Where you wear your shoes decides which of these pairs is yours: a strict dress code calls for the black leather oxfords with closed lacing, while a casual office or a hot weekend points toward suede espadrilles, knit sneakers or deck shoes.
The list starts with the high-polish black oxford and ends with casual grey low-tops, and each pair’s material sets how much care it needs.
Suede and white soles need a brush or a wipe now and then, and leather will scuff no matter what you do.
1. Suede Driving Shoes
Black suede with gold hardware dresses up the driving shoe, and that contrast is what makes it sharp enough for pinstriped trousers. The soft, matte surface keeps a loud detail like gold from looking shiny.
Wear them in summer, with trousers cut slim enough to show the shoe, and skip socks. I would pair them with dark, plain pieces so the hardware stands out on its own.
Suede is lightweight, but it dislikes rain, so check the sky before you leave.
2. Leather Deck Shoe
Brown leather deck shoes with black soles are the easiest slip-on to throw on with shorts, chinos or rolled denim. Because the sole is dark, the shoe looks more grounded than a plain tan boat shoe.
Go sockless, or wear no-show socks, and keep the trousers cropped near the ankle so the shoe stays in view.
I would pick brown over navy as a first pair; it covers more outfits. Leather will scuff, and on a casual shoe like this, that is part of the look.
3. Knitted Sneakers
Grey knit uppers with white soles make about the most low-effort sneaker you can own. Grey sits between black and white, so it goes with navy, olive, denim and charcoal without any thought.
Choose a knit with a close, even weave rather than a loose, sock-like one; it holds its shape better. Wear them with slim joggers, chinos or shorts.
They suit warm days and long walking. They are not for rain or an office with a dress code, since fabric soaks up water and offers little structure.
4. Sneaker Loafers
This hybrid gives you a slip-on that works in more settings than a standard trainer, combining the ease of one with the slightly smarter look of the other. The leather upper lifts the look, and the stripes keep it relaxed.
I would avoid a full suit: the sporty sole makes it look like a mistake.
For a business-casual office, they are a solid pick when your shoes need to be comfortable but not sloppy.
5. Suede Espadrilles
Brown suede espadrilles on jute soles belong to hot weather and little else. The rope sole and soft upper look best with linen trousers, cotton shorts or light chinos in stone, white or navy.
Keep them away from puddles and wet pavement, since both jute and suede suffer when soaked. A suede brush is a cheap way to keep the nap looking even.
Brown is the more versatile shade for a first pair, and it hides dirt better than a light color.
6. Black Leather Horsebit Loafers
Black leather loafers with a gold horsebit buckle look sharpest against light-colored trousers, such as stone, cream or pale grey. The contrast is the whole appeal: dark shoe, bright hem, a bit of metal in the middle.
Hem the trousers to just graze the top of the shoe, and go sockless or wear thin no-shows so the line stays clean.
I like this pair for dinners and dressier dates. They are smart enough for the office, but the gold makes them a statement, so pair them with plain pieces that let the hardware do the talking.
7. Chunky White Platform Sneakers
A thick, embossed sole is the whole story on an all-white platform sneaker, so keep everything above it simple. Slim or straight trousers in black, grey or navy let the shoe stand out instead of fighting with the outfit.
Because the sole adds height and weight, I would keep the hem clean and just touching the top of the shoe. White shows scuffs fast, so wipe the sole after each wear.
These suit casual days and weekends, not a dress code.
After years of chunky dad shoes and Godzilla-sized Balenciaga runners reigning supreme, ’70s-inspired runners—with slim uppers, minimalist construction, and a pointed toebox—are having a serious moment across the industry.
— GQ
8. Classic Black Dress Oxfords
Black leather oxfords with closed lacing are the dressiest shoe a man can own, and a high polish is what makes them look sharp. Buff them with a soft cloth every few wears to keep the shine even.
Pair them with a suit, dark trousers and a pressed shirt when you’re sitting for an interview or heading to a wedding. I would choose a plain, smooth toe over anything decorated, since it works with the most outfits.
Pair them with dark socks that match the trousers, not white ones.
9. Casual Grey Low-Top Sneakers
Grey and white low-tops work with tailored trousers because the soft, low profile keeps the outfit calm. Light grey trousers with a grey sneaker give a tonal look that reads as put together without trying hard.
Keep white laces and a clean white midsole, and wipe them down often; that detail separates a neat pair from a tired one.
I would wear these with a plain tee or a knit and little else. They fit offices that allow casual shoes, though not a strict dress code.
Sustainability in Footwear
Recycled materials are showing up in boots, and shoppers who care about that now have real options.
Check the product page or the tag for what the recycled content is and where it sits in the shoe, such as the upper or the lining.
A boot that says "eco-friendly" and says nothing else deserves a question.
A brand that tells you exactly what the upper, lining and sole are made of, say chrome-free leather or recycled rubber, has usually done the work, so I trust those labels over vague talk of "eco-friendly" shoes.
Sustainability and durability also work together. A pair you keep for years is the greener choice, whatever it is made from.
Casual Footwear Demand
Right now, the casual pairs to look at are the ones in better materials, like suede, full-grain leather and heavy canvas, because they dress up easily and hold their shape longer.
Men want one pair that is comfortable enough for a long day on foot and clean enough for a hybrid work week.
Judge them on the material first. A good leather or dense textile upper holds its shape and looks better after a month of wear than a cheap one does.
Look for a simple, versatile design in a plain color. That way the same pair covers an office day, an errand run and a weekend outdoors.
Quality Concerns
Durability and odor are the 2 complaints that send people back to the store, so check for both before you buy.
Look at the stitching, especially at stress points like the toe and the heel, and favor pairs with reinforced seams.
Odor control is worth looking for on any shoe you wear most days. A pair with a treated lining or insole stays fresher between wears.
Rotating two pairs also helps, since each one gets a full day to dry out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best summer shoes for men?
Suede driving shoes, leather deck shoes and suede espadrilles are the best picks for hot weather.
Driving shoes look best with slim trousers and bare ankles, since nothing then hides the low profile of the shoe. Keep suede and jute away from rain and puddles.
What sneaker trends are popular in 2025?
Sneaker loafers are the trend I’d bet on: a leather slip-on with a sporty sole that fits into more situations than a standard trainer.
Knitted sneakers in grey with white soles and chunky white platform sneakers are also worth a look.
Can you wear sneaker loafers to the office?
Yes, in a business-casual office they work well, since they are comfortable without looking sloppy. With a full suit, leave them at home; the sporty sole reads as an error against that much tailoring.
How do I tell if a boot is really eco-friendly?
Look for specifics on the product page or tag.
If a brand just says "eco-friendly" and gives no detail, ask what it means before you buy. Longevity counts too: boots you wear for years are greener than a short-lived pair, whatever the materials.
