Even today, a gentleman can be distinguished by his shoes. Conscious or not, the choice of stylish men’s shoes – Oxford, Derby, monk or brogue – can still point the way to a man’s character: is it stylish or not?
Because high-quality and aesthetically appropriate stylish men’s shoes can cover many fashion sins. And cheaply made square-toe leather suits can negate the hundreds of dollars invested in a custom-made suit. Do you see how important it is to do it right?
We guide you in the right direction, we have found the best stylish shoes for men. And with the help of two expert luxury footwear experts, you’re about to discover the pros and cons of stylish men’s footwear. Tip: It’s all about quality and what you’re willing to pay for it.
Types of stylish shoes
Before we talk about what to expect from a pair of shoes depending on how much you can spend, it’s important to break down the different types of dress shoes first, as it might not be as easy as going out and grabbing a pair. For work or a party.. Each style has its purpose and meaning.
Oxford shoes
The most formal and stylish Oxford shoe style stands out with its closed lacing system. Shoelace loops are usually found in the quarter, the part of the upper that wraps around the heel and meets the upper (upper that covers the toes and midfoot).
Oxford shoes are something you would definitely want to see on your feet at work. The formal character created by their closed lacing system tells others that you know how to dress and how much impact a good pair of shoes can have. When you invest in Oxford shoes, you want to spend as much as possible to get a reliable and durable pair of shoes.
Derby shoes
A less formal lace-up derby features a quarter section with eyelets for laces sewn to the top of the upper. This construction is known as an open band as opposed to the closed version of the Oxford. Derby shoes can be worn in the office without any problem, but if you’re higher in the hierarchy, we recommend steering more towards Oxford.
Monk band
For traditional purists, the double donut is something unique. Laced, not with laces, but with two metal buckles closed with leather buckles, it is a favorite among modern gentlemen with nostalgic tastes. If you want to stand out from the crowd, for example at a wedding, a monk band is the best choice.
Moccasin
From tassels to moccasins, the sleek leather sliding shoe is a more relaxed and versatile option. “Some guys hate moccasins. But for those who don’t, loafers are the perfect shoe when you can’t figure out what to wear,” Schaerf says.
Brogue
The classic English brogue – with a perforated leather patina – is a great smart casual shoe and goes perfectly with a tweed blazer or waxed cotton jacket and jeans or chinos.
It’s worth doing it right
While most luxury shoes cost upwards of $400, their quality, craftsmanship, and longevity far outweigh the high price. “As with all fashion, investing in durable and timeless footwear is essential.
And whether you like customization or not, luxury men’s shoes are made for you. “High-quality shoes that fit well will adapt to your foot over time, providing support and comfort when worn,” says Nick Schaerf, founder of luxury men’s shoe store Double Monk.
However, if you can’t afford fancy dress shoes, you’ll be happy to know that there are still plenty of cheap, high-quality dress shoes out there that are much more wallet-friendly.
Economy versus luxury
“Goodyear welding, hand painting, hand stitching, and premium leathers are common techniques that speak of the craftsmanship needed to make luxury footwear,” says Poulakis.
While exotic crocodile and ostrich leather shoes are available, the most common leathers are cowhide, full-grain calf leather, and “sometimes Cordovan, which comes from a horse,” Schaerf says. “Full-grain leather can be conditioned and treated to keep it soft and supple for decades.”
The way of sewing and welding the leather is also very important. “Most high-end Italian shoes are sewn by Blake and are made for lounging in the market rather than commuting.
Still in Europe, English shoemakers can’t be beaten for the duration, Schaerf says.
“The English bench shoe originated in the manufacture of military boots, so durability has always been paramount and has been perfected over many decades,” he adds. A key component? Goodyear welded sole.
And once you’ve nailed your shoe game, check out the hottest men’s socks brands of the moment and comfortable evening shoe brands if you’re more interested in comfort than style.
- 100% Leather
- Made in the USA and Imported
- Leather sole
- best dress item
- 100% Leather
- Heel measures approximately 1″
- Perforated footbed
- sturdy heel
- Imported
- 100% Leather
- Manmade sole
- Heel measures approximately 1″
Best Dress Shoes For Men FAQs
Other helpful DMARGE stories about shoes:
- The best casual dress shoes for men…
- The best casual shoes for men
- The best sneakers to wear with a suit
If you still need help choosing a pair of men’s dress shoes, we can help. These are the best men’s shoes right now.
