Published on October 8, 2026

Best Office Shoes for Men: How to Choose the Right Pair for Work

There's a lot to consider when looking for the best office shoes for men, from fit and overall comfort, to style, colour and materials. Yet, finding the right pair can complete your work outfit, helping you to look professional while also feeling great too. At Bobbies, this blend of great design and excellent comfort is precisely what we aim for, with an extra Parisian flair. Here, we take a look at the best style of footwear for the workplace, so you can find the perfect fit. 

Types of Office Shoes

First, it can be helpful to have an overview of some of the main types of office shoes for men:

Oxfords

Oxfords are the most formal option available, making them well-suited for corporate settings, including the boardroom. They have a closed lacing system and pair exceptionally well with tailored formal suits. Leather Oxfords should be your go-to style whenever you need to look extra professional in appearance. 

Loafers

If you're looking for something a little more relaxed, men's loafers can work well, especially when paired with chinos or tailored trousers. Loafers are slip-on shoes, without laces, helping to create a great business casual look. If your workplace has a more informal dress code, they could even be worn with a smart pair of jeans. 

Derbies

Broadly, men's derby shoes can be seen as a middle ground, offering a more formal look than loafers, but a less formal look than Oxfords. They have an open lacing system and are suitable for most offices. Suede derbies, like the Marcus option from Bobbies, can also be paired with a textured blazer to create a relaxed formal look. 

Choosing the Right Shoe

The best office shoes for men go beyond the style of footwear, and into areas like comfort and premium materials:

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is just as important as the appearance of your footwear and the best shoes will not only be the right size for your feet, but also feel pleasant to wear through an entire work week, almost like your favourite pair of men's sneakers. You may need to try different shoes to find the perfect heel height and cushioned sole to suit your needs.

Colour and Material

You also need to think carefully about the ideal colour and material for your work shoes. Black and dark brown are tried and tested colour options, but with the right outfit and the right tailoring, it's also worth exploring the Bobbies online store for our range of lighter browns and even navy shoes. In terms of materials, some of the most popular options include grained leather, suede leather, nubuck leather, and glazed leather. 

Maintenance and Care

Once you have the ideal pair of men's formal shoes, you need to take proper care of them to keep them looking and feeling great. So how can you keep your leather or suede shoes in top condition for years to come? 

Cleaning Techniques

Regular cleaning can help to keep your shoes looking as good as new. In particular, you should be wiping or brushing away dirt at the end of every day and conditioning leather, especially on classic Oxford styles, every few weeks. When possible, try to rotate between at least two pairs of shoes during your work week, allowing each pair to fully dry out before you wear them again. When wet, allow your leather shoes to dry naturally, away from direct heat. 

Storage Tips

The way you store your shoes can also have a huge bearing on how long they last. Keep your shoes out in the open, on a rack, so they can air out properly. Avoid storing your shoes in direct sunlight, as this can discolour the leather and stiffen the materials, making the shoes less comfortable. Using a shoe tree can help to maintain the right shape. 

Repair and Longevity

A number of items can help to extend the longevity of your shoes. A crepe brush is ideal for cleaning suede or nubuck leather, while a suede and nubuck shampoo can help to remove tougher dirt. A colour renewal spray can keep your shoes looking vibrant, while a waterproofing spray will protect your leather shoes from the rain. A high-quality pair of work shoes can be repaired or resoled many times over by a good cobbler, extending their lifespan.