Best Shoes for Men for Every Occasion: Casual, Formal & Party Styles

The right shoes change the whole outfit

You can wear a sharp shirt and well-fitted trousers, and still look off because of the shoes. Sneakers at a wedding reception or heavy formal shoes at a beach party send the wrong signal, even if nobody says so.

The good news is you don't need a closet full of pairs. Once you know which shoe belongs to which occasion, three or four well-chosen pairs cover almost everything.

This guide walks you through casual, formal and party shoes, shows you exactly what to wear where, and helps you pick the right size and material.

Quick answer

• Casual: white sneakers, loafers or chukka boots. Pair with jeans, chinos or shorts.
• Office and formal: black or dark brown leather oxfords or derbies.
• Party: clean premium sneakers for house parties; suede loafers or monk straps for clubs and dinners.
• Weddings: black oxfords with a suit; mojaris or juttis with Indian wear.
• If you only buy 4 pairs: white sneakers, brown loafers, black oxfords, one versatile boot or sports shoe.

Which shoes to wear for which occasion: cheat sheet

Occasion	Best shoes	Good alternative	Avoid
College / daily casual	White or neutral sneakers	Canvas shoes, slip-ons	Formal leather shoes
Weekend outing	Loafers, chukkas	Retro runners	Flip-flops (unless it's the beach)
Office (business casual)	Brown derbies, loafers	Minimal leather sneakers	Chunky sports shoes
Boardroom / interview	Black oxfords	Dark brown oxfords	Loafers with a suit, sneakers
House party	Clean premium sneakers	Suede chukkas	Gym shoes
Club / dinner date	Suede loafers, Chelsea boots	Monk straps	Worn-out sneakers
Wedding (western wear)	Black patent or polished oxfords	Double monk straps	Brown shoes with a black suit
Wedding (Indian wear)	Mojaris, juttis, kolhapuris	Tan loafers with a bandhgala	Sneakers with a sherwani
Gym / running	Running or training shoes	Cross-trainers	Fashion sneakers (poor support)
Travel	Slip-on sneakers	Loafers	Laced boots at airport security

Best casual shoes for men

Casual shoes do the most work in your wardrobe, so this is where to start.

White sneakers

If you own one pair of casual shoes, make it a clean white sneaker. It works with jeans, chinos, shorts and even a relaxed suit. Leather versions look sharper and are easier to wipe clean than canvas.

Wear with: denim and a T-shirt, chinos and a polo, linen trousers.

Retro and lifestyle sneakers

Runners and court shoes with a vintage look, like Onitsuka Tiger, New Balance and Adidas originals styles, are the casual favourite right now. They add personality without looking sporty. Our post on sneaker trends dominating fashion covers what's hot.

Loafers

Loafers slip on with no laces and sit between casual and smart. Penny loafers are the classic; tassel loafers are dressier. Wear them without visible socks in summer (use no-show socks).

Wear with: chinos, cropped trousers, linen shirts.

Chukka and desert boots

Ankle-high boots with two or three eyelets, usually in suede. They're comfortable, smart enough for a dinner and handle Indian winters well. Avoid suede in the monsoon.

Slip-ons and canvas shoes

Easy, light and cheap. Great for travel and quick errands, but they look too casual for anything dressier than a weekend outing.

Best formal shoes for men

Formal shoes follow simple rules, and getting them right instantly makes you look put together.

Oxfords

The most formal lace-up. Oxfords have "closed lacing", meaning the eyelet flaps are sewn under the front of the shoe, giving a sleek look. Black cap-toe oxfords are the safest shoe for interviews, boardrooms and black-tie events.

Derbies

Derbies have "open lacing", with the eyelet flaps sewn on top. They're slightly less formal than oxfords and more comfortable for wider feet. Brown derbies are ideal for business casual.

Monk straps

Buckles instead of laces. Single or double monk straps look stylish with suits and tailored trousers, and they stand out without breaking the dress code.

Brogues

Brogueing is the decorative perforated pattern, and it can appear on oxfords or derbies. The more brogueing, the less formal the shoe. Full brogues (wingtips) suit tweed, chinos and smart-casual days rather than a dark suit.

The formal colour rules

• Black: the most formal. Wear with charcoal, navy and black suits.
• Dark brown: versatile. Works with navy, grey and most trousers, but not with a black suit.
• Tan and light brown: daytime and summer. Great with light grey, beige and blue.
• Match your belt to your shoes. Same colour, similar finish.

Best party and wedding shoes for men

Party shoes are where you can have a little fun, as long as you match the vibe of the event.

House parties and casual get-togethers

Premium sneakers in clean condition are perfect. Go for a bold colourway or a designer-inspired pair if you want to stand out. The key word is clean: scuffed sneakers ruin the look.

Clubs, lounges and dinner dates

Step it up to suede loafers, Chelsea boots or sleek monk straps. Dark colours (black, navy, burgundy, chocolate brown) look rich under evening lighting. If the venue allows sneakers, choose minimal leather ones in black or white.

Weddings and receptions

• Suit or tuxedo: black oxfords, polished well. Patent leather for black-tie receptions.
• Bandhgala or Indo-western: tan or brown loafers, or monk straps.
• Sherwani or kurta: mojaris or juttis. Embroidered pairs for the groom and close family; plain leather for guests.
• Sangeet and mehendi: comfortable kolhapuris or embroidered juttis, since you'll be dancing.

One practical tip: break in new shoes at home for a few hours before a wedding. A long night in stiff new shoes is miserable.

