Men's shoes for office work - a complete guide
From oxfords to monk straps - what shoes to choose for office work? Find out how to match your shoes to the dress code, suit color and how to care for them.
Dress code - what is allowed in your office?
Corporate formal (banks, law firms, consulting)
Black or dark brown oxfords, cap toe or plain toe, grain leather, leather sole.
To avoid: Brogues, suede, casual soles.
Business casual (IT, marketing, startups)
Derby shoes, brogues, monk straps, loafers. Colors: brown, burgundy, navy blue.
Allowed: Suede finishes, rubber soles (Dainite).
Smart casual (creative agencies, freelance)
Chelsea boots, chukka, elegant sneakers, moccasins.
Principle: If they match a suit without a tie = OK.
Types of office shoes
Oxfords (closed lacing)
The most formal. Cap toe (with stitching on the tip) = classic for a suit.
When: Meetings with clients, presentations, company events.
Colors: Black (100% formal), dark brown (a little looser).
Derby (open lacing)
Less formal than oxfords, more universal.
When: Everyday office, business casual days.
Colors: Browns, burgundies - more friendly.
Monk Straps (buckles)
Elegant, distinctive. Single monk = more formal, double monk = stylish.
When: You want to stand out without exaggerating.
Attention: Not accepted everywhere (check your office culture!).
3 pairs of shoes that will be enough to start
Black cap-toe oxfords
Foundation. For every suit (navy blue, gray, black).
must-haves: First pair for the wardrobe.
Brown derby/brogues
Universal, for informal days. They match navy blue and gray suits, chinos and jeans (Friday).
Color: Cognac/tan - the most universal shade of brown.
Burgundy/oxblood oxfords
An alternative to black. Elegant, but with character.
For what: Navy blue suit = perfect combination.
Sole - leather or rubber?
- Leather sole — elegant, but slippery and not very durable in the rain.
- Rubber (Dainite, Vibram) — durable, safe, increasingly accepted in offices.
- End: If the dress code allows, rubber is a practical choice.
How to match shoes to suit color?
Black suit → Black oxfords (always), brown ONLY if very casual environment.
Navy blue suit → Black, brown, burgundy - everything goes. The most popular business choice.
Gray suit → Brown, burgundy, black (but brown looks more interesting).
Light suits (summer: beige, linen) → Light brown (tan), brown loafers.
Office shoe care
Daily routine:
- Horsehair brush after each wear (5 seconds)
- Cedar trees - ALWAYS after removal (keeps shape, absorbs moisture)
- Don't wear the same shoes 2 days in a row (the skin needs to rest)
Every week:
Shoe cream in the right color. Rub in and polish until shiny.
Monthly:
Cleaning the sole, checking the seams, possibly visiting a shoemaker.
