There has never been a better time to invest in a great pair of men’s dress shoes. Not only because you’ve probably kept your favorite luxury sneakers (or dare we say slippers?) For the past couple of years, but also because there are so many adorable pairs available right now.
While most dress shoes look pretty understated, the best dress shoes make a great point to pull off all the stops. Not only should they be stylish enough to go with the rest of your wardrobe, but they should also be comfortable enough to stand on for hours on end.
And of course they need to be made from first-class materials so you don’t have to go through the whole process a year later.
Dress shoes look slightly different in modern times, though. Of course, we’re still primarily geared towards Oxford or Derby styles, but the growing number of men’s boots (especially Chelsea boots), smart trainers, and more means there’s a lot more room for experimentation when it comes to dressing.
Quality men’s shoes, stylish men’s shoes, comfortable men’s shoes – believe it or not, they can all be in harmony. Read on to discover the best formal shoe brands in the world, from the most affordable to the most expensive and everything in between.
- 100% Leather
- Made in the USA and Imported
- Leather sole
- Cap-toe balmoral
- Leather sole
- Pure black
- Type: dress
- Import
- Imported
- Man Made sole
- Lightweight shock absorption
- Leather
21 best dress shoes for men
1. AmberJack: Best overall dress shoes for men
There is a reason why Amberjack shoes launched with a waiting list of 10,000 people. Rewarding the best-dressed men’s shoe is no small feat – pun intended – and beyond all the essential boxes, it takes a lot to tick those special details. Beautiful? To check. Budget-friendly? To check. A quality? To check. We could go on, but we’ll hunt down.
Amberjack’s The Original is the sleek shoe of your dreams, combining everything from soft sheepskin lining to heat activated arch support and premium American bull leathers. This brand buys directly from its suppliers, which means its elegant shoes have all the prestige but not the outrageous price. We are big fans.
2. Hugo Boss: Best high-end dress shoes for men
Hugo Boss is above the crowd when it comes to best-dressed men’s shoes, and Derby shoes, made from Italian vegetable-tanned calfskin, are a prime example. These Hugo Boss shoes combine just the right amount of understated style with impeccably soft leather and exquisite tailoring.
Available in two shades, they will add understated style to your sleekest outfits, offering comfort and style in a way that smaller shoes are hard to replicate. Their natural patina promises to age beautifully no matter how often you use them.
3. Allen Edmonds: Best value men’s dress shoes
Dress shoes don’t have to cost a fortune, and some of the best pairs won’t give you much. A hidden gem in the world of fine footwear, these studs ensure comfort and style, with enough money left over for the rest of your outfit.
Allen Edmonds Oxford shoes come in a wide range of colors, making them more than easy to match or contrast with your look. A timeless pointed Oxford with fine stitching offers just the right amount of attention and the cork sockliner adapts to the foot over time for a custom fit.
4. Axel Arigato: Most comfortable dress shoes for men
We’ve mentioned over and over again how big fans we are of Axel Arigato shoes, and the brand’s elegant shoes are no exception. These seamless dress shoes are perfect for all kinds of smart casual situations, when you don’t want to wear Oxfords, but need something more elegant than regular trainers.
Bonus points: They are also super comfortable, made from smooth leather and placed on a padded base for maximum comfort. A subtle printed logo and minimalist silhouette make this sleek Axel Arigato shoe a high-end option that you can use whenever and wherever possible.
5. M.Gemi: Best slip-on men’s dress shoes
A great pair of men’s loafers is an underdog in the shoe industry that always promises a trendy look with a difference. The best loafers take on the traditional dress shoe, offering comfort and style in a breathable way that’s always ready for the warmer months.
Our favorite couple? It has to be M.Gemi and especially M.Gemi’s The Filare. A stylish take on the classic penny loafer, these loafers are much more comfortable than they first appear, handcrafted in Tuscany, Italy and complemented by all the Italian style we know and love.
6. Church’s: Best oxford shoes
There isn’t a single staple in a man’s wardrobe like a perfectly fitting pair of Oxfords. Perfect for the work week, great for trendy dinners at trendy restaurants and even better for impromptu nights where you really want to impress. Leather Oxfords are a must-have if you don’t already have a favorite pair. Your wardrobe.
Church’s Pamington Oxford shoes are the best on the market – a premium pair made from soft buttery leather, designed by a brand with nearly two centuries of know-how behind them. They are the complete package in Oxford.
