A good casual shoe can serve you in virtually any environment. While not truly formal, men’s casual shoes can still accompany casual dress clothing and can be worn into most workplaces. On weekends and vacations, they have enough durability to deal with the elements while providing great comfort. Every man should have at least one pair of casual shoes in his attire. The trick is to choose a brand that has a reputation for quality, style, and comfort. The brands detailed below fit all of these categories and can provide you with the exact fit you need.
Clarks
Clarks has been in business for almost 200 years, beginning back in 1825 when Cyrus and James Clark used sheepskin off-cuts to design a new slipper. Over time, the brand has grown far beyond slippers and now has shoes for virtually every occasion. This includes men’s casual shoes. Every Clarks brand shoe begins with a block of hornbeam which is hand-smoothed to provide a distinctive feel. You can find casual Clarks shoes in both lace-up and slip-on varieties, making them ideal for the workplace or outdoors.
Those who prefer a slip-on shoe that has a formal enough look to work for the office might choose the Charton Step line, which comes in both black and brown. These shoes have a distinctive leather look and have cushioned footbeds that provide the highest level of comfort possible. The Sherwin line offers a similar leather look and comes with durable laces that won’t fray or wear out due to moisture. Those who wish for something more obliquely casual might be interested in the Trapell line, which has both laced and non-laced varieties. These shoes are easy to slip on and durable enough to withstand all manner of outdoor weather. A durable rubber sole and removable insole completes this line’s mission to provide a stylish and comfortable loafer.
Merrell
The Merrell brand provides casual shoes that are great for outdoor activity, be it walking, biking, climbing, or more. The shoes provide durability without looking too rugged for day-to-day wear. This brand is particularly excellent for people who walk outside in rain, mud, or other wet weather, as each Merrell shoe uses Vibram technology in the soles to provide better slip resistance. The shoes also use Opti-Shell technology to provide a waterproof wearing experience and Opti-Warm technology to keep the feet warm even on cold days. This is an excellent brand for people who want a multi-purpose shoe that can handle both outdoor and indoor use.
Perhaps the most casual shoe for everyday use associated with this brand is the Jungle Moc 2, which is a simple slip-on shoe made of pig suede leather. The Jungle Moc 2 has a slip-resistant leather sole, making it great for walking in all environments. Those who want something more rugged might choose the Accentor line, which is a lace-up shoe designed for more intensive activities such as hiking. This line uses an open mesh design to allow for maximum foot breathability. Those who prefer a more formal look might appreciate the Shiver Moc2, which has a full grain leather appearance that works well in the office or at home. This shoe has a waterproof membrane which gives it a great deal of versatility.
Ecco
You can find Ecco shoes on sale in 90 countries throughout the world, proving their versatility and popularity as a brand. Ecco is a very family-oriented brand that does its best to build customer loyalty through a sense of quality and style. Casual men’s shoes belonging to this brand range from sneakers to urban shoes to rugged outdoor footwear. All shoes in this brand follow the philosophy that functionality and beauty can be combined. This means that nothing goes to waste on the shoe—everything serves a purpose in terms of delivering a comfortable, versatile piece of footwear. At the same time, that functionality is hidden beneath layers of elegant design, making Eccos one of the most attractive pieces of footwear a man can own.
Customers looking for a comfortable slip-on shoe should consider the Collin line, which provides a leather exterior that has strategically-placed perforations to provide ventilation. The materials of these shoes are very lightweight, making them easy to wear and walk in. Those who prefer a sneaker can target the Kyle Lace, which used oiled nubuck leather in its design and features a specially designed fiber system to keep feet fresh and dry even after hours of wear. Those who expect to be active can benefit from the Urban Life lace-up shoes, which have a sporty look but a soft leathery feel due to the use of camel leathers in the design. All of these shoes have a soft rubber sole designed for flexibility and traction.
Sperry
The Sperry brand became famous with the company’s invention of the original boat shoe in 1935. Since then, Sperry Topsiders, as the shoes are known, have remained a top seller in North America and beyond. The shoes were originally sued to walk boat decks without leaving scuff marks behind. As time has gone on, that quality has made them popular among people who want to wear shoes on hardwood floors, in gymnasiums, and at the office without leaving any unsightly scuff marks behind. These shoes are made of 100% imported leather and are hand-sewn to provide both durability and comfort. They also possess a 360-degree lacing system that allows you to customize the fit for your individual needs.
Customers interested in the Sperry iconic look should consider the Gold A/O line, which provides the brand’s special 360-degree lacing system with gold plated eyelets and rawhide laces to provide an elegant and classic look. The interior of this line is made of soft deerskin, which provides comfort and abrasion free wear. Sperry also provides slip-on shoes with the Largo line, which uses dual elastic gores to make it easy to slip the shoes on and off. The Largo’s interior has a full-length removable footbed that provides all-day comfort. Finally, the Striper line offers an affordable sneaker with vulcanized construction to guarantee a secure upper and outsole bond. The sneaker also uses molded Wave-Siping, which provides improved traction whether the surface is dry or wet.
