Guide To Men’s Dress Shoes
5/5/2023
Guide To Men’s Dress Shoes
If men’s dress shoes are unfamiliar territory to you, we’ve got you covered. Brogues? Double monks? Oxfords? We’re here to break down menswear so you can choose the perfect formal shoe for any occasion.
Every guy needs at least one pair of dress shoes in their wardrobe and the secret is choosing a style made with quality materials that last. Our men’s dress shoes are all handcrafted in Portugal, using timeless techniques such as Blake stitching to ensure durability. Every pair is fitted with our biomechanical footbed to provide cloud-like comfort day in and day out, too.
We’ve put together a guide that covers all the different types of men’s formal shoes, how to wear them, and most importantly, how to keep them looking fresh.
Types Of Men’s Dress Shoes
ABOVE: Barium / Tan Leather
Oxford Shoes
What Are Oxford Shoes?
Oxfords are the most common type of men’s dress shoe and are easily identifiable by their ‘closed’ lacing system. This means the eyelet tabs (two pieces of leather on either side of the shoe) are stitched underneath the vamp, giving them a slim silhouette ideal for formal wear. Oxford shoes come in many different designs, including plain toe caps and brogueing.
How To Style Oxfords
The Francium Black Leather Lace Ups is a classic Oxford style with plain toe caps. Great for business attire and formal occasions, style the Francium with a navy suit and your choice of shirt for a refined look. If black leather isn’t for you, check out the Francium Chocolate Leather Lace Ups as your next suit shoe.
Take it up a notch with an Oxford brogue, the Barium Tan Leather Lace-ups. Featuring decorative perforations and a traditional wing tip (the swooping wing shapes at the toe) for an extra touch of elegance. Brogues are great for work meetings, happy hour or a romantic dinner. Take these tan dress shoes and style them with neutral chinos and a tailored blazer for a smart-casual vibe or opt for a suit for something a little more debonair.
ABOVE: Dubnium / Chocolate Leather
Derby Shoes
What Are Derby Shoes?
Next, we have Derbys. Similar to Oxfords but the main difference is the ‘open lacing’ structure of the shoe. Dress it up or dress it down, Derby shoes work well with suits, chinos and jeans that will see you through the work week and the weekend.
How To Style Derbys
The Osmium Mahogany Leather Lace Up is our go-to for versatile dressing. Featuring a plain toe cap, this smooth leather style will polish any look. Wear them to the office or a wedding, these brown dress shoes go well with any suit.
For the ultimate black tie look, we bring you the Carbon Patent Leather Lace Up. Look the part and style with your best tux. Take strides in these super sleek patent leather dress shoes and exude supreme class.
ABOVE: Thallium / Chocolate Leather
Dress Boots
What Are Dress Boots?
Yes, dress boots are a thing and we’ve got the perfect style in mind. Chelsea boots. Featuring a sleek silhouette, elastic side panels and a small heel, the classic Chelsea boot can easily be pulled on to match any look.
How To Style Dress Boots
The Thallium Chocolate Leather Boots really can do it all. From the board room to the bar, dinner dates to engagements, you can wear a dress boot all year round. The convenient design makes them a great travelling companion that you can pair with jeans and a shirt, or a suit and tie.
Available in a great range of colours, look sharp in the Thallium Black Leather Boot or Thallium Chocolate Suede Boot.
ABOVE: Vanadium / Tobacco Suede
Monk Straps
What Are Monk Straps?
Buckle up in this laceless dress shoe. Monk strap shoes are a simple style featuring a single or double strap that goes over the front of the shoe and is fastened with a buckle. The subtle detailing gives a great amount of edge while still being smart and formal.
How To Style Monk Straps
The Vanadium Black Leather Double Monks ticks all the boxes. Adjustable monk straps? Check. Toe cap? Yes. Handcrafted in Portugal to give you the best quality dress shoes, the Vanadium is one you’ll have for many years to come. Pair with a well-fitted suit of any hue including grey, black, blue and ivory for the ultimate men’s business shoe.
Alternatively, if black leather isn’t your style, check out the Vanadium Chocolate Leather Double Monks. Spruce up your look with this classy brown dress shoe.
ABOVE: Shoe Care
Caring For Dress Shoes
Leather shoes can last a lifetime with just a little TLC. Here are a few simple steps that will help improve the longevity of your shoes.
Protect: Spray your new shoes with leather-protecting spray to help protect against scuffs and the elements.
Condition: Leather is a natural material and needs to be hydrated to prevent it from drying out. The Bared Leather Conditioner can be used on all smooth leathers to protect, preserve and polish the leather.
Polish: Restore scuffed leather and refresh colour with the Bared Leather Wax. Available in a range of colours to provide a high-gloss finish to your shoes.
Shoe Trees: Invest in a pair of cedar shoe trees to help keep your shoes in shape over the years.
Rest: Give your dress shoes a break by not wearing them back-to-back. Leather needs time to relax and this will also ensure you get maximum wear over the years.
Find Your Perfect Fit
All our men’s dress shoes have a unique, removable footbed so you can get your best fit. Too tight? With the help of the Fit Kit, use the thin footbed provided instead of the regular footbeds to give your feet extra wriggle room in the shoes. Too roomy? Easy fix, simply place the green forefoot padding underneath the footbed to help pad up that extra space.
Be fitted by the experts either in-store or online via Live Chat, our customer service is next to none and always here to help you find your perfect fit. They also give the best fashion advice if you’re struggling to choose between styles.
