The 12 best business casual shoes for men, from leather derbies to suede chukkas

Best overall: Meermin Silkcalf Blucher

Meermin's Silkcalf Blucher is hands-down the most stylish and comfortable shoe I tested. Its calfskin leather upper is luxuriously soft and supple, giving the shoe an already lived-in feel. While I struggled to slip into some of the other shoes I tested, my feet practically glided into the bluchers, thanks in part to Meermin's silky sheepskin leather lining.

My feet usually begin to ache after a few hours of wearing most shoes, but that wasn't the case with Meermin's bluchers, which run true to size. The slightly tapered toe box provided room for my toes to move without feeling cramped, and the durable latex sole was both comfortable and supportive as I spent full days walking around the city and the office.

Another reason Meermin's Blucher kicked the competition to the curb is that it's a truly versatile shoe. Because it's technically a derby, which has an open lacing system that lends a less formal vibe, it works with khakis, chinos, jeans, tailored trousers, and even a suit. I've paired the Brown bluchers with dark denim jeans, tan khakis, and gray chinos, and the shoes gave each look an instant upgrade — so much so that I've started to incorporate them into other outfits in my wardrobe.

I've gotten a lot of mileage out of these shoes, and they've held up nicely, with no signs of scuffing on the upper or wear on the sole. If you want a top-quality shoe you'll turn to time and again, Meermin's Silkcalf Blucher belongs in your collection.

Best budget: Quince Calfskin Leather Derby

I'm a longtime fan of Quince, a brand beloved for its affordable and excellent clothing and home essentials. Its bedding, towels, and sneakers are some of my personal favorites, and now I'm adding the Calfskin Leather Derby to my list. It's a handsome shoe, with detailed stitching on the upper and burnishing at the toe and heel that give it an antiqued appearance. The derby fits true to size and comes in Black, Brown, and Brandy, a reddish-brown hue that looks refined with tailored trousers and pops when paired with jeans.

Though the leather is structured, it was comfortable from the get-go and needed no breaking in. The upper had just the right amount of give, plus ample wiggle room in the rounded toe box. On many occasions, I've climbed four flights of stairs to my apartment in these shoes. The leather never pinched my skin and the flexible outsole kept my feet pain-free.

This is a well-crafted everyday shoe that looks more expensive than it actually is, and it's held up well after more than a month of wear. The leather still looks brand-new, with no scratches or scuffs. It's a budget shoe that's built to last.

Best splurge: Allen Edmonds Rivington Apron-Toe Derby Dress Shoe

Allen Edmonds makes one of the best office sneakers I've tested, and these derby shoes are also top-notch. They're crafted from buttery-soft suede, with an insole that's both cushioned and supportive — qualities I really appreciated as I trekked 40 minutes to a Broadway show and back again one evening. It was worth it: When I arrived at the theater, my friend showered me with compliments on the shoes.

The Bitter Chocolate Suede Rivington is a standout and looks striking paired with gray, navy, and earth tones such as tan, olive, and khaki. The upper's apron stitching lends additional interest. Considering their $450 price tag, these are not shoes I'd wear every day but ones I'd break out when I want to dress to impress, whether it's an important office meeting or a nice social gathering. Because they're suede, I don't wear them on days that call for rain, and I steer clear of parks, where they can get soiled by dirt. So far, the shoes have stayed spotless.

The Rivington derby, which fits true to size, is definitely an investment and requires extra care, but I think the superior craftsmanship makes it a worthy splurge. Plus, the shoes are Goodyear welted, so the soles can be replaced multiple times for years of use, ultimately saving money in the long run.

Best suede: Kenneth Cole Winston Suede Derby Lace-Up

Kenneth Cole has been creating fantastic footwear since 1982, so it's little wonder that the Winston Suede Derby Lace-Up landed on our list. From the moment I unboxed the Bark Suede shoes, I fell in love with the color and knew I had found my sole mate. It's unique — a kind of browinsh-greenish-gray hue — and visually stunning, and I love how it looks with tan chinos and dark denim.

But the Winston, which fits true to size, is so much more than just good looks — it's also ridiculously cushy, thanks to small gel pads that are incorporated into the insoles. They literally give me a bounce in my step, and I feel as though I'm walking on a cloud. The footbed is narrower than some of the other suede shoes I tested, but the pliable upper keeps my feet from feeling cramped. Kenneth Cole's Winstonis a superb suede derby, and it's wallet-friendly to boot.