Johnston and Murphy
Johnston and Murphy has provided high-quality footwear since 1850. The company strives not only to build upon its reputation for excellence but also to innovate, providing new ways to make shoes comfortable, stylish, and fun. Some of the company’s innovations include the Trampoiline Cushion System, the Signature Comfort System, and the Optima Cushion System. Each of these features provides softness, bounce, and support. The Johnston and Murphy brand is ideal for those who enjoy city walking or light activity. The footwear provides such individuals with a level of support, comfort, and confidence that few other shoe brands can match.
Those who are looking for a Johnston and Murphy slip-on shoe can find what they need with the Bowling. This shoe is a dressy slip-on in a moccasin style that uses full-grain leather and an ultra-lightweight construction for maximum comfort and mobility. Those seeking a more rugged-looking shoe can find what they need with the lace-up Howell PT. With a dark tan exterior and a sheepskin lining that provides comfort while keeping moisture out, this shoe is excellent for those who expect to walk through the elements or who want to wear a casual shoe when the weather turns cold. Finally, the Wallace Chukka uses water-resistant suede and a soft leather lining to keep feet breathing effectively. This short lace-up boot is ideal for cold and wet weather.
Rockport
Rockport brand shoes are available in 60 different countries throughout the world, making them immediately recognizable to footwear aficionados everywhere. The shoes are each meticulously crafted and designed to have a long lifespan so you don’t have to worry about replacing them every few months. Each piece of footwear is designed to be water resistant, and the interior is manufactured with materials that help draw moisture away from the foot. Rockport shoes have only been in business since 1970, making them younger than some of the other brands listed here, but they have quickly built up a reputation for variety, versatility, and quality.
The Bowman line represents the Rockport brand well by providing a slip-on shoe that has an elastic on vamp to make it easy to put the shoe on and take it off. This shoe features a memory foam footbed that adjusts to your foot’s needs. Those who prefer a more casual sneaker can opt for the Langdon Lace line, which provide excellent forefoot flexibility and durable laces. These shoes feature truTECH shock absorption technology to help you run or walk for as long as you want. If you prefer a dressier-looking shoe, the Northfield is the choice for you. Using Hydro Shield technology, the shoe stays dry in even the wettest of circumstances. Moreover, its elegant but durable look makes it great for both work and travel.
Dunham
Created by New Balance, Dunham shoes provide the same high level of comfort that that brand is known for with a style and performance that is all its own. Each of the Dunham shoe lines use special technologies to help provide the best wearing experience possible. These include Tuff-Light and Versatile to keep the shoe weight light while not impacting durability, Dryworks to keep the interior of the shoe dry, and Tru-Tak to avoid slips and accidents. Those who want a versatile shoe that doesn’t sacrifice comfort should find what they need in the Dunham line.
Those interested in a classic boat shoe that won’t scuff surfaces and has excellent water resistance should look into the Captain Lace line. This shoe is designed for comfort and breathability, featuring an adjustable lace closure that can help you make sure that your foot feels good from every angle. Those who prefer a slip-on shoe can take advantage of the Fitsmart line. This simple but comfortable slip-on shoe comes in many different colours and is designed with elastic technology to make the shoe easy to put on or remove. If you prefer a more formal-looking shoe that can still be used for casual occasions, the Royalton line is what you need. This shoe is crafted from smooth leather, providing it with an elegant look. It also has a memory foam footbed and adjustable laces to provide maximum comfort.
Rieker
Like many shoe companies, Rieker goes back several generations. In this case, however, those generations all belong to the same family, which has continued to innovate and create new shoes from its headquarters in Switzerland to this day. Rieker keeps careful control of the materials used in its shoes, ensuring that every pair of shoes comes from raw materials that match the company’s standards for quality and durability. When you purchase a Rieker shoe, you are choosing something that is well-made, resistant to the elements, and capable of serving you well for years to come.
If you want to enjoy sunny and dry weather with a casual shoe that will keep your feet comfortable for the entire day, the Indiana Whisky provides an excellent loafer for you. With upper and side elasticized cut-outs, the shoe provides maximum breathability and comfort. The Derby is a similarly comfortable slip-on that provides more complete protection against cold and wet weather. This shoe features dual elastic goring for easy on-and-off convenience. The shoes also use a RIRCON sole designed for better cushioning of the ball and heel of the foot. Finally, the Paduna offers a lace-up line for those who want a good sneaker to help them get more activity. With contrast stitching and metallic studs, these sneakers stand out in a crowd. Additionally, the TR rubber outsole helps with shock absorption during even the most rigorous of activities.
If you want a high-quality, comfortable pair of men’s casual shoes, you can choose any of the above brands and come away with a product that is well worth your money. All of these shoes and more are available through Walking on a Cloud, so start shopping today!
