‘Smart casual’…it’s a dress code that makes many people feel anxious, because it’s so tricky to define. What does it actually mean? How can you be sure that you’re not going to look, on the one hand, overdressed, or on the other hand, like you’ve made no effort?
The question of shoes doesn’t make the conundrum any easier, either – especially since trainers have moved into the mainstream. Once upon a time, running shoes might have been frowned upon in all but activity-based environments; and now we see them everywhere. But are they suitable for a smart casual setting?
The answer, largely, is yes – especially as so many trainers are now built for style as much as function. Even so, there will be many who may still shy away from the idea of wearing trainers in certain settings – what’s acceptable for a night at the pub may seem less so for, say, a wedding, even though the dress code for both may be ‘smart casual.’
It’s safe to say, however, that sliders, Crocs, Birkenstocks and flip-flops haven’t made it onto the list of acceptable ‘smart casual’ wear; and probably won’t anytime soon.
Here, we’ll take a look at some of the best smart casual shoes – both trainers and more classic examples – so that you can plan your outfit from the ground up.
1. Philip Suede Loafers
These loafers are made from genuine suede and feature a slip-on design which will look equally as good with shorts as with trousers. Available in navy, tan, or stone – all of which complement just about any outfit colour combination – they feature smart stitching and a contrasting outsole.
2. Otis Lace-Up Shoes
Suede strikes again – and why not? Since it’s a material that adds an undeniable element of style and luxury to an outfit. These ones don’t make a feature of the laces, which adds to the elegance of the design, yet the presence of laces allows the wearer to feel secure in the fit of the shoe.
They’ve also got a comfort-enhancing padded insole, so you can stay on your feet (or on the dancefloor!) for the duration of the occasion. Available in brown, sand, tan, and black, there’s sure to be a colour to suit your wardrobe.
3. Ermida Leather Trainers
If there’s one thing guaranteed to elevate the look of a pair of trainers to ‘smart casual,’ it’s a sheened leather upper in a classic shade. Available in both tan and khaki, these trainers have a retro shape and feature a discreet logo and low-key stitch detailing.
Nothing flashy, nothing OTT – just a great looking pair of trainers which will work well in most settings. The rubber cupsole and calf leather lining are comfort-enhancers too.
4. Next Desert Boots
Desert boots are a timeless addition to a man’s wardrobe. Not only does their ankle height remove much of the worry over what socks to wear (or whether to wear them at all – a common fret with a loafer) but they also bring a dashingly rugged element to a smart casual look.
With their suede upper and sturdy stitching, these desert boots are really very well priced. The Ortholite footbed means added comfort too – as does the classic style, which provides ankle support and stability.
Available in colours ranging from grey and khaki to navy blue, black, and stone, these boots are bound to become firm favourites in any mature man’s footwear arsenal.
5. Santiago Recycled Cotton Espadrilles
Well, if we can’t look to the South of France and Northern Spain for style tips, then where can we look? Espadrilles have become synonymous with pared-down elegance, worn by the likes of Gary Cooper and Pablo Picasso.
They’ve also been reimagined by stellar designers such as Tom Ford, Gucci and Saint Laurent – so they’ve definitely been given the fashion house tick of approval.
With the same sockless appeal as a loafer, espadrilles are perfect for summer get-togethers, and look equally appealing with smart shorts or lightweight trousers. With the latter, a slightly shorter leg length can enhance the look.
With their lightweight fabric construction, espadrilles also have the advantage of being breathable and comfortable, and are likely to rub far less than a leather loafer.
Available in five different colours, including navy, grey, and doe, the Santiago comes with impressive comfort and eco-credentials, and an easy slip-on design.
6. Slim Derby Shoes
For those who prefer their footwear to have a more traditional appeal, look no further than these sophisticated leather lace-ups, available in tan or black.
Made from genuine leather and featuring natty stitching, these shoes can just as easily be paired with jeans as with a smarter style of trousers or even a suit. You could wear them to a work function or to a dressier occasion.
Top tip? If purchasing the tan colourway, buy a few pairs of laces in contrast colours – red, for instance, or blue. You’ll be able to change up your look and complement a highlight colour from the rest of your outfit.
7. Slip-on Sneakers
The clean white crispness of a tennis shoe, combined with the casual elegance of a loafer, plus leather construction and hand-stitched detailing: these slip-ons have it all.
They’re also made in Portugal, giving them even more European flair.
Thanks to their Vibram technology sole, wearers will find them super comfortable at any event – and they’ll add a sharp, contemporary edge to the ‘smart casual’ code.