Best loafer: G.H. Bass Larson Weejuns Penny Loafers

Weejuns have been a staple of men's wardrobes for decades, worn by icons including President John F. Kennedy, James Dean, and Paul Newman. But truthfully, G.H. Bass's Larson Weejuns Penny Loafers almost didn't make this list. The loafers run big, so the site advises customers to order a half-size smaller. I did, and I broke a sweat as I spent about five minutes trying to cram my foot into them. Once on, they felt extremely tight, and the leather pinched my skin and caused some chafing.

But here's the thing: Weejuns need breaking in. No pain, no gain, as they say. After that initial run, they loosened up nicely and by the third wear, they fit like a dream. The leather had stretched out enough to accommodate my wide feet and the loafers slipped on and off effortlessly. If you'd rather not deal with the breaking-in period, Weejuns are also available in wide sizes.

Now, I'm smitten with these classic shoes, which come in a gorgeous Wine color that I love to wear with jeans and chinos. The thick sole is sturdy and durable underfoot, and because of its Goodyear welt, it can be easily resoled once worn down, making it a timeless wardrobe essential you can rely on for decades.

Best boot: Thursday Boot Company Scout Chukka Boot

Thursday Boot Company's Scout suede chukka was built for longevity. Its suede upper is treated to resist moisture, stains, and everyday wear, making it practical for regular use. The boot also has a stitchout construction, so the rubber soles are water resistant and replaceable once worn down.

The handcrafted suede chukkas come in a variety of versatile earth tones, including a sophisticated Mocha with subtle burnishing at the toes. From the moment I put them on, they fit like a glove and needed no break-in period. In fact, I stood for eight hours testing kitchen products in these boots, and my feet didn't ache or feel tired when I finally took them off.

The Scouts have only gotten better with time. The suede upper has softened and the leather midsole has molded to my feet. Priced at $160, Thursday's high-quality chukka costs half as much as similar styles and it's effortlessly cool, making it an obvious choice for the best boot.

Best sneaker alternative: Amberjack The Original

If I had my way, I'd wear sneakers everywhere, but most just aren't appropriate for business casual. That's why I love The Original shoe from Amberjack. It's not technically a sneaker, it is a hybrid. The full-grain leather upper has the stitched detailing and open lacing system of a derby, while the durable outsole offers sneaker-like flexibility and traction. The sole also comes in earthy colorways that are layered to create the illusion of a traditional heel, so the shoe fits any occasion.

The Original's silhouette is narrow but the leather upper has enough stretch that the shoes aren't tight. My feet felt supported and almost coddled as I tackled multiple city blocks and flights of subway stairs. So far, the shoes have held up well, with only minimal creasing and no visible scuffs or dirt.

Amberjack's shoe runs true to size and is truly a savior for people like me who practically live in sneakers. I've worn the Chestnut version with jeans and tailored trousers, and I'll definitely don them with a suit. If only they worked for black tie…

Best for jeans: Mephisto Marlon

The Mephisto Marlon shoe can really be worn with any style of pants, but I think the pebbled leather gives them a casual appearance that looks best with jeans. My friends clearly agree, as I got a lot of compliments on these derbies when I wore them with denim.

Mephisto's site says that the shoes run true to size, but I found them to be a little roomy right out of the box. I suggest wearing them with a thicker sock or even going down a half size as they will loosen up as they break in. That said, the Marlon is very comfortable, with a soft leather lining, cushioned footbed, padded tongue, and shock-absorbing heel. I wore them while traveling and they performed like a champ as I trod along concrete sidewalks, grassy paths, and cobblestone streets.

The Marlon derby is one of the more expensive shoes on our best list, but it's a practical option for everyday wear and it's built to endure. Because the upper is premium pebbled leather, scuffs, scratches, and other signs of wear are less obvious. And since the Goodyear-welt construction means the shoes can be resoled, you won't need to keep replacing them with a brand-new pair.

Best for khakis: Astorflex Brownflex Chukka Boot

Handcrafted in an Italian workshop that dates back six generations, the Astorflex Brownflex Chukka Boot has a velvety soft nubuck leather upper and cushy rubber sole. I like the Dark Chestnut color, which looks sharp paired with khakis in neutrals like beige, tan, and olive. The nubuck's color variations give the boots a lightly worn appearance that's refined but not run-down, making the chukkas a great choice for neutral-toned suits as well.

