To find casual shoes that are both comfortable and stylish, you’ll want to focus on three key details—material, fit and design. If you use that as your guide, “your shoes should feel good as soon as you put them on, without needing to be broken in,” says Grant Alexander, men’s fashion stylist and founder of the House of Style podcast. After extensive research and considering more than 20 different pairs, our pick for the best casual shoes for men is the Allbirds Tree Runner, thanks to its breathable, lightweight design and washable materials. For a slightly dressier option, we recommend the Cole Haan 2.Zerøgrand Laser Wingtip Oxford, which has a sneaker-like sole. Below, find seven more casual shoes that we highly recommend.
We rounded up the best casual shoes for men that are comfortable, durable and versatile enough to wear anywhere.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
Our Top Recommendations
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Best Casual Walking Shoes For Men: On Cloud 6
Amazon
Allbirds Tree Runner NZ
Sizes: 7 to 14 | Upper materials: Eucalyptus tree fiber knit | Sole material: Brazilian sugarcane (SweetFoam) | Colors: 9 total, including Mist and Jet Black
Best for:
- Breathable knit uppers
- Easy cleaning in the washing machine
- Wide variety of colors
Skip if:
- You need a half size; half sizes aren’t available
For a lightweight and versatile pair of casual shoes, you can’t go wrong with Allbirds Tree Runners. The uppers are crafted from eucalyptus fiber, which is stretchy and allows for better airflow than many traditional materials that can cause feet to sweat. The cushioned midsoles provide all-day support, making these shoes ideal for travel days, light exercise, running errands and everything in between. Several reviewers appreciate the washable materials, which they say have allowed them to keep the shoes in top shape for years.
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Sizes: 7 to 15 | Upper materials: Antimicrobial mesh | Sole material: CloudTec rubber | Colors: 12 total, including Navy and Evergreen
Best for:
- Breathable polyester mesh uppers
- Supportive midsole (made with CloudTec Zero-Gravity foam for more stability)
- Easy on and off thanks to the sockliner and speed lacing system
Skip if:
- You need plush cushioning for all-day wear
The On Cloud 6 is the most recent iteration of the Swiss brand’s popular running shoe. While this shoe maintains its iconic style, there are a few subtle differences: This updated version has a wider opening and a new sockliner, as well as improved heel construction for greater support. Like the Cloud 5, the upper is made from recycled polyester mesh, while the midsole is made from bio-based CloudTec Zero-Gravity foam. If you haven’t experienced the brand’s CloudTec cushioning (air pockets that stretch across the midsole), it reacts to your movements and helps propel you forward. The bungee lace-locking system makes them easy to slip on, but if you prefer traditional laces, there’s also a pair in the box.
Adidas
Adidas Campus 00s Sneakers
Sizes: 6 to 14 (half sizes 6.5-13.5) | Upper materials: Leather | Sole material: Rubber | Colors: 7 total, including Focus Olive and Core Black
Best for:
- Fans of retro-inspired sneakers
- Everyday casual wear
- Wide variety of colors
Skip if:
- You need a lightweight walking shoe
The Adidas Campus 00s prove that some sneakers never go out of style. First released in the 1970s and donned by tastemakers ever since (from the Beastie Boys to Austin Butler), the shoe still feels relevant decades later. Its sturdy leather upper, chunky rubber sole and soft terry lining strike the right balance of comfort and durability. The clean profile pairs just as easily with jeans and a T-shirt as it does with chinos and relaxed tailoring.
Rothy’s
Rothy’s The Men’s Daily Driver
Sizes: 7 to 14 | Upper materials: Knit fabric made from recycled plastic bottles | Sole material: Rubber outsole with supportive pegs | Colors: 9 total, including Dark Roast and Forest Camo
Best for:
- Breathable knit uppers
- Travelers who want a machine-washable shoe
- Eco-conscious shoppers
Skip if:
- You want something dressier
Known for transforming recycled plastic into machine-washable footwear, Rothy’s brings the same sustainable approach to its Men’s Daily Driver. A breathable knit upper, cushioned footbed and flexible rubber sole make this loafer comfortable enough for everyday wear and smart enough with a sport coat. The footbed also has built-in arch support, which is helpful for overall foot health and pain prevention. One note: Reviews say these loafers run small, so consider going up a half size.
Nike
Nike Court Vision Low
Sizes: 6 to 15 | Upper materials: Leather, synthetic materials | Sole material: Rubber | Colors: 5 total, including White and Black
Best for:
- Comfortable fit thanks to the padded collar
- Better breathability (this style has perforated sides)
- Cool, fashionable design
Skip if:
- You want something dressier
This pick, reminiscent of 1980s basketball shoes, adds coolness to any outfit. Each pair is made with at least 20% recycled materials, and the thick, padded collar provides comfort and stability at the ankle. The sides are accented with the Nike swoosh and subtle perforations extend to the toe. While most agree that these sneakers are great for casual and athletic outfits, some customers note they run a little large.
Cole Haan
Cole Haan 2.Zerøgrand Laser Wingtip Oxford
Sizes: 7 to 16 | Upper materials: Leather, nubuck, suede | Sole material: Rubber | Colors: 6 total, including British Tan and Navy Blazer
Best for:
- Stylish leather construction
- Several layers of proprietary cushioning
- Contoured foam footbed
Skip if:
- You want something with a more casual silhouette
If you want the comfort of a sneaker with a more polished, office-appropriate look, Cole Haan’s Zerøgrand shoes are a good option. (This pick also earned the top spot in our review of the best dress sneakers for men.) The perforated leather adds ventilation so feet don’t overheat, and the rubber outsole provides grippy traction on a variety of surfaces. What’s more, the anatomically contoured foam footbed cushions and distributes your weight, so these are comfortable to stand in for long periods.
