I get asked weekly about what dress and business casual minimalist shoes are available for folks who have transitioned to minimalist running shoes. I struggled with this in 2010 after I ditched and donated all my heeled and narrow dress shoes. It would be another year before the first minimalist business casual, the VIVOBAREFOOT Ra, hit the market.
Today, there are many options available but only three vendors that are truly zero drop and with wide toe boxes: VIVOBAREFOOT, LEMs Shoes, and The Primal Professional. What follows are the models available from these vendors that are perfect as dress shoes (goes with a suit) and business casual (jeans and jacket or office use).
If you are worried about getting the correct sizes, don’t worry.
- For The Primal Professional shoes, after ship date, if you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, you can return your order for a full refund, or exchange for another size/style, for up to 365 days from the date the original order was shipped. Returns must be clean, in the state you received them, with original packaging and all accessories included.
- For LEMs Shoes, all LEMs products that are unworn without any visible wear and tear can be returned or exchanged within 45 days of purchase, NO EXCEPTIONS.
- For VIVOBAREFOOT shoes, we highly recommended purchasing from Zappos since they offer free shipping on all domestic orders and you can return your order to the warehouse for a full refund. Returns must be unworn, in the state you received them, and in the original packaging.
What follows is a quick Dress & Business Casual Minimalist Shoes Primer. Eventually, I’ll have a Casual Minimalist Shoes Primer…
The Primal Professional FER Cap-Toe Oxfords
The Primal Professional shoes has a timeless real style, is interchangeable with multiple outfits and situations formal and casual, and provides you with real comfort throughout. The FER and ZETONE are exactly the same style except for the presence or absence of a cap over the toe. These shoes are made by a shoemaker with a real Heritage of 120 years’ experience. And because, not only are they resoleable, but they are backed by their full recrafting service which will restore your shoes to better-than-new, years later, for a fraction of the cost.
Where to buy online: The Primal Professional, Minimalist Shoes
The Primal Professional ZETONE Plain-Toe Oxfords
Same as the FER but without the cap over the toe.
Where to buy online: The Primal Professional, Minimalist Shoes
LEMs Shoes Nine2five
Even if you’ve got a case of the Monday’s, your feet will be showing you much appreciation after slipping on the all full-grain leather oxford. Settle into that cubicle and let your feet relax, for no stylish dress shoe has ever allowed your toes so much room for wiggling and comfort ability. Well here it is you 9 to 5er, the shoe that will make that climb up the corporate ladder a cake walk.
Where to buy online: LEMs Shoes, Minimalist Shoes
VIVOBAREFOOT Ra II Leather
The Ra lets you work, rest and play in comfort and style as if you were barefoot. This classic barefoot Oxford lace-up lets your feet behave naturally whilst the smart suede upper does a perfect job of keeping up appearances. Also available in Canvas.
Where to buy online: Zappos, VIVOBAREFOOT
VIVOBAREFOOT Gobi II Leather
Being barefoot has never looked this good. The classic design of the Gobi desert boot, by VIVOBAREFOOT’s Head Designer Asher Clark, unites simplicity with style and offers premium appearance appropriate for work and play with its brushed leather finish. Also available in Suede.
Where to buy online: Zappos, VIVOBAREFOOT
VIVOBAREFOOT Hand Cut Collection
The VIVOBAREFOOT Hand Cut collection is part of VIVOBAREFOOT barefoot luxury casual shoe category. These models include Bannister, Lisbon, and Porto and all are hand cut, hand stitched, and handcrafted using premium leather components. The finest traditional shoe making techniques are resurrected to create these shoes that have a wide anatomic toe box and super thin puncture-resistant sole for your feet barefoot luxury. Designed in England by Head Designer Asher Clark and Made in Portugal.
VIVOBAREFOOT Bannister
A tennis inspired premium lifestyle shoe exhibiting the traditional and high quality shoe making techniques of Portugal. The hand finished, polished leather and leather foxing looks the part whilst the leather footbed will feel great and get better with age.
Where to buy online: Zappos, VIVOBAREFOOT
VIVOBAREFOOT Lisbon
The Lisbon is VIVOBAREFOOT formal barefoot dress shoe that lets your feet perform whilst you look the part. The hand finished, polished leather is suitable for the most formal occasions and will allow your brain to engage with the ground. The leather footbed is durable yet comfortable and will form around your foot giving true barefoot experience.
Where to buy online: Zappos, VIVOBAREFOOT
VIVOBAREFOOT Porto Leather
The Porto makes no excuses: it unites premium luxury with classic style and has been created using the finest traditional shoe-making techniques available.
Where to buy online: Zappos, VIVOBAREFOOT
There you have it – give your feet a break and let your toes spread naturally. Enjoy the freedom and save your back!