The Best Casual Shoes For Men That Earn Top Reviews And Praise (2024)

Molly Calhoun

Contributor

Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

Lesley Rotchford

Contributor

Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

Sizes: 8 to 14 | Upper materials: Knit made from eucalyptus tree fiber | Sole material: Brazilian sugarcane (SweetFoam) | Colors: 16 total, including Jet Black and Mist

• What’s notable: This pair is machine washable, so you don’t have to stress about spills or scuffs.
• What could be better: It comes in whole sizes only, which can be frustrating to some.

Perfect for everything from the workday to a plane trip to even some light exercise, Allbirds’s Tree Runners are simple to slip on and feel comfortable all day in. Between the light knit upper, cushioned sole and relaxed style, they’re an easy pick for your collection. You can feel good about wearing them too; every material they’re made with is sustainably sourced.

What the reviews say: These shoes are praised for their versatility and comfort: Reviewers comment, “these shoes changed my life,” and “I work in retail and these are the only shoes that I can wear all day without my feet hurting.” But some remark that they can be hard to get on, saying if you have big or wide feet, the shoe opening can be “very shallow.”

On Cloud 5

Sizes: 7 to 14 | Upper materials: Antimicrobial mesh | Sole material: CloudTec rubber | Colors: 14 total, including Glacier and Midnight

• What’s notable: These come with both a bungee lace-locking system and traditional laces, and they’re available in a waterproof version.
• What could be better: Some users have reported quality issues after a few months of wear.

Whether you’re taking them on a job or just running errands, On’s popular Cloud 5 sneakers slip on easily with their pull lace-locking system and ultra-lightweight design. They look unique—and they’ve also been updated with 44% recycled materials. While they might be a little pricey, they’re well-made, sleek and stylish, which is important for a pair you’ll wear everyday.

What the reviews say: This shoe is praised for being both featherweight and an easy-to-wear-all-day style. Users say “my foot pain is completely gone after two months of consistently wearing these shoes,” and they’re “comfortable right out of the box. No break-in time needed.” Some people comment, though, that the stitching around the laces could be better and the sole could be more durable.

Cole Haan Men's 2.Zerøgrand Laser Wingtip Oxford

Sizes: 6 to 16 | Upper materials: Leather, nubuck, suede | Sole material: Rubber | Color: 9 total, including British Tan and Marine Blue

• What’s notable: The look like dress shoes but feel like sneakers, and this style is available in medium and wide widths.
• What could be better: These run large, so you may have to size down, and the soles are not true white.

When you need a comfortable pair of shoes for the office, Cole Haan is a reliable source. Its Zerøgrand shoes have been work staples for years, and this latest iteration seamlessly blends business with a touch of laidback style, particularly with the sporty sole and mesh upper. They’ll keep you looking like a pro, but feeling like you’re lounging about.

What the reviews say: This shoe is a standout for its cushy, lightweight sole and business-appropriate style, with wearers saying they are a “sharp looking shoe that is more comfortable than my sneakers,” and they have “great style and comfort that can be either dressy or casual.” However, some say the leather could be better since “the edges of the shoe are hard and rub against the ankle.”

Sizes: 6 to 14 | Upper materials: Leather | Sole material: Rubber | Colors: 14 total, including Burnt Copper and Driftwood

• What’s notable: The comfy cork midsoles form to your feet with wear.
• What could be better: This style runs large so you may want to consider ordering a half size down.

These lace-up boots from Thursday Boot Company are durable and rugged, but they’re also sophisticated enough to fit in at the office. With an upper made from hand-stitched, genuine leather, they’re designed to build character and patina—they only get better looking with age. There are over a dozen hues and finishes available, including sleek matte black and textured suede.

What the reviews say: Quality and comfort are two hallmarks of these boots, with users saying, “everything about these boots exudes class,” and they’re made of “quality leather, great color, with the perfect weight, not heavy at all on my feet yet still feel very sturdy.” But they’re not without some small shortcomings. The leather requires break-in time and one buyer noticed that “stress markings appeared in multiple spots.”

Nike Court Vision Low

Sizes: 6 to 15 | Upper materials: Leather, synthetic materials | Sole material: Rubber | Colors: 10 total, including White and Black

• What’s notable: The discreet perforations on this style add to its breathability.
• What could be better: It runs narrow, and the white color requires upkeep to keep it free of scuffs and stains.

Retro looks never go out of style—nor do crisp, white sneakers—and this classic throwback to the ‘80s will keep you looking fresh with your favorite pair of jeans or shorts. Plus, Nike updated the construction with 20% recycled materials at minimum, so you can feel good about this pick. The supple synthetic upper is flexible, and the collar hits low on the ankle so you move with ease. And FYI, if you’re shopping through Amazon, keep in mind: The Nike Court Vision Low sneakers are listed as “Nike Men’s Basketball Shoe.”

What the reviews say: Wearers “love the material and the way they hold up over time” and say that they’re “comfortable and supportive.” However, some say these run “very narrow” and “crease instantly.”

Birkenstock Boston Clog

Sizes: 6 to 17.5 | Upper materials: Leather | Sole material: Ethylene-vinyl acetate| Colors: 6 total, including Mocha and Black

• What’s notable: These come in both medium and wide widths to accommodate different foot shapes, and they’re easy to slip on.
• What could be better: The soles might require a break-in period.

The clogs that started it all. To add to their timelessness, they look just as good, if not better, with age. This pair is made with a classic leather upper for an extra dash of sophistication. It has the same German design and comfort that you remember, which has everything to do with the soft cork-and-latex footbed that molds to your foot.

