24 Best Casual Shoes for Every Occasion

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The best casual shoes are all about ease and comfort. They're a don't-think-too-hard kind of shoe, a shoe you can wear with jeans or joggers, a sweater or a casual blazer.

Whether they're worn in the office, for walks around the park, to the bar, or just in your home, these are the styles that don't require too much effort or deliberation on any front—you don't have to mess with a bunch of laces and straps, you don't have to pull out a special pair of socks. You can slip these on and head out the door, saving all that mental energy for corporate functions, state dinners, weddings at the St. Regis, and other hard-and-fast black-tie events.

A casual shoe is a shoe you'll likely get a lot of use out of. It's in your everyday rotation, and when you reach for a different shoe, it's because there's an occasion.

Here are the best casual shoes to check out right now:

BEST CLASSIC CASUAL SHOES: Adidas Originals Stan Smith Sneakers

P9,597 on Net-a-Porter

PROS

• Durable and comfortable
• Timeless design and silhouette

CONS

• Run a little large

From fashion runways to tennis courts to streets far and wide, this sneaker dominates. You'd be wise to cop a pair, if you haven't done so already, because like the man it's named after, the style is the cream of the crop. And if that doesn't get you, the fact that this particular version is made of Primegreen (a performance recycled material) should.

Colors: 22
Sizes: 4-14
Materials: Leather, Rubber

BEST CASUAL SHOES FOR RUNNING: Allbirds Wool Runners

$98 on Amazon

PROS

• Cushioned midsole for all-day support
• Machine washable

CONS

• Can smell if they get wet

Since its debut in 2017, the Allbirds Wool Runner has been a consistent bestseller for the DTC label, astounding (and confounding) many sneaker fiends. But what it lacks in sneakerhead cachet, it more than makes up for in durability, performance, style, and comfort. It's reliable. And that's damn important.

One Allbirds customer said, "Definitely a comfortable pair of shoes. Either when I'm at work all day or taking my daily walks, they've been great every step of the way!"

Colors: 11
Sizes: 8-14
Materials: Merino Wool, Rubber

BEST DESIGNER CASUAL SHOES: Axel Arigato Dice Lo Sneakers

$203 on Ssense

PROS

• A combination of modern and vintage design
• Free delivery and returns

CONS

• Can be hard to clean

For a shoe that looks casual but is crafted with the utmost precision and care, the Dice Lo sneakers are perfect, with a retro aesthetic that uses leather and recycled rubber.

Colors: White/Kale Green, White/Black, White/Gray
Sizes: 7-14
Materials: Calf Leather, Suede, Nubuck, Rubber

BEST COMFORTABLE CASUAL SHOES: Cariuma OCA Sneakers

$104 on FarFetch

PROS

• Handmade and low-key
• 100 percent vegan insoles

CONS

• Only have slight arch support

Ashton Kutcher and a ton of celebs love Cariuma, and it's easy to see why. Lightweight and sustainably made, this affordable, casual shoe is one of our editors' favorites of the moment.

Colors: 17
Sizes: 5-13
Materials: Canvas, Cork, Rubber

BEST NEUTRAL CASUAL SHOES: On Running Cloudrift Sneakers

$160 on FarFetch

PROS

• Extra arch support and cushion
• Enhanced traction for added grip

CONS

• Sell out quickly

For something modern and sleek, turn to On Running. Even if you put these on with a plain white tee, you'll instantly look smart and sharp.

Colors: 4
Sizes: 7-14
Materials: Mesh, Rubber, Recycled Materials

BEST LUXE CASUAL SHOES: Todd Snyder Tuscan Sneakers

$398 on Todd Snyder

PROS

• Made in Tuscany, Italy
• Suede detailing throughout

CONS

• Pricier than other options

This Todd Snyder style is for a guy who wants a casual shoe that isn't an ugly shoe, as some sneakers tend to be. Sorry.

Colors: 2
Sizes: 8-13
Materials: Leather, Suede

BEST RETRO CASUAL SHOES: Nike Cortez Shoes

$88 on FarFetch

PROS

• Removable insole
• Lace-up style

CONS

• Can get dirty easily

Ah, the classic Nike Cortez. Cool. Casual. Versatile. A shoe that never goes out of style.

Colors: White/Orange
Sizes: 6-15
Materials: Leather, Rubber

BEST SUEDE CASUAL SHOES: Bruno Magli Darian Sneakers

$298 on Bruno Magli

PROS

• Classic cup sole silhouette
• Easy pull tab

CONS

• Pricier than other options

For when you want to feel instantly better. This is a sneaker you can (and should) pair with everything from joggers to chinos to khakis.

