Mens Shoes: Elegant Mens Shoes
A well-fitting pair of dress shoes elevates any outfit. But navigating the world of men’s dress shoes can be tricky.
Nathan tried several pairs, scoring them on comfort, quality, and value. He recommended the Corey Oxford Shoe by Magnanni. These shoes are made to last and look expensive, featuring blind eyelet lacing and a decorative brogue perforated trim. For more elegant mens shoes, check this out.
Opera Pumps
An evening dress slipper typically featuring a grosgrain bow across the vamp, opera pumps are one of the three shoes commonly accepted for black- or white-tie occasions, alongside black calfskin Venetian loafers and black patent leather lace-up oxfords. Despite their feminine appearance, these classic men’s shoes are surprisingly versatile and can be worn with tailored trousers or a more casual pair of chinos for work jeans and a sports jacket for the weekend.
Although their popularity has dipped since the 1930s, when lace-up oxfords entered the mainstream, many modern manufacturers still produce opera pumps. AWMS, for instance, offers a traditional style with a black patent leather upper and a quilted satin lining; others, such as Bowhill & and Elliot, have worked directly with clients on one-of-a-kind creations, including wool tartan opera pumps with ribbed silk bows.
Several shoemakers, however, have steered clear of glitzier materials to offer more versatile options for occasional wear. For example, To Boot New York’s Broadway loafer is constructed from woven leather, while Morjas’ version features matte calfskin rather than gleaming patent leather. For more elegant mens shoes, check this out.
Brogues
These shoes are made of soft calfskin leather that feels expensive and supple. They feature blind eyelet lacing and a decorative brogue perforated trim. They’re great for work or formal occasions and can be worn with dress pants, chinos, or jeans. They’re also lightweight, padded for comfort, and have a leather sole that’s great for those who stand all day.
Unlike other types of dress shoes, brogues are designed to be versatile and can be worn for casual or business attire. They’re often worn with suits and tuxedos.
They come in a variety of styles and colours. Full brogues (also known as wingtips) are the most formal, while quarter and semi-brogues have less decoration. They may have a straight or rounded toe cap and can be made with closed or open lacing. Some closure styles for men’s brogues include laced Oxfords, Derbys, and buckled monk straps (double or single). Other men’s brogues are loafers and boots with side gussets or serrated piece edges.
Loafers
Loafers are sleek, slip-on, formal or casual shoes, depending on the materials and embellishments used. The softer the material, the more casual the shoes are, while the sharper the design or details, the more formal they are.
The style can range from a plain surface to quirky tassels and perforations. They also usually have lower heels than other dress shoes, allowing for a balanced and natural stride while still making you look stylish.
To achieve a sophisticated, smart-casual look, pair loafers in tan or beige with tailored pants or chinos and a crisp cotton shirt. Or opt for a suede mule in a classic silhouette with a playful contrasting colourway, like Aime Leon Dore’s stunning Contrast Penny Loafers (which, unfortunately, sell out almost immediately). This season, G.H. Bass Whitney Weejuns are a top pick, and the brand’s latest iterations feature a striking metal-toned horse-bit accent that’ll elevate even the most casual outfit. For more elegant mens shoes, check this out.
Chelsea Boots
Regarding practical elegance, you can’t go wrong with Chelsea boots. Designed for Queen Victoria in 1837 and embraced by mod culture in the 1960s, these shoes perfectly balance style and functionality. Their quintessential elastic side panels and pull tabs make them easy to slip on and off, while their sleek silhouette adds a polished, refined look to any outfit.
Tecovas uses full-grain calfskin leather to create its handsome Chelsea boots. They’re supple yet sturdy, and the construction allows them to hold up well to daily wear. You can pair “The Luke” with boot-cut jeans and a button-down shirt to achieve a Western look or opt for a slim-fit dark navy blue suede version to create a stylish work-to-evening ensemble.