What the reviews say: Most people love that these shoes are easy on, easy off, and one comments that they’re “just what my feet needed: support with style.” But one reviewer says that “the strap’s metal rivet popped off twice,” and some recommend to “size down and make sure you pay attention to the width of the shoe.”

HOKA Clifton 9

Sizes: 7 to 16 | Upper materials: Recycled polyester | Sole material: Rubber | Colors: 23 total, including Midnight Ocean and Harbor Mist

• What’s notable: This shoe is extremely cushy yet lightweight.
• What could be better: The fit might be too narrow for wide feet.

The Hoka Clifton 9 is a lightweight running shoe that’s constructed with a compression molded EVA foam insole and a breathable mesh upper. But unlike a good deal of athletic footwear, this pair also fits right in with a pair of jeans or chinos, thanks to its structured silhouette. There are several color options to choose from, ranging from neutral gray and black to bold blue and orange. And, the women’s version of this style also happens to be one of our favorite walking shoes for women.

What the reviews say: Praised for their springy padding, users say that these shoes are “soft yet supportive with a good heel to toe stride so they don't feel awkward or clunky”and “I used to have so much pain from my plantar fasciitis from other shoes and with these it's night and day.” But some feel that the sole could be more durable, saying they tread can wear down quickly.

Sizes: 7 to 18 | Upper materials: Leather | Sole material: Leather, ethylene-vinyl acetate| Colors: 2 total, including White and Cream

• What’s notable: These handmade-in-Italy shoes are both high-quality and stylish.
• What could be better: They’re only available in two colors.

These very elegant leather sneakers look just as good in a boardroom as they do when you’re wearing board shorts. Between the clean design, nice mix of sporty materials and bits and pieces of leather contrast, you’ll look sharp, whether you’re sporting jeans and a tee or a cool, casual suit.

Positive reviews say: For many users, these shoes check a lot of boxes, with one saying, “in terms of quality, style, practicality and durability, these are the best shoes I’ve ever owned” and they’re “comfortable out of the box.” But others say that they can be “super stiff” at first and “these shoes squeak.”

Sizes: 7 to 15 | Upper materials: Leather | Sole material: Rubber | Colors: 3 total, including Tan and Stone

• What’s notable: This versatile pair is sophisticated but comfortable and can be worn with or without socks.
• What could be better: These tend to run large and might require some breaking in.

Everyone loves a throwback, and this style of slip-on was favored by James Dean, Elvis and many others. These highly rated loafers are easy to wear with jeans or chinos and add a touch of polish to your casual, everyday look. And yes, they’re soft and almost broken in for you.

What the reviews say: Despite these being a leather shoe without laces, they still stand for their fit. User say it “fits perfectly, looks great, goes with everything, can’t ask for more,” and “the leather has responded very well to the shape of my foot.” But others comment that the soles can be slick and require scuffing up and say the shoes are “good quality, but it may be a few years before they break in.”

Sizes: 8 to 14 | Upper materials: Elkhide leather | Sole material: Rubber | Colors: Brown

• What’s notable: These easy-on, easy-off backless shoes have a heavily padded insole for additional comfort.
• What could be better: This style only comes in one width so it may be too narrow for some.

Sometimes you want a shoe that feels like a slipper but can pass for more. L.L. Bean’s slipper scuff has an anti-slip rubber outsole that offers grippy traction whether you’re lounging at home or running errands.

What the reviews say: These shoes are popular for their quality and durability (“These are well made and comfortable. Soft quality leather”) as well as their ease of wear (“I love the low back allowing the foot to slide in easily but high enough to be secure in the slipper”). But some reviewers comment they don’t have as much arch support as they’d like and many say they run small.

Sizes: 6 to 14 | Upper materials: Recycled polyester, leather, sheepskin lining | Sole material: Rubber | Colors: 3 total, including Navy and Black

• What’s notable: The insoles offer valuable arch support and the breathable upper keeps feel cool.
• What could be better: This style runs narrow, and it comes in whole sizes only.

For days spent sightseeing, traveling or simply strolling through town, you need shoes that offer lightweight, breathable comfort. These knit derby shoes are just a hint fancier than your typical sneaker: the mesh upper leans slightly sporty, while the leather details add a refined touch. They pair effortlessly with jeans, joggers and shorts.

What the reviews say: These sneakers praised for their utility in all seasons (one user says they’re “good for spring, summer and early fall as long as it’s not raining”) and for their airy feel (a reviewer comments that they’re “probably the lightest pair I’ve ever worn”). But the sizing on these dan be tricky, with one person saying they’re “not true to size” and they can run narrow.

Sizes: 7 to 13 | Upper materials: Leather, cotton canvas | Sole material: Rubber | Colors: 4 total, including Empire Steel-Golden/Yellow and Clove Brown

• What’s notable: This par is offers a stylish, modern fit with arch support.
• What could be better: They’re only available in medium width, so if you have wider feet they may not work for you.

If you’re experiencing foot pain, you need shoes that support your arches (without looking orthopedic). You’re in luck: This sporty pair of sneakers from Kuru has built-in arch support that cradles your foot so you can get a cushioned step wherever you go.

What the reviews say: These shoes are notorious for being exceptionally comfortable: Reviewers say these are “nice enough for a business casual setting, my feet feel better after a day in these than any of my other options,” and “very comfortable and no pain in my heels and feet.” While some say the shoe “helps my plantar fasciitis,” some still experienced heel pain and blisters due to the leather.

Adidas Samba OG Shoes

Ecco Soft 7 Sneakers

Nisolo Huarache Sandal

Nike Killshot 2 Leather Shoes

On Cloudnova

Greats The Greenpoint Runner