In 2025, what does “business casual shoes for women” mean? GenZ is rocking a fabulous wardrobe of sneakers, millennials are alternating between classy pumps and sneakers, and some women are not sticking to any rules. You may only have one pair of tennis shoes and think, how can I give my outfits an extra dimension?
Here are the best business casual shoes for women (according to seasons and trends). We can help you find trendy shoes that fit the business casual criteria and aren’t boring. From expensive pairs to more affordable ones, and the most comfortable office shoes for women – here are our top recommendations.
Here is your guide to stepping into success this year.
Find Your Perfect Pair of Business Casual Shoes
The 7 Best Business Casual Shoes for Women in 2025
1. Loafers
Loafers will continue to be a major shoe trend in 2025 that is office friendly. They are versatile, timeless, and can give an edge to any outfit. They can elevates a plain white Tee with straight-leg jeans. There are so many styles of loafers for you to choose from, there are modern and minimalistic styles to chunky loafers and the classic, vintage looking penny loafers.
Recommended Reading: The 5 Best Loafers for Women Who Work in 2025 (And How to Style them)
What to Wear with Loafers: Loafers are so versatile, which means they can be paired with anything. Here is how you can style them. You can wear them with straight leg jeans, a blazer, and style it with a totally cute leather tote bag.
Recommended Loafers: The Madewell Lug Loafer
Other Brands:
2. The Sneaker
Sneakers have cracked the business casual code and each season, we see new styles dominate. Sneakers were once taboo for women in the workplace but now you will find a lot of people in tech spaces or startups wearing trusted sneakers. They can help you feel dynamic and if you pick the right ones, they can also help you to feel agile and trendy. The trick is to choose sneakers that are not too sporty and have a classic silhouette.
What to Wear with Sneakers: Sneakers are slightly more casual so pair them with smart work pants like wide-leg pants or a sleek blazer.
Recommended Sneaker: Women’s Samba Shoes
(Image credit: @anoukyve)
Recommended Sneaker: Women’s Samba Shoes,
Other Brands:
Do you want to style your shoes better? Here are 10 Business Casual Clothing Ideas That Are Trendy ( Not Boring)
3. Pointed Ankle Boots with a Heel
Ankle boots are similar to loafers in that they are classic, versatile, and can elevate just about any outfit. They have been thought of as one of the best business casual shoes for women, and that trend isn’t stopping. These women’s winter office shoes are sleek (especially if they are pointed), comfortable, and classy. You can also easily choose a color that goes with your existing wardrobe.
What to Wear with Ankle Boots: Sleek ankle boots with a heel can be worn with multiple styles of jeans – from straight-leg jeans to wide-leg jeans. That is what makes them so versatile.
Recommended Ankle Boot: Everlane Day Boot
Other Brands:
4. Flats and Mary Janes
Are you looking for comfy work shoes for women? You may have seen the new trend, delicate ballet flats and Mary Janes shoes, and thought is this a one-season wonder? This style and variations are here to stick, and it is a great business casual shoe for women. They are trendy, understated, and comfortable. Plus, they will make you feel feminine, on point (literally), and polished. You can choose a ballet shoe that fits your style – think of a ribbon, a strap, or a slightly pointed toe.
What to Wear with These Shoes: Ballet flats work well with most outfits and are very versatile. They work particularly well with flowy pants, dresses, and skirts. If you like wearing dresses or skirts to work, grab a pair of these business casual shoes for women.
Recommended Ballet Flat: Rothy’s The Point
Other Brands:
5. Kitten Heeled Sling Backs
A pair of heels is a must-have for your 2025 work wardrobe. If you want to feel on-trend, steop away from the block heels and pivot toward kitten heeled sling backs – one of the best business casual shoes for women in 2025. These shoes will make you feel poised, powerful, and ready for action. They can help you when delivering a speech or pitch, and are great to wear to after work drinks or work lunch. Ultimately, these shoes should make you feel confident, so choose your height accordingly.
What to Wear with These Shoes: These heels are versatile and can be worn with jeans, wide-leg pants, dresses, and skirts. You can go for a business casual look by pairing them with heels or a go-getter glam look by pairing them with a business suit.
Recommended Kitten Heel Sling Backs: Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pump
Other Brands:
ZARA SUEDE KITTEN HEEL SLINGBACKS
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6. Knee-high Boots
Knee-high boots are one of the top Winter 2025 shoes trends. They are very warm, durable, and incredibly stylish. Ultimately, a great business casual for women. To keep it looking professional, stay away from cowboy boots and knee-high boots that have a very high heel.
What to Wear with knee-high boots: Knee-high boots look great with structured dresses and blazers, with thick stockings underneath.
Recommended Knee-high Boots: The Starling Tall Boot
Other Brands:
7. Heeled Pumps
If you are still feeling sad that the pumps were cancelled way back when, you will be happy to know that a variation of pumps are back in 2025 – heeled pumps! These women’s business casual shoes are perfect for the office since they are elevated, have a closed toe, and on-trend.
What to Wear with heeled pumps: Heeled pumps look great with ankle length jeans and button-up tops.
Recommended Heeled Pumps: Naturalizer Georgia Low-Heel Pumps
Other Brands:
Everlane The Day Heel in Narrow Fit
What Shoes Are Considered Business Casual For a Woman in 2025?