7. Johnson & Murphy: Best formal shoes for men
Johnston & Murphy’s Bradford Oxford is the real deal for those truly cutting-edge events where you need to go all out. Everything about these stylish shoes is designed to amaze, from the subtle patent design to the subtle detailing and pointed toe.
Crafted from soft leather, these men’s dress shoes will happily accompany you to corporate events, fancy dinners and any other occasion. A simple polish will get them back to their best before you go. They may be inconspicuous to care for, but they promise a top impression.
8. Oliver Cabell: Best casual dress shoes for men
Finding a casual dressy shoe isn’t easy – the window between too casual and too dressy is certainly small and usually requires a lot of research before finding the perfect balanced pair. For such occasions you will always find us with Oliver Cabell
The perfect luxury white sneaker that just needs to be paired with tailored trousers for a casual look. These comfortable dress shoes make a sharp first impression and easily maintain their pure white color. Italian calf leather is responsible for that incredibly smooth fabric against the toes.
9. New Republic: Best smart casual dress shoes for men
The New Republic Kurt leather sneaker fills the gap when you’re choosing between white or black sneakers. Combining a chunky white sole with a solid black frame, these sneakers are a smart choice for a smart casual event, when pure white sneakers might lean a little too much towards the casual end of the spectrum.
A classic everyday fit, also available in several colors, the Kurt leather sneaker is soft and flexible, designed for comfort without compromising on style. Each shoe is crafted from hand-stitched leather to ensure you’re impressed.
10. Koio: Best business casual dress shoes for men
Business casual can feel like an incredibly open dress code with no real rules and plenty of room to accidentally mess up. Trick? Start with a solid foundation, the best smart casual shoes, and work your way up from there.
As long as your shoes fit, the rest will probably fall into place. Your company’s casual savior is Koio’s Lucca shoe. These desert boots are as easy to dress up as they are perfect for a weekend getaway if you’d rather just take a pair of shoes with you.
11. Santoni Polished Oxford: Best men’s dress shoes for work
The best stylish shoes for the office will ensure you’re always prepared for any eventuality, such as a spontaneous Monday morning meeting or a last-minute presentation you’re not as prepared for as you first thought.
The best work shoes increase your safety and look good. Santon’s shiny Oxford makes shoes look shiny even when you don’t feel them. A small heel draws attention when you walk into the room, and the rustling lacquer finish adds endless charm to the professional look of your business. The almond-shaped tip gives the final touch to the whole.
12. Kingsman: Best dress shoes for a cocktail party
A cocktail party requires a few things other than a dress shoe – not only does it look good, but it also needs to be comfortable enough to keep you happy all night, dancing, chatting and whatever else comes your way.
Like women’s heels, the best pair of cocktail party shoes promises a great night out where – ironically – your shoes are the last thing on your mind. Kingsman’s George Cleverley Patent Leather Oxford Shoes offer all of the above, with one small exception – you’ll never forget the shoes you wore here, thanks to the endless number of compliments you’ll brush off lightly.
13. Amberjack: Most trendy men’s dress shoes
There are dress shoes and then there are Amberjack’s Chelsea Boots Midnight Suede. These elegant shoes will attract the attention of the room and transport you to a world where comfort, style and all kinds of cool come together. Your dress at the same time.
Even if you wear your old dress pants and a shirt a little beyond its peak, no one will notice as long as you are wearing elegant and sophisticated boots. Amberjack’s water-repellent suede turns a classic boot into an incredibly stylish boot.
14. Scarosso: Best leather dress shoes for men
Most of the men’s dress shoes with eagle eyes are usually made of leather, but it would be difficult to find a pair as buttery as Scarosso’s Jacob Brown Oxford. These elegant shoes in really soft chocolate brown calfskin give you strength when it comes to it.
An almond-shaped nose, a lace-up front and a low heel ensure that all the necessary features are present. The clever logo of this impressively established brand only adds to the look.
15. Salvatore Ferragamo: Most fancy men’s dress shoes
Salvatore Ferragamo is one of the best in the business when it comes to fine menswear, and the brand’s double buckle Gancini shoes are a prime example of this point. Taking a step away from the usual Oxford style, these Monk Strap shoes offer an elegant contrast with the same impressive combination of fashion and fabric from toe to heel.