Amberjack
A relatively new brand launched in November 2020 is Amberjack. However, the Amberjack team has years of experience working with some of the biggest heavyweights in the men’s footwear industry, including Cole Haan, Allen Edmonds and Adidas.
They only offer one shoe, ‘The Original’, an elegant shoe available in four timeless colors. But this shoe is secretly a serious game changer when it comes to men’s dress shoes. The soles of the Original are made with new patented materials produced by Amberjack, which offer comfort that lasts all day! The shoes also feature a foam heat activated arch support (which is more durable than memory foam) which, when heated by body heat, molds to the foot for custom arch support.
Not to mention the dual-density sole with premium athletic technology in the front for added flexibility and sturdy hiking shoe material in the back for support. And the sustainably sourced Italian suede used in the upper is waterproof, so you can wear these men’s shoes rain or shine and the suede stays protected and cool.
GH Bass
Founded in 1876, GH Bass is still engaged in manufacturing a wide range of footwear that includes both classic designs and styles as well as beautiful footwear that is a little “out there”. However, the best thing about GH Bass is the good price of their shoes.
If you’re looking for loafers, you’ve come to the right place with nearly 100 pairs. You can find a pair of oxfords and other laces, but there’s no better slip-on anywhere.
Hugo Boss
Think formal wear and you really can’t go beyond Hugo Boss. The high-end German menswear brand is somewhat synonymous with formal wear, and the suits are some of the best in the business.
Why stop here? The design team asked. Why don’t you dress from head to toe in Hugo Boss? This is exactly how you can make your mark with a well thought-out shoe collection. Derby and Oxford dominate the collection, with both models available in various shades of brown and black, and for those looking to add an alternative style, you’ll find chunky sole options too.
Scarosso
Scarosso is an Italian manufacturer of elegant men’s leather shoes that, thanks to its direct sales model, manages to sell a pair for less than you might expect. The company covers all major clothing styles, from Oxford to Derby, Loafers and Monk Straps, and all pairs are handcrafted with a variety of construction methods, including Blake and Welt, as well as a combination of both. You can be sure that a couple will last a long time. For a long time and will be fine for years to come.
Allen Edmonds
Born in America in 1922, Allen Edmonds decided to introduce new footwear techniques to create even more comfortable men’s shoes. This allowed the company to get rid of all kinds of nails and the metal bar that many other companies use underfoot.
The decision continues to prove successful, with many claiming that Allen Edmonds shoes are incredibly comfortable. You’ll find a wide variety of styles and designs in the company’s range, including the Boulevard Cap and Wingtip Oxfords, as well as a multitude of colors to match any outfit in your wardrobe.
Cole Haan
American shoe giant Cole Haan makes sure everyone gets the perfect pair of shoes. There are several pairs available in a wide range of sizes and widths and styles – Oxford, Moccasin, Derby and all pairs are ready to wear right out of the box with no real break-in time, so they’re proof that you’ll wear them there. One has to resort to age-old brands for stylish and high-quality men’s shoes.
Belsire
Belsire is another Italian manufacturer of high quality leather men’s shoes that defy their price. Belsire constantly strives to stay up to date with the latest footwear materials and manufacturing methods to ensure that the elegant footwear needs of the modern man are consistently met.
Travel
Neatly in the space between high street fast fashion and high-end designer, British fashion brand Reiss offers an affordable collection of premium clothing, accessories and footwear for children, favoring neutral tones and simple designs over formal and casual wear.
Reiss’ selection of dress shoes isn’t the widest, and you won’t find Oxfords, but you can choose from derbies, loafers and monk straps, all made of high-quality leather and made in Italy.
Charles Tyrwhitt
One name strongly associated with all things commercial and formal is Charles Tyrwhitt. The British label was founded in Jermyn Street, London and has since become a force in the shirt industry.
Charles Tyrwhitt also has an extensive selection of men’s shoes to suit Oxford, Derby, Monk Strap, Brogue and Loafer styles. Goodyear Welts products can be found in a large part of the collection, as well as leather and suede
Ted Baker
British luxury clothing brand Ted Baker has secured its place in the fashion world mainly through word of mouth, as there is no advertising. Ted Baker likes to add humor to its pieces along with other quirks such as colorful lace or interesting patterns and prints.
