Even today, you can still tell a gentleman by his shoes. Whether deliberate or not, one’s choice in men’s dress shoes – Oxfords, Derbys, monks or brogues – can still point the way to a man’s character: is he stylish or not?
The reality is that quality and aesthetically on-point dress shoes for men can cover a multitude of fashion sins. Conversely, cheap pleather knock-offs with a square-toe cap can undo hundreds of dollars invested in an expensive suit. In short, you better get your shoes right if you want your outfit to work.
Don’t know where to start? Well, we’ve uncovered the best dress shoes for men. And, with the help of two knowledgeable luxury footwear experts, you’re about to discover the dos and don’ts of men’s dress shoes. Hint: it’s all about quality and being prepared to pay for it.
How we curated this list
We’ve long been quite fond of well-made dress shoes, but the reality is not everyone can afford $1,000 shoes. So we’ve put together a collection of brands responsible for high quality and various price points.
- Price – How much is too much?
- Design – Shape is everything
- Quality – Where are they made?
- Delivery – Will they arrive quickly?
- Reviews – What are other people saying about the brand?
Julius Marlow
Pros
- They have a long history of quality
- They have ergonomic designs available
- Premium-looking shoes
- They use the O2 Motion and Cristal Sole technologies
Cons
- They may lose their shine quickly
Born in 1928 on the streets of Melbourne, Julius Marlow has a rich history of quality shoemaking and has long been the go-to choice for Aussie men in the know.
The thing that’s always made Julius Marlow shoes so unique is how they combine classic bootmaking and dress shoe aesthetics with cutting-edge, ergonomic yet discreet innovations which make their shoes easy to live with and make looking premium look easy, such as their Crystal Sole and O2 Motion technologies.
Julius Marlow are mostly known for their Oxford shoes but you’ll also find plenty of loafers, Derbys and other styles in their range.
GH Bass
Pros
- They know how to mix modern and classic styles
- You can find more affordable options
- There’s a wide range of shoes to choose from
- They’re very easy to slip on and off
Cons
- You don’t always get many colour options to choose from
Founded way back in 1876, GH Bass has remained committed to producing a huge range of shoes that encompass both classic designs and styles along with good-looking pairs that are a little bit more ‘out there’. The best thing about GH Bass, however, is how well their shoes are priced.
If loafers are what you’re after, then you’ve come to the right place, with nearly 100 pairs to choose from. You will find a few pairs of Oxfords and other lace-ups, but for slip supremacy, there’s nowhere better to go.
Hugo Boss
Pros
- You can find dress shoes that look good with all outfits
- They also include alternative styles
- It’s easy to take care of them
- They use premium leather materials
Cons
- Sometimes, they can be on the pricier side
Think formal attire and you can’t really skip past Hugo Boss. The high-end German menswear brand is somewhat synonymous with formal dress, with its suits being among some of the best in the business.
Why stop there? the design team asked. Why not outfit guys from head to toe in Hugo Boss? That’s exactly what you can do with the brand’s considered footwear collection. Derbies and Oxfords dominate the lineup, with both styles being offered in various shades of brown and black, and for those who want to inject some alternative style, you’ll find chunky sole variants too.
Scarosso
Pros
- Products handcrafted by experts in Italy
- They have all major dress shoe styles
- They’re classy and can match anyone’s taste
- Their quality will not decrease over the next few years
Cons
- Their shoes are more expensive than other brands
Scarosso is an Italian manufacturer of leather dress shoes for men that manages to sell pairs for less than you might expect thanks to a direct-to-consumer sales model. The company encompasses all the major dress shoe styles, from Oxfords to Derbys to loafers and monk straps, and with all pairs being handmade and incorporating a variety of construction methods, including both Blake and Goodyear welts, along with a combination of the two, you can be sure of a long-lasting pair that will look good for years to come.
Allen Edmonds
Pros
- There’s no shortage of colours to choose from
- Shoes that provide extra comfort throughout the day
- Strong build that will last for years to come
- 212-step manufacturing process that ensures quality
Cons
- They may be hard to break in
Born in America in 1922, Allen Edmonds decided to employ some new shoemaking techniques in a bid to create even more comfortable dress shoes for men. This saw the company do away with nails of any kind, as well as the metal bar that many other companies use under the instep.
The decision continues to prove to be a successful one, with many claiming Allen Edmonds shoes to be incredibly comfortable. You’ll find a range of styles and designs within the company’s range, including Boulevard Cap and Wingtip Oxfords, along with a multitude of colours that will work with any suits you have in your wardrobe.
