... you'll always wear nice shoes. Sure, it may be a business-casual environment, but if you can't bother to wear decent shoes, you're a slob and a loser. I find that I have nothing but contempt for people who wear cr-ppy shoes to work. I knew this before, but Nordstrom confirmed and reinforced it with me.
A sharp pair of loafers can spiff up a pair of jeans. Add a collared shirt, and you look pretty good in this shabby world. Complete the look with a jacket, people will think you are interviewing. But shoes are the foundation. Good shoes are essential.