8. Tuscany Mens Loafers
If Blue Suede Shoes were good enough for Elvis, then you can be sure that they’ll pack a style punch at any smart casual gathering you attend – and you won’t even need £120,000 to buy them.
(This, incidentally, is how much the King of Rock’n’Roll’s iconic shoes sold for at auction in June 2024.)
These loafers are not only in a lighter shade, but also lack the laces of Presely’s. Instead, they’re made in a slip-on style with a contrast sole – which are made from cemented rubber for increased support and longevity.
Paired with a lightweight suit, trousers, or smart shorts, these shoes will be sure to turn heads – but they also come in chestnut if you lean more towards Memphis than Vegas.
9. Soar Denim and Leather Wingtip Brogues
For those wanting to make a statement with their footwear, these two-tone brogues could be just the ticket. Although the style is a old-school brogue, in a classic tan leather-look, the denim contrast gives the shoe a contemporary edge, yet still means that it’s easily paired with a range of outfits, from jeans to chinos to suits.
A lace-up style, the unmistakable punched-hole feature (did you know that this was originally added to the brogue design to allow water to drain out of one’s shoes when walking through puddles and bogs?) and a 1cm heel all combine for a slick look.
10. By-way Tred
Scandinavians are known for being effortlessly cool, regardless of their age – so you can be sure that an offering from Scandi brand ECCO is going to deliver in terms of style.
There are multiple options for smart casual occasions on the ECCO website. But this one really caught our eye, thanks to the fact that it’s unmistakably a trainer, yet so much classier and more wearable.
Based on activewear and performance, these sneakers combine high-tech features that deliver breathability and a reassuring sturdiness. Yet they also have some detailing that gives them a more chic appeal – the two-tone sole, for instance, and the contrast stitching, not to mention their tobacco-and-coffee shade of brown.
Styled the right way, these could be your new wardrobe stalwarts – for smart, for casual, and for everything in between.
11. Wide Fit Airflex™ Leather Shoes
Don’t fancy fiddling around with laces, but find a slip-on style too casual? The Velcro-fastenings on these shoes solve the issue, giving you a secure fastening and a look that, for some, might feel more ‘pulled together’ than a moccasin or slipper-style shoe.
Bonus points because they feature a wide fit, which is good news for mature men, who may find their feet broadening as their physique changes.
As well as Airflex™, which ups the ante on comfort, these shoes, which have a genuine leather upper, feature Freshfeet™ technology – ensuring they remain odour-free, even after long or repeated wears.
12. Charles Tyrwhitt Leather Trainers
These leather trainers are so sleek that they hardly deserve the name – meriting something more special. Additionally, the range of colours that they’re available in – navy, chocolate, and olive, to name a few – means that you’re bound to find something that works well with your regular wardrobe palette.
They’ve been designed to provide maximum support and cushioning, while still pulling duty on the sartorial side – and, with their trainer construction alongside a smart shoe design, they perfectly epitomise ‘smart casual’ and would work in every setting that this style code encapsulates.
The contrast sole is a nice touch, as is the fact that the shoes have a 4.7 star rating and that the upper and liner are both made from 100% leather.
Final thoughts…
Thanks to relaxations in how men of all ages dress for gatherings and occasions, there’s far more scope when it comes to choosing an outfit. The flipside of this is that less rigid rules can cause confusion about what’s acceptable or not.
Thankfully, we’re now free of the old-fashioned saying, “you can tell a man’s worth by his shoes,” – a pearl of wisdom that allegedly arose from the 16th century, when elements such as buckles could hint at noble birth.
While shoes are no longer so classist, they can still create an impression, so choosing a style and colour that suits the occasion and your outfit will generally be a good idea.
Equally, however, even the slickest pair of shoes won’t create a good impression if they are scuffed, frayed, or uncared for. While some people may choose to replace less expensive shoes on a regular basis, it’s wise to take investment shoes to a cobbler every so often, so that they can be revitalised by expert hands.
Additionally, while trainers, as we’ve noted, now form acceptable smart casual wear – especially if the material and detailing gives them a stylish edge – shoes that show your feet and toes will almost never be within a ‘smart casual’ dresscode. Rules haven’t relaxed that much!
Finally, however, remember that comfort is also key. So, try to choose shoes that allow you to be on your feet, and to walk and dance with ease. We hope you’ve found something here that you like the look of.
What’s your favourite smart casual shoe? Are you tempted by any of the shoes listed here? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.