Cole Haan
Pros
- Incredible attention to detail
- They have shoe pairs in extended widths and sizes
- You don’t need a break-in period
Cons
- They’re not the cheapest shoes
American footwear giant Cole Haan is in the business of providing everyone with the perfect pair of shoes. With many pairs being available in extended sizes, widths, and all pairs being ready to wear right from the off with no real break-in period required, they’re proof you don’t need to resort to centuries-old brands for great quality men’s dress shoes.
Reiss
Pros
- It is an ideal option for men who like neutral tones
- They use high-quality leather only
- They can make anyone look confident and stylish
Cons
- They don’t have an extensive range of dress shoes
British fashion label Reiss nestles neatly in the space between high-street fast fashion and truly high-end designer, offering guys an affordable premium collection of clothes, accessories and footwear that favours neutral tones and plain designs across formal and casual pieces.
Reiss’ dress shoe range isn’t the largest ever, and you won’t find any Oxfords, but instead, you’ll be able to choose from Derbies, loafers and plenty of monk straps, all of which use high-quality leather and are made in Italy.
Charles Tyrwhitt
Pros
- Shoes that suit anyone’s taste
- They use high-quality leather and suede for their dress shoes
- It’s a brand that cares about nature and is carbon-neutral
Cons
- It may take up to 10 working days for an exchange or refund to be processed
A name heavily associated with all things business and formal is Charles Tyrwhitt. The British label was founded on London’s Jermyn Street and has since become a force to be reckoned with within the dress shirt space.
Charles Tyrwhitt also has a generous selection of dress shoes for men to match, ticking off all major styles. Goodyear welted soles feature across much of the range, as do both leather and suede.
Ted Baker
Pros
- They offer all the classic styles of dress shoes
- They’re not very expensive
- You can wear the shoes for both semi-formal and formal events
Cons
- There are not many colour alternatives for all shoes
British luxury clothing brand Ted Baker has asserted its place within the fashion sphere through predominantly word of mouth, since they don’t really do advertising. Ted Baker aims to inject humour into its pieces, along with other quirks such as coloured laces or interesting patterns and prints.
Ted’s dress shoe range encompasses all your classic styles including loafers, Derbies, brogues, Oxfords and various styles of boots, many of which introduce subtle pops of colour, lending them to being versatile enough to be worn for semi-formal and formal events.
Johnston & Murphy
Pros
- They’ve been around for more than one decade
- They use traditional techniques to make their shoes
- The pairs are very strong and durable
- Signing up for the newsletter will grant you 10% off your first order
Cons
- They may start to look worn down very soon
When you’re an official supplier of footwear to the US Presidents, then you must be doing something right. That’s certainly the case for Johnston & Murphy, a footwear and clothing company that can have its history traced back to 1850. In the 170 years since, Johnston & Murphy has continued to produce high-quality shoes made using traditional techniques that will be guaranteed to last you countless wears.
While J&M does blur the lines between formal and casual for its main shoe collection, the company also has a range of dress classics, which comprises several pairs of Oxfords in various colours. The company’s XC4 range (which is performance focused) also encomapsses pairs that can be worn in more formal situations.
J. Crew
Pros
- They often collaborate with many other large footwear brands
- They have dress shoes for business-casual outfits or semi-formal ones
- You can get them for more affordable prices
Cons
- Some pairs can be quite uncomfortable
Not just a supplier of shirts and chinos to preppy college boys, J. Crew completes the outfit with its own range of footwear. Select collections are made in collaboration with other well-known footwear brands, but J. Crew’s solo efforts are equally appealing.
The dress shoe range is made up of a fair number of loafers which lend themselves to being worn with more semi-formal and business-casual outfits too, alongside Derbies, that can be resoled in the future thanks to their Goodyear welt construction and well-fitting thanks to a generous selection of sizes.
Doucal's
Pros
- They use high-quality Italian leather
- You can find all colours and styles
- It’s easy to create the perfect look with their shoes
Cons
- They’re not the cheapest shoes
Doucal’s is something of a revelation within the men’s dress shoe industry. The Italian company was only founded in 1973, meaning several of its peers have at least 100 years head start, yet the brand has already cemented itself as one of the big players for men seeking formal footwear everywhere. Doucal’s secret is combining the quality and comfort of Italian leather, but using it to create shoes in an unmistakably British way. After all, it’s the Brits who have really put their stamp on the luxury footwear scene, and imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?