BEST MINIMALIST CASUAL SHOES: Everlane Tread-Bare Sneakers

P5,840 on  Everlane

PROS

• Flexible and breathable
• Lightweight, soft, and supportive

CONS

• Can run on the narrow side

Everlane's soft, lightweight sneakers are so comfy, you'll forget you're even wearing shoes. These look cool with just about anything—including formal pants, when you need to dress them up a bit.

One Everlane customer said, "These are amazing sneakers. The color and material combined with the comfort make it a great everyday shoe."

Colors: Canvas
Sizes: 4-11
Materials: Canvas, Rubber

BEST VERSATILE CASUAL SHOES: Veja Campo Sneakers

P6,545 on Zalora

PROS

• Removable insole
• Go-anywhere versatility

CONS

• Whole sizes only

The great thing about Vejas is that they're so damn wearable. Once you have these, you'll probably never put on your other shoes again.

Colors: Extra White/Natural, Extra White/Black, White/Black
Sizes: 8.5-12
Materials: Leather, Polyester, Rubber

BEST CASUAL CHUKKA BOOTS: Clarks Desert Boots

$157 on FarFetch

PROS

• Breathable leather lining
• Clean lines and unfussy lacing

CONS

• Take a while to break in

Whether it's spring or fall, the desert boot is a foolproof option for in-between seasons, thanks to its easy, versatile silhouette and lightweight construction. And it really doesn't get any better than Clarks.

Colors: 10
Sizes: 7-15
Materials: Leather, Sheepskin, Rubber

BEST CASUAL MULES: Birkenstock Boston Clogs

P2,351 on Lazada

PROS

• Molded footbed and gripped rubber sole
• Fit true to size

CONS

• Can be hard to clean

The mule is having a moment. And the ultimate shuffling-around shoes definitely qualify as a go-to casual choice, whether you're heading out for a quick coffee run or, depending on your job, a long day at the office.

Colors: Dark Brown, Taupe, Black
Sizes: EU 39-EU 46
Materials: Cork, Leather, Rubber, Suede

BEST ELEGANT YET CASUAL SHOES: Tecovas Monterrey Slip-Ons

$185 on Tecovas

PROS

• Come in average and wide sizing
• Wide grooved tongue

CONS

• Can run small

Casual doesn't have to mean you don't look like you tried. Tecovas's leather slip-ons are an effortless style that gives your look a dose of elegance.

Colors: Butterscotch, Granite, Hickory, Honey
Sizes: 7-15
Materials: Leather, Rubber

BEST ITALIAN-MADE CASUAL SHOES: M.Gemi Paolo Shoes

$95 on M.Gemi

PROS

• Retro-inspired
• Handmade in Italy

CONS

• Run a little wide

M.Gemi brings together the best of luxury and the best of everyday casual footwear. Made in Italy, the Paolo is perfect for daily wear, but it feels like a shoe you save for special occasions.

One M.Gemi customer said, "The new Paolo is like walking on a cloud. Very happy with them!"

Colors: Green/Black, Orange/Blue, Navy/Red, White
Sizes: 40-47
Materials: Leather, Suede, Rubber

BEST DURABLE CASUAL SHOES: Dr. Martens Gibson Shoes

$140 on Dr. Martens

PROS

• Timeless and durable
• Slip resistant

CONS

• Can be hard to break in

Tough as nails but kind to your feet, thanks to the good doctor's signature bouncing soles. A killer combo for any casual shoe—and even better when it's a bona fide classic like the 1461.

Colors: Black, Cherry Red
Sizes: 4-16
Materials: Leather, Rubber

BEST COMBINATION CASUAL SHOES: Luca Chukka Sneaker Boots

$89.95 on Amazon

PROS

• Can be worn with or without socks
• Wrap-around moccasin stitching

CONS

• Only available in whole sizes

These boots may seem like a little bit more effort to slip into than, say, a casual sandal or sneaker, but at the end of the day, they make a pair of jeans look damn good, but not like you're trying too hard.

One Huckberry customer said, "These are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. The style is unbeatable."

Colors: 3
Sizes: 8-13
Materials: Leather, Suede

BEST ICONIC CASUAL SHOES: Vans Old Skool Shoes

P2,679 on Zalora

PROS

• Customizable options available
• Durable suede and canvas upper

CONS

• Can be hard to wash

Vans keeps it classic with a style that's never not cool. The Old Skool is an iconic shoe for the every day, and you can dress it down with jeans or up with a button-down.

Colors: 32
Sizes: 5-18.5
Materials: Suede, Canvas, Rubber

BEST CASUAL DERBIES: Beckett Simonon Dunham Derbies

$219 at BeckettSimonon

PROS

• Currently on sale
• Can be dressed up or down

CONS

• Have less cushion than other options

Hear me out! Not all derbies are casual, but these definitely can be. You don't need to wear tuxedo shoes into the office every day, after all, but does that mean you should be wearing sneakers? No, it really doesn't.

