A pair of great shoes can complete your outfit. When it comes to office footwear, it's very important that they're elegant and match the dress code. If you're a man who works in an office you'll need at least one pair in classic colours such as black or brown. But what model do you need? Mens office dress shoes come in many variants. Here's what you need to know.
Wholecut
Wholecut shoes, also known as "seamless" shoes, are crafted from a single stunning piece of leather instead of multiple smaller pieces stitched together. This design makes them look more luxurious and striking. Wholecuts are sleek, stylish, and minimalistic, making them the top choice for the modern gentleman's formal attire, especially since patent dress shoes aren't as popular anymore due to their limited versatility. You can rock these with suits and tuxedos—just make sure to keep them polished for that formal touch.
Longwings
Longwings are a laid-back take on the classic wingtip brogue, featuring wingtips that wrap around the heel. These perfect mens office dress shoes usually come with a thicker sole, and extra broguing, and are often made from sturdier leathers like cordovan and pebble grain. These shoes aren’t really suited for suits or formal outfits—stick to wearing them with jeans and casual pants.
The Captoe
The classic cap toe is the go-to choice for a straightforward, traditional dress shoe. If you need a reliable option for your everyday business outfits, you can't beat a pair of simple captures in either chocolate brown or black leather. Aim for a style with a slim, polished leather sole and a toe box that has a refined shape, fitting the natural curves of your foot—nothing too sharp or too square.
The Captoe Brogue
Broguing is all about those cool little holes you see punched into leather, usually around the laces, the back parts, and along the edges of the toe cap. The toe's “medallion” is another type of broguing, but it's a distinct feature on its own. Some brogues skip the medallion altogether, while other shoes might just have a toe medallion and wouldn’t really fit the brogue category. Originally, brogues were seen as casual country footwear, but they've evolved into fancier styles and materials. As a rule of thumb, the more broguing there is, the more casual the shoe tends to be (definitely not a good match for a tuxedo, for instance).
The Wingtip
One timeless option is the wingtip, which tends to be more streamlined and longer compared to the captoe. Because of this, the captoes are a better fit for guys with bigger feet and stockier builds. Sleek wingtips give off a narrow European feel that pairs perfectly with slim cuts, lighter materials, and leaner body types.
The Wingtip Brogue
The idea is pretty much the same – the brogue holes line up with the shoe's seams, even around the “wings.” This detail can give the shoe a bit more visual heft, making your wingtips a great match for casual pants and sturdier fabrics like flannel, corduroy, or tweed.
The Spectator
The spectator shoe is a stylish wingtip brogue made from two different colours or materials. Usually, the toe, heel cap, and lace panels are in a darker fabric, like black calfskin, while the sides are in a lighter material, such as black suede. This classic "fancy" shoe gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s and is often saved for special occasions that call for semi-formal wear. However, a sleek modern take, like this black-on-black style, can totally complement a sharp suit.
Derby
Derby shoes have a round toe and eyelets stitched on the outside of the vamp, making them a go-to for casual wear. They have roots in sports and hunting, dating back to the 1850s. This style also gained traction in light buckskin suede, often referred to as “bucks.” Even when made in black cordovan, like the ones shown above, they’re not really suited for formal outfits. Stick to pairing them with jeans, seasonal pants, and that “business casual” vibe.
Chelsea Boots
Chelsea boots originated in the 1830s when a shoemaker designed them for Queen Victoria. You can spot them easily thanks to their elastic side panels, which allow you to slip them on without fussing with laces. The Beatles gave these boots a major boost in the 1960s, making them a fashion staple. They pair perfectly with tailored trousers. These can work miracles for your office outfits, especially in the chillier months. They're dress boots suitable for more formal outfits and won't disrupt the dress code.
Dress Boots
Dress boots are the ultimate choice of men's office boots for guys who know their style and who know how to dress to impress. Think of your favourite dress shoes but with a rugged edge—that’s the vibe dress boots offer. They pair beautifully with a tailored suit or even some brogues, giving you a sophisticated yet durable option for any event.
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