The year 2025 gave men several reasons to upgrade their wardrobe, especially office shoes. We saw how men paid attention to comfort when workplaces started reopening. Indian celebrities also solidify this shift. Ayushmann Khurrana created a strong influence when he stepped out in classic office shoes during his “Thamma” promotions. His look reminded many professionals that formal footwear can stay stylish without any effort. However, it depends on what “formal shoes for men” means to you. Shiny Oxfords? Or leather loafers? The definition has been in the grey area since the pandemic.
The post-pandemic scene changed how men dress for work. Hybrid work culture reshaped the idea of office outfits. Many men now divide their time between video calls and physical meetings. This change created a rise in shoes that support fast movement and professional design. Remote work also influenced the need for easy slip-on styles. That is how we got loafer shoes for mens. As workplaces continue this format in 2026, the office shoe market grows. Statista shows steady global growth in formal and semi-formal footwear as more people return to physical offices.
Top formal shoes for men to stand out at work
Mentioned below are the top office shoe trends for men in 2026. Each trend fits a specific work environment and also supports the seasonal demands across India.
Hybrid shoes for a hybrid work culture
Hybrid shoes give the look of formal footwear and the comfort of cushioned soles. Brands began increasing such designs during the recovery years after the pandemic. The rise of the hybrid work culture boosted demand for comfortable dress shoes. Hybrid shoes suit people in consulting, tech firms, and communication jobs. This group moves between meetings and coworking spaces, and they also deal with client visits. They need a formal look without foot strain.
Navy and coffee brown create the best professional look for hybrid shoes. These colors match office trousers and solid shirts. Hybrid shoes work throughout the year because the soles offer grip and comfort. Monsoon conditions still require an additional check for water-resistant leather. You create a clean look with hybrid shoes, tapered trousers, and a body-hugging shirt. Avoid oversized shirts as hybrid shoes work best with sharp clothing lines.
Loafers will never go out of style.
Loafers hold a strong place in Indian offices. They are minimal and often let you catch a quick client catch-up. Many workplaces accept smart casual outfits. Vogue India highlights the shift toward relaxed slip-ons among younger professionals. Loafers suit creative agencies, advertising firms, real estate offices, art galleries, etc. Basically, places where the dress code is flexible. People in these spaces prefer to save time without losing grace.
Chocolate brown and tan create a warm office look for loafers. Black works for top agencies or in administrative roles with stricter dress rules. You can wear loafers during summer and winter. Monsoon months still need caution because leather absorbs moisture. Choose structured trousers, full sleeve shirts, and a light blazer for client meetings. Otherwise, chinos and checked shirts work for a normal day.
Minimal Oxfords for old school millennials
Oxfords always represent timeless office dressing. Minimal designs now appeal to old school millennials who want simple and elegant shoes. Market research from IMARC Group
shows a stable demand for classic formal shoes in the corporate sector. Oxfords suit roles in banking, law firms, and manufacturing companies. These workplaces prefer a strict formal code where polished leather and neat stitching matter.
Black stays the safest color for these roles. Deep brown also works for corporate boards or senior roles. You can wear Oxfords in all seasons except heavy monsoons. Smooth leather needs protection from water. You create a proper formal look by pairing Oxfords with straight trousers, long-sleeve shirts, and structured blazers. Avoid washed denim or casual jackets because Oxfords signal a high standard of dressing.
Textured leather shoes for Gen X
Gen X men prefer depth and character in their office shoes. Well, they still like the manly look. Textured leather shoes give this detail through the grain. You can also try pebbled surfaces or soft patterned finishes. These textures also hide small creases during long work days. Reports highlight a rise in textured accessories among men above forty. These shoes suit senior managers, business owners, architects, and consulting professionals. They offer style without loud design.
Dark brown, charcoal, grey, and wine create strong options for textured leather shoes. These colors match muted office wardrobes. You can wear textured finish shoes in winter and monsoon. They show minimum marks and maintain shape. They also create a balanced look when paired with trousers, solid shirts, and jackets in neutral shades.
Gen Z will continue to play with colors.
Gen Z shaped a bold shift in office dressing. Many companies now accept creative self-expression. The world is still in awe of how young professionals style bright accessories and colorful shoes without breaking dress codes. Colorful shoes suit digital agencies, design studios, fashion houses, and content creation teams. These workplaces celebrate personal style and movement.
Olive, steel blue, deep green, and sand colors fit the office when chosen in matte leather. Avoid neon for corporate offices, but keep it for creative roles. Bright colors work best in summer because they reflect energy. Deep shades work for winter. Solid shirts and monotone trousers create balance. Colored shoes stand out in the right way when the outfit stays clean.
Brogues for all workspaces
Brogues remain one of the most favourable choices as office shoes. They are going to dominate 2026, too. Their patterned detailing gives you a royal look without looking loud. They suit all workspaces as the design works with both strict and relaxed dress codes. Many professionals use brogues as their one shoe choice for the entire week. They suit corporate offices, hospitality roles, teaching jobs, and public sector roles. Their design blends classic and modern elements.
Camel brown, mocha tan, and classic black work well for office environments. You can wear brogues in summer and winter. Monsoon months need water-resistant finishes.
Conclusion
The officewear scene in 2026 gives men more freedom. Every trend also gives you a chance to show your personality. You only need the right pair that fits your workplace, your climate, and your style.
Visit Alberto Torresi if you want to buy formal shoes online. Explore the latest collections that match your work life. The year is about to end. Start fresh with us and revamp your footwear collection!