Are you all ready to head out for that event, dressed from head to ankles? Yes, you are right, we intentionally did not say toes. Because your shoes must be included in the perfect outfit if you want to look flawless. Shoes can easily make the difference between shabby and chic and make or break your perfectly polished outfit. Take care of what you are wearing on your feet and you will ace that interview or date easily.
Just to mention the important fact at the beginning: you should not buy your new dress shoes without any prior shoe knowledge. The right dress shoes must fit you perfectly, should be made 100% out of durable leather and be properly stitched to avoid a short-lived life.
The popular claim is that you need five men’s dress shoes in your wardrobe that will transform you into an elegant man and will make you confident in the office or at events. Find the best dress shoes for men you should own and let the transformation begin.
Oxford Shoes
Oxford shoes are the most common type of men’s dress shoes. You can see them being worn basically everywhere – to the office, to a wedding or sometimes even combined with chinos for a casual night out. Their main standout feature is a closed lacing and low heel, making them look elegant and clever. Black Oxford shoes are mainly appropriate for high-end events, while brown-colored Oxfords might be worn to any other occasion that calls for some level of formality.
Derby Shoes
Derby shoes are very similar to Oxfords but have one main feature that distinguishes them: Derbies have an open lacing system. Like all the other men’s dress shoe types, they also come in many variations and colors, but the lacing always remains open. Derby shoes are only suitable for casual events and you should not wear them for very formal occasions.
Find more differences between Oxfords and Derby shoes here.
Monk Straps Shoes
Monk Strap – as the name suggests – is a dress shoe type without laces. Instead, they have a strap across the upper top of the shoe and a buckle to close it. These straps make them fall into the semi-formal category, ideal for a day at the office. One-strap version and two straps (called double-monk) are the most widely worn choices. Monk Straps are still very eye-catching which makes them popular among refined gentlemen that want to look unique.
Brogue Shoes
The name Brogue shoes comes from the broguing technique, used to perforate the upper part of a shoe to create a decorative ornament. Broguing can be used on all of the dress shoe types mentioned (Oxfords, Derbys, Monks) and depending on the perforations, we differ between full brogue, semi- brogue and quarter brogue. The only rule: the more broguing, the less formal the Brogues are.
Wingtip Shoes
Wingtip is another semi-formal choice for work but can also be worn as a high-end variation for your tuxedo night. Its key feature is a cap toe shaped like wings, often perforated with broguing. The color rule is similar to with Oxfords, black Wingtip shoes are mostly preferable for formal occasions, whereas brown Wingtip is for casual days.
Recent years have brought a comeback for this unique type of dress shoe, so be sure to find yours to complete your dress shoe collection with them.
Cap Toe Shoes
Cap Toe should maybe not be introduced as a separate group but rather as a version of other dress shoe types. Cap Toe shoes feature individually sewn leather in the toe part which is separated from the rest of the upper leather part (called vamp). This provides extra protection for the sensitive part of the shoe while wearing them daily or when travelling, but also gives an appealing look to Monks, Oxfords or Derbys.
Wholecut Shoes
If you want to go for a very clean appearance, Wholecut shoes are the best choice for you. They are cut and made from a single piece of leather and need to be produced by skilled shoe artisans. Wholecuts are not considered very formal, mostly thanks to their non-traditional form.
Men's Loafers
Among the staple footwear that every gentleman must have in his closet is the classic loafer. What are loafers? Loafers are a slip-on style of shoe that is usually constructed in leather or suede. It does not feature any laces, fastenings, or other types of closures. It’s a low-cut shoe with a flat heel and a thin leather sole. A loafer is a shoe style that one can easily slip his foot in and out of.
Tassel loafers
Tassel loafers are a very common and modern type of loafers gentlemen wear today. They feature tassels sitting on the shoe vamps and are most traditionally made from suede.
Penny loafers
The adaptable nature of the penny loafers and its availability in a wide range of colors and materials, makes it the perfect style to wear whether professionally or casually. As such, they are favored by men of varying ages and varying style preferences.
