If you were to be asked “Which is your favourite type of footwear”, two types would flash across your mind - Casual Shoes and Sneakers. For some time now, men’s casual shoes and men’s sneakers have been running the show in the men’s footwear department. Though we are tempted to consider them similar, it is important to note that there are differences between the two.
Both casual shoes and sneakers are ideal footwear that can be used in an informal setting and when you want to augment the style of your dress. Despite similarities, the event for wearing casual shoes and sneakers will change. Also, both of them have a specific purpose. Let us get into a detailed analysis of the differences between men’s casual shoes and men’s sneakers.
The Key Differences
Purpose
One of the main things to note when thinking of casual shoes is that they are a broader category of footwear that includes sneakers and others like loafers. The purpose of casual shoes is to deliver the maximum comfort to the wearer, without compromising style. Casual shoes are ideal for a casual gathering or informal setting, where you want to look your best, without being too formal.
Sneakers, even though a part of men’s casual shoes are on a different level entirely as they focus more on catering to the needs of athletes. Their purpose is to provide the best support to the ankles, heels, and feet, without compromising comfort. Though for different purposes, comfort stays at the core of both shoe types.
Design
Any footwear aficionados can easily tell men’s sneakers apart from casual shoes. That is because the former has a slightly different style than the latter. As mentioned above, sneakers primarily target those who partake in an active lifestyle. Therefore, they would boast a sporty design and feel a bit bulky. They would have thicker soles for comfort and support.
Casual shoes, on the other hand, aim to complement your dress and style, therefore, they boast a slightly formal style, be it contemporary or traditional style and will appear more sleek than sneakers. They won’t have thicker soles but will be lightweight to offer comfort all day long.
Material
Be it casual shoes or sneakers, comfort comes first. It is evident from the materials that these are made of. men’s casual shoes usually are made of lightweight materials, including knitted synthetic fabric, leather or canvas. Sneakers, on the other hand, usually will be made with breathable mesh that helps with better ventilation, leading to more comfort during walking, jogging, running or training.
Dress Pairing
Does sneaker go with all types of casual dress? Even though we love to pair men’s sneakers with all types of outfits, the sad truth is that they don’t pair well with all of them. Being performance-focused footwear, they can be worn with sportswear and other applications include pairing with jeans.
Men’s casual shoes can go well with different outfits, including semi-formals, button-down shirts, blazers and more. They can add to the style of the outfit and offer you a more polished and refined look.