Doucal’s shoe range encompasses all the major styles and colours, and offers select pairs with varying heights of heel to help you achieve the perfect look for you.
Myrqvist
Pros
- You can customise the sole to be either half-rubber and half-leather or full-leather
- They source their leather and suede from the UK and France
- They offer 10% off your first order when you sign up for the newsletter
Cons
- They’re not always true to size
Swedish footwear brand Myrqvist employs a direct-to-consumer approach so that it can offer customers handcrafted dress shoes for men for a much more affordable price compared to its competitors. Leather and suede are sourced from France and the UK respectively, and all shoes are put together in Portugal.
All dress shoe styles are catered for in Myrqvist’s collections, with both leather and suede used across the ranges. In some instances, you can even customise the sole to be either full leather or half-leather and half-rubber.
Lloyd
German footwear brand Lloyd was founded in 1905, setting up a factory in Sulingen, where it remains today. Each pair of Lloyd shoes is distinguished by a red stripe found on the bottom of the heel, a mark they have adorned since 1968. While Lloyd shoes aren’t all produced by hand, they do at least get seen by real hands for the finishing process. However, the factory production method allows them to not only produce a varied and extensive range but also allows them to be much more affordable than some other brands on this list.
You can still be confident of a well-made pair of Oxfords or Derbies if you invest in this brand as Lloyd is keen to uphold its years-long reputation for being a manufacturer of choice for businessmen the world over.
Carmina
Pros
- They have an experience of over 150 years
- They source the finest quality leather
- The pairs do not deteriorate quickly
Cons
- They’re on the pricier side
This Marjorca-based shoemaker has been producing its eclectic range of dress shoes for men on the island since 1866. The fact the company is still going strong today should tell you all you need to know about the quality of the shoes that walk out of the factory. Carmina is dedicated to sourcing the finest quality leathers to use for all of its handcrafted shoes and as a strong supporter of the Goodyear welt, Carmina shoes will last you for many, many miles.
Grenson
Pros
- They have a lot of fine and unique details on them
- They can be worn casually as well
- The brand offers free returns
Cons
- The shoes are not very cheap
Grenson was founded in the same year as Carmina, albeit in Northamptonshire, England. Although Grenson didn’t adopt its company name until 1913, by then it was already well established and, like Carmina, was known for its commitment to using the Goodyear welt construction method, resulting in durable dress shoes for men that offered style and substance in spades. Grenson remains synonymous with luxury and quality today and is best known for its use of brogue detailing across shoes and boots. In fact, it’s hard to find a pair of Grenson shoes without the detailing, so if it’s a formal pair of men’s dress shoes that can be worn casually with jeans and a blazer you’re after, Grenson is a tough brand to beat.
Crockett and Jones
Pros
- Incredible quality thanks to the high-quality craftsmanship
- They have a good reputation
- They have been around for over a century
Cons
- You don’t have many colour options
Another prestigious shoemaker to hail from Northamptonshire is Crockett & Jones. The English company, like others on this list, has an illustrious history in the shoemaking game, having been founded in 1879. C&J specialises in Goodyear welted footwear and in a bid to retain its high-quality craftsmanship and reputation, remains family-owned to this day.
Crockett & Jones has been the official boot supplier to the British Army during WWI and has been on the receiving end of a few awards direct from the British Monarchy. With a number of boutiques in high-end fashion destinations including London and Paris, C&J represents the absolute pinnacle in quality.
Paul Smith
Pros
- Comfort is guaranteed
- They use 100% leather
- They’re easy to take care of
Cons
- Some of their shoes only come in one or two colours
Paul Smith is a British brand that can be consistently relied upon when it comes to quintessential British sartorial style. Whether it be suits, shirts or shoes, Paul Smith has you covered for all bases. Paul’s dress shoe range includes Oxford and Derbies and with them, you can expect 100 per cent leather and comfort guaranteed.
Tod's
Pros
- They offer high-end suede pairs
- Timeless pieces that never go out of style
- They come with maintenance and care cards
- They offer a branded dustbag
- 2 years guarantee for all shoes
Cons
- The shoes are on the pricier side
Italian luxury footwear brand Tod’s is perhaps best known for its range of high-end suede driving shoes and loafers, making it the go-to company for summer-orientated footwear. Did someone say sprezzatura?
Edward Green
Pros
- They spend a lot of time handcrafting their designs
- Shoes with great comfort and unique profiles
- They have a wide range of cool designs to make you look stylish
Cons
- They tend to be pricey
Also muscling its way into Northamptonshire-based luxury shoemaking is Edward Green. Edward’s shoes were favoured by the likes of Ernest Hemingway and the Duke of Windsor shortly after the company found its footing in 1890.