These Italian-made elegant shoes can be expensive, but their quality means you only need to buy a pair and they will last for decades. And that’s when you consider how many times you can find an excuse to use them.
16. Clarks: Best black dress shoes for men
You can’t go wrong with a pair of Clarks, and there’s a good reason this shoe brand has been around for decades. Style, support, and affordable price tags go hand in hand in this selection of perfectly crafted shoes that look much more expensive than the image on the label suggests.
If you are looking for black men’s shoes, we always recommend the Clarks. And above all the Atticus LTLace shoes in black leather. Available in three shades with a sleek, smart upper and a lightweight, durable design, they promise all-day comfort and style.
17. Hugo Boss: Best brown dress shoes for men
Brown dress shoes are your secret weapon if you are looking for a basic wardrobe that will match most of your current outfits. While black dress shoes can be limited to a black dress, brown dress shoes can also bridge the gap between a gray and navy blue dress. Or brighter colors if you’re looking for contrast.
Hugo Boss is truly the boss when it comes to buying brown dress shoes. These stylish leather shoes have a subtle grain texture that adds a subtle touch of premium fit to an already impressive shoe. These Hugo Boss shoes are the ones you will want to flaunt.
18. Dream Pairs: Most popular men’s dress shoes
Amazon’s best-selling dress shoe pulls off the seemingly unattainable when it comes to dress shoes: put together a pair that’s comfortable, soft on the inside, available in a variety of colors, and under $50.
While we’d normally be wary of long-lasting dress shoes in this price range, the Dream Pairs Bruno Marc Moda dress shoes have a lot of satisfied customers: around 10,000. Crafted from vegan leather, these stylish shoes please the world as well as they look, featuring a thin wooden heel and a classic brogue wingtip.
19. Santoni Suede Oxford: Best modern men’s dress shoes
Dress shoes don’t necessarily have to be patent leather and pointed toes – modern dress shoes push the boundaries in a trendier and, above all, much more comfortable way.
This means Santon’s Suede Oxford shoes are a great option if you want to avoid traditional dress shoes. While this is clearly a casual option, their suede upper and narrow toe are sure to suit a variety of formal occasions. Sure, you might not wear them to a wedding, but when you go out to dinner, they do more than just get the job done.
20. Rockport: Best budget men’s dress shoes
The Rockport full leather or nubuck upper proves that cheap dress shoes don’t have to skimp and skimp on quality. A pair of Rockport Big Bucks Margin shoes that you’ll likely buy once and enjoy before buying them back when they finally outgrow them, they’re ready for any formal occasion.
Cleverly disguising their affordable price, these stylish shoes have all the essentials and more. With a padded tongue and collar with a traditional lace-up fastening, these shoes will never blister your feet, while a comfortable lining gives your feet a bright background all day long.
21. Tom Ford: Most expensive dress shoes for men
Tom Ford produces the pinnacle of objectively stylish menswear, and the brand’s shoes sit very high on the throne. Elkan’s smooth leather laces are made from one of the softest calf leathers and have become a shoe masterpiece.
Some of the best things in life may be free, but we’d say some of the other best things in life, namely these shoes, are worth the money they cost you. Slip them on and watch the rest of your outfit come to life as you confidently enter the room one calf leather print at a time.
A guide to buying the best stylish shoes for men
Style rules have changed over the years. Whatever your father or grandfather may have told you, it’s time to turn things around in the world of dress shoes. This means moving away from intricately designed OTT boots towards shoes. But also diversify the look of these subtle shoes or boots.
Not sure where to start? Read our complete guide. Here’s everything you need to know before choosing your next pair of shoes.
Style
The Oxford remains the most popular elegant shoe with a sharp toe and slim silhouette. This is closely followed by the Derby, which is very similar but has a slightly different lacing style.
The Derby is considered a little less formal than the Oxford thanks to its open rather than closed cut, but it works just as well in the office as it does at formal events. Other popular styles of dress shoes that you will see include the brogue, moccasin, and Chelsea shoe.
Loafers, boat shoes, and chukka boots are all other great choices, but if you’re going to a really formal event, stick to the Oxford.
Material
However, keep an eye out for a specific type as not all skins are created equal. For shoes that will last at least a few years, we recommend full leather. Vegan leather is also a great and more durable option.
Other dress shoes are made of suede, which looks stylish but may require more maintenance. If you’re looking for an easy option, stay away from suede or patent leather.
