Are these smart casual?

[OneChaosAtATime]

I'm so fed up of looking for shoes. I don't want men's shoes that have been re-labelled unisex. They are invariably too wide or cut in at the back of my heel. I'm a size 43-44 which is an added challenge.

I need a pair of smart casual trainers to wear to the office and that are suitable to walk in. I have ASICS at the moment, but am looking for something a bit smarter. I've seen so many ugly shoes, I'm beginning to lose any concept of what is smart casual!
What about these?
https://www.birkenstock.com/gb/honnef-city-mixed-leather/honnefcity-roamers-naturalleathertextile-S004980-tpu-u_11866.html
They have a narrow fitting, which is a positive sign. But can't decide if they're smart casual or just really casual. Or ugly.

I wear dark bootcut jeans most of the year, linen trousers in the summer.

I’d say ugly

I’m really sorry but to me they look like children’s footwear. Or the sort of thing women armed with a mop and a determined grin wear in adverts.

If your clothes don’t matter at work then - whatever. If you’re looking to impress, maybe choose something else.

(I do acknowledge a 43/44 might be challenging.)

I think they’d be classed as just casual in my office!

I'd agree those are casual.

Smart casual to me would be no laces, like a ballet flat, chelsea boot, loafers. Suede clogs seem to be appearing a lot at the moment which can look nice with the right outfit (I don't think I'd manage it, but some make them look very chic!)

Casual

Those are Casual to me. Not smart.

those are very casual

Very casual (& ugly - sorry OP!)

Urgh. Thought so. Right, back to the drawing board then.
Can't wear shoes without laces. I need to be able to walk (45minutes) in them too.

Any suggestions?

Would slightly chunky lace up brogue style shoes work? You can still get them in various colours and they have laces, yet still are on the smarter side?

Have you come across this shop, @OneChaosAtATime? The lace ups are more trainer than brogue. Scroll for smarter options:

https://crispinsshoes.com/collections/plus-size-brogues-lace-up?page=2

And this place looks full of potentially good options:

https://embassylondon.co.uk/collections/womens-shoes

Ugly

I’m a 43 and that’s hard enough! I feel your pain.

All Birds

Garbor

But those ones you’ve linked look like kids shoes, and not at all smart.

They’re both casual and ugly imo

Fitflp go up to 43. I recently bought these and had to go down a size, so you might find they fit you. They are ridiculously comfortable. They come in plenty of colours too: https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/retro-q-fabric-suede-trainers-p-A5P#E16