Can you wear the same shoes in boardroom meetings and on the factory floor?

Nowadays many workplaces are less formal than before. But even though we dress less strict, there´s certainly reason to dress appropriately. We want to show belonging, feel comfortable and feel good about ourselves.

In recent years, the choice of shoes and clothes has become much more casual in most workplaces, says Erik Dahlgren who works at Skoaktiebolaget in Stockholm. However, I can see a slight return to more formal clothing and shoe choices now that people are going back to their offices after working from home during the Covid-19 lockdown. Many mention that they have started to miss wearing a suit and a pair of freshly polished shoes after all the work from home.

So which shoes are right for the job? Here´s a simple style guide with the most common and important shoe models. As usual, there are many variants, interpretations, and opinions about what is right. But most people agree on these basics.
The lacing and buckles are the basis. Then there are different kinds of patterns.
In general, the more patterns and decor a shoe has, the less strict it´s considered.

Oxford - the classic

Models with so-called closed lacing are called "Oxfords". The side pieces with lace holes are located under the front of the shoe. Oxfords are available in many different colors and versions, but they all share the same lacing and that is that type of lacing that gives the strict impression. If you go to work dressed in a pair of Oxford shoes, you are never wrong.

Derbys – a relaxed classic

In a "Derby" the lacing is open and the side pieces with the lacing holes are over the front of the shoe. A little more casual than Oxford's but still on the right side of formal wear.
Derby shoes are also available in many different colors and versions. A common variant is "Brouge" where the shoe has a pattern of perforated holes. A "Blucher" is a variant of Derby where the side pieces are not sewn on but part of the back shoe.

Monk shoes - stylish, cool and casual

A model that many believe is new, even though it has more than 100 years on its neck. Monk shoes have buckles, one or more. A versatile shoe that fits most out fits, even jeans. Perfect for chinos and a little more friday casual. A nice and good solution for those who want to avoid tying their shoes.

JALAS-VIP – formal with built-in protection

Then we come to the shoes for those occasions when you must be dressed for both the boardroom and the factory floor. JALAS VIP is a classic Derby boot with a discreet perforation as a pattern on the top. Perfect for the engineer who occasionally visits the construction site and for the production specialist who occasionally needs to go down to the factory floor.

It was obvious that there was a need for a nice safety shoe, says Juuso Rajakallio, designer at Ejendals and responsible for the design of Jalas VIP. The big challenge, however, wasn´t the appearance of the shoe. but finding materials that live up to the tough requirements that exist to get a safety shoe certified.

You can wear JALAS VIP with either casual clothes or a suit, the shoe has a toe cap, nail protection and a non-slip and shock-absorbing outsole. Available in black and brown, also as a low shoe in black and in both men's and women's sizes.