What is considered a dress shoe?

“A dress shoe is any shoe that is not a sneaker, boot, or a type of footwear that exposes your feet such as a sandal,” says Cuini. On the technical side, these shoes typically consist of four parts: the toe, vamp, facing, and quarter. “It’s the placement and construction of these four pieces that determine the uniqueness of a dress shoe,” he explains.

What dress shoes are acceptable for a black-tie wedding?

According to Cuini, black-tie wedding attire is going through an update as more people choose comfort over traditional aesthetics. However, if the dress code calls for the classic black-tie look, Cuini recommends an oxford or loafer as a safe bet. “These can be brown or black, but it depends on what color tuxedo you are wearing,” he notes, adding that brown shoes tend to be slightly more casual. In addition to style, Cuini says to make sure shoes are “nicely polished” before the big day.

Do I have to wear dress shoes at my wedding?

Good news: Cuini says you don't need to wear dress shoes at your wedding. “Comfort seems to be the key component for most people today, whether you are in the wedding or just attending it,” he says. “Wearing sneakers with a suit is trending today and more people are foregoing the traditional attire to wear what makes them feel best.”

The 8 Best Men's Dress Shoe Brands of 2023

Brides / Lecia Landis

Selecting a suit or tuxedo for your wedding day is key, but choosing the right pair of dress shoes is just as important. After all, shoes complete the look! Finding a designer or brand you can rely on for both style and comfort is critical—whether you’re a groom looking for a pair of unique, made-to-order dress shoes or a wedding guest on the hunt for a pair of oxfords or loafers that will last you years to come.

To narrow down your choices, consider the comfort, construction, and overall quality of a brand's shoe line. It's also important to consider the formality of the event—black tie affairs call for tuxedo shoes while semi-formal weddings will have a more casual dress code—as well as your personal style.

With so many men's dress shoes on the market, we researched the best options with these features in mind. We also spoke with luxury shoe designer Enrico Cuini for his expert insight. From luxury to casual designs, we’re sharing our top picks.

Read on to find the best men's dress shoe brands.

Our Top Picks

Beckett Beckett Simonon at Beckettsimonon.com

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Cole Haan Men's Shoes at Colehaan.com

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Magnanni Shoes at Nordstrom

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Bruno Magli Men's Shoes at Nordstrom

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Ted Baker London Men's Shoes at Nordstrom

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Gucci Men's Shoes at Nordstrom

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Uptown Yardie Men's Shoes at Uptownyardie.com

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Blackstock & Weber Men's Shoes at Blackstockandweber.com

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In This Article

Our Picks
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Brides?

Beckett Simonon

View On Beckettsimonon.com

Choosing a pair of made-for-you dress shoes for the big day adds a unique touch to your wedding look. Beckett Simonon is all about crafting handmade, high-quality custom dress shoes that are made to last—at a reasonable price. On top of that, the brand offers a variety of different styles to choose from. And, because of their made-to-order business model, Beckett Simonon shoes have a layer of sustainability, too. Purchasing a pair of these men's dress shoes promotes smarter consumption, lean production with zero unsold inventory, and less waste.

Prices starting at: $219

DSW

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If comfort is at the top of your must-list for men’s dress shoes, Cole Haan always delivers. Known for putting a comfortable, supportive twist on classic designs (without sacrificing style), Cole Haan shoes are some of the most comfortable dress shoes on the market. From classic cap-toe oxfords to stylish sneaker-inspired dress shoes, the brand blends comfort technology and traditional design for a lifetime of wear.

Prices starting at: $140

Magnanni

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When shopping for a pair of men’s dress shoes, we like options—and Magnanni has them all. Whether your special occasion attire calls for something classic like a pair of lace-up shoes or something more sophisticated like buttery leather loafers, Magnanni has a wide selection of stylish men’s dress shoes—including some with extra flair (we love the Magnanni Marco II Monk Strap Shoe). The brand even features a line of stylish wedding-appropriate sandals for destination events.

Prices starting at: $298

Nordstrom Rack

View On Nordstrom View On Nordstromrack.com View On Saksoff5th.com

From patent leather lace-ups to dress boots, Bruno Magli’s collection of men’s dress shoes brings a variety of designs for any special occasion ensemble. The legacy brand has been designing shoes since the 1930s, bringing authentic Italian luxury to soles for nearly 100 years. Simply put: They know how to craft a great men's dress shoe that will last for years to come.

