Whether because of a shift in your personal style (congrats on moving beyond the sneaker-and-jeans trend) or due to the more frequent formal events in life lately, heading into the world of men’s dress shoes is not only an acceptable but a very much needed change. It’s an essential turning point from a rugged 20-something to a refined 30-something adult. Such a change calls for a totally worth investment in a pair, or even several pairs, of high-quality leather shoes. And an inevitable visit to a premium shoe store online or in-store.
7 Dress Shoe Styles Worth Considering
We get it: sneakers and casual shoes are comfortable. But, no matter what people say, dress shoes can be, too–you only need to find the right style and pair for you. Bearing in mind that your shoes are your point of contact with the ground, you should opt for premium quality options when browsing the range of mens leather dress shoes for sale.
Deciding for quality might call for an upfront cost, but is a cost-saving solution in the long run and a premise for durability. A well-fitting, quality shoe can improve your posture, enhance your confidence, and allow you to make a statement while walking in style (which is, by the way, not less important than comfort). Here are the best styles of mens leather dress shoes for sale that every classy guy should strive to own.
1. Oxford
Oxford and Derby shoes are the two categories of formal lace-up shoes. Both have a vamp, which is the front of the shoe attached to the quarters (the upper portion that covers the sides and back), and a low heel often a Goodyear-welt construction. In Oxfords, the "facing," that holds the eyelets, is sewn underneath the vamp.. A good pair of black plain-toe Oxfords is your go-to dress shoe because they look sleeker with a closed lace; for added refinement, get them in patent leather (check out Mr. Fred Astaire). Originating in Scotland, Oxfords are also known as "Balmorals", as a reference to Balmoral Castle.
2. Derby
Derby shoes have open laces (the facing is exposed at the bottom), giving them a more substantial and adaptable feel – they’re like the Land Rover to the Audi A8 (representing Oxfords). They come in various colours, from cognac and oxblood to other reds and browns, and you can wear them with a suit, jeans, or chinos. Stay true to their rustic origins and wear pants and a sports jacket if you're a bit more conventional. There are minor distinctions between the two, which are best discussed over a pint.
3. Chelsea Boot
Chelsea boots, made popular by The Beatles and other British Invasion bands in the 1960s, have charming, equestrian roots that date back to Queen Victoria. They are a true rock 'n' roll addition to any modern shoe collection. They’re sleek and comfortable, and they have an elasticated gusset on the side (though many versions use a zip; see Austin Powers or Mr. Sammy Davis Jr.). You can pair a pair of Chelsea boots from any brand just as readily as you can with thin jeans and a leather jacket.
4. Brogue
We would say that "brogue" alludes to a particular detail—the holes created to let water drain from our Gaelic ancestors' feet—if we were indeed picking holes, as we are in this case. However, a brogue is still a shoe in and of itself, regardless of whether it is in the Oxford or Derby styles. The wingtips are a brogue with a decorative element on an enlarged toecap. Cap toes are brogues with a plain toe, although they usually feature holes along the cap's edge. Depending on your desired level of relaxation, try box calf leather, suede, or Scotch grain.
5. Loafer
Despite their name, slip-ons are not slipshod, although they do provide a more relaxed style. King George VI reportedly desired an indoor shoe for his rural home in 1926, albeit the exact origin is up for debate. Their moccasin-like upper, which frequently has a piece of leather straddling it (the saddle), is low seated and laceless. Note: The loafer differs from its relative, the moccasin, due to the absence of upper decoration and the presence of a heel. Typically, they’re Blake stitched, but if you want to wear them as frequently as Michael Jackson did, you can buy shoes that with rubber soles.
6. Chukka
The chukka is similar to the jodhpur boot in polo and is ankle-high, made from two pieces of leather, and has two or three high-lacing eyelets (fun fact: a chukka has a duration of seven and a half minutes in polo). The chukka is a more casual shoe traditionally made of calfskin leather; dressier styles come in suede or black kid leather. During a tour to Burma in 1941, Mr. Nathan Clark noticed what soldiers were wearing on their feet and decided to add crepe soles to desert boots. We would advise against wearing a crepe-soled chukka with a suit, and we prefer ours in brown or tan.
7. Monk Strap
This shoe, with its striking buckle, is a stylish substitute for a lace-up and falls somewhere between an Oxford and a Derby in terms of formality. While the two straps of a double monk convey a militaristic vibe and are typically paired with a toecap, single monk straps are more subtle and classic (try chocolate-brown suede). These dress shoes for men are preferred by fashionistas seeking something new, even though the style originated centuries ago when monks were searching for an alternative to sandals. People like Mr. Lino Ieluzzi, a Pitti Uomo regular, have helped to popularise them in recent years.
