The Best Dress Shoes For Men
When it's time to dress to impress, few things matter more than what you're wearing on your feet. Whether you're suiting and booting for a day at the office, celebrating a wedding, or you just tend towards sartorial elegance in your daily wear, no man's wardrobe is complete without a good pair of dress shoes. Real leather options offer a classic aesthetic, but if you prioritize comfort over tradition there are a host of designs that take advantage of modern materials. Whatever you choose, and whatever the occasion, we're sure that these shoes will have you looking at your very best.
What to Look For
The classic Oxford design has stood strong in the world of dress shoes for centuries, and you’ll find plenty to get your feet into here. You can opt for subtle designs that sport a smooth toe, or, if you’re looking for a more embellished finish, cast your gaze towards traditional Brogue patterning. Bruno Marc’s Oxfords offer both options, and these shoes boast impeccable craftsmanship. If you’re looking to keep it classy, these could be the ones for you. If you’re searching for an ultra-comfortable option that doesn’t compromise on style, the rubber-soled Oxfords from Clarks could be your best bet. Read on below to find a shoe to suit your style.
Bruno Marc Leather Oxfords
Vintage vanguard
Harking back to the vintage style of the eponymous university on the British Isles, Oxford shoes are a top contender in the world of formal wear. This USA-designed option from Bruno Marc is a charming rendering of the classic style that bears all the hallmarks of the traditional form we know and love, with a dash of contemporary refinement to keep your feet happy all day long. Your feet are sure to enjoy the soft pairing of premium leather with this padded latex footbed, giving you the comfort to step forward with confidence and purpose.
Pros:
- The company provides a detailed measuring chart to help you find the best fit for your feet.
- These Oxfords are available in a range of designs, ranging from rich brogue patterning to smooth and minimal plain-toe styles.
- Light patterning on these soles will offer a little more grip than your average Oxfords.
Cons:
- The authentic leather makes these dependable and durable, but it takes longer to break in than synthetic options.
Dream Pairs Prince Classic Modern Wingtip
Polished perfection
If you love the authoritative click-clack of a raised heel, these wooden-heeled Oxfords from Dream Pairs won’t disappoint. The one-inch heel raises your arch to optimize your podiatric profile and support a natural stride, and it adds a subtle lift to your stature in the process. A lace-up design gives these modern wingtips a chic look, and the durable woven laces are sure to stay tight wherever your feet may lead you.
Pros:
- The stitching on these Oxfords is high-quality thanks to the top-notch craftsmanship.
- These wooden heels come lined with a thin layer of grip on the undersole that will keep you from slipping and sliding on smooth surfaces.
Cons:
- These shoes tend to have a mild chemical scent at first, but this should dissipate once you’ve aired them overnight.
Clarks Tilden Walk
Walking on a dream
With almost 200 years of shoemaking history under their belt, Clarks have had plenty of time to refine the art and design of their flagship dress shoes. These minimalist Oxfords might not stand out from the crowd at a first glance, but with a tactful blending of the modern and traditional, they offer a dependable comfort to see you through each day of the working week. In a crucial departure from the classics, the Tilden Walks are equipped with a soft thermoplastic rubber outsole. With this cushioning bed underfoot, you can say goodbye to the days when you had to choose style over comfort.
Pros:
- With this shoe, underfoot padding doesn’t end at the sole. This snug pair is equipped with lightweight Ortholite footbeds for all-day comfort.
- The rubber soles offer excellent traction, so you won’t find yourself slipping around on wet pavement.
Cons:
- The toe box on these shoes is narrower than some other designs, so folks with wider feet may feel the squeeze.
Deer Stags Greenpoint
Easy on
Loafers aren’t just for loafing. These elegant slip-ons from Deer Stag prove that you don’t have to get your hands dirty to look the part. With these, you can gracefully slip into your morning outfit, and you won’t have to stoop over when the hour comes to kick back and relax. The thick, durable outsoles are sure to stand the test of time and give a gentle spring to each step.
Pros:
- The soft synthetic upper hugs your feet and is quicker to break in than most leather options.
- A broad toe box leaves plenty of wiggle room, making these a great choice for those with wider feet.
Cons:
- These loafers probably won’t keep your feet dry when it’s raining out.
Jousen Classic Oxfords
Vegan friendly
In this day and age, there are a wealth of alternatives to leather. If you’re looking for a snazzy pair of Oxfords made of animal-friendly materials, this is a good pick. These crafty leather alternatives from Jousen sport a breathable synthetic upper that will leave untrained eyes clueless to the difference.
Pros:
- Say goodbye to squeezing into sizes that are a little too small. A wide range of half-size options means you won’t have to compromise here.
- The cushion footbeds absorb some of the impact from these classic wooden soles.
Cons:
- Like many synthetic leather options, these shoes tend to arrive with a slight chemical smell that might require an overnight airing before wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is synthetic leather made from?
Artificial leathers are usually made from petroleum-based plastics or polyvinyl chloride. Their plastic composition can bring a bit of a whiff when fresh from the factory, but a few hours of aeration should clear away any residual odor.
Can I replace the flat leather soles on Oxford shoes?
The classic Oxford design is well known for its smooth sole. If you’re looking for a bit of extra grip without compromising on this look, take a look at some rubber-soled alternatives. If you’re unwilling to compromise, you can always take your new pair of Oxfords to a shoe repair shop to have extra traction added.
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