Every man's wardrobe should have at least one pair of men`s high-quality, casual dress shoes. They will serve as the foundation for whatever outfit you wear everywhere and will last you for years — if not decades — if you invest in the correct pair, lace up or loafer, and take great care of them. However, with so many various styles available, it might be tough to choose a suitable pair. This guide contains all of the information you need to make the best decision possible. What characteristics should I look for in a pair of dress shoes? If you want to get the most bang for your buck, there are several factors to consider when purchasing a new pair of dress shoes. Here is everything you need to consider: The leather's quality: The greatest dress shoes are constructed of flexible but robust leather. They are quite comfortable once broken in, but they retain their shape and look excellent for years. When it comes to dressing for shoes, you get what you pay for, and this is most noticeable in the leather used to construct them. Therefore, if you have the means, it is always worthwhile to spend a little bit more. Dress shoes are typically made from four different types of leather: Because the surface is not sanded or buffed, full grain offers the greatest quality and retains its natural character and strength. 
Top grain leather is also used to produce high-quality leather items, but it is shaved to remove defects and is more stain resistant than a full grain. Genuine leather is the next highest quality alternative, and it is usually a more durable but less expensive option. Bonded leather is created from a pulp composed of shredded leather. It is then given a polyurethane coating with a leather-like texture embossed on it. The resulting material is typical of inferior quality, and it can be impossible to predict how a pair of bonded leather shoes would perform. They never look as elegant or last as long as full grain, top grain, or genuine leather dress shoes. Fit and comfort: A nice pair of shoes may require a rather unpleasant break-in time. They may feel slightly snug at first and rub your heels or toes, making determining how comfortable they are particularly challenging. What size should men's formal shoes be? To avoid purchasing a pair of shoes that are too small, go to a store in the afternoon or evening, as feet tend to enlarge slightly throughout the day. You should also make sure you are wearing the correct socks since this will help you to gauge how they will feel the first time you wear them out. Furthermore, it is a good idea to wear the shoes for 10-15 minutes and walk around in them to discover any pressure places. Dress shoes should be snug on your feet and adapt to their contour over time. After a while, you should be able to tell how comfortable they will be at first and have an estimate of how long they will take to break in. Using all of this information, you can assess whether the shoes will be comfortable both initially and in the end. If you want to try on some dress shoes in-store, choose your nearest Charles Clinkard store and pay us a visit. 
If you prefer to purchase online, our returns policy allows you to return any shoes in their original condition for 365 days, giving you plenty of time to make a decision. The style: If you want a pair of shoes that you will be able to wear for years to come, you should consider the design as well as the craftsmanship. While fashion-forward people may be lured to quirkier or even louder patterns that are now on-trend, it is important to remember that what is in one season might be out the next, so sticking to a classic style is usually a good idea. Cap-toe Oxfords, derby shoes, and wingtip brogues will always be fashionable. Therefore, if you are looking for a pair of shoes that you will be able to wear in a decade, these are a terrific alternative. How much should I spend on a pair of dress shoes? A good pair of dress shoes will never go out of style, and you will be wearing them for many years to come. They are meant to be worn to formal occasions when you want to look your best and impress, thus they should be the most expensive shoes in your collection. You will thank yourself later if you spend as much as you can afford on your next pair of dress shoes. The various types of men's formal shoes: Men's dress shoes come in a variety of styles, which can make finding a new pair challenging. When deciding on the appropriate style for you, consider the kind of events you frequently attend, your own style, and what you currently have in your closet. To assist you, we have compiled a list of the most common styles you are likely to come across while searching for a new pair of dress shoes. Brogues: When someone says formal shoes, your mind may immediately go to brogues, a popular choice for people who want to seem put together. They were invented in the nineteenth century by Scottish and Irish farmers and were primarily intended to be worn while working in the fields. 
