Keeping a good pair of sneakers and casual shoes is important, but owning a nice pair of dress shoes for men can also be imperative. If you work in an office environment or you attend a lot of formal dinners and events, you’ll need a pair of comfortable dress shoes in your closet.
Before you make a decision, we’ll help you weigh some options. Here are 35 of the best dress shoes for men with different styles you can choose from.
Formal Options
Make sure you have a good pair of dress shoes that are appropriate for more formal events. Having more formal dress shoes for men allows you to dress up your outfit when the occasion calls for it. Alternatively, they’re also a great way to spruce up your look in case you feel a little underdressed for certain gatherings. Check out these picks to help you stay prepared for dressier events that call for more sophisticated and more put-together outfits.
1. Aldo Forewia Oxford Shoes
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Simplicity is beauty in this Aldo version of oxford shoes. Its timeless appeal makes it a good choice for everyday wear. It has a low-top arch, so you can play around with some fun socks to spice up your outfit. The classic cut is timeless, so having this in your collection should be a no-brainer. Plus, it has a suede finish, which gives it a nice touch of class and sophistication.
Learn more about the Aldo Forewia Oxford Shoes here.
2. Allen Edmonds Carlyle Plain Toe Oxford
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Allen Edmonds finely crafted this pair of leather shoes in the classic oxford style. Its elongated front and tapered toe design give it a more streamlined fit. Crafted with premium European calfskin, the Allen Edmonds Carlyle Plain Toe Oxford is truly an elegant pair of dress shoes for men. It’s versatile enough for more serious affairs and that call for outfits that are understated yet charming.
Learn more about the Allen Edmonds Carlyle Oxford shoes here.
3. Maestrami Men’s Handmade Genuine Leather Shoes
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The two-tone feature of these dress shoes for men makes them stand out from other formal dress shoes out on the market. Its design leans more retro, but the duo-tone feature gives it a more contemporary spin. Without a doubt, these dress shoes for men are a display of top notch quality and craftsmanship. Wear it with a monochrome suit to highlight its features and give off a very modern vibe to your look.
Learn more about the Maestrami Men’s Handmade Genuine Leather Shoes here.
4. Allen Edmonds McAllister Wingtip
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This particular design of dress shoes for men got 5-star reviews from hundreds of customers thanks to how comfortable it is. Plus, it’s made in a 360° Goodyear welt construction, so it has an extremely high lifespan. Beyond that, its decorative brogue detailing and piping are striking and give it some extra definition. These details give the Allen Edmonds McAllister Wingtip more character, so they’re the perfect pair of dress shoes for men who want something a little more intricate to their shoes.
Learn more about the Allen Edmonds McAllister Wingtip here.
5. Clarks Men’s Bampton Cap Oxford
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These sleek, tapered dress shoes have a subtle perforated design element to this otherwise plain-looking shoe. It is fitted with Clarks’ signature OrthoLite insole for extreme comfort, impact absorbency and breathability. The simple design keeps the whole look clean and can be easily paired with any formal or work outfit.
Learn more about the Clarks Men’s Bampton Cap Oxford here.
6. Ted Baker Men’s Martt 2 Oxford
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For something stylish and high quality, go for some Ted Baker dress shoes. The slightly pointed toe gives the shoe more structure and shape. Additionally, it has only two pairs of eyelets for lacing, creating something more sleek and elegant. The Ted Baker Men’s Martt 2 Oxfords are simple yet dapper, making them a perfect all-around pair for formal events.
Learn more about the Ted Baker Men’s Martt 2 Oxfords here.
7. Florsheim Men’s Salerno Cap Toe Oxford
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The Salerno Cap style is designed to make dress shoes for men more comfortable for all-day wear. This is the perfect pair of dress shoes for men to wear in events that call for you to be on your feet for long periods of time, such as conferences and weddings. Its laces add a nice touch of contrast as well, giving these shoes a bit more character without having to go overboard.
Learn more about the Florsheim Men’s Salerno Cap Toe Oxford here.
8. Allen Edmonds Men’s Strandmok Oxford Shoe
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Notice how many Allen Edmonds made it to this list? Well, that’s because they simply make a lot of comfortable dress shoes. The Strandmok stands out in particular with its timeless, vintage look and a Dainite rubber outsole that provides extra stability. Its style is classic and timeless, and it even has some nice antique detailing to give the shoes more of a personality.
Get a classier look with the Allen Edmonds Men’s Strandmok Oxford Shoes here.
