They're fine for everyday wear in a business casual setting, with khakis and maybe a nice Izod polo, but I strongly recommend against for an interview in any professional setting.

Specifically: They're brown. The soles are too obviously rubber, not leather (particularly the heel). The stitching is too pronounced.

I'm not going to bash Cole Haan. I'm sure they're very comfortable; and for less than $100 more you can get some much more elegant looking Cole Haans on Zappos. I'd link directly but am not allowed due to post count -- just search for "Cole Haan Lennox Hill Cap Ox" on Zappos.

Some interviewers will judge you for your choice in footwear; an unconventional choice will provide reason to question your judgement.

 
Best Response

When I see someone step into my office with brown shoes, I can't help but question their character.
I mean, the gall of some people, AMIRIGHT? Walking into MY office, wearing a color that can't be formed on the primary color chart.

Take a look at the color chart I've attached. At the epicenter of the chart, do you see brown?.... NO. You see black.

Black is a mix of all the primary colors, but takes the individuality people love about red, blue, and yellow, and churns them into a personality less, bottom line hungry, number crunching nightmare.

Black is the life blood of Finance, and just so happens to be the color of my boss's blood. Black says you're a veteran of the game that will fall back on integrity, foundation, and hard work to solve problems (that's the stuff nations are built of).

Why would you throw that away by wearing a color that may even be construed as Clay?

Make the safe choice. Make the right choice. #Blackshoesmatter

"A man can convince anyone he's somebody else, but never himself."
 

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