The term "casual shoe" is used to describe a shoe that is designed for everyday wear. This can include shoes designed for outdoor use, such as walking or hiking or for indoor use, such as slippers. Casual shoes are typically not made from leather and are usually not considered dressy enough to be worn with a suit.

The materials used to create casual shoes vary depending on the company and its target market but may include canvas, rubber, nylon, plastic and cloth.

In the past few years, there has been an increase in casual shoe companies catering to men who want more fashionable footwear than sneakers or athletic shoes.

Types of Men's Casual Footwear

Shoes are a wardrobe staple. They are the one item of clothing worn on every occasion, from weddings to work meetings. The type of shoes you wear can say a lot about you and the impression you want to give.

Men's casual shoes are designed for comfort and style with a more laid-back feel than formal shoes.

Let's take a quick look at a few men's casual shoe types. These include:

• Running Shoes
• Sneakers
• Boat Shoes
• Boat Shoe/Sneaker Hybrid
• Chukka Boots
• Desert Boots

What exactly is the difference between men's dress shoes and men's casual shoes?

It all comes down to the type of men's suit, blazer, or suit jacket you plan on wearing. To cover all the various types and styles of casual footwear would require an extensive, comprehensive guide, so we'll stick to the basics. Remember that the local climate and culture can influence your casual footwear selection. 

Here are a few quick tips:

It's time to venture beyond a great pair of sneakers and out of your comfort zone. Consider saddle shoes, which, while fancier, are more stylish. They will last for years if properly cared for.

Choose boat shoes over sandals because you can wear them without socks and avoid exposing your toes to the world. Furthermore, boat shoes look great with rolled-up chinos and a linen jacket or blazer.

Five General Men's Shoe Rules to Remember

1. Choose a shoe that complements or contrasts with the colour of your pants. Shoes that are lighter in colour than your pants are distracting.
2. Socks do not have to match your shoes, though it is a safe bet. Instead, consider your socks to be a tie - an element that can tie your entire outfit together or show off your distinct style.
3. If you're wearing a belt, try to match it to your shoes - unless it is multi-coloured or striped.
4. If you can afford it, invest in high-quality footwear. Expensive shoes will help save you money in the long term because they will not fall apart every few years as poor-quality footwear will. Proper care also extends the life of your fine leather shoes.
5. Always prioritise comfort and fit over style. You'll spend a great deal of time in your new shoes, so they should be comfortable.

A Mini Guide on Shoe Styles and Complementing Outfits

Jeans and Men's Shoes

With jeans, you can wear just about any colour or style of shoe. You should, however, avoid shiny shoes that were clearly designed for fancier outfits.

Boots, loafers, sneakers, and sandals all look great with jeans, so let the style of your shirt direct you. For example:

• A sporty polo shirt looks great with a loafer; 
• T-shirts work great with sneakers or retro-style shoes; 
• Flannel and plaid shirts look great with work boots or hiking boots;
• Long, artsy button-downs match sandals or contemporary styles.

Men's Casual Pants Shoes

Most men have a pair of casual pants in their closet or dresser, whether they're called Dockers, chino, or khakis. These pants look great with a variety of loafers, boat shoes, saddle shoes, boots, and other men's shoes. You can also wear canvas shoes and high tops with casual pants if they are neat and clean.

Allow the design and style of the shoe to guide you toward the desired look. For example, a tassel or a buckle is more on the dressy side, whereas a woven pattern or heavy threading is more on the casual side. Generally, the more flashy a shoe is, the more casual it is.

Men's Dress Pants Shoes

You should wear dress pants with the same style of shoes you would wear with a suit. Shinier materials, as well as less bulky heels and soles, tend to indicate a dressier shoe. Select a shoe that is the same colour or darker than your pants, and if you wear a belt, match it to your shoes. You could even buy a leather belt in a similar colour when you purchase a pair of shoes so that you have one that matches.

You should also pay attention to the toe. Toes on dress shoes can range from square toes to narrowly pointed wingtips. 

If you only plan on having one or two pairs of formal shoes, a semi-rounded toe in the middle will allow you to wear them with more outfits. Shoes with rounded or square toes will have more toe room than pointy-toe shoes.

Matching The Colours for Men's Shoes 

Here are a few pointers to consider when choosing the right colour for your shoes.

• Black shoes look great with navy, grey, or black pants.
• Tan, brown, beige, greens and other darker earth tones look best with brown shoes.
• Burgundy shoes complement khaki, lighter browns, blue, and grey outfits.
• Tan shoes complement lighter earth tones, blue, beige, lighter tan, or white.
• Shoes in navy blue go well with grey, beige, brown, white, olive, and red.

Let's get to know about shoe styles a bit better. 

Sneakers

Sneakers have had a rocky start. In the 18th century, they were a staple of peasants.

