Looking Impeccable: 5 Top Dress Shoe Brands For Men In 2024

What is the best place to find a pair of quality dress shoes? It’s a question that has left the lips of many a stylish fellow, so you should never be afraid to ask it. You should definitely ask this question, otherwise guys like myself would be out of work soon.

Whether you’re looking for something special, extra comfortable, or an affordable pair you can wear every once in a while, I’ve been searching high and low for the best dress shoe brands for men.

Keep reading as I create a special shoe-pedia, introducing the top five footwear mavens that should be on every guy’s sartorial radar.

The Key Takeaways

A stalwart of the working man’s wardrobe and the foundation of every fella’s formalwear, dress shoes are as essential as loafers, sneakers, or winter boots.

To find the cream of the crop and the brands that make them, I’ve pored over feedback, forums, and far too many fashion guides in order to create a definitive list of the best dress shoe brands for men.

What started as a list of 20 names has now been narrowed down to five finalists, including Velasca and Church’s.

Why is this brand so great? Italians make great shoes, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better cordwainer than Velasca, which is pretty impressive seeing as they started the business only in 2013.

Using real lives, places, and occasions as inspiration, the brand offers an array of timeless shoes, from boots to penny loafers, made by the experienced hands of skilled artisans, whom you’ll actually receive a picture of when you order a pair (it’s a lovely personal touch).

When it comes to dress shoes, they have quite the collection—made from the finest Italian leathers that age gracefully and last a lifetime.

Why this product is different: The king of dress shoes, the Oxford should be every guy’s first foray into the formal footwear market. And if you’re looking for a design that’ll stand the test of time, Velasca, one of the best dress shoe brands for men, should be your go-to.

This traditional lace-up shoe is a true work of art. It’s made with smooth calfskin and a sole that is vegetable tanned. These shoes are suitable for wearing all year long and comfortable right out of the package. They can be dressed up with a suit, shirt, or down with slacks & a knitted polos.

Why is this brand so great? Myrqvist has become a favorite of mine for my casual dress shoe needs. It is a relatively young brand (it was established in 2016), but it has made up for lost ground.

Myrqvist has been named the fastest-growing Swedish shoemaker for 2020. Its selection of shoes is made by skilled artisans in Portugal, using only the best materials from the top tanneries around the world. They use different lasts for all types of foot shapes, and they put as much attention into comfort as composition.

Why this product is different: The monk shoe will be a stylish addition to your collection of cool designs. It is distinguished by the single or double buckled straps that replace laces. This gives your look a subtle difference.

This pair of shoes is sleek and stylish. They are a perfect match for a navy suit, but they can also be worn casually with chinos and button-down shirts. Made from premium full-grain leather using Goodyear-welted construction, they’re a wonderfully timeless option that’ll never let you down.

Why is this brand so great? You’re mistaken if you thought I picked Bruno Marc only because its shoes are affordable. I mean, they are, but they’re actually well-made too. It’s not just beautiful to look at.

Brands like this are committed to comfort, but also want to provide excellent value. They offer budget-friendly footwear that will help you look your best. From Oxfords and loafers to Derbies and wingtips, each pair has been made for the everyday events that matter—be it an interview, the first day of a new job, or tying the knot.

Why this product is different: This pair will prove you wrong if you thought that loafers are too casual to be worn with a dress suit. Sleek and stylish with a classic horsebit buckle, they’re great for formal fits but look class with casual clobber, too.

Why is this brand so great? Looking for the best dress shoe brands for men on Amazon isn’t as easy as you might think. Sure, there’s plenty to choose from, but the overall quality is lacking—materials definitely aren’t up to scratch, and feet are feeling sore.

Jousen breaks the mold, offering a variety of formal footwear that’s not just well-made and comfortable but also affordable for pretty much any budget. Even men with wide feet can find shoes that fit.

Why this product is different: Named for the wing-shaped detailing typically placed by the toe, wingtips are the kind of dress shoes that tell the world you’re serious about looking good.

