10 Best Dress Shoes for Men in 2024, Tested by Our Fashion Director
<p>We even explored hybrid types that blend formal style with casual comfort. Finding the best dress shoes for men doesn’t have to be expensive, complicated or boring. That’s why we curated a list with a wide variety of options from <a href=” to <a href=” shoes</a> and other <a href=” dress shoes</a>. Below, you’ll see our top 10 choices for the best dress shoes for men that will have you ready for any outing where you need to step it up. </p><h2 class=”body-h2″>What to Consider</h2><h3 class=”body-h3″>Material Quality</h3><h4 class=”body-h4″>Leather </h4><p>It’s the most common choice for dress shoes, but not all leather is created equal. Full-grain leather is the highest quality, and will develop a stunning patina over time. Patent leather is reserved for more formal occasions and comes with glossy finish. Avoid synthetic leathers, as they won’t age as well or be as breathable.</p><h4 class=”body-h4″>Suede</h4><p>This kind of material can also be a great option for a more casual dress shoe, but it requires more maintenance than leather to keep it looking fresh-out-the-box.</p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Types</h3><h4 class=”body-h4″>Oxfords </h4><p>Oxfords are your classic, super sleek dress shoes. They’ve got a closed lacing system, which means the shoelace area is sewn under the shoe’s vamp (the front part of the shoe), giving them a more polished, formal vibe. These are perfect for when you want to look sharp in a suit or for more formal events.</p><h4 class=”body-h4″>Derbies </h4><p>They’re like Oxfords’ more laid-back cousin. They have an open lacing system, where the shoelace area is stitched on top of the vamp. This makes them a little more relaxed and easier to put on. They still look dressy, but they work great in both business casual and slightly more formal settings.</p><h4 class=”body-h4″>Loafers </h4><p>Loafers are the kings of slip-on style. No laces, no fuss—just slide them on and go. They can be dressed up or down, depending on the material and design. Some loafers, like penny loafers or tassel loafers, can even hold their own in a more formal outfit while keeping things effortlessly cool.</p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Styles </h3><p>Now, we’re not talking about the silhouette or shape of the dress shoes, but rather their ornamental details that go on top of the shoes, whether it’s a pair of oxfords, derbies, loafers, or dress boots.</p><h4 class=”body-h4″>Brogue/Wingtip</h4><p>They’re the signature perforations or decorated stitches and serrations you will find in many oxfords and derbies. As functional as they are elegant, they can keep the elements out while elevating your footwear. In fact, brogues can be found in any type of dress shoe—no discrimination there.</p><h4 class=”body-h4″>Cap Toe</h4><p>Often seen in oxfords and derbies and ankle boots, the cap toe is defined by a line of stitching that draws the visual border between the toe from the vamp. It allows for some design creativity, such as having different brogue stitching details or contrasting colors in the toe versus the rest of the shoe.</p><h4 class=”body-h4″>Plain toe</h4><p>In contrast, the plain toe style dons no line of stitching that separates the toe from the rest—it’s all in one piece, looking clean and smooth. As such, plain-toe style dress shoes are often considered the most formal. Like cap toe, they can be spotted in different types of dress shoes, especially on oxfords and derbies.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″>How We Selected</h2><p>Our style team, led by Fashion Director <a href=” target=”_blank”>Ted Stafford</a>, gave the best dress shoes for men a real-world workout. We wore them all day—walking, standing, and even hitting a few dance floors to see they held up. Comfort was key, so we paid attention to how quickly they broke in and scrutinized the quality of their materials and craftsmanship. In short, we made sure these shoes could survive our day-to-day hustle and adventures before giving them or stamp of approval. Without further ado, check out the ones that made it to the final edit. </p>”/>
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Cons
- Size down if you have narrow feet
We’ve tested a fair share of dress shoes, however Cole Haan’s offering reigns supreme when it boils down to both style and comfort. The classic wingtip oxfords specifically. For starters, this pair is constructed with an EVA footbed along with a hyper-cushioned rubber sole that absorbs impact with each step and feels like you’re walking on clouds. In addition, you’ll find there’s extra grip and durability, which offers solid traction and preserves its lifespan.
