Presenting a polished appearance is a valuable life skill that every gent should have in his arsenal. Whether you’re dressing for a job interview, a formal function, or even a date, looking the part is essential for success. While your clothes are naturally a significant part of presenting yourself, your shoes are just as important. A man’s shoes say a lot about him whether he wants them to, so nailing your footwear choice is crucial for projecting the right image. In this guide, we explain the different types of men’s dress shoes to help you look your best.
1. Oxford
The Oxford shoe is a classic men’s dress shoe that belongs in every gent’s closet. Its closed lacing system, which features stitching across the bottom, can identify it. Oxfords also feature a low heel and short back, creating a neat and polished appearance. Perfect for pairing with a suit, Oxfords are a reliable choice for every formal occasion. While black, polished styles easily work for the highest of dress codes, other varieties of Oxfords can suit any number of events. Amberjack has a great Oxford shoe that will complete any man’s outfit.
2. Brogue
Brogues can be a deceptive shoe type. The name comes from the process of broguing, which involves adorning shoes with heavy perforations (large pinpricks). As such, shoes that are technically another style, such as Oxford or Derby, are often classed as Brogues because of this decorative addition. Confusing or not, the unique look creates a shoe with personality and style. Best of all, they can be worn with anything from jeans to a suit.
3. Derby
Like Oxfords, Derby shoes are another common type of dress shoe. Slightly less intricate in design, however, Derbys feature an open lacing system, unlike oxford shoes with the bottom of the lacing section sewn closed. The comfortable style suits most formal occasions and can easily be paired with a suit. While traditional leather varieties of Derby shoes are perfect for a classic, polished look, other types, in materials such as suede, are ideal for a slightly more casual look.
4. Monk Strap
The monk strap shoe is a stylish and unique dress shoe. Featuring a strap across the top and a buckle (or two), the sleek design can be worn with several formal looks for everything from a business meeting to a night out. The popular and fashionable shoe is also a great choice for gents seeking a polished style with more interest than the standard Oxford or Derby. Just be sure to choose a leather style with a shine to keep the look refined and sharp.
5. Loafer
Loafers are laceless shoes often featuring a Moccasin-style construction. The comfortable slip-on shoe adds a stylishly relaxed touch to formal outfits. Although loafers can work with several looks, they pair great with suits, especially those worn with flare. Choose classic Penny and tassel loafers in leather for a unique and dapper look. If you want to impress, however, a decadent pair of velvet loafers will undoubtedly do the trick.
7. Chelsea Boot
When you think of dress shoes, you may not immediately think of boots, but maybe you should. After all, the right boot style can give gents a great finishing touch to formal looks. Chelsea boots are one such style and can be paired with anything from casual to cocktail attire. The round-toe ankle boots feature elasticated sides that make them easy to slip on and off without laces or buckles. Departing with these traditional fastenings allows Chelsea to create a sleek and clean look.
8. Lace-Up Boot
Dress boots are another style of boot that can be worn dressed up. Unlike Chelsea boots, dress boots feature laces down the front and finish above the ankle. The slim style projects a subtle utilitarian vibe and offers outfits a slight edge. Perfect for partnering with casual eveningwear and stylish weekend wear, dress boots look best in black or brown leather and will add plenty of interest to your outfit.
9. Chukka Boot
Chukka boots are comfortable dress boots that finish at the ankle. Their shorter height means they feature minimal lacing, creating an uncomplicated appearance. This simple yet sharp style also makes Chukka boots ideal for smart casual and semi-formal dress codes. Although the style sometimes appears in traditional leather, it is most commonly featured in suede, adding to the shoe’s relaxed image.
10. Sandal
You needn’t sweat your feet off in summer to look stylishly dressed. While flip-flops are undoubtedly inappropriate for formal and dressed-up occasions, a nice pair of sandals can be just what your outfit needs. Although you can’t rock them to a black tie function, you can wear a pair to smart casual events and general weekend get-togethers where you want to look your best. Look out for unique and sleek leather varieties to make your outfit work.
Dress Shoes for Men FAQs
What are the best men's dress shoes?
When it comes to formal men's dress shoes, you'll want to invest in a pair of oxford, brogue, derby, or monk strap shoes, preferably in a high-shine leather. Oxfords are the dressiest of these styles. If you're looking for men's dress boots, Chelsea, lace-ups, and chukkas are all great options that work with a range of outfits. Finally, loafers and sandals are both excellent choices to suit less formal occasions.
What are male dress shoes called?
When someone refers to male dress shoes, they're most likely talking about Oxfords, the most formal design. Other styles include brogue, derby, and monk strap. These are all similar to oxfords, with differences occurring in the detailing, closures, and heel height.
How should men take care of dress shoes?
If your dress shoes are leather, you'll need to start by wiping any excess dirt off with a soft cloth. Then apply polish in a matching color, and use a horsehair brush to buff excess polish away. Get extra shine by applying a drop of water to the leather and polishing vigorously with a cloth, repeating all over. This is commonly called a 'spit shine.' When it comes to suede shoes, use a suede brush to get rid of dirt, and revive the nap. Then, finish with a couple of coats of waterproofer to prevent future damage. Finally, always store your shoes in a clean, dry environment, away from the elements.
Taylah Brewer holds a bachelor's degree in fashion and business and is a skilled writer with several years of experience in the world of online content creation and copywriting. She is passionate about fashion, beauty, and all things lifestyle-related and has been writing for The Trend Spotter since 2016. She currently works as the Head of Digital & Ecommerce at White & Co.
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