Dress Shoes Guide – Women Know Best
What do you think is one of the first things that women first notice about a man? Do you think it is a well-trimmed beard? Or maybe that you match colours well and are wearing an outfit that is well put together. While all of this is true, it will be in vain if you have neglected one of the most important parts: The dress shoes.
Women and people that know the details will always look at the shoes. I can feel those laser eyes scanning me in the street when I walk. Even if you have a well ironed shirt, pressed pants and a Hugo Boss suit it is game over if you are wearing square-toed shoes.
Grab a cup of tea and relax because this is going to be a long article.
The “Dress Shoes Guide” will not only cover the different Types of Dress Shoes but also the 5 First Dress Shoes you should invest in if you are a beginner.
This will help you make a better, easier choice when you go shopping in the sea of dress shoes. If you are impatient skip to the bottom of the page and read the summary. What I do promise is that after reading this guide, you will be able to choose the best type of shoe for the occasion and understand the subtle differences.
Let’s dive in!
This is an old article published in June 27 2018! Please read the new Updated Ultimate Guide to Dress Shoes!
The Most Important Investment You Will Ever Make
Dress Shoes are arguably one of the biggest, costliest and most important purchases a man can should make. You might think that it is a luxury to have a great pair of shoes, just because you never wear a suit. I beg to differ. It is a necessity. As Captain America said, there is going to be a time to “Put on the suit”. In any part of life fortune favors’ the bold but even more importantly favours the prepared. My days in the Special Forces taught me that it is important to be a step forward so you do not fall 2 steps back.
For the man looking to build a complete wardrobe there are 5 types of shoes needed. The occasion is what dictates which one you need. I really like this quote by Tom Ford because it showcases the power of the correct dress shoes.
“Never do business with a man in loafers”.
For the average man starting to learn about fashion and style, this could be one of the most important articles to read.
Won’t I Save Money If I Buy A Few Cheap Pairs Of Dress Shoes?
Not really! Let’s explain why.
Return Of Investment
The situation is the same with many of the items that we buy. We often think that we can buy a few pairs of shoes, shirts or other utility items that are cheaper (and subsequently lower quality) because our budget is small and this way we save money. That is not the case when you think long term.
Let me give you an example.
You buy a cheap pair of shoes, say around 50$ because you cannot afford those 300$ dress shoes. They look fine in the beginning, but after frequent wear they deteriorate quickly and in just a year, the glued sole falls apart and you need to get new ones. This will happen even faster if you wear them more frequently.
In just 6 years you will have spent 300$ for dispensable shoes, while the better quality ones with proper care and an easy resole will last you potentially decades. This is a good return of investment.
This Dress Shoes Guide is built upon this principle.
Pro Tip: Instead of investing in a cheap pair of dress shoes, get the best that you can afford. It will increase both your confidence and your looks and you will get much more mileage out of them.
How Much Should I Spend On Dress Shoes Then?
No matter if you are the type that will wear them once a year or every day I would advise spending minimum 200-300$ on quality dress shoes. You will thank me later.
I remember when I first wore R.M. Williams Chelsea Boots and how the leather hugged my feet. What a feeling it was, like being protected and naked at the same time. Freedom.
And the compliments. You will get compliments from strangers, coworkers, women and possibly jealous mean comments by male friends. That means you are doing something correct my fellow gentleman.
Thanks Misiu Academy! But What Do I Look For In A Dress Shoe?!
Quality dear reader. You look for quality. But as always, remember that a premium brand name does not equal high quality or the money. In dress shoes the quality of the leather and the craftsmanship are most important. A few pairs of good dress shoes are better than 10 low quality generic pairs.
Pro Tip: Subscribe for free in the brands that interest you and you will receive free newsletter with promotions quite often. You can save a lot of money for a superior pair of shoes. Allen Edmonds for example has amazing and frequent discounts if you are in the USA.
I Get It Now! But…What Is High Quality?!
This is exactly why what this article is about. To help you understand in everyday language the differences between dress shoes and the hallmark of a quality pair.
The construction of the shoe and the leather quality is what distinguishes a cheap shoes from an expensive shoe. Here are a few things to look for when buying dress shoes:
- Look for quality leather. Good leather like smooth calfskin will develop character over time, mould itself to your feet after every use and have a beautiful patina. In simple terms, leather is like wine, it gets better with age. Leather has a grading system, depending from which part of the animal it comes from. The hierarchy is counted in grades. Full Grain (Grade 1) > Top Grain (Grade 2) > Genuine Leather (Grade 3) > Belly Leather (Grade 4) > Bonded Leather (Ungraded). For a detailed explanation on this, read this amazing article by Hugo Jacomet.
- The quality of the stitching. What did we say when we discussed how to buy your first suit? It also applies here. Look for little details, such as inconsistencies in the stitching that reveal cheap craftsmanship.
