Every man needs a quality pair of dress shoes: Here are the 13 best ones to buy

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There are a few wardrobe staples that every man needs. Among them are a classic white button-down shirt, a pair of white sneakers, a pair of Chelsea boots and a well-tailored suit. Arguably one of the most important on the list, however, is a pair of quality dress shoes.

No matter your personal style or aesthetic, investing in a well-made pair of dress shoes is a must. Whether you’re going on a job interview or attending a formal event like a wedding, none of your outfits will matter if your shoes miss the mark. Dress shoes literally have the power to make or break any look.

There are tons of styles and brands out there with options that perfectly fit whatever you’re looking for. To make your shopping experience a lot easier, we’ve sourced the 13 best dress shoes you can buy and separated them into categories:

If you have larger feet and need options all the way up to a size 16, the best-selling Rothy’s Driving Loafer and the Cole Haan Men’s 4.ZERØGRAND Wingtip Oxford are the ones to buy.

For those who are about to get married or need the best shoe for a black-tie affair, the Suitsupply Black Tuxedo Shoe is the absolute best choice. It perfectly complements a tux, and its soft, textured velvet upper adds a luxe feel to your overall look.

If you love a good deal and prefer an option that’s on sale but still high quality, the customer-favorite Stacy Adams Gala Cap Toe Oxford is currently on sale for just $70 at DSW.

1. Best Classic Pick: Cole Haan Modern Classics Wingtip Oxford, $298

A p air of brown oxford wingtip shoes.
Credit: Cole Haan

Cole Haan is one of the leading shoe brands in the world for a reason. It’s best known for crafting high-quality dress shoes that are both extremely comfortable and stylish, and its Modern Classics Wingtip Oxford perfectly embodies both elements.

Available in both black and British tan, these full-grain leather dress shoes feature classic wingtip Oxford stitching and have an EVA footbed for added comfort and support, making these perfect for all-day wear. Sizes range from 7 to 13.

2. Best Pick For Wide Feet: Johnston & Murphy ‘Melton’ Oxford, $120.25-$185 (Orig. $189)

Black Oxford shoes with single decorative stitch.
Credit: Nordstrom

These sleek and classic Johnston & Murphy ‘Melton’ Oxford shoes are a massive shopper favorite at Nordstrom. Available in black, tan and Bordeaux, these versatile leather dress shoes aren’t just stylish — they’re also wide-foot-friendly.

If you have wide feet, just select the “wide” or “extra-extra wide” option in the “width” drop-down menu when shopping at Nordstrom. Sizes range from 7 to 15.

3. Top Minimal Option: Cole Haan Modern Classic Cap Toe Oxford, $298

Black cap-toe oxford shoes with single stitch at toe.
Credit: Cole Haan

Boasting a similar silhouette to the Johnston & Murphy ‘Melton’ Oxford shoes, Cole Haan’s Modern Classic Cap Toe Oxfords are perfect for those who prefer to keep things minimal and a bit muted.

Like all Cole Haan dress shoes, these have a soft EVA footbed for extra comfort and support while walking, and they have a leather outsole with rubber pods at the forefoot and heel for extra grip and traction. Sizes range from 7 to 13.

4. Most Affordable/Best Deal: Stacy Adams Gala Cap Toe Oxford, $69.99 (Orig. $105)

Credit: DSW

Few retailers provide better deals on designer shoes than DSW, and these Stacy Adams Gala Cap Toe Oxford dress shoes are proof of that. These simple yet elegant patent leather shoes are currently on sale for just $70.

Sizes range from 6 to 15 and these shoes come in medium and wide widths.

5. Best for Everyday Wear: Beckett Simonon Brent Oxfords, $219 (Orig. $350)

Dark brown oxford shoes with laces and decorative stitching at toe and lace lining.
Credit: Beckett Simonon

If you’re looking for a pair of high-quality, made-to-order dress shoes that look expensive and luxe but are comfy enough to wear every day, Beckett Simonon’s Brent Oxfords are the best choice.

Boasting a classic silhouette and a touch of playfulness with the medallion stitching on the toe box, these shoes will garner so many compliments. And don’t let the sleek, streamlined look fool you — these are extremely comfortable. Choose from five different colors and 12 sizes, ranging from 7 to 14.

6. Top Foot-Molding Loafer: Koio Maranello Loafer, $180 (Orig. $225)

Credit: Koio

Loafers are an easy-breezy way to add a formal touch to your look without the rigidity that comes with a pair of lace-up shoes. The only drawback of some loafers is that the less structured ones tend to lean on the more casual side.

