The Best Business Casual Shoes I Found After 300 Reviews
What qualifies as a business casual dress shoe can sometimes be a gray area. Personally, I came up with a simple formula you can use to decide if a shoe fits the style:
Can it be worn with jeans?
- Yes: Move on to the next question.
- No: It’s probably too formal (like Oxfords).
Can it also be worn with dress pants?
- Yes: You’ve got yourself a business casual shoe.
- No: It’s too casual (think Adidas Stan Smiths or Air Force 1s).
And that, my friend, is what I call the Roger Test.
The Best Business Casual Dress Shoes
Larson Weejun Loafers: Classic Style
This model has been around since 1936. I just saw it, and I’m still surprised that such a timeless classic is available at a pretty reasonable price.
Pros
- Handsewn in El Salvador.
- Nearly 100 years of being a wardrobe staple.
- Quality leather upper.
Cons:
- Might require a break-in period.
- You might need to size down.
Cole Haan Horse bit Loafers
I’ve owned these for a couple of months now, and they’re a solid pair that’s comfortable to wear in an easy to style color like black.
Pros
- The horsebit adds a little something that I like.
- Overall, they’re a comfortable pair of loafers.
- They look greatl with black pants and jeans.(See outfit ideas with loafers).
Cons:
- They might need a short break-in period, but I barely noticed it.
- Like most loafers, they can be a bit tough to slip on – so a shoehorn helps.
MYRQVIST
If you want to elevate your loafers game, let’s talk about MYRQVIST. They’re a Swedish brand known for beautiful Scandinavian designs, crafted in Stockholm and handmade in Portugal.
Pros:
- $1,000-level quality for $339
- I was going to include a $1,000 pair from JM Weston, but the Stenhammar II made me change my mind.
- Beautiful Scandinavian designs.
- Sleek, easy-to-style design.
- Handcrafted in Portugal.
- The kind of pair that makes you look like you know fashion.
Cons:
- You’ll need a shoe tree to prevent creasing.
- Might be sold out on Nordstrom.
Scarosso Wooster III Black
These shoes are a collaboration with Nick Wooster. He’s an advanced style icon known for some truly incredible outfits: Check out his Instagram.
Scarosso is an Italian brand that handcrafts its shoes in the Fermo region, with a heritage of craftsmanship dating back centuries.
Pros:
- Handcrafted in Italy.
- The chunky sole makes them easy to style in a wide range of ways.
- 35 mm heel height.
- Made from premium calf leather.
Cons:
- Might require a break in period.
- European sizing.
Cole Haan Cap Toe Grand Flex
Cole Haan is known for making comfortable shoes, and this one is no exception. It’s also one of their nicest dress shoes(in my opinion), which is probably why it’s frequently sold out.
- Lightweight
- FlowerFoam midsole.
- Versatile, stylish design.
Cons:
- Frequently sold out(I’m listing multiple options for that reason)
Nisolo Go To Chelsea Boot 2.0
This is basically a chore boot that still fits seamlessly within a business casual wardrobe.
Nisolo is a pioneer in sustainable fashion practices. That’s how the brand started. I also love that it represents a collaboration between talented American entrepreneurs and skilled Latin American craftsmanship.
- Waterproof
- Cushioned insoles offer great comfort.
- Versatile design for business casual and laid-back outfits..
- One of the few brands bold enough to publicly share the lowest wage in their supply chain.
- Available in black, waxed brown, gray, and tobacco.
Cons:
- You might need to size up half a size.
Bolton Chelsea Boots – Beckett Simonon
I’m not usually a big fan of Chelsea boots, but these are a statement.
Beckett Simonon is a made-to-order brand that delivers next-level-quality at a price I honestly can’t wrap my head around.
I was going to include this pair from Thom Brown, but it turns out the Beckett Simonon boots are also handmade from calfskin leather—and the style is more versatile at a third of the price.
Pros:
- Made from full-grain calfskin leather sourced from Italy.
- Ethically handcrafted in Colombia.
- Absorbs sweat and controls odor.
- Sophisticated, versatile style.
Cons:
- Long wait times due to demand and made-to-order model.
- Some potential for creasing over time.
Dr Martens 1461 Leather Oxford Shoes
I was hesitant to include a pair of Dr. Martens because they’re known for a tough break-in period—but the 1461s are so versatile and long-lasting that they earned their spot. (Here’s a break-in guide straight from Dr. Martens.)
Pros
- Built to last with durable construction
- Versatile style that works with jeans or dress pants
- Great grip and traction
Cons:
- Break-in period can be uncomfortable.
- You might need to size down half a size.
Disclaimer: If you wish to support the blog, this post contains affiliate links and I may earn a commission if you decide to buy through any of my links.
How did I choose these pairs?
Full disclosure: I don’t own all of these pairs. I curated this list over several days by reading hundreds of reviews and picking shoes with standout styles from brands known for their quality—like Dr. Martens and Cole Haan. The other part? I’m chronically online, always searching for the best products, brands, and styles. That’s how I came across names like MYRQVIST and Scarosso. I also make sure that each shoe or brand has a proven track record—like the Beckett Simonon boots, which have over 500 reviews and a 4.9-star rating. Finally, when it comes to European brands (like MYRQVIST and Scarosso), I prefer linking to Nordstrom for their customer-friendly return policy.