9. ZRO Men’s Lace Up Formal Dress Shoes
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These dress shoes for men have a more unique touch to them without being too loud or attention-grabbing. It’s coated in a rich, deep color that gives it the elegance you want in formal dress shoes. It boasts of having a slip-abrasion and shock-absorbing ZRO Pro outsole, yet it remains comfortable thanks to its pigskin lining. You can’t go wrong with these shoes, as they are fashionable, formal, and best of all: functional.
Learn more about the ZRO Men’s Lace Up Formal Dress Shoes here.
10. Calvin Klein Men’s Brodie Oxford Shoe
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Standing out from the crowd in formal affairs like weddings and galas is easy with a shiny and glossy pair of Calvin Klein’s Men’s Brodie Oxford Shoes. The shoe is 100% leather with a comfortable synthetic sole. Moreover, it comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you’re sure to find something that suits your personal style in no time.
Learn more about the Calvin Klein Men’s Brodie Oxford Shoes here.
11. Allen Edmonds Men’s Park Avenue Cap-Toe Oxford
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Allen Edmonds definitely has a good line of men’s shoes. This 60-year old design, in particular, is a timeless classic that deserves a renaissance. It saw a return in 2009 due to popular demand and it has been a best-seller ever since. Its cork footbed shapes to your foot the more you wear it, giving you a more personalized fit over time.
Learn more about the Allen Edmonds Men’s Park Avenue Cap-Toe Oxford here.
12. Clarks Men’s Tilden Cap Oxford Shoe
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Clarks has been in the business for about 200 years so it has manufactured over 20,000 shoe styles. One favorite is this Tilden cap oxford style pair made of 100% leather. The built-in Ortholite insoles keep your feet comfy and odor-free. It also has a more flexible fit due to its stretch gore panels. Made with premium full grain leather, the Clarks Men’s Tilden Cap Oxford Shoe is one of the best dress shoes for men to start their collection with.
Learn more about the Clarks Men’s Tilden Cap Oxford Shoes here.
13. M-anxiu Dress Oxfords
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These shoes come in two different lacing styles: the regular front-facing kind and a unique side-lacing style. Other than the conventional warm brown and black colors, it comes in a deep purple-burgandy color if you want something with more rich, cool tones for your outfit. The polyurethane sole has massage cushions to provide enough support and comfort for your feet all day long.
Learn more about the M-anxiu Dress Oxford here.
14. Mezlan Helios Mens Luxury Cap Toe Oxford Lace Ups
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Handcrafted in Spain, the Mezlan Helios Mens Luxury Cap Toe Oxford Lace Ups are elegant and boast of high quality construction. Show off your dapper taste with these shoes as you go out and about, whether it be for formal events or even just for business casual gatherings. Seeing as these were crafted in the shoemaking capital of Europe, opting for these shoes should be a no-brainer.
Learn more about the Mezlan Helios Men’s Luxury Cap Toe Oxford Lace Ups here.
15. Nunn Bush Men’s Nelson Wing Tip Oxford Lace-Ups
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The Nunn Bush Men’s Nelson Wing Tip Oxford Lace Ups are simple but undeniably timeless, which makes them the perfect addition to your roster of dress shoes. The brogue details give these dress shoes a more traditional feel, but that only makes them more classic and versatile. It comes with a gel footbed to ensure comfort as well. As the Nunn Bush Men’s Nelson Wing Tip Oxford Lace-Ups show, good dress shoes need not be extravagantly priced in order to be premium and classy.
Learn more about the Nunn Bush Men’s Nelson Wing Tip Oxford Lace-Ups here.
16. Jousen Valyrain Leather Derby Oxfords
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If you are someone who can be quite picky when it comes to your dress shoes, Jousen’s Valyrain series has you covered. It comes in four colors (three brown shades and one black) with three styles: wingtip, cap toe and plain toe. The interior is extremely comfortable as well with a soft microfiber lining and thick insole. The best part of this shoe is the cloth inner lining at the front of the shoe, which reduces the appearance of those ugly creases you get after a couple of wears.
Learn more about the Jousen Valyrain Leather Derby Oxfords here.
17. Dream Pairs Bruno Marc Moda Italy Dress Shoes
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A good pair of dress shoes for men is worth making an investment. They’ll go with most suits and it’s very comfortable, even for those with wider feet. The brogue lining keeps these shoes on the more classic side. However, it also has some perforated detailing for a touch of uniqueness that leans on the more subtle side of things.
Learn more about the Dream Pairs Bruno Marc Moda Italy Dress Shoes here.
18. Bruno Marc Men’s Faux Patent Leather Tuxedo Dress Shoes
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The sleek glossy finish on these shoes makes them look sophisticated and modern, perfect for a formal dinner party. These shoes come in black and white so they can be matched with any formal outfit. You can even go for its iteration that comes with brogue detailing if you want something that has a touch of elegance to pair with the more modern feel of a patent finish.