The company remains in northern England today and produces around 350 pairs of shoes a week. It might not sound like many, but considering they’re all handcrafted proves just how much time goes into creating each individual pair. Edward Green also prides itself on its lasts (the ‘mould’ for want of a better word, that each pair is based on) as they offer unique profiles and supreme comfort. You’ll find pairs encompassing the Oxford style, double and single monk straps and even whole-cut shoes, which are made from a single piece of leather. Fancy.
Church's
Pros
- The shoes come in many sizes, materials, and widths for the best comfort
- They stand the test of time
- They make any man look elegant
Cons
- You must notify them within 14 days if you want to make a return
Church’s is certainly one of the more famous shoemaking companies to come from Northampton, and, likes its peers, was founded in the late 1800s. The company initially had workers producing shoes from their own homes before finally bringing production under one roof, and the company really found its footing when it launched an ‘Adaptive’ collection of shoes that offered customers the chance to essentially customise their dress shoes in various widths, materials and even half-sizes (something not offered by most other rival manufacturers).
Today, the company continues to exude luxury, with all of their dress shoes for men being put together by hand using soft and supple leathers, Goodyear welts and lasts that have quite literally stood the test of time. If you have a pair of Church’s in your dress shoe collection then you can confidently claim to be at the top of your footwear game.
John Lobb
Pros
- Incredible details, such as whole-cut quarters
- They use Goodyear welts to make the pairs last longer
- They have a bespoke service so you can get a pair that fits you perfectly
Cons
- They’re not cheap
Another brand sitting at the top end of the budget spectrum is John Lobb, but there’s a good reason for it. The British company, which started life (and is still best known for) as a boot maker before expanding into dress shoes for men too, is a true master of its craft. Minute details on every pair of shoes, such as seamless back pieces and whole cut quarters only add to their luxurious nature, not to mention the use of Goodyear welts and hand-finished touches all over to leave you with a pair of shoes that will last numerous wears.
John Lobb not only has pairs of shoes covering Oxfords, monk straps, loafers and Derbys, but also offers a bespoke service, allowing you to order a pair of shoes that are cut to fit your exact dimensions.
TAFT
Pros
- They have more affordable options
- Well-made shoes that won’t deteriorate quickly
- They’re well-crafted and include fine details that make your outfits pop
- The brand uses premium textiles like suiting wool and woven upholstery fabric
Cons
- Not everyone will be a fan of the bolder designs
Founded in 2014, TAFT is a men’s footwear brand specialising in unique, bold shoe designs. TAFT shoes are produced in Spain and Portugal with premium textiles ranging from suiting wool, to woven upholstery fabric, to Charles F. Stead leather. Meticulous in their work, intentional in their designs, and obsessive over what makes the cut, TAFT has become well-known for their extremely well-made unique men’s shoes.
TAFT has a huge range of extremely well crafted dress shoes for men, all made with premium leather, in a variety of unique styles that’ll make you stand out in a crowd.
Jack Erwin
Pros
- They have some of the finest artisans and factories
- Decently-priced dress shoes for all budgets
- They can make any man stand out
Cons
- There isn’t a lot of design variety in their shop
Founded in 2013, Jack Erwin was launched with one sole purpose: to create truly timeless men’s shoes. Partnering with the finest factories and artisans in the world, creating custom styles, and eliminating costly markups and middlemen that drive up the costs of other quality men’s dress shoes, Jack Erwin produces some of the best men’s footwear available that’s surprisingly affordable.
Modern yet timeless, Jack Erwin has a huge selection of dress shoes for men that are refined, precise, and unadorned for an extremely reasonable price.
Ace Marks
Pros
- They are very comfortable
- Shoes that help you make a statement
- They have luxurious styles in stock
Cons
- Some of the designs may look quite plain
Founded in 2012, Ace Marks believes that men shouldn’t have to spend obscene amounts for a handcrafted world-class shoe. Using modern technology, to cut out middlemen and their markups, Ace Marks can directly deliver cleverly contemporary, utterly luxurious shoes (which rival those of the top luxury brands) all at an attainable price.
With a huge range of dress shoes for men – and with every style from monk straps to oxfords on offer – you’re sure to not only feel comfortable but also make a lavish powerful statement when rocking a pair of Ace Marks’ men’s dress shoes.