We found that it can handle all kinds of surfaces in New York City—everything from bumpy asphalt to rough crosswalks—and still keep up the pace. And if you’re standing on your feet all day at work, your dogs don’t go barking at the end of your shift. As for the uppers, they’re made with oiled leather that looks rich and sophisticated, making them perfect for upscale corporate events and weddings. Our editors have paired them with a tailored suit, but business casual also looks on point—swap in an oxford shirt and some chinos, and you’re ready for those laid-back office days.
Read More: Most Comfortable Dress Shoes
| Material | Full-grain oiled leather |
|---|---|
| Type | Oxford |
| Style | Wingtip |
Best Leather
Suit Supply Brown Derby
Pros
- Produced with rich Italian calf leather that looks luxurious
- Vibram outsole means its built with durability and traction
- Ideal for fancy occasions and upscale events
Cons
- Have to apply polish to keep them looking fresh
Leather is the secret sauce for dress shoes—it’s durable, sleek, and ages beautifully. Enter Suit Supply’s derby version. Crafted with Italian calf leather, this chunky design boasts a smooth texture and luxurious feel. The craftsmanship is so top-notch, we reserve the style for cocktail parties and fancy dinners. Our fashion editors have found they also work well for a swanky night out or even a classy work event where you want to dress up but stay comfortable.
Speaking of which, the Vibram outsole is built for durability and traction. In other words, you’ll have excellent grip and longevity, whether you’re on city streets or strolling along more challenging surfaces. Plus, they hold up better to wear and tear than other leather shoes that we’ve tested. To keep these in top shape, we suggest hitting them with some shoe polish once a month. It’ll protect the material from water, bring back the color, and offer that fresh-out-of-the-box glow.
| Material Quality | Italian Calf Leather |
|---|---|
| Type | Derby |
| Style | Round Toe |
Best Cap Toe
Banana Republic Mesi Leather Cap-Toe Oxford
Pros
- Firm underfoot
- After a couple wears, the material softens up
Cons
- Cap toe may not be the most modern design
The cap-toe is a sleek, timeless option to have in your dress shoe repertoire. It’s defined by a line of stitching that draws a border between the toe from the rest of the shoe. From the premium leather uppers to the waxed laces, there’s so much character here, making it perfect for business and formal affairs. We found that the leather soles feel sleek and firm underfoot, but that’s after a couple wears. The material will soften up and become more comfortable, but they always have that crisp, dressy feel compared to rubber soles. Although it’s not a pair that looks great with jeans, it can definitely step up your style game with chinos or a suit.
| Material Quality | Leather |
|---|---|
| Type | Oxford |
| Style | Cap Toe |
Most Versatile
Todd Snyder Nomad Derby Shoe
When it comes to versatility, Todd Snyder’s Nomad Derby nails the sweet spot between looking suave and feeling casual. It starts with the suede upper, which has a unique ability to make a shoe feel dressed up without crossing into overly formal territory. The material is not as shiny or stiff as regular leather—nor does it require that dreadful break-in period. Based on our testing, we found you can wear these dress shoes with a suit, but they won’t look out of place if you decide to throw on some dark jeans. Whether you’re at a client meeting or grabbing drinks after work, this option will keep you looking sharp without trying too hard.
Then you’ve got the crepe sole, which is like the unsung hero of comfort. Most dress shoes have bottoms that make you feel like you’re walking on slabs of concrete. This one, on the other hand, is soft, flexible and offers a little bounce, so you can wear them all day. Plus, the contrast stitching detail helps the design really pop. It’s subtle but provides the character, breaking up the monochrome look of suede and allowing the dress shoes to stand out.
| Material Quality | Suede |
|---|---|
| Type | Derby |
| Style | Plain Toe |
Best Loafer
G.H. Bass 1936 Logan Flat Strap Weejuns Loafer
Pros
- Blends vintage vibes with modern twist
- Lightweight
- No lace-up design makes it easy to slip on and get out of
Cons
- Might take some time to break in
GH Bass’s 1936 Logan Flat Strap loafer might be an old-school gem, but it’s still making waves today. In fact, we found this penny loafer silhouette is having a resurgence, popping up on everyone’s feet from menswear influencers to NBA players who turn the tunnel walk into a mini runway. Our testers like to blend the vintage vibes with modern fits, wearing these dress shoes with business casual to the office and dressier attire for weekend outings.