How to choose the right shoes: fit, size, material and sole

1. Get the size right

India generally uses UK sizing, but many sneaker brands list EU or US sizes. Measure your foot length in the evening (feet swell during the day) and match it below.

Foot length	UK / India	EU	US
24.6 cm	6	39	7
25.4 cm	7	40.5	8
26.2 cm	8	42	9
27.1 cm	9	43	10
27.9 cm	10	44.5	11
28.8 cm	11	46	12

Size conversion adapted from the ASOS men's footwear size guide. Brands vary, so check each brand's own chart when you can.

2. Check the fit

• About a thumb's width (1 cm) between your longest toe and the front of the shoe
• Heel shouldn't slip more than a little when you walk
• Snug at the widest part of your foot, but not pinching
• Leather shoes stretch slightly in width, never in length. Buy for length.

3. Choose the right material

Material	Best for	Watch out for
Full-grain leather	Formal shoes, long life	Needs polishing; heavier
Suede	Loafers, chukkas, smart casual	Water stains; avoid monsoon
Patent leather	Black-tie, receptions	Creases; only for formal events
Mesh / knit	Running, daily sneakers	Less protection in rain
Canvas	Casual, summer	Gets dirty fast

4. Look at the sole

Leather soles look elegant but are slippery on wet Indian roads. Rubber soles grip better and last longer, which makes them more practical for daily wear and the monsoon.

5. Pick colours that work hard

White, black, dark brown and tan cover most outfits. Add a bold colour only once you have the basics.

The 4-pair shoe wardrobe every man needs

If you're starting from scratch, buy these four pairs in this order:

1. White sneakers: daily casual, college, weekends, travel.
2. Brown loafers or derbies: office, dinners, smart-casual events.
3. Black oxfords: interviews, formal meetings, weddings.
4. One wildcard: sports shoes if you work out, Chelsea or chukka boots if you go out often, or juttis if you attend many Indian weddings.

With these four, you're covered for almost every occasion on the cheat sheet above.

How to make your shoes last longer

• Rotate pairs. Giving shoes a day off lets sweat dry out, which stops odour and cracking.
• Use cedar shoe trees for leather shoes. They hold the shape and absorb moisture.
• Polish leather every few wears; brush suede with a suede brush.
• Clean sneakers with a soft brush and mild soap. Don't put leather sneakers in the washing machine.
• Dry wet shoes with newspaper stuffed inside, away from direct heat.
• Store in a cool, dry place, ideally in dust bags, especially during the monsoon.

Shop sneakers and casual shoes at WatchNGlasses

For the casual and party side of your wardrobe, WatchNGlasses stocks first copy sneakers inspired by popular brands, priced from about ₹2,799 to ₹5,199. Every pair is clearly sold as a first copy, and sole bonding and stitching are checked before packing.

• All first copy shoes
• Nike first copy shoes and Jordan first copy shoes for bold party sneakers
• Onitsuka Tiger first copy shoes and New Balance first copy shoes for retro casual style
• Adidas first copy shoes for everyday sneakers
• Prada first copy shoes for a luxury look
• First copy belts to match your shoes

You also get free shipping across India, Cash on Delivery, a 7-day return window, and a live video of your pair before dispatch. Sizes are listed in EU; use the chart above or message the team on WhatsApp for help.

Wondering how a first copy compares with the real thing? Read first copy vs original products: key differences. For formal leather shoes, we'd suggest a dedicated footwear store where you can try them on, since fit matters even more with leather.

Frequently asked questions

Which shoes are best for men for every occasion?

No single pair covers everything. Four pairs come close: white sneakers for casual wear, brown loafers or derbies for smart casual, black oxfords for formal events, and one wildcard such as boots, sports shoes or juttis.

Which shoes should I wear with a suit?

Black oxfords are the safest choice with a suit, especially in charcoal, navy or black. Dark brown oxfords or monk straps work with navy and grey suits but not with a black suit.

What shoes should I wear to a party?

Clean premium sneakers suit house parties. For clubs, lounges and dinners, choose suede loafers, Chelsea boots or monk straps in dark colours.

What shoes should men wear to an Indian wedding?

With a sherwani or kurta, wear mojaris or juttis. With a bandhgala, tan or brown loafers or monk straps work well. With a suit at a reception, wear polished black oxfords.

What is the difference between oxford and derby shoes?

Oxfords have closed lacing, with the eyelet flaps sewn under the front of the shoe, which makes them sleeker and more formal. Derbies have open lacing sewn on top, which makes them slightly less formal and roomier for wider feet.

Can I wear sneakers to the office?

In business-casual offices, minimal leather sneakers in white or black are usually fine. For formal offices, client meetings and interviews, stick to leather oxfords or derbies.

Which shoe size chart does India use?

India generally uses UK sizing. A UK 8 is roughly an EU 42 and a US 9, for a foot length of about 26.2 cm. Check each brand's chart, since sizing varies.

How do I know if a shoe fits properly?

Leave about a thumb's width between your longest toe and the front of the shoe, make sure your heel barely slips, and check the shoe is snug but not tight at the widest part of your foot.

Are leather or rubber soles better for India?

Rubber soles are more practical for daily wear in India because they grip better on wet roads and last longer. Leather soles look elegant but can be slippery in the monsoon.

Does WatchNGlasses offer Cash on Delivery on shoes?

Yes. WatchNGlasses offers Cash on Delivery, free shipping across India and a 7-day return window on its first copy shoes.