For smart casual and business casual offices, the best shoes that make you taller look like normal smart shoes. The VAHL Venice suede loafer (5 cm lift, 2 100 SEK) suits the smarter end, Oslo in black suede (6 cm, 1 900 SEK) works where clean sneakers are accepted, and Stockholm and Copenhagen suit relaxed offices. If your workplace requires formal leather dress shoes, we do not make those.
Which pair for which office
| Dress code | Pair | Lift | Wear with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business casual, client meetings | Venice, deep navy suede loafer | 5 cm | Tailored trousers, chinos, shirt |
| Smart casual | Oslo, black suede sneaker | 6 cm | Dark tailored trousers, shirt |
| Relaxed or creative | Stockholm, deep navy suede sneaker | 6 cm | Dark denim, chinos, knitwear |
| Relaxed, warm months | Copenhagen, beige suede sneaker | 6 cm | Light chinos, linen |
Be honest about the dress code
We make suede sneakers and a suede loafer, not formal leather dress shoes. In a strict formal office, they are not the right choice. Look at what the best-dressed people in your office wear on a normal day and match that.
How the lift stays out of sight
The lift is built into the shoe, with no removable insole. On the sneakers, 3.4 cm of the 6 cm is visible outsole and the rest sits inside. On the Venice loafer, 2.2 cm of the 5 cm is visible. Read more in do elevator shoes look obvious?
Styling for work
- Hem trousers and chinos so they reach the top of the shoe, with little or no break.
- Keep colours connected: navy with navy or grey, black with charcoal, beige with light chinos.
- Be consistent. Wearing the same height of shoe most days means nobody has a lower reference point.
Getting used to them before a big day
Do not save a new pair for your first big presentation. Start at home, then wear them for shorter days, and build up to full working days. Check the size indoors first: see which size to order. Size exchanges are free within 14 days of delivery, and returns have a fee deducted: full terms. Weekday orders before 12:00 Swedish time ship the same day, with delivery to Sweden, Norway and the EU in 2 to 5 business days.
Common questions
Which VAHL shoe is smartest for the office?
The Venice loafer in deep navy suede, with a 5 cm lift. Oslo in black suede is the smartest of the sneakers.
Can I wear suede at work?
Yes, in smart casual, business casual and creative offices. If your office requires formal leather dress shoes, we do not make those.
Can I wear them all day at work?
Yes, once you are used to them. Build up from a few hours at home to half days before your first full working day.
Will colleagues notice?
The lift is built in, so the shoe looks like a regular suede sneaker or loafer. If you wear the same height of shoe most days, there is no lower reference point to compare with.