The Most Popular Men’s Shoe Styles: From Formal to Casual

One common myth about a men’s capsule wardrobe is that it means owning as few items as possible. In reality, it’s about having a collection of men shoe styles that suit your lifestyle and complement the clothing you already own.

A man’s wardrobe is rarely complete with just one pair of shoes, since different occasions call for different footwear. Let’s look at the most popular men shoe styles you can add to your rotation.

Formal Styles

If you’re regularly invited to black-tie events, formal celebrations or work in an environment where traditional business attire is expected, having a pair or two of formal men’s shoes in your wardrobe is a smart investment.

Some popular formal styles for men include Oxford shoes, Derby shoes and dress boots. Oxfords are a classic style of men’s shoes, known for their closed-lacing system, sleek appearance and minimalist detailing.

Derby shoes are often confused with Oxfords.  One of the main differences between these two is the lacing system. Derby shoes have an open lacing design, which gives them a slightly more relaxed look and a roomier, more comfortable fit, but they’re still considered a formal footwear style.

Dress boots combine the sophistication of formal shoes with the added coverage of an ankle-high design. Their structured shape makes them a stylish option for colder seasons, formal occasions and elevated everyday looks.

These formal shoe styles are usually made from premium materials like smooth leather and suede. These materials give the shoes a polished and sophisticated look that suits formal occasions. When it comes to colours, classic shades such as black, brown and dark brown are the most commonly seen, as they pair effortlessly with suits, tailored trousers and other formal pieces.

Business-Casual Styles

Blame it on casual Fridays or changing workplace culture, it seems that business casual is the go-to style for many companies. The world of business casual attire is taking a leap from the days when business formal attire was the only one accepted.

Beyond the office, business casual is a popular dress code for social events, dinners and gatherings where a smart yet relaxed look is expected. If your work environment or social calendar includes these occasions, it’s worth having one or two reliable pairs of business-casual footwear in your wardrobe.

Loafers, brogues, Chelsea boots and dress sneakers all blur the lines between formal and casual. These versatile styles are among the most common choices for a business casual wardrobe.

Loafers are a timeless slip-on style that brings a polished yet effortless feel to a business casual wardrobe. With their low-profile heels, low shoe ankle exposure, and no laces, they offer a comfortable and versatile alternative to traditional dress shoes.

Penny loafers and tassel loafers are easy to dress up tailored trousers, chinos and suits for a more relaxed formal look. Suede loafers and more casual styles, such as driving loafers, can be dressed down with jeans, chinos or linen trousers for a smart-casual outfit.

Brogues are known for their decorative perforations and classic detailing. They are a versatile option for business casual settings where you want a traditional look with a little more personality. Depending on the level of detailing, brogues can work with a wide range of outfits, from casual shorts and chinos to tailored suits, and can take you from relaxed weekend settings to the office.

Chelsea boots feature a sleek ankle-high design and elastic side panels, creating a streamlined look that sits comfortably between formal and casual. Their structured shape makes them suitable for professional settings while still working well for everyday outfits. Dress sneakers combine the comfort of casual footwear with a refined and understated design.

These shoe styles often come in materials such as smooth leather, suede and nubuck. Colour-wise, brown, tan, dark brown, black, navy, grey, and burgundy are commonly seen.

Casual Shoes

Casual shoes are the everyday essentials that bring comfort to your capsule wardrobe. Having a few reliable casual styles will have you covered when you’re heading out for a relaxed weekend, meeting friends for coffee, travelling or enjoying outdoor activities. 

A well-rounded casual shoe collection may include styles such as sneakers, casual loafers, boat shoes, espadrilles and slip-on shoes. These styles are designed to pair easily with everyday wardrobe staples such as jeans, chinos, shorts and casual shirts.

Boat shoes are a relaxed yet timeless style originally designed for sailing. They feature a practical construction and a laid-back appearance. You can wear them for warm-weather occasions, casual lunches and weekend outfits.

Espadrilles are another popular casual men’s shoe style. They’re lightweight, relaxed and summer-ready. You can wear them for holidays, beach days and casual social occasions.

Slip-on shoes offer a convenient option for everyday wear, combining comfort with a clean, uncomplicated design. They work well for casual outings when you want something more refined than a basic sneaker.

Casual shoe styles commonly come in materials such as canvas, leather, suede, nubuck and breathable fabrics. Popular colours include neutral shades such as white, beige, brown, navy and grey, as well as earthy tones that are easy to mix and match with everyday outfits.