When the United States Rubber Company began producing rubber-soled shoes with a canvas top (known as Keds), they began to enter the mass market. Keds are widely regarded as the world's first true sneakers.

Why are they known as sneakers? Rubber soles made little to no noise, implying that the wearers were "sneaky." Yes, it isn't the most exciting origin story.

When it comes to men's casual footwear, sneakers are the most casual option. They will never replace a good pair of dress shoes, but they will provide comfort on most casual occasions.

The market for men's sneakers has grown tremendously in recent years. The increased demand for athletic wear and the desire for more casual styles drives the trend. Sneakers are now not only worn in gyms but also worn as part of casual outfits, which has made them a wardrobe staple for many men. One of the most popular types is the running shoe. These shoes have a sleek design and come in a variety of colours. Some high tops come in various designs and colours for those who want to make a statement.

Sneakers are comfortable to wear and can be styled to go with almost anything in your closet. Although you can wear sneakers with nearly any outfit, they are best for date nights, clubs or parties, and offices with no strict dress code. We advise against wearing it to job interviews, casual business events, or pool parties.

Loafers

If you're looking for a great summer shoe, look no further than the classic men's Loafer. Its inspiration came from Norwegian peasant slippers, which company owner George Henry Bass used. The Bass Weejuns were introduced in 1936 and quickly became known as Loafers.

They're also great for the cooler months because they reveal your ankle, giving you more breathing room. To maximise their comfort, we suggest wearing ankle socks.

They are stylish, comfortable, and above all, trendy. Loafers are always a good choice. The majority of loafers have a leather or suede upper. Leather loafers are more formal, whereas suede loafers radiate a more casual or easygoing vibe.

They are appropriate for any outfit, location, or occasion. You should, however, avoid wearing them on road trips, beaches, or pool parties. You should avoid suede loafers on formal occasions.

Sandals

Stay on trend with stylish and comfortable sandals. They look great with any casual outfit, whether a pair of relaxed and casual summer shorts or a traditional ethnic sherwani. There's no denying that sandals are an excellent choice for casual footwear.

Although you can choose them to wear with most casual attire, they are not best suited for all occasions. You should not wear sandals for formal or semi-formal events, dinner dates, or house parties. They are ideal for errands and weekends with friends.

Things to Consider When Purchasing Casual Shoes

A great pair of casual shoes are the perfect finishing touch to any everyday outfit. It should match with what you're wearing and reflect your fashion sense.

You can transform even simple daytime outfits into stylish ensembles with the right pair of shoes. There's a whole world of casual shoes to discover, whether you prefer boat shoes or ballet flats. 

Select the Suitable Shoes for the Situation

Wearing incorrect shoes is a standard error that anyone can overcome. While you should not opt for running shoes with a blazer, even something as seemingly minor as wearing boat shoes with formal attire is frowned upon. 

Brightly coloured gym shoes, a pair of athletic shorts, and a racer-back top, on the other hand, look great, but don't even think about putting those sneakers on when it's time to spruce up! Purchase different pairs of footwear for various occasions so that you always appear well-dressed.

Choose Quality Over Quantity

Always buy high-quality shoes. We don't mean spending a lot of money every time you go shopping, but we do mean taking a moment to select shoes that will last for years. It is far preferable to have a handful of good shoes rather than seven or eight pairs of poor-quality ones. They will last longer, and your feet will notice the difference.

We recommend purchasing shoes from well-known, trusted shoe brands to get the most value for your money.

Fit And Comfort Are Important

Style is secondary to comfort and fit. What's the purpose of wearing fashionable shoes if you'll be treating blisters for the next few days? The fit of a shoe is critical. Wearing shoes that are too big in size for you will affect how you walk and stand and give rise to foot and back strain. 

Whatever shoes you choose, follow these guidelines to ensure a proper fit.

• Purchase shoes with at minimum a half-inch of space between the toes. Depending on the material, tight shoes do not always stretch easily and are more likely to lead to a foot injury. We recommend breaking in your new footwear before wearing them out. Most of the time, you can accomplish this by simply walking around the house in them for several hours over a few days.

• Foot size can change due to age and other factors such as weight gain, loss, or pregnancy in women. Before you purchase a new pair of shoes, measure your feet, especially if you haven't done so in the last six months.

• Shop in the late afternoon or evening, when your feet are most likely at their largest from walking all day long.

• Your feet are most likely not the same size. Take out your tape measure to determine which foot is larger, and then buy shoes to fit the larger foot. Keep in mind that the width of your feet is just as important as the length.

• If you have bunions, corns, or calluses, ensure the shoes you want to buy do not rub against them. Purchase shoes that are not too narrow so as not to cause or aggravate foot problems. 

Now that you understand the fundamentals of selecting the right casual shoes, it's just a matter of matching them with the appropriate outfits. 

The selection of men's casual shoes at 1ststep is extensive and filled with fashionable designs. Find your new personal favourites and flaunt them like the fashion icon you are.