Koio, however, managed to make loafers a bit more luxe with its new Maranello launch. These loafers are the perfect mix of formal and semi-casual, thanks to their pebbled soft leather design. Plus, since they’re loafers, they’re perfect for all-day wear and won’t give you foot fatigue halfway through the day.

7. Best Tuxedo Shoe: Suitsupply Black Tuxedo Slip-On, $299

Credit: Suitsupply

If you’re going to a black-tie affair like a wedding, award ceremony or gala, you’ll likely be wearing a tuxedo, which you should pair with a classic tuxedo shoe.

Tuxedo shoes are known for being simple and elegant and are usually lace-free. Suitsupply, known best for its ready-to-wear and custom-made high-end suits, also carries the perfect Black Tuxedo Slip-On in soft velvet, adding the perfect balance of texture and upscale elegance to your look. Sizes range from 5 to 14.

8. Most Size-Inclusive: Rothy’s The Driving Loafer, $189

Blue machine-washable loafers.
Credit: Rothy’s

Rothy’s is known for being one of the most sustainable and fashion-forward brands today. From its best-selling bags to its comfortable and machine-washable shoes, the brand is both ethically sound and stylish.

Its men’s Driving Loafer can be dressed up or down, and the classic loafer silhouette is easy to put on and take off. It comes in 12 colors and patterns, and best of all, sizes range from 7 to 16.

9. Most Comfortable/Best Cushioning: Cole Haan Men’s American Classics Tassel Loafer, $160

Credit: Cole Haan

The tassel loafer is one of the most comfortable and most versatile men’s dress shoes. With the lace-free elegant design and full leather construction, these shoes are perfect for those who like a little extra spring in their step and some added cushioning while maintaining a classic look.

This is all made possible with the brand’s signature lightweight EVA and leather-lined footbed that cushions every step and feels like a pillow under your feet. This feature also makes these perfect for everyday wear. The Men’s American Classics Tassel Loafer comes in three colors and sizes ranging from 7 to 13.

10. Best Casual Pick: Cole Haan Men’s 4.ZERØGRAND Wingtip Oxford, $228

Credit: Cole Haan

For those who want the look and feel of a classic sneaker with the added elegance and flair of a wingtip oxford dress shoe, Cole Haan created the best of both worlds with its 4.ZERØGRAND Wingtip Oxford.

These shoes would look great with a suit or chinos. They have an internal Stitchlite bootie that provides a sock-like fit and they also have deep grooves in the sole to provide a complete range of motion, making these even suitable for running. If you’re looking for superior cushioning, these are also a good option since they have a triple-density foam system that turns a dress shoe into an athletic one.

This style comes in five colors and sizes ranging from 6.5 to 16.

11. Best Monk Strap Option: Beckett Simonon Hoyt Monkstraps, $219 (Orig. $350)

Black monkstrap leather dress shoes.
Credit: Beckett Simonon

Nothing beats the elevated elegance and sophistication of a double monk strap leather dress shoe. This style, which has been a staple for decades, gives any dressy look that extra premium touch. They look expensive and command respect without too much going on texturally.

Beckett Simonon makes some of the most stunning full-grain leather double monk strap dress shoes, and its Hoyt Monkstrap dress shoes are honestly the best you’ll find anywhere. Choose from five colors, ranging from black to tan, and 12 sizes, ranging from 7 to 14.

12. Top Tassel Loafers: Beckett Simonon Bernard Tassel Loafers, $219 (Orig. $350)

Brown loafers with tassles.
Credit: Beckett Simonon

I firmly believe that every man needs a pair of tassel loafers. They pair easily with anything from a tailored suit to jeans and a T-shirt. Beckett Simonon’s Bernard Tassel Loafers are sturdy and have a slightly pointed toe that elegantly boosts your look while maintaining its shape over time.

These come in five different colors, and sizes range from 7 to 14.

13. Best Custom Dress Shoes: Hockerty Custom Dress Shoes, From $195

Credit: Hockerty

Lastly, if you’re the kind of guy who either wants something exclusively made for you or who just prefers a completely custom shoe, Hockerty is absolutely the way to go.

This brand lets you design your own dress shoes right on its website. Choose everything from the laces to the stitching and even the material. You’ll be able to decide the exact dress shoes you had in mind, and Hockerty’s shoemakers will create them by hand in Spain. These take a few weeks to create and, once done, will ship straight to your door! Best of all, the price is actually pretty affordable for a pair of quality dress shoes.

If you enjoyed this story, check out these 10 affordable Coach bags that are all 70% off during the brand’s clearance sale.

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