Horsebit loafers
The horsebit loafers are also known as Gucci loafers, as the house of Gucci was the one who invented them. They are a luxurious style coming with different colored metals and can be customized to make you stand out of the crowd.
Oxford vs Brogue
Oxford Shoes: The epitome of elegance, Oxford shoes are distinguished by their sleek design and closed lacing system. They embody sophistication, making them ideal for high-end events. Typically found in black for formal occasions and brown for less formal settings.
Brogue Shoes: Brogues are not so much a distinct shoe type but a detail that can be added to various shoe types, including Oxfords. The defining characteristic of Brogues is the decorative perforations (broguing) on their upper part. These perforations range from simple (quarter brogue) to elaborate (full brogue), with the level of broguing dictating the shoe's formality—the more broguing, the less formal.
Key Differences: The main difference lies in the details. While Oxfords prioritize a clean, unadorned look, Brogues feature decorative perforations. Oxfords are more formal, especially in black, while Brogues, even on an Oxford, are less formal due to their decorative nature.
Oxford vs Monk Strap
Oxford Shoes: Known for their closed lacing system, Oxfords offer a sleek, smooth silhouette. They are the go-to choice for formal events, with their minimalistic design exuding class, they are the preferred style as a professional shoes.
Monk Strap Shoes: These are laceless shoes featuring a strap and buckle closure. Monk Straps fall into the semi-formal category, striking a balance between elegance and uniqueness. Available in single or double-strap varieties, they offer a distinctive look for office wear or semi-formal occasions.
Key Differences: The most striking difference is the presence of laces (Oxford) vs. straps (Monk Strap). Oxfords are more traditional and formal, while Monk Straps provide a stylish alternative with a hint of flair, suitable for less formal settings.
Monk Strap vs Loafer
Monk Strap Shoes: Characterized by their buckle and strap, Monk Straps are a stylish choice for semi-formal attire. They provide a unique look that sets them apart from more traditional dress shoes.
Loafers: Loafers are slip-on shoes, known for their ease of wear and versatility. They come in various styles like tassel, penny, and horsebit loafers. Loafers can be dressed up or down, making them suitable for both casual and professional settings.
Key Differences: The primary difference is the fastening mechanism – Monk Straps use a buckle, while Loafers are slip-ons. Monk Straps lean towards a more formal, distinctive style, whereas Loafers offer casual comfort and versatility.
Wingtip Shoes vs Brogues
Wingtip Shoes: A semi-formal choice known for their distinctive wing-shaped cap toe, often featuring broguing. They can be dressed up for formal events or down for casual days, depending on the color and design.
Brogue Shoes: Again, Brogue refers to the perforation style that can be applied to various shoe types, including Wingtips. The broguing can range from minimal to extensive, affecting the shoe's formality.
Key Differences: The defining feature of Wingtips is the shape of the cap toe, resembling wings, which often includes broguing. In contrast, Brogues are defined solely by the perforation style, which can be applied to different shoe types, including Wingtips.
Loafers vs Brogues
Loafers: These are versatile slip-on shoes, perfect for a range of occasions, from casual to semi-formal. Loafers come in various styles and materials, offering comfort and ease of wear.
Brogue Shoes: Brogues are defined by their decorative perforations, which can be added to different shoe types, including loafers. The level of broguing determines the shoe's formality.
Key Differences: Loafers are characterized by their slip-on design, while Brogues are defined by their decorative perforations. Loafers are generally more casual and versatile, while Brogues, depending on the amount of broguing, can range from casual to semi-formal.
We hope that you've learned the most basic and important men's dress shoe types and you will be able to find the best ones for you. Don't forget that at Hockerty, your shoes are always custom-made. They are made of 100% Italian leather and produced in Spain. Find more in our collection:
If you want to learn more about men's boots types, read our guide here. Or you can try designing your custom boots for men directly.
See more:
- Our Chukka Boots
- Our Chelsea Boots
- Our Dress Boots