- The construction method. I will not go into much detail about this in this article, but always avoid glued soles. They will break fast and the shoe is worthless. The other two main types of sole stitching are Blake Stitch and Goodyear Welt. The Goodyear welt is generally more expensive but also higher quality and allows for a much easier resole process.
- Check the inside of the shoes. Is the lining synthetic? Leather is a sign of higher quality.
Mini Summary
- Try to buy dress shoes made from calfskin instead of cowhide.
- Goodyear-welted shoes are more expensive but have easy resoling and will last longer.
- Avoid glued soles and synthetic materials.
- Stitching and the inside of the shoe reveals quality craftsmanship.
- Practice by comparing how a cheap shoe looks and feels to touch against a high quality one.
- Leather sole is more formal, but it is worth getting a good rubber sole if you live in colder climates with snow.
Fantastic! Now I Feel Ready To Know More About Dress Shoe Types!
You are a hero if you have read this far. There are a few types of dress shoes but for simplicity’s sake I will narrow them down to four: Oxfords and Derbies, Monk-Straps, Loafers and Dress Boots.
When it comes to the style, the less detail on the shoe, the more dressier and formal it is. Here are a few examples that apply mostly to Oxfords and Derbies:
- Wholecut: Made from a single piece of leather. Usually more expensive because of the precision and quality required. In my opinion it is the most beautiful, elegant and dressy shoe a man can have.
- Plain Toe: No details, your go-to formal shoes for any occasion.
- Cap Toe: Same as above, with a little more character on the toe line. It is very acceptable to wear in the higher echelons of business attire.
- Brogues: Is it a style, an expression or a category of its own? It is up to you to decide. These perforations on the shoe are called “brogues” and come in different formats. Generally, the more broguing on the shoe, the less formal it is.
The Oxford and Derby Shoes
The Oxford Shoe is the pinnacle of formality when it comes to dress shoes. In male formal fashion, the simpler a shoe or the suit, the more formal and elegant it is. The oxford shoe has a long history as at timeless formal piece of footwear, gaining traction and popularity from the University of Oxford in the 18th Century.
When you wear a suit, an oxford will be always the most perfect fit and look classic. What defines the oxford shoe and distinguishes it from the derby is the closed lacing vs the open lacing. On the oxford, the flap (or eyelets) are stitched under the vamp, giving a sleeker, uniform and dressier look. On the derby the lacing is open, which means the flaps are stitched over the vamp.
Additionally, because of the black tie formality, the darker shades are also more formal when it comes to dress shoes. A black oxford is the most formal shoe for business formal occasions.
The Derby shoe is accepted in business attire and you will see it very often in business casual environments. Broguing is often encountered but in my personal opinion I prefer shoes without it. They are comfortable and a great choice for frequent everyday wear. They are very often mistaken as oxfords by people that do not understand the simple difference described above, so here is a picture of my own shoes that hopefully explains it once and for all.
Monk-Straps
Monk-Straps are a very interesting category of dress shoe. It is situated in the middle of the formality ladder between the oxford and the derby. It is characterised by the straps on the top. The strap can be fastened using a single or double-buckle closure.
Update 02/02/2019: When I initially wrote this guide, I had mixed thoughts about this type of dress shoe. However, since investing in the Carlos Santos Double Monks I was surprised by their beauty, versatility and elegance. Definitely worth investing into.
They can be dressed up with a suit or dressed down with a good pair of chinos or even jeans. They are different than most shoes and they will attract attention. Quite often they will be the focal point of your outfit, so be careful with what you want to project or if you want to make a statement.
The Loafer
The loafer is a slip-on style of shoe in the lower parts of the dressing hierarchy, though I have seen some dress it up with a suit. It is a moccasin style of shoe with different styles on the top, most notably the penny loafer and the tassel loafer. Penny loafers have an old history and got their name because wearers used to stick dimes in their lip-slots on the top to make calls from phone booths in the 40’s and 50’s since mobile phones were not invented back then. The tassel loafer has *surprise* a tassel on the top which makes it stand out. Personally, I would not wear loafers with a suit and I feel that the tassel will make me look like a door or a curtain.
They are however very comfortable and perfect for the summer. Especially if they are so elegant as Antonio Meccariello makes them.
Dress Boots
Dress boots are essentially oxfords just with a longer shaft. If you are tired from the sea of normal dress shoes and want a change, a good dress boot is an acceptable formal piece and appropriate for formal day wear. personally I prefer Chelsea Boots, however a nice Balmoral boot will really look like an oxford shoe.
Meermin creates some very well made, affordable boots and you should definitely check them out as entry level.
Chelsea Boots
Ah, the Chelseas. Originating from Victorian England and popularised by the Beatles, the Chelsea boot is an elegant and flexible dress shoe. It has a slip-on style at ankle height and usually is a plain toe. They have a stretch panel and if they don’t: They are NOT a Chelsea boot.
