There is a widespread understanding that formal shoes are preferred over all other types of footwear for men. Men frequently wear formal footwear to work, weddings, parties, and other formal events. It’s not surprising that they go with the majority of the outfits a man wears on a regular basis. This buying guide for men’s formal shoes will provide you with advice on how to choose the best shoes.
Many individuals are unaware of the variety of styles available for men’s formal footwear. There are several options, including boots, oxfords, and brogues. Fabric and shoe design are only a few things to take into account while selecting a pair of shoes from the display racks. Before you spend money on your next pair of formal shoes, we’re here to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Different types of formal shoes
Oxford shoe
Oxford is a great place to start when shopping for formal shoes. It’s a straightforward shoe that, thanks to its adaptability, can be worn practically anywhere. The colour and style can determine whether they are dressed up or down. An Oxford shoe can be identified by its closed lacing, low heel, and extended toe. It is available in four different styles, with the cap-toe Oxford being the most popular. The most common places to wear this style of shoe are at formal events or at work.
Derby shoe
Derby shoes and Oxford shoes are frequently confused. When you consider each one’s unique characteristics, they are quite diverse. Derby shoes have an open lacing system, unlike Oxfords. The vamp, which is the portion of the shoe that covers the foot, is laced and divided in half. The wider, more comfortable lacing gives this shoe a more casual appearance. Every outfit gets a sophisticated touch from silky leather patterns. A basic derby, which may be worn as a dress shoe for formal or informal occasions, is the most versatile option.
Brogues
When we discuss brogues, we are not referring to the silhouette but rather the details that are added on top of it. The pattern of holes on the tops of the exposed edges of Derby brogues, Oxford brogues, and even monk brogues can distinguish them from one another. A brogue, on the other hand, is a shoe in and of itself. Popular toe caps include those with full or wingtip, half, quarter, and long-wing wings, as well as the Oxford, Derby, and monk closure designs. Brogues are always included in the best formal shoe collections of Indian companies.
Loafers
The history of the loafer is obscured by the fact that numerous variations of the shoe were worn by numerous civilizations. There are nine different styles of loafers, which are a type of slip-on shoe. The most flexible of the nine categories are penny loafers. Some of the several types of loafers are horse-bit, kiltie, driving, slipper, boat shoes, bit loafers, and espadrilles. For wedding attire and professional attire, tassel loafers are a popular option. Pair the fashionable shoe with long pants, slacks, or shorts for a polished-casual look. Conversely, loafers and black ties do not match in terms of fashion.
Dress Boot
Dress boots have a formal appearance similar to an Oxford or Derby shoe; however, they are thinner. Many individuals continue to wear them today since they have been fashionable since the Victorian era. They are perfect for wearing throughout the chilly winter months because of their high ankles. Dress boots are a more casual style of footwear that is inappropriate for wearing with tuxedos or suits. When worn with jeans or slacks, these boots look fantastic. They immediately make a boring ensemble exciting.
Monk straps
Monk straps were designed in the 15th century by European monks. They wore this type of shoe when working in the fields. Modern monk straps have single, double, or triple buckled straps over the top. A single-strap shoe is the most formal of the bunch due to its lack of complication, giving it a sleeker appearance. This comfortable slip-on shoe is an upgrade from a loafer. You may wear monk-strap shoes to a formal function.
Important factors to consider before purchasing formal shoes
Shoe fit
When it comes to buying shoes, getting the right size is the most important factor to take into consideration. It is essential to keep in mind that formal shoes do not break in as sneakers do, so it is important to acquire the proper shape and fit the first time around. Because of this, it is quite important to have your feet measured and find out which shoe style is most suitable for you.
Shoe Material
Leather remains the material of choice for men’s formal shoes, despite the availability of shoes made of alternative materials such as suede and exotic skins. There are several different types of leather that can be purchased, the most desirable and expensive of which is full-grain leather. Other types of leather include top-grain leather, patent leather, and pebble-grain leather.
Shoe style
Another aspect that should be taken into account before making a purchase is the shoe’s particular design. Oxfords, brogues, loafers, derbies, monk shoes, chukka boots, and Chelsea boots are just a few of the formal shoe options for men that are available in a wide range of styles.
Shoe heel
There is a wide range of heel heights available for men’s formal shoes, and it can be challenging to find the optimal balance between having heels that are too high, too low, or just perfect. If you are unsure about the heel height, you should choose a heel that is 1 inch tall.
Shoe soles
The vast majority of men’s formal shoes have rubber, crepe, or leather soles. Rubber soles are long-lasting and grippy, but they aren’t necessarily visually appealing. Crepe soles, on the other hand, are not very durable. Leather soles are preferred for formal shoes. They do not, however, provide much traction.
Toe shape
As a general rule, the toes on formal shoes should be rounded, especially if you intend to wear them to the office or at formal events.
Shoe weight
When buying formal shoes, think about how frequently you’ll be wearing them. If you’re buying shoes for a specific event or know you won’t be wearing them frequently or for extended periods of time, the weight of the shoes won’t be an issue. However, if you intend to buy them for office use, you will be wearing them every day for several hours. Thus, it’s critical to choose a lightweight shoe that’s gentle on your feet.
Bottomline
Buying formal shoes can seem like an easy task until you reach the store or browse online, only to be overwhelmed by the variety of options available. Now that you are aware of the best types of formal shoes and the factors to consider before making a purchase, you are ready to go out there and find your ideal pair of formal shoes!