Complete Guide to Men's Formal Shoes

Are you looking for a straightforward guide to understanding the different types of men's formal shoes and where to find them? You've come to the right place. When it comes to formal occasions such as men’s wedding outfits or other men’s clothing by occasion, it’s not just about having a tailored suit and a crisp shirt; the right pair of formal shoes is a crucial component.

Choosing the right men’s formal shoes is easier when you have the correct information. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the essential types of men’s formal shoes, highlighting their key characteristics, when to wear them, and offering recommendations for brands like Church's shoes, Tod's, Loewe, Gucci, and Bottega Veneta.

Men’s Oxford Shoes

Oxford shoes are among the most well-known formal footwear for men. Named after their popularity within the academic circles of the United Kingdom, this style emerged in the 19th century as an alternative to the boots traditionally worn with formal attire. They are characterised by a closed lacing system, a stitched-in tongue, and a rounded toe. These shoes are ideal for formal occasions such as meetings and even work well as wedding shoes for men. 

For a more formal look, black Oxford shoes are an unfailing choice. If you're after a more versatile option, brown Oxfords are also a great pick. Church's produces some of the most renowned Oxfords. Their footwear has been a staple among aristocrats, academics, and diplomats. Models like the Church’s Consul and Diplomat, conceived in 1945, have since become the standard for diplomatic figures and historical leaders such as Winston Churchill.

Men’s Derby Shoes 

Similar to Oxfords, men’s Derby shoes offer a more relaxed structure due to their open lacing system. They were designed as all-purpose shoes to meet the needs of the 19th-century Earl of Derby, Edward Smith-Stanley. Their popularity spread around 1850. 

The Derby shoe is crafted with open laces for greater comfort and adaptability to various settings. Their broader fit makes them a more casual version of the Oxford. They are suitable for less formal events, semi-formal occasions, or even casual wear. The colour also affects their formality; black is the most formal option, while brown offers a more relaxed style. 

As a preferred brand for formal footwear, Church’s offers a premium and formal selection of men’s shoes. Church’s Derby shoes, like the Church’s Shannon model, are masterpieces of craftsmanship. Introduced in 1970, this Derby is famous for its construction from a single piece of leather, requiring a masterful use of the highest quality materials. The clean and elegant design makes these shoes ideal for those seeking a blend of sophistication and comfort in their formal footwear.

Men’s Monk Strap Shoes 

If you’re looking for a standout formal shoe, Monk Strap shoes are a perfect choice. These shoes are distinguished by one or two buckles instead of laces, giving them a distinctive and modern air. They are designed with either a single or double buckle, named after a similar shoe worn by English monks in the 19th century. 

They are intended for semi-formal settings, events where you want to stand out while maintaining a certain level of formality and classic sophistication. Church’s Monk Strap shoes collection is a clear example of the British charm and dandy style that these formal men’s shoes can offer. The brand adds details ranging from brogue patterns to decorative elements like fringes and studs. These shoes are ideal for those looking for a slightly more avant-garde look without losing the classic formality that defines them.

Men’s Brogue Shoes 

Brogue detailing is a decorative feature found on various types of shoes, including Oxfords and Derbys, as well as their smooth leather counterparts. Brogue shoes are characterised by perforations in the leather, which can vary in quantity and design, from the classic quarter brogue to the less common full brogue. 

Essentially, these men’s formal shoes feature decorative perforations, available in various styles (full, semi, and quarter). Given their decoration, they are suitable for less formal situations, with more relaxed suits or even everyday wear in some cases. The classic colour for these shoes, to enhance formality and highlight their brogue details, is brown. With a history spanning decades, Church’s brogue shoe models, like the Diplomat Brogue, are ideal for those seeking detailed craftsmanship combined with an air of elegance.

Classic Men’s Loafers 

Men’s loafers are a comfortable and elegant option, perfect for occasions requiring less formality. These slip-on shoes have a refined air, reinterpreted by brands like Gucci with their Horsebit loafers, Prada loafers, and others like Loewe, Bottega Veneta, and Tod’s. 

The men's loafer gained popularity when King George VI of England requested a comfortable slip-on shoe from his shoemaker to wear around the house. This footwear has gone through all sorts of phases and silhouettes. leading to the famous Penny loafers we know today, among others. Penny loafers, a typical university shoe, are so named for the slot on the vamp designed to hold a penny. This coin was the tip left for shoe-shiners in modern England, which they would collect once the job was done. 

Designer loafers are slip-on shoes, easy to put on and take off, and feature a relaxed style with varying degrees of structure in their silhouette. They can be worn in all sorts of settings, from the office to daytime events, and paired with chinos or jeans.