Smart Casual Sneakers That Aren’t Overpriced

As someone who pretends to make a living out of the smart casual style there’s a part that I consider key and that’s footwear. Nowadays with everything becoming more casual, sneakers are accepted almost everywhere. However; when it comes to “smart” sneakers we need pieces that can get you from an important meeting with a client, running errands and a nice dinner in the evening. 

“Smart” sneakers usually come in either suede, nubuck and the most common option, which is leather. For colors that are versatile enough to wear with dress pants or denim beige, navy, black, and white are your best options.

The list I curated for you guys has different types of sneakers when it comes to the soles, overall construction(suede, nubuck or leather), and colors. 

My Picks For Smart Casual Shoes

Cole Haan: Most Comfortable Option

I’ve owned them for a couple of months now and you can see them all over my outfit ideas. The chunkier soles add much needed height to my 5’9(174 centimeters). There are days where I’ve walked over 20,000 steps and my feet feel amazing. I’ve also styled them in so many ways that I can’t even remember. I’ve literally done weekend trips with these shoes.

• Good option for a daily sneaker that you know will get dirty.
• A balance of comfort and style.
• The chunkier sole might make them too casual for some environments.

Oliver Cabell: A Classy Low Top Option

• Half the price of Common Projects on a similar low top style.
• Feature EVA insoles for extra comfort.
• I see them as a combination of the comfort of Cole Haan with the beautiful minimalistic designs of Common Projects.
• Available with orthopedic insoles and wide sizes.
• Made in Italy.

Personally, I’m eyeing a couple of their suede pairs or a leather option in black.

 

MYRQVIST: Suede Options

MYRQVIST is a Swedish brand that makes high quality dress shoes that last years at affordable prices. 

• The colors are a masterpiece.
• Available in both suede and nubuck leather.
• Handcrafted in Portugal.
• Available in half sizes.
• Available Colors : Dark Grey , Beige , Dark Brown , Midnight Blue , Black , Taupe.

Axel Arigato: Chunkier Soles

• Features a chunkier rubber sole. 
  • Good option for shorter guys like me 🙂
• Scandinavian style with a Japanese twist that I like.
• Handcrafted in Portugal.

Common Projects: The Gold Standard

• They are literally the creators of the smart casual sneakers.
• The most iconic of all the options.
• Minimalistic design that has been around since 2004.
• Handmade in Italy.
• Surprisingly this one might be the least comfortable option, except for the next one.

H&M: Budget Option

• Get the style job done for a fraction of the price of others, but without the comfort.
• You won’t feel bad if they get dirty.

 

Why you should stay away from luxury sneakers

This is my opinion, but when it comes to classic smart casual sneakers I”m a firm believer that brands like Axel Arigato, Oliver Cabell, and MYRQVIST deliver handcrafted items from top quality leather for half or a fraction of the price as some luxury brands that sell many lines of items including sneakers.

That’s why I’m not including any of them on this list.

If you liked this article you might be interested in any of these three:

• Smart Casual Shoes
• Outfits with sneakers
• Smart Casual Capsule Wardrobe