Even if you’re the most casual guy, there comes a time when you’ll need a good pair of formal shoes. When you need to attend a wedding, funeral, graduation, business meeting, or any other event, chances are, you won’t be able to get away with flip-flops or sneakers. This is especially true if you want to be respectful and follow the dress code.
So it doesn’t hurt to know your options. There are several types of men’s dress shoes, after all, so finding out the styles beforehand can help make a shopping trip easier.
Read on for the different types of dress shoes you need to know about.
Oxford Shoes
Oxfords are one of the most popular types of men’s dress shoes for business and formal occasions. They’re a type of footwear that Gatsby Shoes thinks is worth investing in.
Also known as Balmorals, they’re the most formal shoes you can get, so they’re a handy pair of shoes to have in the closet. These shoes are so-named because they were popular with college students in the 1800s, especially with those attending Oxford University.
You can recognize these shoes from a mile away, as they have closed lacing. But there are actually four other Oxford types that are less formal you can opt for: wingtip, cap toe, plain toe, and whole cut. Widening your Oxford collection with these can be useful, as you won’t always have to wear your best formal shoes to events.
Derby Shoes
If you like the look of Oxford shoes, but aren’t completely in love with them, then you’ll want to turn to derby shoes. While they look similar, there’s one main difference: these have open lacing. This means that derby shoes can feel slightly wider and more comfortable, so they’re great for people with wide feet.
In addition, derby shoes have the quarters sewn on top of the vamp, while Oxfords have them underneath. The result is a flap-like appearance on these shoes.
These shoes aren’t as formal as Oxford shoes, so you can wear them at more casual events, like with the four Oxford types. As for Derby styles, you have plain toe, cap toe, and wingtip.
Blucher Dress Shoes
Many people think derby and blucher dress shoes are synonymous, but that’s a misconception. The reality is, Blucher dress shoes are a variation of derby shoes.
They’re so incredibly similar that you’d think they’re identical; they both have open lacing. But to tell the difference, look at the lacing.
Blucher dress shoes have quarters stitched on top of the vamp, making a separate piece. Derby shoes have the quarters and shoelace eyelets sewn on top of the vamp. So derbies are usually considered more formal than Bluchers.
Types of Blucher shoes include plain toe, cap toe, and wingtip.
Dress Boots
Dress boots look a lot like Oxford and derby dress shoes, but again, there’s a key difference that sets them apart from the other dress shoes. These have a shaft that goes to the ankle, which means the boots can go up to your ankles or higher.
You can also recognize dress boots because they have a small heel.
Brogue Shoes
Brogue shoes aren’t actually a type of men’s dress shoes. Instead, they’re a type of decoration that you can find on any shoe. However, broguing can usually be found on Oxford and derby shoes.
Basically, broguing involves punching small holes in succession along the shoes’ seams. You might find broguing on the toe caps too.
Types of broguing include semi, full, longwing, and quarter.
This is one of the most persistent shoe trends, as the designs add a dapper look and a touch of personality. This makes the footwear less formal too, so you probably won’t be able to wear brogue shoes to say, a funeral.
Monk Strap Shoes
Don’t want to bother with shoelaces? Then you’re better off with the monk strap shoe. As the name suggests, you use a strap-and-buckle closure instead of laces.
Monk strap shoes are significantly less formal than Oxfords, but are more formal than loafers (more on this type of dress shoe later).
The styles to choose from are single or double-strap monk shoes.
Opera Pumps
If you’re the lazy type, then opera pumps are for you. These are slip-on dress shoes, and at first glance, you’d think that they’re for women. However, they were traditionally worn by men in Victorian England, especially when they went to the opera (hence the name).
Although they’re the easiest to put on, they’re the highest-tiered dress shoes. They feature low pump heels and usually a grosgrain bow or tassel on the front. They’re best paired with tuxedos and suits.
Loafers
For those who want slip-on shoes but not ones that are as formal as opera shoes, then you’ll love loafers. They’re much more casual, but still classy and comfortable.
Loafers have a distinctive look, as they have a saddle or strap that goes across the vamp. Some designers also put a metal bar or tassel on the saddle.
The different loafer styles you can pick include tassel, penny, and bit. You can dress up or down, depending on what you’re wearing and the type of loafer you pick.
Chelsea Boots
Chelsea boots are like dress boots, but they don’t have laces. This means they’re slip-on dress shoes that are great for convenience.
You’ll recognize Chelsea boots immediately since they have elastic gussets on the sides and a fabric tag on the heel. Plus, they always have rounded toes and low heels.
Get These Men’s Dress Shoes
With these men’s dress shoes, you’ll have a wide selection to choose from when you need to go to formal events. Whether you opt for Oxfords or loafers, you’ll have footwear that you can pair with any occasion, even if it’s a more laidback party.
Just make sure you go through your options and carefully select a seller. It’s worth it to invest in an excellent pair of shoes, especially since it’ll last you for years. Want to learn more about men’s shoes and fashion? Then check out our other blog posts now.
