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Photo by Ryan Ray Photography
When the wedding dress code is black tie, a tuxedo is an obvious choice for grooms, groomsmen, and wedding guests. But it doesn’t stop there. Tuxedo shoes are the finishing touch to formal attire and can range in style from simple and classic to colorful, textured, and patterned styles. The latter is ideal for men that want to showcase their personality and style, though a timeless patent oxford, velvet slipper, or patent loafer can make a handsome statement.
When choosing the right tuxedo shoe, it all starts with the type of tuxedo you’re wearing. If it’s a classic black, grey, or white tuxedo, you can’t go wrong with classic dress shoes like oxfords, slippers, monk strap shoes, and loafers in black. While luxe leather can be dressy, for your wedding day, we suggest kicking things up a notch with a patent, velvet, or satin style. For a blue or tan tuxedo, black still works well, but you can go for a dressy brown shoe for a slightly more casual effect. If you’re the bold type and choosing a colorful tuxedo, we love it! You can opt for black or brown shoes to temper the impact of teal, cobalt, or burgundy. Or, go ultra-bold a go for a tonal hue for head-to-toe color. If you’d rather stick to a black tuxedo, but make a statement with your shoes, we love a colorful, embellished, or patterned style.
Ahead, the best tuxedo shoes for grooms, groomsmen, and wedding guests.
For a Winter Wedding: Bonobos Velvet Slipper
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Courtesy of Bonobos
A velvet slipper is utterly timeless with a tuxedo but can feel like a bold choice if you’re not accustomed to the style. We say go black to ease yourself into the look. You may become a convert and wear them long after your wedding day with jeans and suits.
For a Formal Wedding: Paul Stuart Grosgrain and Leather-Trimmed Velvet Tasselled Slippers
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Courtesy of Mr Porter
A cross between your standard leather loafer and velvet slippers, this tasseled pair is a solid in-between style. With hardy rubber soles and quilted satin lining, they’re comfortable and supportive while looking dapper as ever.
Most Comfortable: Cole Haan American Classic Gramercy Derby Wholecut Dress Oxford
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Courtesy of Cole Haan
Cole Haan shoes are known to be the ultimate in comfort. For a dress style to pair with a tuxedo, this derby oxford features a contoured footbed and rubber forefoot pod for traction and durability, elements of the brand’s signature Grand.ØS technology.
For the Traditional Groom: Brooks Brother Golden Fleece Patent Leather Shoes
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Courtesy of Brooks Brothers
Formal shoes often get a bad rap for being stiff and slippery, but this style offers the flexibility and comfort of an athletic shoe with the sophistication of a dress shoe. The rubber outsole features slippage-preventing stud treads and a removable Ortholite insole for superior cushioning and breathability.
Best High-Shine: Ralph Lauren Purple Label Alonzo Patent Leather Slipper
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Courtesy of Ralph Lauren
For a patent-leather slipper that will last decades in your wardrobe, look no further than this style from Ralph Lauren’s Purple Label collection. Sleek and modern, it’s perfect tuxedo shoe for men looking to make a timeless investment.
Most Statement-Making: Dolce & Gabbana Two-Tone Patterned Sequin Derby Shoes
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For a playful and fashion-forward finish to a black or white tuxedo, we’re hugely in favor of these sequined derby shoes. Though an investment, this pair is the ultimate party style for the man who always makes a statement.
Most Textured: Ermenegildo Zegna Lido Textured Evening Loafers
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Courtesy of Neiman Marcus
Not all black dress shoes are created equal, as evidenced by this textured evening loafer. This shoe is our pick for the man looking to make a quiet statement, featuring a textured silk-blend with calf leather trim.
Shopping FAQs
Looking for the perfect wedding shoes? We've answered three common questions grooms ask when shopping for tuxedo shoes.
- What shoes do you wear with a tuxedo? Some popular shoe choices to wear with a tuxedo are patent leather oxfords, velvet loafers, and black or blue derby shoes.
- Do tuxedo shoes have to be shiny? Traditional tuxedo shoes are typically crafted from a patent (high-shine) material but it is completely acceptable to wear formal shoes with a natural, less shiny finish with a formal suit or tuxedo.
- Do I have to wear socks with tuxedo shoes? Definitely not! A loafer is an utterly timeless choice to pair with a tuxedo and is the best shoe to wear without socks.