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Fashion
By Avidan Grossman and Jake Woolf
From legendary desert boots to new-age designer slip-ons, the best casual shoes will ready your feet for their most stylish season yet.
The best casual shoes for men make dressing for almost any situation a total snap. To be clear, when we say "casual shoes," we're using the term liberally (i.e. as a catchall phrase that encompasses everything from suede Chelsea boots to swanky high-top trainers). Basically, if you wouldn't wear them to tear up a wedding dance floor or break ankles on the court, you'll find a version of them included here. Wear 'em day-drinking in the park on a surprisingly mild winter afternoon, wear 'em to your snotty nephew's backyard piano recital, wear ‘em on that IRL date you lined up months ago in an ill-fated burst of unbridled optimism. But wear ’em you should.
What, you might ask, makes all these shoes so worthy of your hard-earned pounds? An unparalleled ability to elevate your cold-weather style, for one. A certain seasonally appropriate versatility, for another. So forget that time-honoured debate over whether you should build your outfit from the top down or bottom up—once you throw on a pair of these bad boys, it won't matter whether you're rocking shorts or sweats. From classic trainers to chunky loafers and every wild-style permutation in between, consider this your not-so-definitive guide to the very best casual shoes for men on the market right now.
1/23
Vans
There's no such thing as the new black. These all-noir Vans sneakers are the PE plimsols from your old school days given a minimalist upgrade. £39. At amazon.co.uk
2/23
Sanders
Sanders' McQueen-adjacent chukkas boast a thicker sole than your average desert boots, giving them extra cushioning for those brisk mid-winter walks—and plenty of extra style points, too. £229. At endclothing.com
3/23
Salomon
Ever been for a stroll through Hackney Downs, or on Columbia Road on a Sunday? Then this won't be your first time seeing a pair of sporty Salomon trainers. £82. At amazon.co.uk
4/23
Tarvas
Tarvas's Explorer shoes expertly straddle the line between boots and sneakers: more rugged than your everyday kicks, but a heckuva lot more refined than a pair of hikers. £282. At endclothing.com
5/23
Our Legacy
We've been singing the Camion's praises for a minute now, but something about the cowboy-esque silhouette, filtered through a sleek Scandavian lens, still looks right on the money in 2023. £520. At matchesfashion.com
6/23
Kickers
A big boot that means business, even on off-duty days, these leather Kickers are not to be reckoned with. Plus, they happen to look extra good paired with indigo-hued denim. £63. At amazon.co.uk
7/23
Stepney Workers Club
Sub-$100 sneakers made out of the same buttery leather as your pebble-grain brogues? Stop pinching yourself pal: you ain't dreaming. £79. At endclothing.com
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8/23
Clarks
A smart buy today, a smart buy tomorrow, a smart buy ten years from now. £120. clarks.co.uk
9/23
Last Resort
Supple, croc-embossed kicks that prove there are other ways to flex beyond simply flashing a designer logo. £80. From junestore.co.uk/
10/23
Blundstone
When it comes to all-purpose shoes that'll only look better caked in layers of dried mud, you can't beat Blunnies. £180. blundstone.co.uk
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11/23
Dr. Martens
When it comes to filling our seasonal footwear prescriptions, we trust one physician and one physician only: the good Dr. Martens. £139. drmartens.com
12/23
Tricker's
These made-in-England derbies look killer with a suit, natch, but they're also uniquely, uh, suited to weekend play with vintage jeans and a hoodie. £744. At farfetch.com
13/23
Lemaire
Lemaire's sleek slip-ons land somewhere between a house shoe and a loafer, if your typical house shoes (or loafers, for that matter) also came equipped with a plush crepe sole. £430. At matchesfashion.com
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14/23
Saint Laurent
The high-shine patent leather means these derbies will sync up perfectly with a slim, sexy suit—but they might look even better with black jeans and a luxe cashmere sweater. £740. At matchesfashion.com
15/23
Birkenstock Boston clogs
The world-class house shoe you should definitely wear outside the house. £129. At amazon.co.uk & endclothing.com
16/23
G.H. Bass & Co. "Larson" colorblock Weejuns penny loafers
The prototypical penny. £195. ghbass-eu.com
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17/23
Paraboot
Cosigned many times over by Tyler, the Creator, the only consignee you should ever really need. £345. At drakes.com
18/23
Maison Margiela
Sleek white sneakers are never a bad play, but if you're looking for fall-ready casual kicks with a dressier vibe go for all-black. £361. At farfetch.com
19/23
Timberland
You see those soles? Rainy spring weather wants nothing to do with those soles. £175. timberland.co.uk
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20/23
Common Projects
An "elevated sneaker" from the brand that did the whole "elevated sneaker" thing first—and best. £280. At mrporter.com
22/23
R.M. Williams
Boots that bridge the dress shoes/business casual divide with style to spare. £400. At mrporter.com
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23/23
Mephisto
Mephisto's shock-absorbent, slip-resistant work shoes combine Norwegian stitched leather uppers with soles that promise plenty of cushioning. £153. At endclothing.com
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