Chelsea boots are so flexible they can be dressed up with a suit and break the monotony while still looking sleek and classy or dressed down with jeans and a dark polo shirt.
I would say they sit just below the derbies in terms of formality, but they are perfect for any occasion and everyday use.
Chukka Boots
The Chukkas are casual, plain toe boots with open lacing that got their name from Polo. A chukka is a unit of time and lasts 7 minutes. They are shorter than the Chelseas and reach up to the ankle. They are often made from Suede and are appropriate for casual wear. It is not appropriate to wear them with suits. Unless of course you are Tom Hiddleston.
Special Mention: Suede
Suede is a type of leather that has a rough feel to it and looks very distinctive. It can look very beautiful and is often seen in Chukkas, Chelseas or Monk-Straps. Suede does not like water, so I would stay away from them if you live in an area where it rains a lot (Hello my Sweden!).
So Which 5 Types Of Shoes Should You Invest In First?
Remember, the darker the shoes, the more formal they are. The same applies to decoration and details. Here are the first 5 types of shoes you should invest in first.
1) A Black Oxford Shoe
If you never wear formal shoes and you need to have just one pair, then buy a Black Oxford Shoe without any broguing. Plain-toe or cap-toe. Whether you have to attend one black-tie event, a wedding or a funeral, keep them polished and they will never fail you. Perfect for any business environment.
2) A Brown Oxford Shoe or Derby
Same as above, only slightly less formal. Shades of brown go with virtually everything and will make a great match with chinos, dark jeans or a navy/grey suit. Perfect for business, everyday use and can be dressed down with jeans. People will start to look at you differently. Having brogues is a personal preference and perfectly acceptable. They are good to develop your own style and work well in a more laid-back office environment.
3) Brown Chelsea Boots
Now that you have the most important categories covered, it is time to experiment a bit. Try a pair of brown Chelseas (or Black if you like wearing grey colors). They are comfortable and after a long day in the office, they are the perfect shoes to wear for a night out. They look great in Suede, but avoid it if it rains a lot in your area.
4) Double Monk-Straps
I originally reserved this space for wholecuts, but after with my double monk-straps experience I changed my mind. It is a wonderful, comfortable type of dress shoe that you can use with either suits or a pair of jeans. My advice would be to buy a pair in burgundy colour as it is extremely versatile and suitable for all occasions.
Just read my review and you will be convinced.
5) Loafers/Chukkas
If you are one of those that live in warmer climates or don’t work in a strict white collar environment, this is a category to invest in. Chukkas are perfect to pair with jeans and chinos while loafers give that relaxed casual vibe. Both can be excellent options and it ultimately depends on the climate, but on average I would choose a pair of loafers first.
Time To Wrap This Up
Wow! Today we learned about so many new things and drank a lot of tea to go through them. I hope you enjoyed reading the content and this extensive “Dress Shoes Guide“!. If you do, I would be delighted to see your comments. You can also subscribe and get a FREE Guide on “Building your Minimalist Wardrobe“.
- A man really needs 3 types of dress shoes, that extend to 5.
- The less details on the shoes, the more formal they are.
- Oxfords have closed lacing, Derbies have open lacing.
- Shoes are the most important investment.
- Black is the most formal colour, followed by dark brown and lighter shades. The same for burgundy.
- Suede is not optimal for rainy climates.
- Goodyear-Welt shoes are easier to resole and last longer.
- Avoid shoes with Cemented Soles.
- Leather has different qualities based of the part of the animal they come from.
- If you buy square-toed shoes, wear sandals with socks or hang out with Poly and Ester, I am going to hunt you down personally.
That brings us to the end of this long read! We greatly appreciate your support and feedback. Make sure to follow us on Instagram and I will see you in the next one!
Thank you for reading,
Kostas Mandilaris,
Misiu Academy
This is a very detailed article. I really liked the 5 recommendations of yours, especially the inclusion of chelsea boot. Though I think that top 5 shoes of every man varies from lifestyle to lifestyle yet I love to know different people’s top 5 choices. Your top 5 is subtle, elegant and stylish.
Thank you my friend! Looking forward to your next post too!
How do you feel about the craftsmanship and quality of Alden shoes? Where do I find the brand’s you mentioned in your article? Thank you for the information you shared here. How do I know/identify a Goodyear Welt?
Hey Tod!
Thanks for stopping by! To answer your questions:
1) Alden is generally a good company, though you do pay a little extra since they are not made in a cheaper country. If you like comfortable shoes and especially shell cordovan, they are a good choice if you are in the US.
2) To learn more about the Goodyear Welt & Construction methods, please check this article!
Glad to help you!
Loved the square toed reference, laughed very much.
This is an excellent article. You give a great breakdown of the proper use and versatility of each shoe and help guide many of us who are new to this. Thank you for taking the time to write this great article.
Thank you for reading Alfonso! Check out the menu for more larger guides!