Men’s Dress Shoes – Different Shoe Styles
Formal Shoes
- Oxfords Shoes
- Derby Shoes
- Monk Straps
- Brogues
Shoes for Black-tie
- Patent Leather Wholecut
- Opera Pumps
- Velvet Loafers/Slippers
- Oxford Leather Shoes (Mirror Polish)
Casual Shoes
- Sneakers
- Loafers
- Espadrilles
- Boat shoes (SEBAGO)
- Boots
The Formal Shoe
Formal shoes are essential in any wardrobe, but choosing the right pair can be challenging. Many men tend to pick brown Oxfords, as they offer more versatility, especially for casual wear, which has become increasingly popular in Scandinavia.
However, the best addition you can make to your collection is a pair of black Oxfords. These classic shoes can be your go-to option for any event you attend. But why black, and why Oxfords?
The Oxford shoe is renowned for its “closed lacing,” where the shoelace eyelet tabs are attached under the vamp, giving it a clean and aesthetically pleasing look. We chose to design our Oxfords with a cap-toe, making them suitable for a variety of occasions.
Black Oxfords are the most formal men’s dress shoes. They can be worn in the office with a pinstripe suit, and they also complement formal suits for receptions, weddings, and funerals. Though too formal to be worn with a blazer, in brown they pair well with tweed suits and sports jackets.
The same applies to men’s business shoes.
For the Wedding
A general rule is that for evening events, it’s best to avoid brown or lighter-colored shoes and instead opt for polished black, as this provides the formality and elegance expected at formal occasions. Therefore, you should choose black Oxfords for your wedding or patent leather wholecuts if you are wearing a tuxedo instead of a suit.
Choosing Shoes for Black Tie and Black Tie Optional
The Best Choice
Choosing shoes for black-tie or black-tie optional events can be a bit tricky.
The best and safest choice is a patent leather whole-cut shoe. This style offers a sleek, polished look thanks to the patent leather, which complements evening wear perfectly.
The Second-Best Choice
The second-best choice would be black leather Oxfords. Since they should already be in your rotation, give them a good cleaning and finish with a mirror polish to match the formality of black-tie attire.
A Bold Choice
If you already have a variety of trousers, jackets, etc., in your rotation, why not try some unique opera pumps or velvet loafers/slippers?
For events that invite a bit of flair, such as “creative black tie” or “black tie optional,” velvet loafers or embroidered slippers add personality and sophistication. Velvet pairs well with darker, more textured suits or tuxedos with unique details, making it perfect for non-traditional wedding receptions or artistic gatherings.
When going for velvet on velvet, make sure you choose the exact same color.
Go-to in Casual Shoes
Sneakers for a Relaxed Day Out
For a relaxed day out, choosing a pair of sneakers can be the perfect decision. However, keep the weather in mind, as sneakers shouldn’t be worn during rainy or colder months. They often don’t stand the test of time in such conditions and can end up looking unattractive and smelling unpleasant.
Boots for Colder Months
For the colder months, opting for a pair of boots should always be the primary choice. First and foremost, boots keep you warm, and with the right construction, they are easier to clean, keep water out, and complement the weather and season better.
Espadrilles and Loafers for Summertime
When summertime arrives and the temperature rises, your options become plentiful. However, focusing on men’s dress shoes, the casual choice should be espadrilles, while for more formal summer occasions, you should stick with loafers. Suede adds an even more casual vibe, so if you find yourself in beachy or pier-like locations, opting for this material could be the perfect choice. Keep the colors light and fresh.
Espadrilles and Loafers for Summertime
Staying in the city with warmer temperatures, loafers are still worth a try. However, instead of suede, try to find some beautiful calfskin loafers in either dark brown or black.
Finally, boat shoes make a great companion for nautical or coastal events.
Our Selection of Dress Shoes for Men
-
-
299 €Mond introduces The Dark Brown Suede Derby Split-Toe. With its rich, dark brown suede and distinctive split-toe design, this shoe brings a refined, luxurious touch to the classic Derby silhouette. These shoes are perfect for both formal and casual occasions, effortlessly complementing suits, chinos, or jeans while adding a subtle twist to any wardrobe.
-
299 €Introducing our Dark Brown Oxford Shoes, a must-have for any wardrobe. Known for their sleek, closed-lace design, these Oxford shoes exude sophistication and effortlessly transition between business and social occasions. The dark brown version, in particular, is a versatile choice that pairs beautifully with a wide range of suits while still adding a fresh touch.
-
-
-
-
-
-
Buy Good Quality
Classic style often hinges upon a quality-over-quantity approach, and buying quality shoes is a wise investment. With proper care, they can last a lifetime. For example, a pair of Goodyear-welted shoes can be brought to a shoemaker for an easy sole replacement once worn out. This option isn’t just practical—it’s also environmentally friendly, as it extends the life of your shoes and reduces waste.
At MOND, we only sell Goodyear-welted shoes, as they are considered the best due to their exceptional durability, comfort, and repairability, making them the ideal dress shoes for men.
Classic style, casual wear, and street style are increasingly blending together, as diverse trends allow individuals to experiment with materials, aesthetics, and silhouettes. Notably, classic menswear shoes, including our high-quality dress shoes for men, are becoming more prominent in street style, particularly with the rise of oversized fashion. This fusion creates exciting opportunities for self-expression and innovative styling.
One thing is for sure: investing in high-quality items always stands the test of time and trends.
Questions about Dress Shoes for Men
What kind of shoes should a man wear to a wedding?
For most weddings, formal shoes like Oxfords or loafers in black or dark brown are ideal. For outdoor or beach weddings, consider lighter options like suede loafers or even stylish espadrilles if the dress code allows.
What shoes are best for a business or business casual setting?
Loafers, derbies, oxfords and brogues in leather are all great for business. For a more business casual look try them in suede. Sleek, neutral sneakers can also work if paired with smart-casual attire.
What shoes should you wear with a tuxedo?
The classic choice for a tuxedo is black patent leather wholecut or formal opera pumps. For a modern touch, oxford leather shoes can also work well, as long as they have a high-gloss finish to match the formality of a tuxedo.
