Shoes are dangerous, financially speaking. Watches are expensive, sure, but it’s shoes that’ll do real damage to your wallet. Buy the wrong the pair, or the right pair in the wrong colour, and you can wave goodbye to hundreds if not thousands of pounds worth of tailoring. After all, not even the finest Savile Row suit can be saved from a seriously misjudged pairing.
“Your choice of footwear can instantly change the aesthetic of your suit,” says Topman personal shopper Frazer Goater, who suggests before doing anything that you invest in a stalwart of the shoe rack. “A pair of black Derbies will provide you with a footwear choice for any suit colour; from grey, black or navy to heavy checks and impactful floral designs.”
What follows is the best shoes for suits guide to which other combinations definitely work, and coincidently, which ones definitely do not. That’s not to say though, that there aren’t exceptions in every case. Colour, like style in general, is largely subjective, so it’s important to experiment. Still, to paraphrase one Señor Pablo Picasso, you need to know the rules before you can break them.
Which Shoes Are Suit Shoes?
Still, for the most part, the classics endure: Oxfords and Derbies are the bona fide godfathers of smart footwear, and no man should be without at least one pair of each in his wardrobe. A pair of black Oxfords (elegant, svelte and the perfect partner to a classic dinner suit) and a pair of brown Derby shoes (a handsome workhorse of the footwear arena, versatile enough to be worn to work or a wedding) will stand you in good stead for whatever your calendar throws at you.
Types of Shoes for Suits
Here’s a quick breakdown of the best types of shoes for suits that every man should own.
Oxford
The Oxford is the classic dress shoe your mind probably jumps to when you think about the best shoes for suits. Typically made from polished or matte leather, Oxfords are easily recognizable by the distinct lacing system, exposed stitching, low back and small heel. They’re the ideal choice for a polished look with a suit, dressier occasions, and office wear.
Loafer
Loafers are a great choice if you’d prefer to go laceless with a suit. Loafers are slip on shoes and come in a huge variety of colors and materials like leather, suede, and even velvet. Loafers work with tons of different looks and have the ability to either dress up or dress down a suit, depending on the style loafer you opt for. For example, penny loafers are a fan favorite, while more dapper gentleman may spring for a pair of tasseled leather loafers.
Monk Strap
Every bold and stylish man should have a pair of monk straps in his closet. This unique shoe style consists of a strap over the top of the shoe in place of laces, with either a single or double buckle to secure it. The monk strap looks stunning with suits as it’s an interesting twist on the classic shoe, making it the icing on top of a sharp outfit.
Derby
Derby dress shoes are in the same family as the Oxford but are slightly more relaxed, with an open lacing system and simpler design. Derbies work well for a variety of occasions where you may find yourself in a suit, and can be tailored to your individual preference via material and color. Polished leather is a top choice for daily wear, while suede is an alluring option for standing out at special occasions.
Brogue
While brogues actually refers to the process of embellishing a shoe with patterns or designs, it’s come to be a generic name for men’s dress shoes for adornments. Technically, any style of dress shoe with embellishments are brogues, including Oxfords or Derbies. If you’re hoping to draw attention to your footwear or bring some personality into an otherwise dull outfit, wearing brogues with a suit is an absolute yes.
Chelsea Boot
As the weather gets colder, stomping through snow in dress shoes for men is as unattractive as it is uncomfortable. The last thing you want is to show up to the office with soggy kicks, as this will detract from the rest of your look. For instances such as these, it’s worth having a pair of Chelsea boots to slip into in order to protect your feet and compliment your outfit all in one go. You may be scratching your head and wondering if boots and suits actually work, but we’re here to assure you that these sleek, rounded ankle boots are an All-Star finish to any man’s winter suit.
Smart Sneaker
For instances where you may want to dress down a suit, having a smart sneaker to pull on will work wonders. But let’s be clear, emphasis on the word ‘smart’ if you’re hoping to wear a sneaker with your suit. We’re not saying to pull on a pair of your gym shoes and walk out the door, but rather invest in a pair that you’ll keep nice for dressed-up occasions. Whether they’re designer sneakers, simple black lace-ups or even Converse high-tops, a smart sneaker without any scuffs or marks can complement a suit like no other.