More grown-up than loafers or brogues with bucketfuls of class, this pair from Jousen will bring a fresh dose of visual interest to your most formal looks, whether you’re taking the Monday-morning meeting or trying to impress a date. They’re made from leather and finished with rubber soles, and Amazon customers give them five stars for quality, comfort, and fit.

Why is this brand so great? From humble beginnings in a small Northampton workshop to being recognized as one of the best dress shoe brands for men, Church’s journey, it’s fair to say, has been a success.

Since 150 years, the British shoemaker Church’s has been making fine footwear. They are synonymous with the highest quality leathers, impeccable craftsmanship and timeless British design. If it’s artisanal expertise you’re after and shoes that are both elegant and practical, then Church’s is a name you should start taking seriously.

Why this product is different: Where should I start? This clean, classic Derby was made using only one piece of leather. It ensures that the uppers are free from marks and flaws. It’s been hand-stitched by specialized craftsmen and set upon a durable, storm-welted double sole before being given a polished binder finish that gives it its dressiness.

Buying considerations for the best dress shoe brands for men

Materials

Choose brands that make use of high-quality materials like full-grain, which provides durability and comfort. The best dress shoe brands for men will offer quality craftsmanship to provide the utmost excellence in terms of a shoe’s construction, stitching, and overall finish.

Comfort

A well-made shoe should be comfortable and have a good fit. You’ll want to choose a brand that can offer features such as cushioned insoles, good arch support, and a comfortable last (the shape of the shoe).

Style

Choose a brand with a variety of styles, both classic and modern to suit your personal taste and the occasion. Dress shoes that are versatile can be worn in a variety outfits, including formal business wear and casual settings.

How We Selected

Over the years, I’ve tried and tested hundreds of footwear, which helped point me in the right direction when looking for the best dress shoe brands for men. After compiling a list of brands that I knew to be great, I looked at reviews and ratings and reached out industry insiders for more options.

Then, after I’d shortlisted the names of the shoemakers I liked best, I whittled them down to only five. I judged each shoemaker according to the following criteria.

Customer Feedback What do customers say about the brand’s shoes? I analyzed how customers reviewed and rated their shoes. I focused my attention on comfort, quality, and overall satisfaction. Positive feedback about factors such as fit, support, or long-term durability was key in determining the top dress shoe brands.

Aftercare: What happens after you’ve received your shoes? I evaluated each brand’s customer service and aftercare, determining whether they provided advice, repairs, refurbishments, or maintenance of the shoes. Brands that offer comprehensive aftercare or guarantee were given a higher ranking.

Pricing: I compared the cost of each brand’s shoes, considering the value for money in terms of quality and longevity. I chose brands with shoes that were available in a range of price points to ensure that different budgets could be accommodated without compromising quality.

Reputation: I researched each brand’s reputation in the industry, taking into account their history, craftsmanship, and commitment to quality. Prioritizing established brands that have a history of excellence in shoemaking and are known for their use of high-quality materials, construction methods and craftsmanship.

Why should you trust us?

Billy Webb has more than 10 year’s experience as a writer in the menswear business. He has written hundreds of articles and guides, including those on the best shoes and loafers for overweight men.

Billy’s expertise lies in providing insightful recommendations and reviews on a wide range of products, helping guys make informed decisions based on quality, comfort, and style. He is known for his dedication to providing readers with accurate, well-researched information. This makes him a great candidate to determine the best dress shoe brands.

Final Verdict

Velasca was the first brand that I thought of when considering the best men’s dress shoes. It combines traditional Italian craftsmanship and a modern aesthetic, while using high-quality materials to ensure durability and comfort.

From elegant Oxfords to luxury loafers, each Velasca design offers the perfect blend of classic style and contemporary flair, making them versatile enough for any occasion, whether you’re heading to the boardroom or grabbing lunch with friends.