Originally, they were made of black leather that was perforated to allow water to drain fast and readily. They became connected with sports and had a more exquisite design in the 1920s, but it was not until the 1930s that they began to resemble those that exist today. They are a fantastic shoe type distinguished by the ornamental holes that embellish them. They are often made of many pieces of leather and are ideal for formal occasions. Brogues come in a wide variety of closure and toecap combinations, making them ideal for a variety of occasions. This allows you a lot of leeway in selecting a pair that matches your personal style. Balmoral or Oxford? Oxfords are ideal if you want a shoe that is both reliable and classic. They were known as Balmorals when they first arrived in Scotland and Ireland. However, they have been referred to as Oxfords given their popularity at Oxford University in the 1800s. They are distinguished by their 'closed lacing,' which implies that their shoelace eyelet tabs are linked beneath the vamp (or front of the shoe). As a result, they have a very neat appearance and a slim form. Their simplistic appearance and versatility make them one of the most popular men's dress shoe styles. They are excellent all-purpose shoes that can be dressed up or down, especially if you choose a simple brown or black pair. If you have a specific purpose in mind for them, you may want to select a more specialized pair. Patent leather Oxfords, for example, will look the finest with a tux. Butchers or Derby shoes? Derby shoes are quite similar to Oxford shoes, but they feature exposed laces. This means that their facing is sewn on top of the vamp and leaves an opening at the bottom. As a result, they have a somewhat broader fit and are a more casual and comfortable option. 
Men’s casual dress shoes
Among men`s shoes, Derbys come in a wide variety of colors and styles, including simple casual models and pairs with elaborate brogue decorations. This means they are an excellent pick for a fashionable pair of dress shoes to add to your business or casual collection. Straps for monks: Monk straps are a unique twist on typical lace-up or slip-on shoes. Because of their bold buckles, they lie comfortably between Oxford and derby shoes in terms of formality. Their individuality makes them popular among fashion-conscious men looking for something a little different. If you want to experiment with this trend, single monk straps are a good place to start because they are more subtle. Double straps, on the other hand, have a military vibe to them and can be more difficult to pull off. Monks who desired closed-toe shoes that provided more protection than their normal sandals first wore Monk straps, as the name implies. The general population eventually adopted them as dress shoes. They used to come with a toecap, but now come in a variety of brogue, plain-toe, and even boot designs. Loafers: Loafers have a colorful history. Originally designed as casual house slippers for King George VI, they became popular as casual shoes only after American manufacturers began producing them in the 1930s. 
They were not considered appropriate dress shoes until the 1960s, when American executives began to wear them with their suits. Having said that, they do provide a more relaxed style than Oxfords and monk straps. Loafers frequently have modest decorations, such as a slit strap, a metal bit, or tassels, allowing you to select a design that best suits your own style. Pumps for operation: While opera pumps are not as popular as they were during the Victorian era, they can still be spotted on fashionistas on full-dress occasions. They are often composed of patent black leather with a grosgrain ribbon on the front. Opera pumps are ideally suited to black- or white-tie events and can be worn in place of your customary shoes for such occasions, such as patent black Oxfords. Dress shoes: Dress boots are often constructed similarly to Oxford shoes, with wingtip broguing on the toe and along the seams. They are highly adaptable, and a simple black or brown pair can serve a variety of functions. They look great with jeans for smart-casual occasions and can even be worn with a suit when the weather is terrible. 
Consider a pair of dress boots if you want a good pair of shoes that can be worn for a range of events. Chelsea shoe: Chelsea boots are a less formal alternative to dress boots, yet they can still be worn for formal occasions. They are distinguished by their elastic side panels and are a particularly fashionable and comfortable option.
- Sparkes-Hall designed them for Queen Victoria, who wore them every day, according to legend. They quickly became a popular alternative to the more stiff boots that were commonly worn at the period.
Chelsea boots experienced a modern renaissance in the 1960s, when they were spotted on everyone from the Rolling Stones to The Beatles. Since then, fashion-forward people have championed them. Chukka shoes: Chukkas are ankle-length boots that fit tightly and, unlike other boot types, do not affect how your pants sit. They have a rounded toe, minimal stitching, and open lacing comparable to derby shoes. They are typically constructed of suede, but polished leather pairs look significantly more formal. Though these are the most casual of the dress shoes we have discussed, they function well in smart-casual settings and may even serve as regular work shoes if properly dressed.