Colors: Black, Bordeaux, Brown, Tan, Oak
Sizes: 7-14
Materials: Leather, Rubber

BEST GO-TO CASUAL SHOES: Converse Chuck Taylor Sneakers

P4,490 on Zalora

PROS

• Iconic style
• Durable canvas material

CONS

• Can leave blisters at the beginning
• This is one of the most iconic, recognizable shoes in the world. Do I even need to explain how you can wear this with literally anything? It's the very image of a casual shoe.

Colors: 14
Sizes: 5-18
Materials: Canvas, Rubber

BEST CASUAL CASHMERE SNEAKERS: Naadam Cashmere Sneakers

$6,200 at Naadam

PROS

• Elevated, everyday look and feel
• True to size

CONS

• Spot-clean only

With a wool and cashmere blend, these sneakers feel endlessly luxurious, but they're such a versatile option that they're pretty much made to be worn everywhere, every day.

One Naadam customer said, "This item is impressive on all factors, comfort, build quality, size and fit, material softness, durability. I am a fan for life."

Colors: Dark Teal Blue, Navy, Black, White
Sizes: 8-13
Materials: Wool, Cashmere, Rubber

BEST LUXE SLIP-ONS: Giorgio Armani Slip-On Suede Loafers

$745 on FarFetch

PROS

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Casual yet sophisticated

CONS

• Sell out quickly

A slip-on is only made classier with a suede upper, thick stitching, and a healthy dose of Armani design.

Colors: Navy Blue, Green, Gray, Dove Gray, Azure
Sizes: 7-13
Materials: Leather, Croc Nubuck, Rubber

BEST CASUAL BOAT SHOES: Sperry Boat Shoes

P4,017 on Zalora

PROS

• 360-degree lacing system
• Breathable leather lining

CONS

• Not waterproof

When it comes to boat shoes, nothing—and we mean nothing—is more authentic than a pair by Sperry.

Colors: 10
Sizes: 4.5-16
Materials: 100% Cotton

BEST PERFORMANCE CASUAL SHOES: Hoka Clifton Shoes

P9,495 on Hoka Philippines

PROS

• Award-winning design
• Light and plush

CONS

• Some buyers say they're stiff

When it comes to a casual shoe that takes you anywhere and everywhere, the Clifton 9 is a must-have. Hoka has mastered the art of comfortable chicness, and this sleek, all-black model is incredibly lightweight and cushiony.

Colors: 19
Sizes: 7-16
Materials: Recycled Polyester Mesh, Knit Material, Rubber

BEST HIGH-TECH CASUAL SHOES: Canada Goose Crofton Puffer Mules

$296 on FarFetch

PROS

• Flexible and perform great on wet surfaces
• Keep your feet warm

CONS

• Pricier than other options

As someone who lives in New York, I can vouch for one thing: Wearing winter boots is the worst. They're heavy and bulky and ugly. Canada Goose has solved the problem of cold-weather shoes, though, with these puffer mules that are so stylish and keep your feet delightfully warm.

Colors: Black
Sizes: 7-13
Materials: Nylon, Rubber

Which Shoe Is Best for You?

Ideally, you want a casual shoe that you can wear all the damn time. Aside from formal occasions, when you'll need something a bit dressier, your casual shoe should be a go-to basic that works with everything in your wardrobe—something you don't have to think twice about.

Comfort is key, and what's comfortable may vary with how active you are during the day. If you walk a lot, a sneaker will probably do you better than, say, a loafer or slip-on. But if you're in an office setting, then those are probably better for you than a dressed-down sneaker.

Your environment will also determine which shoe is best for you. If you live in sunny, humid Texas, you should probably steer clear of Canada Goose's puffer shoes. And if you get lots of rainy, cold weather, maybe a waterproof shoe is better than something like suede.

And let's not forget about sizing. For casual, all-day comfort, you want to make sure that you can slip a finger between the heel of your foot and the heel of your shoe and have it fit nice and snug. If your finger slides around too easily, you're probably going to want to size down. A proper-fitting shoe is essential for that carefree, relaxed vibe you're striving for.

How We Chose

We tested hundreds of casual shoes to create a comprehensive list of the 24 best options. Not only did we look out for things like price, material, fit, and style, but we also wanted to find picks that were versatile and could be worn with the things you already have in your closet.

Why You Can Trust Esquire

We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great. Every product in Esquire’s roundups is carefully chosen by our fashion and e-commerce teams.

When it comes to shoes, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting styles that we’ve personally tried, tested, and loved, along with options that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse for their own everyday wear. We’ve had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these casual shoes are the ones that are simply the best.

Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.

This story originally appeared on Esquire.com. Minor edits have been made by the Esquiremag.ph editors.

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