Ted’s range of dress shoes includes loafers, derbies, brogues, oxfords and a variety of boots, many of which feature subtle pops of colour, making them versatile enough to be worn for semi-formal and formal events.
Johnston & Murphy
If you’re the official shoe supplier to the Presidents of the United States, you must be doing something right. This is certainly the case with Johnston & Murphy, a shoe and clothing company whose history dates back to 1850. Over the next 170 years, Johnston & Murphy has continued to produce high-quality shoes made with traditional techniques that are guaranteed to last countless times. .
While J&M blurs the line between formal and casual in its flagship footwear collection, the company also has a selection of classic suits, including several pairs of Oxfords in different colors. The company’s XC4 line (which is all about performance) also includes pairs that can be worn in more formal situations.
J. Crew
J.Crew isn’t just a purveyor of preppy shirts and chinos for schoolboys, they complement the outfit with their own selection of shoes. The selected collections are made in collaboration with other well-known shoe brands, but J. Crew’s solo ventures are just as attractive.
The selection of evening shoes includes a fair number of moccasins that can also be worn with semi-formal and business-casual outfits, as well as derbies, which could be solved in the future thanks to the Goodyear Welt and fit. Wide range of sizes.
ALDO
Canadian shoe retailer ALDO was founded in 1972 and has since established itself as a destination for incredibly affordable, authentic quality shoes. Not all styles suit every taste, but the versatility and willingness to include it all adds to ALDO’s appeal.
ALDO’s clothing collection includes hundreds of pairs of shoes (including a large number of loafers) and traditional enthusiasts can find several pairs of Oxford and Derby shoes in different colors and sizes.
Doucal’s
Doucal’s is something of a revelation in the men’s shoe industry. The Italian company was only founded in 1973, which means many of its peers are at least 100 years ahead, but the brand has already established itself as one of the major players for men looking for formal footwear everywhere. Doucal’s secret is to combine the quality and comfort of Italian leather, but use it to make shoes in an unmistakably British way. After all, the British really bring their brand to the luxury footwear market, and imitation is the truest form of flattery, right?
Doucal’s selection of shoes covers all the major styles and colors and offers selected pairs in different heel heights to help you achieve the look that’s perfect for you.
Myrqvist
The Swedish shoe brand Myrqvist approaches the consumer directly, which enables its customers to get handmade stylish men’s shoes at a significantly lower price than its competitors. The leather and suede come from France and the UK, and all the shoes are assembled in Portugal.
Myrqvist’s collections feature dress shoes of all styles, with leather and suede used in all series. In some cases, you can even customize the sole with full leather or half leather and half rubber.
Lloyd
The German shoe brand Lloyd was founded in 1905 and opened a factory in Sulingen, where it still exists today. Each pair of Lloyd shoes is distinguished by the red stripe below the heel, a mark they have adorned since 1968. Although Lloyd shoes are not all handmade, at least they are seen by real hands in the finishing process. However, the factory manufacturing method not only allows for a versatile and wide range to be produced, but they are also much more affordable than other brands on this list.
However, you can be sure of a well-made pair of Oxfords or Derbys, as Lloyd wants to maintain its long-standing reputation as a favorite producer of businessmen around the world.
Carmina
This Mallorcan shoemaker has been making men’s men’s dress shoes on the island since 1866. The fact that the company is still going strong today should speak volumes for the quality of the shoes that come out of the factory. Market. Carmina is committed to sourcing quality leather for all of her handmade shoes, and because she’s a big believer in the Goodyear edge, Carmina shoes last for many, many miles.
Grenson
Although Grenson didn’t take the company name until 1913, it was already well established by then and, like Carmina, was known for its dedication to Goodyear’s Welt construction method, resulting in durable men’s shoes that delivered style and substance. Pot. Is offered. Today, Grenson is still synonymous with luxury and quality and is best known for its use of brogue detailing in shoes and boots. In fact, it’s hard to find a pair of Grenson shoes without details, so when it comes to stylish men’s shoes that you can wear casually with jeans and a blazer, Grenson is a hard brand to beat.
