tag commonly associated with such a product. This is achieved by selling directly to the consumer, instead of using a middle man retail agent.
Scarosso’s Luigi Blu Scamosciato is a classic driving shoe, which, while it may be a divisive shoe style, works perfectly as a smart casual option. Certainly better suited to warmer weather situation, their blue colouring will add an extra layer of style (and pretentiousness) to your look.
Soludos
12/18Price: From $85
Sizes: 8-13
Material: Organic woven cotton
Customer Reviews: “Extremely comfortable and looks good with anything.”
New York-based Soludos was founded in 2010 to be a company that could be your go-to for all things travel footwear-related. They take classic silhouettes and give them a unique makeover to create pairs of shoes that can help to better show off your personality.
They also make a damn fine espadrille, which may not be the first footwear style you’d associate with smart casual, but they’re a suitable summer smart-casual staple. Able to be worn from the beach to a wedding to the bar, they’re a quirky alternative to a loafer.
J. Crew
13/18Price: From $158
Sizes: 7-13
Material: Leather
Customer Reviews: “They are lightweight, comfortable, and simply stylish.”
A brand that is a particular favourite of the preppy community is J. Crew. Famed for its shirts, suits, and polos, the American clothing brand knows smart casual like the back of its hand. The company also has its own range of shoes to complement its clothing range, making them ideal for any smart-casual event.
Their range of loafers, for example, does sit firmly on the fence between formal and casual, but being a slip-on design, any pair will look just as good with a pair of jeans (no socks, of course) as they would with a pair of suit pants.
Hugo Boss
14/18Price: From $199
Sizes: 7-13
Material: 100% Cow leather
Customer Reviews: “The leather is beautifully worked to a satin smooth finish, and the tailored dark metal ornament on the vamp looks amazing.”
German menswear brand Hugo Boss splits itself into two sub-brands, Hugo and Boss, both of which incorporate smart, casual and smart casual pieces. What they share, however, is an unwavering commitment to quality.
This pair of chunky-soled loafers take a formal shoe style in the loafer and make it decidedly more casual with the addition of a chunky sole. Made from premium leather, they’re sure to look good with a pair of cropped pants and a shirt. Embrace your inner Michael Jackson.
Wolverine
15/18Price: From $100
Sizes: 7-14
Material: Leather
Customer Reviews: “Great comfort, longevity and waterproofing.”
Wolverine has been producing shoes and boots since as far back as 1883. Founded – and still based – in Rockford, Michigan, Wolverine prides itself on the long-lasting quality of every pair it produces, and the premium nature of the materials it sources.
The Moc-Toe 6-inch work boot may be a work boot first and foremost, but we feel it has that certain je ne sais quoi that allows it to moonlight as an everyday boot that looks great with a pair of dark denim jeans, shirt and blazer. An ideal option for the colder months.
R.M. Williams
16/18Price: From $539
Sizes: 7-14
Material: Leather
Customer Reviews: “The boots are stunning and comfortable.”
One of Australia’s most famous exports, R.M. Williams is renowned for its Chelsea boots; worn by anyone from school-going teenagers to construction site managers. Their notoriety has led them to be accepted as a form of footwear in virtually any situation, something not many other manufacturers can lay claim to.
The Urban Turnout boot stands out within R.M’s collection as being a slightly more casual offering compared to its more famous Craftsman cousin. Made in Australia from a single piece of Bovine leather, they also receive a Vibram EVA lightweight treaded outsole and a flat heel, which goes some way to supporting their casual credentials. A contrasting stained edge finish also helps to draw them away from more formal occasions.
Koio
17/18Price: From $295
Sizes: 7-16
Material: Italian leather
Customer Reviews: “Sleek and comfortable…love it. Hope to get the triple white soon.”
American sneaker brand Koio was founded as a means to bring European style and affordable footwear to America. The result is a collection of shoes that closely mimic designs used by some other manufacturers, but have an unwavering commitment to quality.
These Capri Nero shoes rock a triple-black colour finish, making them suitable for camouflaging with suit pants, as others around you will barely take a second look to realise you’re wearing sneakers and not a pair of Oxfords.
Allen Edmonds
18/18Price: From $295
Sizes: 6.5-15
Material: Leather
Customer Reviews: “Excellent fit, feels great walking & looks good!!! Luv them.”
US shoemaker Allen Edmonds has been in business since 1922 and achieved notoriety for its nail-less and shankless shoe models that did without a metal bar under the instep. Every single pair of Allen Edmonds shoes is made from high-quality materials and undergoes a 212-step manufacturing process to ensure their reputable quality remains consistent.
Allen Edmonds has a range of men’s shoes that perfectly merges the worlds of formal and casual together into pairs that will look great with chinos or some other casual pants, just as much as they would with a suit. Made with premium materials, no matter which stylish smart-casual shoe you choose from Allen Edmonds, they’re certainly built to last.