I found that the Brownflex's upper was a little stiff upon the first wear, but it acquired some stretch the second time I took the chukkas for a spin. The smooth, full leather lining made the boots easy to get on and off, and the ergonomic footbed provided excellent arch support. I was initially concerned that the hard, flat heel might make my feet ache but the rubber was much more flexible than I expected.

The boots have experienced some minor scuffing with wear, which is normal for nubuck. The scuffs can be treated with a gentle brush to blend in with the rest of the shoe, but right now I'm planning to leave them be since nubuck naturally develops a worn, rugged patina over time that I think adds character.

Best breathable: Rothy's Lug Oxford

With summer temperatures reaching record highs in recent years, it's wise to stay light on your feet. Rothy's Lug Oxford is an excellent choice. Technically a derby — note that open lacing system — it has a breathable, stretchy upper made from merino wool and the brand's signature recycled-plastic fiber. The durable rubber sole looks thick but I found that it was practically weightless and bent to match my stride. I wore the shoes around New York City during an early spring heatwave and they felt light as a breeze.

The Lug Oxfords, which run true to size, are available in Black and a versatile Dark Chocolate that suits any business casual setting. Like all Rothy's shoes, they have the added benefit of being machine washable to keep them clean and funk free. Just remove the insoles, wash on cold with mild detergent, and let them air dry. They're good as new and ready for another summer outing.

Best for wide feet: Florsheim Rucci Plain-Toe Chukka Boot

I have wide feet, so finding leather footwear that isn't binding has been a lifelong challenge. That's why Florsheim's Rucci chukka is a blessing. It's available in both standard and wide widths, but I found the standard to be just right. It has a broken-in feel that's soft and roomy, plus a silky-smooth lining and a cushioned footbed. These boots are not at all constricting, and their plush interior practically pampers my feet.

It's also worth noting that the Rucci also doesn't sacrifice style for comfort. This is a classy boot with detailed stitching and a sleek silhouette that can easily be dressed up or down. It comes in Black, Brown, and Cognac, a warm reddish-brown that pairs beautifully with gray and blue pants.

The Rucci boots have been in heavy rotation in my wardrobe and are showing only minor signs of wear. There's some creasing in the leather and the flexible outsole has natural scuffing. But otherwise, they continue to shine on.

Best Oxford: Johnston & Murphy Conard 2.0 Cap Toe

Oxfords differ from derbies in that oxfords have a closed lacing system. Instead of being exposed, the ends of the side tabs containing the eyelets are hidden under the vamp. This gives the shoe a streamlined silhouette that some consider too formal for jeans or business attire. But if you choose an oxford in matte leather or suede or one with brogueing, you can pull it off.

That's why Johnston & Murphy's Conard 2.0 Cap Toe made our list. It has beautiful brogueing at the toe box, vamp, and counter, and the Tan Full Grain color works just as well with jeans as it does tailored trousers. Plus, it's a very attractive shoe at a reasonable price point.

When I first unboxed the oxfords, however, I was concerned. They looked narrow and stiff, similar to pairs that make my feet throb and give me blisters. But once I took them out of the box, I realized they were actually very lightweight and pliable. I didn't struggle to get them on, and they didn't cut into my feet. Because they're cushioned at the footbed, tongue, and heel, they felt much like a sneaker and I experienced no pain, just bliss.

What to consider when shopping

When building a business casual wardrobe, your shoe should serve as the foundation of your look rather than a secondary thought, says Amanda Massi, a personal stylist who dresses founders, creatives, and executives. She's particularly fond of tassel loafers, double monk strap styles, and the sleek Chelsea boot.

"The tassel loafer offers a classic, archival charm that suggests a level of effortless luxury, while the double monk strap provides an architectural edge with its bold hardware," she explains. "For those navigating the diverse climates, a refined Chelsea boot provides a streamlined look that transitions perfectly from a high-stakes meeting to a red-carpet event."

Derbies and chukkas are also excellent options, but the penny loafer is the undisputed champion of versatility. "It balances the line between formal and relaxed with unparalleled ease," says Massi. "Whether paired with structured chinos, dark denim, or even a casual khaki, a well-crafted loafer maintains a high-end aesthetic without feeling overdone." Leather loafers lean more polished, adds DeCarlo, while suede softens a look.

Most oxfords are too formal for business casual settings, but DeCarlo doesn't rule them out. "It really depends on your workplace and how you style them," she says. "In more traditional offices, a simple matte leather oxford can work well with tailored trousers." Suede and brogueing can also tone down the dressiness of an oxford for a more laid-back look.