Return to Office: Must-Have Shoes for a Casual Work Environment

Workwear today looks nothing like the stiff uniforms of the past. The pencil skirt and pinched stiletto are no longer prerequisites for being office-ready. Over the last five years, dress codes have relaxed,and with them, an entirely new way of thinking about what it means to look polished at work has emerged. The modern woman needs shoes that move with her life: versatile enough for the commute, effortless for long days, and refined enough to hold their own in the office.

That’s where we come in. We’ve curated the best casual work shoes that bridge comfort and sophistication, spotlighting low-heeled and flat silhouettes designed for a professional wardrobe that works harder than ever. Consider this your edit of shoes that go beyond desk-to-dinner—they ground your entire office wardrobe.

Scroll by category or shop the full edit below.

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Soft Loafers: The Perfect Comfortable Casual Work Shoes

Loafers strike the perfect balance between polish and ease; they’re more elevated than sneakers, yet far less formal than a patent pump or a slingback. The modern take is all about softness: supple leathers and brushed suedes that feel lived-in from day one. Forget the rigid, glossy versions that read preppy and prim; today’s loafers are pared-back, minimal, and effortlessly refined. Choose unembellished silhouettes with clean linesshoes that slip on with ease but look considered enough to anchor a workday outfit.

Why They Work: The effortless midpoint– sleeker than sneakers, less formal than heels.

Outfit Ideas:

1. Tan loafers + denim + a sweater layered over a white tee + a relaxed blazer.
2. A button-down shirt tucked in + black skinny jeans + white loafers.
3. White skirt + black t-shirt + black loafers.

What to Look For in Boat Shoes

Material	Soft leather for breathability and flexibility.
Hardware	Minimal or no embellishments for versatility.
Sole	Rubber or sturdy options to endure NYC streets.
Cushioning	Essential for all-day comfort.

For business casual loafers options, check out our Business Casual Shoes for Women article.

Boat Shoes: Best Friday Casual Work Attire

Boat shoes offer a more relaxed alternative for casual office settings—easygoing but still refined. Unlike loafers, which are sleeker and more tailored, boat shoes have a softer silhouette with visible stitching and a moc-style toe that reads laid-back. For work, the key is choosing elevated materials: think leather or suede in understated shades like tan, navy, or off-white. Pair them with tailored trousers or crisp denim, and they deliver just enough polish without tipping into overdressed territory. Opt for minimal designs and skip the heavy contrast stitching or oversized logos to keep the look clean, versatile, and office-appropriate.

Why They Work: Relaxed structure, refined finish — comfort polished just enough for the office.

Outfit Ideas

1. Knee-Length Dresses + Tights + Boat Shoes
2. Dark Denim + Casual Tops + Blazers + Boat Shoes

What to Look For in Boat Shoes

• Supple, Matte Leather
  Choose soft, matte finishes in leather or suede. Glossy textures can feel dated and overly casual, while matte leathers read modern and refined.
• Sturdy Rubber Soles
  Seek out durable rubber soles with good grip and support. They keep the shoe grounded—literally—and make all-day wear in an office setting far more practical.

Sneakers: Perfect for Casual Work Outfits

No list of casual work shoes would be complete without sneakers. They’re the modern office uniform, equally at home with denim, tailored trousers, midi skirts, or even dresses, and they make commuting infinitely easier. For work, the key is restraint: think sleek, minimal fashion sneakers in leather or refined fabrics. Crisp white pairs or streamlined tonal styles are endlessly versatile. Skip the chunky, athletic silhouettes. while great for the gym, they feel out of place in an office and disrupt an otherwise polished look.

Casual White Sneakers

Sleek Sneakers

Comfortable Work Flats

Welcome to the most substantial section of this edit—arguably our favorite. We uncovered a handful of brands redefining casual work flats, proving that comfort and refinement can, in fact, coexist.

What’s the difference between casual and business casual flats?

The line between casual and business casual flats often comes down to one detail: material. Glossy leathers and patent finishes instantly read more formal, which can feel overdressed in a laid-back office setting. Softer, matte textures–think suede, woven fabric, or supple napa–deliver the ease that makes a flat feel casual yet intentional. It’s a subtle shift, but one that completely transforms how a shoe works within your wardrobe.

Option 1: Rothy’s Flats

Rothy’s Shoes: Rothy’s has become synonymous with casual, everyday flats. Crafted from recycled materials, their knit silhouettes (from Mary Janes to rounded-toe bestsellers) pair effortlessly with denim and a cotton button-down or even a simple tee. The lightweight fabric makes them breathable, flexible, and ideal for an office environment that values comfort over formality.

Option 2: Margaux NYC Shoes

Margaux Flats: Margaux, a female-founded New York brand, is celebrated for ballet flats that blend timeless elegance with modern comfort. (Read our NYC brand article here.) Crafted from buttery-soft napa leather, they’re refined enough for business casual yet easy for everyday wear. Pricier than some, but the thoughtful construction makes them a smart investment. These can also be worn with business casual outfits.

Option 3: Reformation Shoes

You know Reformation for its dresses—but the brand’s shoes deserve equal attention. Their flat Mary Janes, reimagined with thicker straps and a modern edge, bring just the right amount of attitude to a casual office look.\

Option 4: Vivaia Shoes

Vivaia Flats: Are Vivaia shoes good? We think so. They have an eco-conscious design and their flats come in many different silhouettes for those who want to switch up the toe box.

Option 5: Birdies Shoes

Birdies: Birdies’ flats are made of supple nappa leather which makes them ideal for long work days, especially if you are standing all day. Take a closer look at the quilting and cushioning.

Option 6: Allbirds Shoes

Allbirds, different from Birdies, is known for its use of soft, sustainable materials like merino wool and eucalyptus fiber, creating lightweight shoes that feel more like slippers than sneakers. Their flexible construction and breathable design make them a solid pick for casual workdays, commuting, or long hours on your feet. Stick with the neutral tones to keep them office-appropriate.

The SG Perspective

Casual office environments provide the perfect opportunity to prioritize comfort without sacrificing style. By choosing versatile, high-quality shoes like loafers, sneakers, flats, and Chelsea boots, you’ll feel confident and polished every day.

Read for our next article on business casual office footwear, where we’ll dive into options that perfectly balance professionalism and comfort.