Business casual is simply a dress code that mixes both business and casual elements. And shoes can be an important part of the puzzle – they can give a casual outfit a professional edge or they can make a glamorous outfit feel more casual and comfortable. It is how you pair your shoes that make all the difference. But these carefully chosen women’s work shoes follow strict guidelines.
Our criteria for business casual shoes for women:
- Classic: These are not one-season wonders, but have a timeless element.
- Professional and Versatile: These shoes can be paired with most items of clothing and still feel business casual – from jeans to dresses and smart pants.
- Trendy: They incorporate 2025 shoes trends to make you look feel edgy, fun, and modern (not millennial) from winter 2025 shoe trends to spring and summer trends.
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Which Business Casual Shoes for Women Should I Buy?
1) Think About The Season
Women’s Winter Office Shoes
Choose darker colors like black, chocolate browns, and maybe burgundy. Also look at thicker fabrics like leather and suede.
Our top recommendations:
- 1. Loafers
- 2. The Sneaker
- 3. Knee-high Boots
Tip: If you wear loafers and ballet flats but need additional warmth in winter, throw on a pair of stockings for extra warmth.
Women’s Spring Office Shoes
In Spring, you can opt for lighter colors and material to put a spring in your step.
Our top recommendations:
1. Loafers
2. The Sneaker
3. Flats and Mary Janes
4. Kitten Heeled Sling Backs
Women’s Summer Office Shoes
In Summer, you can opt for a pair of trendy flats with either a square or pointed toe. Kitten heeled sling backs are also great for those after work drinks, meetings, and pitches.
Our top recommendations:
1. Flats and Mary Janes
2. Kitten Heeled Sling Backs
3. Heeled Pumps
Women’s Autumn Office Shoes
As the weather cools and the leaves fall, you can fall back on your trusted loafer – they are the perfect transitional shoes. Sneakers and pointed boots are also a great option for a warmer and softer looks.
Our top recommendations:
1. Loafers
2. The Sneaker
3. Pointed Ankle Boots with a Heel
2) Think About Your Career And Industry
Startups, teachers, and marketers often have more casual attire. Business casual shoes for women like sneakers, flats, and ankle boots are a great option.
Leaders, bankers, and consultants may require more professional shoes for women. Opt for loafers and kitten heeled sling backs, and heeled pumps.
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3) Choose The Best Brands for Women’s Work Shoes?
You may wonder, where can I buy the best business casual shoes for women? When choosing a pair of shoes to add to your work wardrobe, you need to think about your style and if they are both practical and empowering but also a good quality and will last a long time. These are the best brands who people have repeatedly given high reviews and also meet the 2025 shoe trends.
- Everlane
- Vivia
- Addidas
- Rothy’s
- Naturalizer
Step into Success
Whatever your style, taste, or generation, your office shoes are important because dressing for success is a confidence-building exercise for women. These trendy and professional shoes for women can elevate your confidence and help you on your path to success. From loafers to sneakers and heels, you can’t go wrong with these timeless business casual shoes for women. Find a steady footing to climb the corporate ladder, deliver a spell-binding speech, or lead a company. Every step counts. So, get one of these business casual shoes for women and put your best foot forward.
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FAQs – Everything That You Need to Know About Business Casual Shoes for Women
Are sneakers business casual?
If you choose a classic-looking sneaker and pair it with smarter elements, most companies classify sneakers as business casual and give them the go-ahead for office settings.
What are the most comfortable business casual shoes for women?
If you are looking for comfort and class, opt for a pair of loafers, sneakers, or boots. Brands like Clarks, Madwell, and Ecco have high-quality and comfortable business casual shoes for women. We recommend choosing a pair of modern loaders, comfortable flats, or block heels as these shoes are all practical, trendy, and empowering.
Can women wear open-toed shoes for business casual?
Your office may have its own definition of business casual but when in doubt, opt for closed-toe shoes as they are more polished and professional.
How many business casual shoes should I have?
It depends on your personality, style, priorities, and profession. On average, people own at least three pairs of business casual shoes, ranging from more casual pairs like sneakers to a heeled pair.
How should I style sneakers in a professional setting?
Sneakers look great with a pair of darker wash jeans and a blazer. Alternatively you can pair them with wide-leg pants and a Tee. Both these looks will make your sneakers look more professional and polished.
How do I adapt my business casual footwear for different seasons?
If you want to wear your loafers in winter, add a layer of stocking and feel warm without compromising your style. You can apply the same logic to your flats and Mary Janes. During warmer months, wear shoes like kitten heels and heeled pumps for a fresher and cooler feeling.
What are the most comfortable professional shoes for women
The most comfortable professional shoes for women include sneakers and ballet flats such as the Veja Campo sneakers and the Rothy’s The Point. Other comfortable brands include Naturalizer and Vivaia.
Are Uggs boots considered business casual shoes for women?
While Ugg boots are great for evening shopping and even slipping on when going to a gym class, they are not appropriate for the office. Save them for other occasions as they may look slouchy and unprofessional at the office.
Are sandals considered business casual shoes for women?
In general, open-toe shoes are not really considered business casual shoes for women. Rather wear a pair of flats or Mary Janes as they are just as comfortable and more professional.
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