Learn more about the Bruno Marc Men’s Faux Patent Leather Tuxedo Dress Shoes here.
19. STACY ADAMS Men’s Dunbar-Wingtip Oxford
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If you like some interesting design elements on your dress shoes, wingtip shoes are the way to go, with the wing-shaped brogues and decorative perforations. This pair of shoes comes in various colors that are still muted and formal enough for office wear. Plus, they are extremely well-cushioned with memory foam insoles that mold to your feet shape.
Learn more about the STACY ADAMS Men’s Dunbar-Wingtip Oxford here.
20. STACY ADAMS Men’s Trazino Croco-Lizard Print Wingtip Lace-up Oxford
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The interesting scaly texture on this pair of dress shoes for men gives an updated touch to an otherwise retro look. Additionally, it comes with a fully cushioned memory foam insole for added comfort and improved shock absorption.They come in various dark/neutral and bright colors so you can choose whatever fits best for the event you’re attending.
Learn more about the STACY ADAMS Men’s Trazino Croco-Lizard Print Wingtip Lace-up Oxford here.
More Casual Options
On certain occasions, you might find yourselves a little overdressed with formal men’s dress shoes. More casual dress shoe options often have a thicker outsole that resembles sneakers and can be made with other fabric materials such as canvas. Check out below some of the best dress shoes for men who want to keep it classy for those more dressed-down events.
21. Cole Haan Men’s Original Grand Shortwing Oxford Shoes
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Not all dress shoes provide a dapper look, but Cole Haan is a brand that helps you pull off a formal and casual look with their Original Grand Shortwing Oxford Shoes. The best part? It’s made of high-quality materials and it’s very comfortable to wear. The price point isn’t too shabby either, so there’s no doubt that these are some casual dress shoes for men worth checking out.
Learn more about the Cole Haan Men’s Original Grand Shortwing Oxford Shoes here.
22. Mark Nason Men’s Hayden Oxford
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Modern-classic and casual pair? Every single detail on this stylish Hayden Oxford dictates just that. The perforations on its design make it perfect for special occasions. The shoe is comfortable, breathable, and durable. Furthermore, it boasts of a knitted upper that’s water-resistant, making these dress shoes a great pair to bring along for outdoor events.
Learn more about the Mark Nason Men’s Hayden Oxford here.
23. TSIODFO Men’s Dress Shoes
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These shoes come in two styles: one cap toe style with a suede panel and another plain toe style. The ones with a side panel work better for more casual occasions that still require some dressing up because of their more structured, dressier shape. However, the plain toe versions come in a more sneaker-like construction with its flat base and streamlined shape, making them a lot more informal.
Learn more about the TSIODFO Men’s Dress Shoes here.
24. Merryland Men’s Business Casual Oxford Shoes
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Crafted from the finest fabric and leather material, this dress shoe can storm any weather, even the cold winter. Its durable rubber soles can protect the bottom of the shoe while keeping it in a streamlined shape. They’re flexible, comfortable, and have a more preppy vibe to them. Plus, its stacked heel offers great shock absorption and added cushioning.
Learn more about the Merryland Men’s Business Casual Oxford Shoes here.
25. Clarks Men’s Rendell Walk Oxford
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Featuring rubber soles and lace-up closure, Ortholite footbed, and some smooth synthetic linings, this classic pair is a good choice for everyday wear. These dress shoes for men give a more rugged, relaxed twist to the classic Oxfords with its chunky silhouette but the leather construction makes it suitable enough for work wear. For something casual but still dressier than your regular pair of kicks, go for the Clarks Men’s Rendell Walk Oxford.
Learn more about the Clarks Men’s Rendell Walk Oxford here.
26. VOSTEY Men’s Dress Shoes Leather Wingtip Oxfords
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Want something more comfortable? Then breathable dress shoes should be in your closet. The VOSTEY Men’s Dress Shoes are easy to wear but still suitable for formal settings. You can even pair them with jeans and you’d still look sophisticated. Additionally, it has a flexible stitched contrasting sole for stability and shock absorption. Smooth to the touch thanks to its multiple polishings, the VOSTEY Oxfords are a superb choice if you want an all-around casual pair of dress shoes.
Learn more about the VOSTEY Men’s Dress Shoes Leather Wingtip Oxfords here.
27. Cole Haan Men’s Grand Tour Plain Ox Oxford
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Another comfortable dress shoes on the list are these dressy lightweight shoes of Cole Haan. It’s a more casual option for not so formal events. You can experience maximum comfort and support from this pair because of its Grand OS cushion. It also has a sport-inspired outsole, so give these dress shoes a try if you want something that has a little bit of a sporty vibe to them.
