No well-dressed man’s wardrobe is complete without a few pairs of casual shoes that’ll take you from the office to post-work cocktails during the week, and brunch to dinner on weekends. Here, find out what’s most important to consider when shopping for casual footwear, and take a look through our top three must-have styles for men.
Important elements to consider:
Quality: If you want your sneaks to hold up to frequent wear, consider the materials and construction. Our shoes are crafted in Italy entirely by hand—even the seams are tightly hand-stitched to ensure water resistance and durability. Plus, our Italian leathers and suedes are water-resistant too. That said, you can trust that a pair of Koios will have a long lifespan.
Comfort: Pay attention to how your sneakers fit: are they too loose, too tight, or just right? Do the materials—especially the linings—feel good against your feet and ankles? And check to see whether they’re made with cushioned insoles. Koios are fitted with supportive insoles from Ortholite, and they’re always lined with soft leather or GOTS-certified organic cotton that has a luxuriously soft handle.
Versatility: Don’t buy the shoes if they’re not easy to wear. Casual shoes should work well with everything in your closet. Black shoes, white shoes, or neutral-toned shoes are your safest bet because they can easily be dressed up or dressed down.
Sustainability: Shop responsibly when looking for your next pair of casual kicks—the planet (and your feet) will thank you. If you like leather shoes, check to see if the leather is Leather Working Group-certified (LWG-certified). An LWG certification indicates that the leathers are tanned in a facility that responsibly manages emissions, energy consumption, water usage, and chemical and physical waste.
Silhouette: Every guy needs a quality pair of classic low-tops, high-tops, and slides. These three silhouettes are essentials—here's why:
Sneakerhead or not, you’ll come to rely on your low-tops for nearly every occasion because they complement dress pants, jeans, and shorts alike. We recommend getting a pair in a neutral color because it’ll only enhance their versatility, but if neutrals aren’t in sync with your personal brand, try something bold and retro, like a colorful, ‘90s-inspired dad sneaker.
If you tend to roll up the cuffs of your chinos and jeans, then it’s clear that high-tops are a must-have for you. The cropped length of your pants will complement the silhouette really nicely. Want to make a statement? Get a pair of high-tops that has a chunky sole.
You’ll love having a pair of slides in your closet when it’s warm out—you can easily slip them on with anything and head out for the day.
Ready to shop for casual shoes?
Check out our selection of men’s low-tops, high-tops, and slides. Each pair is engineered to last using high-quality, sustainable materials, so they’ll remain staples in your closet for years to come.
