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.

18 Best Tuxedo Shoes of 2022

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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. 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.

Read on for the best tuxedo shoes for grooms, groomsmen, and wedding guests.

Best High-Shine: To Boot New York Venetian Loafer

For those seeking out a bold tuxedo shoe with timeless appeal, this Venetian loafer comes with a liquid-shine finish and elegant grosgrain trim. We suggest wearing it sans socks for a modern look.

For Minimalists: Suit Supply Black Velvet Slippers

A sturdier take on the velvet slipper, this pair of black loafers is perfectly refined for formal attire. This slip-on style is lightweight and flexible, made from softly textured velvet with trim piping.

Best Patent Leather: Hugo Boss Oxford Shoes

patent shoe — Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

For the groom whose personal style favors, clean, classic and polished, you can't go wrong with this patent leather pair from Hugo Boss that will complement a tradtional tux, not detract from it.

Best Oxfords: Joseph Abboud Soiree Patent Leather Dress Shoes

A patent oxford is a tried-and-true classic when it comes to tuxedo shoes. With a plain toe, this pair will be comfortable and make an impact at the same time.

Best Budget: Calvin Klein Bernard Venetian Loafer

If a patent oxford isn’t for you, how about this high-shine loafer? The grosgrain detailing is an elevated touch with a bit of texture to set your tuxedo look apart.

For the Traditional Groom: Brooks Brother Golden Fleece Patent Leather Shoes

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.

Best Under $60: ASOS Design Oxford Brogue Leather Shoes

Weddings are expensive enough without throwing groom and groomsmen accessories into the mix. So opt for this pair of budget-friendly leather shoes that will read just as dapper in photos as some of the other pricier brands.

Most Versatile: Florsheim Francisco Black Cap-Toe Oxfords

For a tuxedo shoe that you can wear again and again with the rest of your suits and business casual attire, this cap-toe oxford shoe is a tried and true choice.

Most Timeless: Allen Edmonds Leeds Dress Plain-Toe Blucher Shoe

For the groom who wants an expertly crafted shoe that isn't too shiny or overly statement-making, this Allen Edmonds pair is for you and will blend in seamlessly with a black tux.

Most Comfortable: Cole Haan Wingtip Oxford

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 construction.

Most Classic: Kenneth Cole Chief Advisor Cap Toe Dress Oxford

When comfort is key, this leather cap-toe oxford is a winner. With a shiny finish, they’re a step up from your day-to-day dress shoes, making them the perfect tuxedo companion.

For the Fashion-Forward Groom: Manolo Blahnik Velvet-Trimmed Shoes

For a pop of color with a tuxedo, this burgundy velvet slipper is as stylish as ever. The quilted satin lining will ensure hours of comfort.

Best High-Shine: Ralph Lauren Purple Label Paget Patent Leather Shoe

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.

For a Formal Wedding: Paul Stuart Grosgrain and Leather-Trimmed Velvet Tasselled Slippers

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.

For a Winter Wedding: Saks Fifth Avenue COLLECTION Velvet Loafers

Just a hint of color can liven up your wedding day look. These regal blue velvet loafers are the perfect finishing touch to a formal winter wedding ensemble.

Best Monk Strap: Stacy Adams Desmond Black Cap-Toe Monk Straps

Show off your colorful personality in this polished pair of monk strap dress shoes. With memory foam cushioning, they’re as comfortable as they are smart.

Most Unique: Belvedere Karmelo Tan Lizard Oxfords

For a navy, tan, or colored tuxedo, these brown oxfords are stylish and smart. With a cushioned insole, you can bust a many a move on the dance floor.

Best for Renting: The Black Tux Black Grosgrain Loafers

For a unique loafer to wear with a tuxedo, this grosgrain and leather style is ultra-sleek. If you’re not looking to buy a new pair, this style is also available for rent.

What to Look for in Tuxedo Shoes

When it comes to shopping for tuxedo shoes, it's helpful to narrow down your options based on your personal style and the type of tuxedo you'll be wearing. If you're throwing a black-tie wedding and donning a traditional black tux, you can never go wrong with classic dress shoes like oxfords and loafers in black or navy. 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. And if you're more of the statement-making type, there are plenty of bold shoes on the market like velvet smoking loafers and patterned oxfords.

FAQ

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.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Laura Lajiness covers fashion, accessories, and fine jewelry. Her work can be seen across various outlets, including ELLE, InStyle, Glamour, Refinery 29, The Zoe Report, Popsugar, Well+Good, and Barneys New York, among other titles and brands.

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