Learn more about the Cole Haan Men’s Grand Tour Plain Ox Oxford here.
28. Bruno Marc Men’s Urban Suede Oxfords
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This is one of the best dress shoes for men who want a little bit of everything. The look and feel of suede creates a good balance between casual and formal wear, as compared to regular full-grain leather. Plus, the shape of this shoe is made to look like a sneaker but the heel adds that slight semblance to a dress shoe. In terms of color options, it has a wide variety of neutral and dark colors that are all easy to match with your work outfits.
Learn more about the Bruno Marc Men’s Urban Suede Oxfords here.
29. Calvin Klein Men’s Atlee Ballistic Nylon Oxford
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Want to shy away from the classic black dress shoes? Then go ahead and sport a colored yet work-appropriate oxford from Calvin Klein. With these, you won’t have to change your shoes when you’re out rocking the night away after office work. Calvin Klein is a brand that won’t fail you, so go for these dress shoes if you want something bright and fun.
Learn more about the Calvin Klein Men’s Atlee Ballistic Nylon Oxford Shoes here.
30. Bruno Marc Men’s Oxford Dress Sneakers
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This pair of dress shoes is the perfect blend of the chunkier sneaker aesthetic with the refined look and feel of traditional leather dress shoes. They come in different designs and decorative panel options as well, like suede back panels and a mesh-like imprinted panel. Each shoe is lined with breathable natural leather inside and is fitted with a lightweight outsole that make them extremely easy to walk around in.
Learn more about the Bruno Marc Men’s Oxford Dress Sneakers here.
31. Hush Puppies Men’s Expert Pt Lace Up Oxford
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The soles of these casual dress shoes might look too much like a pair of running shoes but that’s what makes these shoes so effective in providing support to your feet. The unique traction shape propels your feet forward naturally as you walk. In addition, the shoes have a footbed that is both soft, responsive and covered in a moisture-wicking sockliner. If your job involves you being on your feet for most of the day, these are the shoes for you.
Learn more about the Hush Puppies Men’s Expert Pt Lace Up Oxford here.
32. Members Only Men’s Chambray Oxford Classic Business Casual Shoes
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These are a versatile pair of shoes that can be worn for any occasion. Comfortable and stylish, the Members Only Men’s Chambray Oxford Classic Business Casual Shoes are a great casual option for guys who still want to maintain a classy air about their outfits. They’re also easy to slip on, which makes them perfect for when you’re running late and in a rush to head out the door.
Learn more about the Members Only Men’s Chambray Oxford Classic Business Casual Shoes here.
33. GM GOLAIMAN Men’s Wingtip Dress Shoes
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The suede finish of these dress shoes for men gives them a rich and classy look, but the more sneaker-like sole maintains a more casual feel for everyday wear. Flexible and lightweight, this pair is a great stepping stone to more formal dress shoes. Sneaker buffs will find them to be a great pair to start off with in the world of dress shoes for men.
Learn more about the GM GOLAIMAN Men’s Wingtip Dress Shoes here.
34. Rockport Men’s Dressports 2 Go Plain Toe Oxford
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Made with leather upper, this caramel-colored shoe is superior in durability. It is also sophisticated with a class casual appearance. They also offer lightweight shock absorption, making them great for more outdoor events that keep you on your feet. With a foam forefoot cushioning, you will surely enjoy the comfort it brings.
Learn more about the Rockport Dressports 2 Go Plain Toe Oxford here.
35. Dockers Men’s Hawking Knit/Leather Smart Series
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Every detail of this dress shoe represents ultimate superiority in comfort and craftsmanship. Notably, these shoes come with Dockers’ NeverWet technology, which repels liquids. This means you won’t have to worry about wet patches or stains when you’ve got these shoes on. From its elongated front, premium fabric, and internal rubber sole – everything is made with classic design and comfort in mind.
Learn more about the Dockers Men’s Hawking Knit/Leather Smart Series here.
Dress shoes don’t always have to be expensive. There are affordable brands that can suit your budget, as affordable doesn’t have to equate to unstylish. However, investing in finely-crafted dress shoes is a smart move, as they will last you a lifetime.
Regardless, no matter which pair you go for, sporting dress shoes for men will only be as fashionable as you make them to be. Be it pricey or affordable, how stylish your dress shoes are will rely on what you pair them with and how you wear them. Wear your dress shoes with confidence, as that is what will ultimately take your outfit form zero to a hundred.
For other dressy and casual shoe options you can wear to work, check out our article on the best men’s loafers.
