The 5 Best Dress Shoes for Men

Whether you wear them everyday or only on special occasions, dress shoes are an essential part of every man's footwear collection. The right shoe can make or break a job interview, or even mean the difference between seducing your crush and going home empty-handed. Of course, we don't mean to suggest that your personality isn't great on its own. But for those looking to augment their look with a new pair of dress shoes, you've come to the right place. We've done the research and found the best of best. Here, we've whittled down the list to our five favorites, from the inexpensive option to the premium pick.

Clarks Men’s Tilden Cap Oxford Shoe

We crown Clarks king

This oxford-style shoe from Clarks wins our top pick for its great style, craftsmanship, and affordability.

Best Overall

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Admittedly, the best overall dress shoe is probably sitting in some small artisanal shop in Italy somewhere, waiting for its Cinderella. However, you can get the next best thing from Clarks. This Tilden Cap Oxford Shoe is the perfect blend of style and functionality. The rubber sole won’t make it sound like you’re click-clacking-clacking around in stilettos, while providing an extra degree of comfort for your knees and feet. Cushioned with moisture-wicking Orthalite insoles, it’s a great option for a shoe that you can wear all day long. Made out of 100-percent leather, the construction is durable and hardy. For those looking for a super-suave shoe that they can wear daily, this is it.

Pros

Affordable
Super comfortable
True to size

Cons

Takes some time to break in

Bruno Marc Men’s Leather Lined Dress Oxford Shoes

Happy feet, happy wallet

For those looking for a dress shoe that won't break the bank, we recommend this stylish-yet-inexpensive option from Bruno Marc.

Best Budget

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Although the price varies by color and size, this pick from Bruno Marc will set you back about thirty bucks. A shoe this cheap is usually a red flag, but Bruno Marc managed to manufacture an inexpensive dress shoe that looks and functions perfectly. With a durable faux-leather lining and accurate stitching, it’s a shoe that can take a beating without any grief. You may have to fib about the price, because right out of the box they look as good as a pair of shoes five times more expensive. Designed in the United States, these Oxford Style shoes would fit right in at a corporate board room meeting or a wedding, and no one would ever guess that you only spent thirty bucks. Be advised, however, that they scuff easily, so you may want to invest in some polish or a buffing brush.

Pros

Great value for the price
Available in variety of colors and sizes
Non-slip sole

Cons

Scuff easily
Not ideal for daily wear

Calvin Klein Men’s Brodie Oxford Shoe

A premium shoe for a premium price

It may be one of the more expensive picks on our list, but this quality dress shoe from Calvin Klein is a worthwhile investment for a shoe that won't fall apart or fall out of fashion.

Best Premium

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This option’s price also varies with size and color, but it will likely run you over a hundred dollars. All things considered, you could spend a lot more for a dress shoe and still get the same quality and craftsmanship as this Oxford-style shoe. It’s made out of genuine nappa leather and sports a rounded square toe, giving it a traditional formal appearance. However, it’s a versatile look that pairs with jeans as equally as well as it does with a business suit and tie. Heck, they even work in a tux. Best of all, the lightly-cushioned foam insole hides the fact that it’s also one of the most comfortable options on our list.

Pros

True to size
Flexible, genuine leather
Classic shape, modern texture

Cons

Glued, not wilted, sole

Clarks Men’s Tilden Slip-On Loafer

Slip on, Slip off

For those looking for the comfort and simplicity of the loafer, we recommend this lightweight loafer from Clarks.

Best Loafer

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Clarks has made it onto our list yet again with another high-quality dress shoe. This time, their loafer outshines the competition with a high-performance design and a price that can’t be beat. Made out of a breathable leather and a scratch-resistant outsole, this sleek shoe screams class and comfort. The flexible sole will extend the lifespan of your shoe and save your knees during those extended work days. And for such a hardy leather shoe, they’re surprisingly lightweight. At less than a pound each, these shoes destroy the notion that loafers are clunky or cumbersome. Thus, if you are a loafer man, this is your best bet.

Pros

Flexible sole
Easy to slip on

Cons

Runs a little narrow (wide options available)

Cole Haan Men’s Original Grand Shortwing Oxford Shoe

Save your knees

A popular pick among those that spend a lot of time on their feet, this comfy choice from Cole Haan adds a little extra cushion to your shoe game.

Best comfort

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It may be a bit pricey, but this dress shoe from Cole Haan is a breath of fresh air for those that need a little extra cushion in their shoes. Cole Haan has added to their reputation for designing comfortable shoes that don’t sacrifice classiness or formality. It certainly doesn’t look it, but these oxford-style shoes sport an all-rubber sole and a breathable, responsive insole. Plus, the EVA-midsole adds some extra strength, so it can handle the wear-and-tear of daily wear without cracking or splitting. The energy foam cushioning won’t settle into place, so it’s like a cushy memory-foam mattress for your feet. While most dress shoes that boast of extra-comfort look kind of clunky, this option looks dapper and appropriate.

Pros

Versatile look
Extremely comfortable
Flexible rubber sole

Cons

Leather around ankle takes time to break in

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to maintain my leather dress shoes?

Most of the options on our list feature a genuine leather construction, so we recommend performing some occasional maintenance to preserve the integrity of your shoes. That’s why you may want to consider investing in some tools, such as shoe brushes and conditioners. Alternatively, those that live in a city might be able to find a professional shoe shiner, though these are a dying breed.

With your shoes on, clean them with a soft brush or cloth to remove any dirt or grime. Then, apply a light leather conditioner, making sure to hit all the exterior leather parts of the surface. Let them sit for several hours, ideally overnight. Once the conditioner has had time to absorb into the leather, you can buff them with a clean rag or brush. Finally, apply a wax polish to seal in the moisture and give your shoes that distinctive dapper shine. A thorough buffing isn’t necessary for the health of the leather, but who doesn’t want a shiny dress shoe?

Which shoes are appropriate for [insert formal event here]?

While formality may seem like an established, fixed convention, ideas surrounding what form of attire is appropriate for any given circumstance are constantly changing and adapting. Your posture, smile, and demeanor say a lot more about you than your clothes do, so it’s best not to sweat it as long as you’ve got decent, well-fitted clothes. All of the shoes on our list, ranging from oxford-style wingtip shoes to black leather loafers, are appropriate for a wide range of settings, from weddings to formal offices. Loafers look good with business casual attire, while oxford-style shoes can even match a well-fitting pair of jeans. Remember, confidence is about you, not the shoe.