This pair is unlined, which makes it feel lighter and breathable. However, it might take a little longer to break in compared to lined loafers, but once it does, its comfort level is perfect. When it comes to fits, you can easily pair it with wide-leg jeans and a t-shirt for an easygoing look. Or, if you want to dress it up a bit, throw on a cardigan over a tank along with some slim-fit trousers.
Read More: Best Loafers for Men
| Material Quality | Leather |
|---|---|
| Type | Loafer |
| Style | Apron/Moc Toe |
Best Derbie
Beckett Simonon Anders Split Toe Derbies
Pros
- Lining regulates temperature, manages sweat and controls odor
- Pebbled leather is resistant to scratches and blemishes
- Exquisite construction
Cons
- Might not be ideal if you want a super dressy shoe
Derby shoes are less formal compared to oxfords, but can hold up well in pretty much any setting. That’s why we love Beckett Simonon’s design, which is exquisite in terms of construction. The textured pebbled leather is super tough and develops a gorgeous patina over time, so basically the dress shoes will only look better the more you lace them up. Then there’s the round toe that has this laid-back, rugged vibe going on. Plus, the extra depth means you’re getting comfort for days—your toes won’t feel cramped, and there’s room to breathe.
Speaking of comfort, we found the leather-lined insole is where the magic happens. It’s designed to adapt to the shape of your feet, so after some wear, it feels like these shoes were custom-made. Not to mention, the material regulates temperature, manages sweat to keep your feet, while also helping with odor control.
| Material Quality | Full-Grain Leather |
|---|---|
| Type | Derby |
| Style | Round Toe |
Best Oxford
Florsheim Norwalk Wingtip Oxford
The Florsheim Norwalk is hands-down one of the best oxfords out there, and it lies within the details. The inside is cushioned with a removable Comfortech footbed with molded EVA, which contours to the natural shape of your foot and absorbs the impact of walking on hard surfaces, helping reduce fatigue and discomfort. It’s also designed to offer arch support, a feature where other dress shoes that we’ve tested missed the mark. What’s even better: this kind of quality comes at an affordable price.
One of the major downsides of traditional dress shoes is how rigid they can feel, but Flexsole Technology changes that. Whether you’re bending, walking, or even running to catch a cab, the sole on this pair gives you the flexibility you need without compromising on stability. Our testers especially appreciate the suede lining that’s engineered to feel incredibly soft and luxurious.
We found that the moment you put them on, your feet are wrapped in a cozy, glove-like interior that makes moving around a much more pleasant experience. No irritation, no break-in period—just instant comfort. Feel free to wear the wingtip silhouette with a sports coat and chinos or jeans and a tee.
| Material Quality | Crazy Horse Leather |
|---|---|
| Type | Oxford |
| Style | Wingtip |
Best Formal
Johnston & Murphy Kinser Plain Toe
Pros
- High-gloss finish elevates your look
- Works for a ton of formal events: black-tie, opera or wedding
- Cushioned insole
Cons
- Only looks great with tuxedos
If you’re in need of some formal dress shoes for a black tie event, wedding or the opera, here’s a pair that’s suitable for all the above. The sleek, high-gloss finish can instantly elevate your ensemble, having you looked dressed to the T. Unlike matte or textured leathers, patent leather reflects light, so it stands out in a way that screams “dressy”, adding that final touch of class that more casual leather shoes can’t provide. Plus, this plain-toe style offers comfort-focused details like a cushioned insole and a lightweight flexible sole—features not commonly found in most classic tuxedo shoes. The only catch is that these bad boys are exclusive to tuxedos, so forget about pairing them with your everyday suit.
| Material Quality | Italian Patent Leather |
|---|---|
| Type | Lace-Ups |
| Style | Plain Toe |
Ted Stafford is the Fashion Director of Men’s Health. He oversees all style and fashion content for the brand, and also styles their fashion stories. His active lifestyle informs his passion for translating great designs into real-life style, a favorite part of his job. Prior to joining Men’s Health he worked at GQ magazine and Calvin Klein
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