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Mastering business casual is easier said than done. Even though we've run through the basics of what the (at times infuriating) term means in 2025, things go much deeper. So deep in fact, that we're starting at the bottom, where thankfully, the best business casual shoes for men are nothing less than a blessing in disguise: A happy medium between the full-on dress shoes gathering dust in the back of your closet and the tattered sneakers piled precariously by your front door.
Truth be told, business casual shoes also curb some of our worst impulses when it comes to footwear. For example, dress shoes are generally fine, but comically oversized lug soles are best avoided. The same goes for sneakers: Minimalist kicks are typically good, but bright colors and big logos? Better not. Below, we've gathered the best of every conceivable shoe category. Our favorite thing is that whichever you choose, you'll get tons of mileage in them outside of the office too. Lots of bang for that buck you work so hard for.
For more inspo for your 9-to-5, be sure to check out the Office Style Shop, our first-ever shoppable guide to workplace style, jam-packed with wardrobe stalwarts painstakingly curated by the GQ Recommends squad.
Generally speaking, these are your safest bet when it comes to the business side of business casual. Black and brown lace-ups will blend in perfectly when you find yourself wearing a suit, but these pairs in particular are just as at home with jeans and chinos. Many of the below are commonly seen around GQ towers, too.
Sneakers have become increasingly common around the office over the last decade, but before you even think about buying these, do make sure you're confident that your business is okay with something this... casual. If the answer's yes, lucky you! Because the below business-ready sneakers are simply some of the best sneakers, period. Just be careful not to scuff them up too much.
Let's not get confused here people, when we say "business casual boots," we mean understated and sophisticated. Banish any visions of heavy duty soles or rubberized weather-proof materials. Also, adventuring with boots requires keeping the rest of your styling on the conservative side -- and always resist any urges to tuck in your pant hems. You're a very serious businessman, not a rodeo clown.
Read more: The best dress boots for men
Ah, the loafer. If the gods didn't wear sandals, we swear they'd wear loafers. Though these come packed with tradition, don't let that turn you off -- there are enough variations out there to let you show your personality with ease. And again, you'll be able to wear these far beyond any conference room in sight, whether you go with a streamlined pair or a throwback style. All you'll need are some white socks and blue jeans.