Men's shoes - what to wear with smart but not a suit?

[AveAtqueVale]

Posting on behalf of DH because we are both stumped by this. What shoes should/ do men wear with 'smart casual' wear? As in chinos/ cords and a shirt. Sometimes with a jumper over the top. This seems to be the scene in his new office, whereas previously he has always been in uniform, joggers and hoody type plain clothes or occasionally a suit.

He has always tended to be a one pair of shoes at a time guy - he owns a pair of black smart shoes for weddings, funerals and occasional suit-wear, a pair of hiking boots and a pair of flip flops. Otherwise he just has a pair of trainers (usually of a fairly ugly rugged walking style) that he wears for everything else (including outings where he's otherwise dressed semi-smartly 🙄) until they die and he buys another pair. He did branch out and bought a pair of boots not dissimilar to the ones in the picture a few winters ago (and which have lived in the cupboard since) that he has been wearing since he started this job, but he feels they're not right with what he's wearing and also apparently make his feet sweat and his toes numb (which I suspect is because they were very cheap 😂). He bought a pair of brown... things... last week (can only describe them as ancient-grandad type orthotic slip-ons) as an alternative but I have vetoed them.

He is very time-poor at the moment so I have suggested just ordering loads of stuff online and then returning what doesn't work/ isn't comfy, but neither of us is sure what we're aiming for. Needs to be something relatively hard-wearing and comfortable for a lot of walking about in as well as smartish.

Also stumped on colour as his chinos are all darkish blue so black shoes and most brown shoes seem to look odd with them.

Any advice/ pointers/ links from more stylish people than us would be gratefully received!

Lace up brogues, brown
loafers
smart trainers (look at what must football / cricket pundits wear, dark upper with white sole)

Came here to agree with @VanCleefArpels. Mr Scarlet wears smart leather trainers to the office.

This sort of thing. Not suggesting you have to pay these prices, just there’s a good range of colours shown here:

https://www.charlestyrwhitt.com/uk/leather-smart-trainers---navy/SHW0246NAV.html?gad_source=1&utm_campaign=UK-Shopping-Smart-shirts&marketingCode=ukpm99&gad_campaignid=17419734880&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvLPg1-OAkQMVnJFQBh3-3zuPEAQYBSABEgIWyPD_BwE&marketing=true&gbraid=0AAAAADrgWlxA7qhD7i-8PKcSRq0I7MYps&utm_source=google

Agree with @SoScarletItWas re the leather trainers.

Also my DH wears this kind of thing a lot with jeans / cords and a jumper / casual shirt.

https://www.schuh.co.uk/mens/barbour-deckham-brown-boots/3235416020/

I like a short boot. Leather Chelsea's tend towards smart and formal, but suede boots soften the formality. Mid blue works with navy chinos. Desert sand with stone colour.

You could also try a contrasting leather in tan or oxblood. Dark colours are less flashy. Get some shoe cream to suit. The valet or housemaid will need to polish them at least once a week.

I like the look of those, but I've been very annoyed to find that sort of white bumper is very easily marked and stained, and impossible to keep looking clean.

Also the white sole.

Chelsea boot or smart trainers (Vejas or Spetzials in my office).

DS wears Polo RL leather trainers, they're very smart though!

https://www.next.co.uk/style/st219611/826449

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su704403/w27516

https://www.next.co.uk/delivery-service-local-store

Tons of options on Next website

Smart Chelsea boots

I keep my trainer bumpers clean with a face wipe!

Magic eraser sponges are the absolute best for white soles

I’ve been in the same situation; moving from casual to smart-casual can be tricky, but it’s mostly about balancing comfort with style.
For chinos/cords + shirt (+ jumper), here’s what works:

• Casual leather shoes: Something like Barker’s casual derbies or chukkas. They look polished but not too formal.
• Clean sneakers: Minimal leather or suede trainers in neutral colors can work if the office is more relaxed.
• Loafers: Suede or leather loafers are great for dressier smart-casual days.

The key is neutral tones (brown, tan, and navy) that match most outfits and shoes that aren’t too formal, like a full brogue. Personally, I’ve found Barker’s casual line hits that sweet spot: comfortable, durable, but still office-appropriate. Also, rotating a couple of pairs keeps them looking sharp longer. Even smart-casual shoes wear out fast if you only have one pair.