Prices starting at: $250

Ted Baker

View On Nordstrom View On Tedbaker.com

Ted Baker is a brand we love for comfortable special occasion attire. Their dapper Brogue designs come in a myriad of styles, including several sneaker designs for a dressed-down take on men’s dress shoes. Perfect for the casual groom or wedding guest, these designer shoes are made to hit the dance floor time and time again.

Prices starting at: $170

Nordstrom

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When we think of designer dress shoes, Gucci is the first to come to mind. From timeless loafer designs to classic lace-up styles, Gucci is the go-to brand for luxurious dress shoes that never go out of style. Whether you’re a guest or shopping for your big day, choosing a pair of Gucci shoes can add a touch of class to your wedding wardrobe. And, we love how versatile their designs are. Their loafers, lace-ups, and oxfords are sophisticated enough to wear with a tuxedo or three-piece suit, yet they can also work well with a pair of slacks and a blazer.

Prices starting at: $890

Uptown Yardie

View On Uptownyardie.com

If you’re on the hunt for a pair of men’s dress shoes that fit the bill but still add a touch of personality, look no further than Uptown Yardie. Inspired by Jamaican heritage, the British fashion brand features a collection of artistically crafted saddle shoes (we love the option to customize with a separate Kiltie), plus the option to go full custom with their bespoke dress shoes.

Prices starting at: $602

Blackstock & Weber

View On Blackstockandweber.com

We’re big fans of Blackstock & Weber for a loafer that boasts some flair. From textured crocodile and pebbled leather to ultra soft suede and tactile denim, this Brooklyn-based dress shoe brand is all about making your shoes the statement piece.

Prices starting at: $365

Meet the Expert

Enrico Cuini is a luxury shoe designer and co-founder of his eponymous shoe label, Enrico Cuini.

What to Look for When Shopping for Dress Shoes

Comfort

The way shoes look is important but, according Cuini, comfort is key. “We have all been to a wedding, or even been in one, where our feet are destroyed afterward,” he says. “I think the world is learning its lesson and people are shifting to wearing shoes that are comfortable, they can wear more than once, and fit their personal style.” So, ensure your shoes fit comfortably before making a dance-floor appearance.

Dress Code

An important thing to consider when shopping for dress shoes is where you will wear them and what the event’s dress code is. If it's a black-tie wedding, tuxedo shoes might be the better option. If you’re attending a destination wedding, formal shoes might not even be required. “Many weddings or black-tie events are destinations so, while they may be formally dressed, we also need to address their need for warmer weather shoes like sandals,” says Cuini. “For destination weddings, the so-called traditional formal shoe is very different and an open toe and sandal is more appropriate."

Personal Style

As Cuini mentioned, personal style is at the forefront of the decision process when it comes to purchasing a pair of dress shoes. Choosing dress shoes that feel more “you” is important because it will make you feel more confident and stylish and also prevent them from sitting in your closet and collecting dust post-wedding. You want a shoe that you love enough to wear again and again.

FAQ

What is considered a dress shoe?

“A dress shoe is any shoe that is not a sneaker, boot, or a type of footwear that exposes your feet such as a sandal,” says Cuini. On the technical side, these shoes typically consist of four parts: the toe, vamp, facing, and quarter. “It’s the placement and construction of these four pieces that determine the uniqueness of a dress shoe,” he explains.
What dress shoes are acceptable for a black-tie wedding?

According to Cuini, black-tie wedding attire is going through an update as more people choose comfort over traditional aesthetics. However, if the dress code calls for the classic black-tie look, Cuini recommends an oxford or loafer as a safe bet. “These can be brown or black, but it depends on what color tuxedo you are wearing,” he notes, adding that brown shoes tend to be slightly more casual. In addition to style, Cuini says to make sure shoes are “nicely polished” before the big day.
Do I have to wear dress shoes at my wedding?

Good news: Cuini says you don't need to wear dress shoes at your wedding. “Comfort seems to be the key component for most people today, whether you are in the wedding or just attending it,” he says. “Wearing sneakers with a suit is trending today and more people are foregoing the traditional attire to wear what makes them feel best.”

Why Trust Brides

Jessie Quinn is a bridal-obsessed style writer with a bachelor’s degree in fashion journalism. When researching men’s style stories—such as the best dress shoes—she is all about putting personal style and quality first. After all, you want to wear the shoes, not have the shoes wear you! And, if they are an investment item, you might want to get multiple wears out of them.

The 17 Best Tuxedo Shoes of 2023 For Every Style and Budget