Allen Edmonds
Allen Edmonds Park Avenue 2.0 Oxford Dress Sneaker
Sizes: 6.5 to 15 | Upper materials: Fine-grain leather | Sole material: Molded rubber sport soles | Colors: 6 total, including Chili Leather and Walnut Leather
Best for:
- Roomy fit and cushiony insoles
- Dressing up or down
- Different shoe widths (there are four options)
Skip if:
- You want a shoe with a more flexible upper
The Allen Edmonds Park Avenue 2.0 Oxford Dress Sneaker strikes the perfect balance between style and comfort, featuring premium leather construction, rubber soles and supportive FlyFoam insoles. The rounded toe and roomy fit ensure feet won’t feel squished, even after all-day wear, and the molded soles keep feet feeling secure. We also like that the style resembles a traditional Oxford shoe with closed laces but offers the comfort features of a sneaker.
Sizes: 7 to 14 | Upper materials: Leather, cotton canvas | Sole material: Rubber | Colors: 3 total, including New Bright White/Jet Black and Clove Brown
Best for:
- Built-in arch support and cushioning
- Insoles that mold to your heel
- Extra roomy toe box
Skip if:
- You need a wide width
This sleek and stylish court shoe offers surprising support, making it a good choice for anyone who is on their feet all day. It’s also a nice option for trips that involve a lot of walking and sightseeing. The insoles provide flexible arch support and cup your heel, protecting the heel pad to prevent aches and pains. Users consistently praise the comfort and support, with one mentioning that these shoes eliminated the need for custom insoles and inserts.
Cole Haan
Cole Haan GrandPrø Tennis 2.0 Sneakers
Sizes: 7 to 16 | Upper materials: Leather | Sole material: Full rubber outsole with FeatherFeel foam midsole | Colors: 9 total, including White and Ivory/Black
The Cole Haan GrandPrø Tennis 2.0 earned a place in our best dress sneakers for men roundup because they’re one of those rare shoes that feel appropriate almost anywhere. This pick looks great with trousers and a knit polo for casual days at the office, but can be worn on the weekends with shorts and a T-shirt. The foam cushioning provides plenty of support without feeling heavy or bulky on your feet, and the grippy rubber outsole is great on any terrain.
How We Chose The Best Casual Shoes For Men
To find the best casual shoes for men, we considered the comfort of the materials, fit and design. From there, we also weighed size range, versatility and price.
- We evaluated top-rated brands and retailers known for high-quality footwear, such as Allbirds, Cole Haan, Nike and more. We selected the final options after conducting hours of independent research and drawing on expert insight.
- When narrowing down the list of winners, we focused on shoes with an average rating of at least 4 stars and a negligible number of concerning reviews, if any.
- We read through hundreds of customer reviews for standout product traits and essential details and only featured brands with straightforward return and exchange policies.
- The final products on this list are a result of our fashion team’s in-depth research and meticulous vetting.
What To Consider When Shopping For Casual Shoes For Men
Here’s what to keep an eye on whether you’re buying in-person or online.
Style
When in doubt, minimalist sneakers, leather loafers and desert boots are some of the most versatile options. “They work with everything from casual and smart-casual to even semi-formal outfits,” says Alexander. Keep in mind that you might need to invest in more than one pair. One shoe may not meet all of your needs, and alternating between several pairs will prevent one from wearing out too quickly.
Upper Materials
There are many different upper materials to choose from, ranging from leather to canvas to synthetic textiles. “Leather and suede are my go-to materials because they’re durable and look better the more you wear them,” says Alexander. “Leather, especially high-quality full-grain leather, develops this beautiful character over time. Suede, on the other hand, adds texture and a little more personality.” Alexander recommends lighter fabrics—such as cotton, canvas and linen—for casual summer shoes, as these materials “don’t trap heat and keep your feet comfortable.” Leather is an excellent choice year-round, although you may want to look for lighter tones in the spring and summer.
Support
Regardless of your preferred style, consider the support you’ll need. Even if you’re looking for something more polished, like a loafer, it should be comfortable right out of the box and easy to wear. Look for padding around the collar (which can support the ankle), a contoured footbed, an arch-supporting insole and a cushioned midsole. I recommend Kuru’s Roam Sneaker for built-in arch support coupled with a stylish design.
Lacing System
The lacing system can also affect the level of support and style; traditional laces let you adjust the fit, making it tighter in some areas and looser in others. Elastic bungee lacing turns any shoe into a slip-on and provides more stretch, which can accommodate foot swelling throughout the day. Most sneakers, like Nike and Allbirds, come with traditional laces, while some sneakers—like the On Cloud 6—have both an elastic bungee speed lacing system and conventional laces.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted fashion team has researched, written and published dozens of in-depth roundups on footwear.
- Our expansive fashion coverage includes the most comfortable sneakers for men and best loafers for men.
- Katherine Louie, the author of this piece, is a lifestyle editor with extensive experience covering fashion and lifestyle topics. She regularly tracks trends and brand releases to provide readers with the most up-to-date recommendations possible.
- Deputy editor Jane Sung, who oversees the fashion vertical along with travel and beauty, edited this story. She has two decades of experience reporting on men’s, women’s and kids’ fashion and accessories.
- We regularly update this story to ensure our recommendations remain relevant. It was most recently updated in August 2026 by fashion writer Micaela English.
Our Experts
- Grant Alexander, men’s stylist and founder of the House of Style podcast
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
