Business Casual Shoes for Men: What to Wear to the Office

By Oswin Hyde · Last updated 28 September 2026

The short answer: the best business casual shoes for men are brown leather or suede loafers, Chelsea boots, Derbies, brogues and brown Oxfords. Sleek leather Chelsea boots are business casual and, in black or dark brown, can be worn with a suit. Clean, minimal leather trainers work in relaxed offices. Avoid sports trainers, sandals and flip-flops.

Business casual shoes at a glance

Are Chelsea boots business casual?

Yes. A slim leather Chelsea boot is one of the most useful office shoes: smart enough for a suit, relaxed enough for chinos. Choose black or dark brown leather for business professional, and suede or tan for business casual. Try the Christopher Brown, Michael Black or Darwin Brown Suede. Read more in our Chelsea boots guide.

Chelsea boots vs Oxfords for the office

Oxfords are more formal and are the safer choice for client meetings, interviews and conservative offices. Chelsea boots are more versatile and more comfortable to pull on, and suit modern offices. Many men keep both: Oxfords for suits, Chelsea boots for everyday.

Loafers vs Oxfords

Loafers are a slip-on and read as more relaxed; Oxfords are laced and formal. In summer or smart-casual offices, loafers with chinos work well; with a dark business suit, choose Oxfords or sleek black loafers.

Business casual outfits and shoes

• Navy chinos, white oxford shirt, grey blazer: brown suede loafers such as Morgan Brown.
• Grey flannel trousers, navy knit: dark brown Chelsea boots or Miller Brown Derby brogues.
• Dark jeans, shirt and unstructured blazer (dress-down Friday): tan brogues or clean leather trainers such as Harper Brown.
• Summer: lightweight trousers and a linen shirt with woven loafers such as Finley Tan.

Can men wear sandals to work?

In most offices, no: open-toed shoes still read as holiday wear. In a very relaxed or creative workplace, smart leather sandals may be accepted in hot weather, but a lightweight loafer is the safer summer choice.

Match your belt to your shoes (see how to match your belt and shoes) and keep your shoes polished. Clean, well-kept shoes make a business casual outfit look deliberate.

Frequently asked questions

What shoes are business casual for men?

Loafers, Chelsea boots, Derbies, brogues, monk straps and brown Oxfords. Clean leather trainers work in relaxed offices.

Are Chelsea boots business casual?

Yes. Sleek leather Chelsea boots are business casual, and black or dark brown ones can be worn with a suit.

Are Chelsea boots business professional?

Sleek black or dark brown leather Chelsea boots can be, in most modern offices. For the most conservative settings, choose Oxfords.

Are loafers business casual?

Yes. Leather or suede loafers with chinos or lightweight trousers are a business casual classic.

Can I wear trainers for business casual?

Minimal, clean leather trainers work in many relaxed offices. Avoid sports trainers and running shoes.

What colour shoes are best for business casual?

Brown in all shades is the most versatile. Black is smarter and suits grey and charcoal.

Shop the pieces in this guide: workwear shoes · Chelsea boots · loafers · smart shoes