Reviews of Top Oxfords, Boots, Loafers for Men

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At present, capture A pair of formal shoes may not be the first thing that comes to mind, especially if you’re not sure when your next big event is coming up. But the truth is, the best formal shoes are a worthwhile investment, and they’re your wardrobe’s secret weapon to help you feel confident and comfortable. They’re as essential to any formal occasion as choosing the right tie.

Overview: Best Men's Formal Shoes

Whether you're finally going out to a night of live music again, attending a premiere, or dressing to impress for a job interview, there are some occasions that call for ditching your usual shoes and looking a little more polished (though there's something to be said for always having a solid pair of sneakers on hand).

There are a variety of styles and options out there, but let’s be honest here and say that this isn’t the piece of your collection that you want to be holding tight to. Sure, there are budget-friendly pairs out there, but you’ll want to spend a little extra on some quality formal shoes that you can still wear for years to come. The key is knowing what materials to look for, and choosing versatile styles that you won’t just wear to formal events, or that won’t wear out after a few social gatherings.

In this article

What are the best men's shoes?

Getting it right (or wrong) can make or break an outing. If you’re going back to the office, or even attending a formal event anytime soon, you’ll need to wear one of these top-rated dress shoes. They earn points for comfort, versatility, and overall style.

1. Original amber

Amberjack's The Originals aren't your dad's Oxfords, but they're probably the best dress shoes ever. They're made from top-grain leather and a super-soft sheepskin lining, which has been specially designed to provide virtually unrivaled flexibility and comfort. Cushioning comes from a “heat-moldable” insole that's like memory foam, but uses your body heat to conform to the shape of your feet, dramatically reducing fatigue.

The sole is made of a custom TPU material with a sporty design in the front, but a hiking shoe material in the back. Speaking of looks, we can confidently say we are impressed. The Originals feature a durable and stylish design, making them suitable for a range of outfits from casual to fancy.

2. Mark Nolan Atlas Patent Leather Derby Shoes in Black

Designed to turn heads and make a statement, the Mark Nolan Atlas Derby shoes in black patent leather are designed to be stylish, comfortable, and chic—with patent calfskin uppers, a durable rubber outsole, and an adjustable strap for added security and style. They're also made with a memory foam insole, so your feet will be comfortable and stylish at the same time. The shoes come in black, navy, and green.

3. Taft Paris Shoes

Available in black floral print (as pictured above), the Taft Paris pumps are versatile and can be worn with a wide range of looks from formal to casual. Designed to stand out with their unique floral print and all-over embossed premium leather style, the Taft Paris pumps feature a lace-up closure for added security and appeal. The shoes also come in brown floral print.

4. Donald Plenner Sloan

For a more sophisticated take on the classic Chelsea boot, look no further than the Donald Pliner Sloan, which comes in tan, black, tan, cognac, dark grey and more. Crafted in Italy from oiled suede and calfskin, the Sloan features super-comfortable, stylish elasticated eyelets for a smart, casual look. It has a pull tab at the back for easy on and off, while the insoles are cushioned with memory foam for a comfortable, all-day fit.

5. Wolf & Shepherd Ranger Boot

If you're looking for a staple pair for casual Fridays, Wolf & Shepherd's Ringer Loafers are a great choice. Designed by a former Adidas designer, they feature FloatForm foam that provides true sneaker-level comfort so you can stay on your feet all day long.

The padded heel collar features a suede lining to reduce slippage (you may not even need socks). With a super-soft, abrasion-resistant sheepskin lining, you'll have a super-comfortable shoe. Built to last, these shoes have been treated with a custom blended leather formula to ensure durability. The smart-casual hybrid look is also suitable for weekends and formal occasions.

6. New York Tan Calf

If you’re looking for a shoe that you can wear to both formal and casual occasions, consider a pair of To Boot New York’s Apollo Burnished Tan Calf Oxfords. The upper is made of supple Italian leather, but the shoe is still surprisingly flexible. The lining itself is designed with breathability in mind, ensuring you won’t want to take them off after a long party. The shoes also feature a cushioned leather footbed, which will provide all-day comfort. Additionally, we agree with To Boot New York that these shoes are less formal than lace-up oxfords, but more dressy than moccasins. You’ll look put-together no matter what you wear with this pair.

7. Magnani Monk Strap Leather Formal Shoes

These Magnanni Leather Monk-Strap Boots are worth a major wardrobe upgrade. Available exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue, all of the shoe’s signature features, like the hand-crafted perforations and even the chic monk strap, are handcrafted in Spain. The soft leather lining and sole are carefully tailored to be as flexible as possible. But despite the sophisticated look, they’re still extremely comfortable. Essentially, the quality of the build is totally worth the price, from the cushioned insole to the glove-like fit. Available in two stylish colors, they’ll make you want to wear a suit jacket.

8. Thursday Boot Co. Scott Chukka Boots

The Scout Chukka is the future of dress shoes. Streamlined and built to last, these boots still look as good for the office as they do for the boardroom. The materials, including the chrome-finished brown leather upper and stitched overlay, give them a cleaner look than traditional dress shoes. But they do offer some high-end details, like a waterproof finish and a shock-absorbing insole that also has a microbial treatment, so they can withstand the demands of your feet year after year. That makes the Scout the best choice if you don’t like the fit or feel of traditional dress shoes.

9. Stacy Adams Abbott Cap Toe Oxford

You don’t always have to sacrifice style for price, and these open-toe pumps from Stacy Adams Abbott are proof of that fact. Featuring a sleek dark leather upper with perforated detailing, this pair is a classic design that gives you endless styling options. While these budget-friendly shoes aren’t ideal for every occasion, they’re great for dressing up dressier outfits for casual events. They may not be the best for long-term wear—the footbed is lightly padded, and while the rubber sole is slip-resistant, you can’t walk the pavement in these shoes. Still, they won’t break the bank, and they’re sure to be the star of any look, whether worn with jeans or khakis.

Buying Guide: How to Find a Good Pair of Formal Shoes

We've also selected dress shoes that can fit into any wardrobe, and look timeless and modern. These shoes are designed not only to look good, but also to provide maximum support, cushioning, and ventilation, so you can focus on having fun and not worry about a stiff shoe crushing your toes.

style: Oxfords are often considered a formal dress shoe, with their signature lace-up look and are usually best for formal events and dinner parties. Depending on the type of heel and arch support a pair of shoes has, they may not be comfortable to wear all day. Derby shoes, moccasins and monk straps tend to be more comfortable, but are also more suitable for smart casual occasions, or for wearing to the office.

material: Ironically, the most durable and flexible materials used in shoemaking are also the least formal. Smooth leather is the gold standard for formal shoes, but anything else like canvas, suede, and pebbled leather is more comfortable (the same goes for rubber soles, which are more practical for everyday wear, but less formal). Consider how often you’ll be wearing these shoes, and whether you’re looking for something you can wear every day, or just once in a while.

Fit and comfort: You should know your shoe size anyway, but getting an accurate fit isn’t the only factor that will affect how comfortable your shoes feel. Keep in mind that some dress shoes measure looser or tighter than the regular size. Some styles, like easy-to-wear moccasins, will be more comfortable in the long run, especially if you have a high arch or instep that would cause strain when wearing dress shoes.