Crockett and Jones
Another well-respected shoemaker in Northampton shire is Crockett & Jones. The English company, like the others on this list, has an illustrious history in the shoe game, having been founded in 1879. C&J specializes in Goodyear welted footwear and, in an effort to maintain its high quality craftsmanship and reputation, remains family owned. Business for today.
Crockett & Jones was the official shoe supplier to the British Army during the First World War and received some awards directly from the British Monarchy. With numerous boutiques in top fashion destinations such as London and Paris, C&J represents the absolute pinnacle of quality.
Paul Smith
Paul Smith is a British brand you can always rely on when it comes to the essence of British tailoring. Whether its suits, shirts or shoes, you’ll find all the basics at Paul Smith. Paul’s range of dress shoes includes Oxfords and Derbys, so you can expect 100% leather and guaranteed comfort.
Tod’s
Italian luxury footwear brand Tod’s is perhaps best known for its range of high quality suede riding shoes and moccasins, making it the number one company in summer footwear.
Edward Green
Edward Green has also penetrated into the manufacturing of luxury footwear in Northampton shire. Edwards’s shoes were a favorite of the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Edward, Duke of Windsor, shortly after the company took off in 1890.
The company is still based in the north of England and produces around 350 pairs of shoes per week. It might not seem like a lot, but since they’re all handmade, it shows how long it takes to make each individual pair. Edward Green is also proud of the brand new (“shape” for lack of a better word) on which each pair is based, as they offer unique profiles and extreme comfort. You’ll find pairs with Oxford patterns, double and single buckle straps, and even full-length shoes made from a single piece of leather.
Church’s
Church’s is certainly one of Northampton’s most famous shoemakers, having been founded as his friends in the late 1800s. The company originally had employees making shoes from their own homes before finally bringing the production under one roof, and the company it really made its way when it launched the “Adaptive” shoe line, which essentially allowed customers to customize their shoes in different widths. , materials, and even half sizes (something most competing manufacturers don’t offer).
Today the company continues the luxury, with all hand-assembled men’s shoes in soft and supple leather, Goodyear finishes and shapes that have literally stood the test of time. If you have a pair of Church dress shoes in your collection, you can confidently say that you are at the forefront of your shoe game.
John Lobb
Another brand on the higher end of the budget is John Lobb, but for good reason. The British firm, which started its life (and is still better known today) as a bootmaker before expanding into men’s footwear, is a true champion in its field. Small details on each pair of shoes, such as the seamless back and full cut sections, only add to their luxury, not to mention the use of Goodyear sleeves and hand-finished details, leaving you with a sturdy pair of shoes. . Numerous signs of wear.
John Lobb not only has a range of shoes for Oxford, Monk Straps, Loafers and Derby, but also offers a bespoke service where you can order a pair of shoes that fit your measurements exactly.
TAFT
Founded in 2014, TAFT is a men’s shoe brand specializing in unique and bold shoe designs. TAFT shoes are made in Spain and Portugal with premium fabrics ranging from packing wool, woven furniture fabric to Charles F. Stead leather. Meticulous in their work, intentional in design and obsessive in cut, TAFT has become famous for unique and exceptionally crafted men’s shoes.
TAFT has a wide range of very well designed men’s shoes, all made from premium leather, in a range of unique styles that will make you stand out.
Jack Erwin
Founded in 2013, Jack Erwin was launched with one goal: to create truly timeless men’s shoes. Jack Erwin works with the best factories and artisans in the world to create custom styles and eliminate the expensive commissions and middlemen that add to the cost of other quality men’s shoes. Jack Erwin makes some of the best men’s shoes available that are surprisingly affordable.
Modern yet timeless, Jack Erwin offers a wide range of sophisticated, precise and unadorned men’s shoes at very reasonable prices.
Ace Marks
Founded in 2012, Ace Marks believes men shouldn’t pay lewd amounts for world-class handmade shoes. Ace Marks can use modern technology to do away with direct and their rewards and instantly deliver smart, modern shoes of all luxury (compete with top luxury brands) and all at an affordable price.
With a wide selection of men’s dress shoes – and every style, from suspenders to lace-ups – you’ll feel confident and comfortable as you put on a luxuriously powerful look as you rock the Ace Marks men’s shoes.
