Why Did They Always Used to Dress Little Boys in Shorts and High Socks
The 9 Best Men's Dress Shoes of 2021
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When it comes to men's dress shoes, styles range from formal oxfords to more casual loafers. Dress shoes are also appropriate for a variety of activities and purposes, from running errands to interviewing for a new job. No matter what your style is, here are some of the best men's dress shoes to add to your wardrobe.
Best Overall: Allen Edmonds Strand
If you're looking for versatile dress shoes to wear every day at the office, as well as for more formal occasions, opt for these Allen Edmonds Strand shoes. They have a classic, timeless look, along with plenty of embellishments, including a perforated brogue medallion and lace-up oxford.
Featuring a variety of colors, choose from black leather, walnut leather (a light brown/tan), dark chili (a shade of cherry wood), cigar leather, and more. While high in style, these oxfords don't scrimp on comfort. Ideally designed for men with high arches, the leather lining makes these shoes easy to walk around in. With a wide range of sizes available from 7 to 15, including some half sizes and several options for widths, they're the best choice overall for most men.
Best Budget: Johnston & Murphy Kiltie Tassel Loafer
These Johnston & Murphy loafers prove that style and price aren't always mutually exclusive. The budget-friendly shoes boast a black upper and chestnut accents, giving you endless options of outfits to style them with. While these loafers aren't ideal for formal events, they're perfect for transforming a less dressy look into a more polished ensemble. So, wear them with jeans, khakis, or even shorts in a business casual setting.
Better yet, these shoes are available in a range of sizes, from 7 to 14 with some half sizes. Men with wide or narrow feet should also consider these, with options for select sizes up to 16W available.
Best Luxury: Magnanni Leather Monk-Strap Dress Shoes
Upgrade your wardrobe with the Magnanni Leather Monk-Strap Dress Shoes. Exclusively available at Saks Fifth Avenue, they're handmade in Spain by third-generation cobblers. Ideal for work, these dress shoes are available in black and cognac, easily complementing everything from a traditional black suit to suave charcoal pinstripes or preppy navy chinos.
Thoughtfully designed with plenty of details, the handcrafted perforated medallion and stylish strap give these shoes a sophisticated look. Still, they don't skip out on comfort. Featuring a leather lining and sole, flexible construction, and padded insole for a glove-like fit, the shoes hug the foot, making them suitable for taking a mid-day walk. And while they're on the pricier side, the quality craftsmanship makes this pair worth every penny.
Most Versatile: Florsheim Jetson Cap Toe Shoe
Florsheim's Jetson Cap Toe shoes prove that two monk straps are better than one, not only adding style but also ensuring a perfect fit. Thanks to the soft leather outer sole, textile lining, and cushioned footbed, they're also comfortable to walk around in. While the outer sole of the shoe lacks additional detailing, the relatively simple cap toe design will appeal to minimalists. Color options include black or cognac.
Available in sizes 7 to 14 along with some half sizes, these dress shoes can be integrated into just about any wardrobe. You can wear them every day with a suit or just with jeans on the weekends.
Read Next: The Best Men's Dress Socks
Best Casual: Ecco Classic Moc II Venetian Loafer
If you're looking for dress shoes to complement a casual Friday wardrobe or more sporty looks, opt for Ecco's Classic Moc II Venetian Loafers. Available in a classic coffee leather, the simple loafers have contrasting white stitching.
The features of this shoe are particularly appealing to men who live in rainy or wet climates. Thanks to the technology of Ecco's Comfort Fibre System, your feet will stay dry, even if you get caught in the rain. Better yet, the rubber soles prevent you from slipping around. Men with smaller feet, or those between sizes, should take note that these shoes run large. Every size is cut to fit both regular and half sizes, ranging from 5-5.5, up to size 14-14.5.
Best for Travel: Kenneth Cole Jamey Leather Slip-On Loafers
When traveling, taking off and putting on your shoes can be a hassle, but Kenneth Cole's Jamey Leather Slip-On Loafers make the process as pain-free as possible. Even more, the silver gel pod insoles and fabric lining offer comfort, while rubber soles ensure you won't slip.
Winning points for versatility, these shoes are particularly appealing to men who are taking short trips and need to pack lightly. Although the design is relatively simple, the loafers' defined ruching, nearly hidden black stitching, side logo, and contrasting white soles give off a sporty casual look. A better alternative to a boat shoe, they're dressy enough to wear at a meeting or presentation. Choose from sizes 7 to 13, with half sizes available.
Best Oxfords: Cole Haan Gramercy Cap Toe Leather Oxford
With a sleek almond toe and lace-up vamp, Cole Haan's American Classics Grand 360 Gramercy Cap Toe Leather Oxfords have an aesthetic that goes with any wardrobe. With simple stitching around the sides, though without tassels, a brogue, or perforations, these shoes have clean, minimalist lines for a sleek, classic look.
For comfort, the shoes' flexible sole, leather lining, and lightweight feel assure you can walk without any pain. Some drawbacks are the limited color selection and sizing, with options from 8 to 13 with some half sizes available.
Best Boots: Shoe The Bear Dev Chelsea Boot
Boots make a great alternative for dress shoes. Shoe The Bear's Dev Chelsea Boot will help you stand out with a bold, on-trend accessory. Featuring a slightly rugged design, these suede boots are available in black, tobacco, or sand II (beige).
Available in sizes 7 to 13, they're made in Portugal and boast excellent fit and comfort. With generous elastic side panels, men with larger ankles will find these shoes easy to put on and take off. There's also an insole that provides extra padding, which can be removed if you'd rather insert a custom insole or orthotic. The rubber sole absorbs shock and provides traction, so you won't slip while walking.
Read Next: The Best Men's Dress Boots
Best Statement: Ted Baker CRECY Suede Loafers
With an infinity shaped leather tassel, Ted Baker's Crecy Suede Loafers are classic, yet modern. Available in three vibrant shades (cobalt, navy, and brown), each one uniquely gives your outfit a pop of color. No matter what you wear them with, they're the perfect alternative to casual styles like boat shoes or sneakers.
Best of all, these buttery-soft driving loafers are lined in cotton and leather for maximum comfort. The contrasting brown sole is made of leather and rubber, making them ideal for walking. Note that sizing is somewhat limited with only 7 to 12 available.
Read Next: The Best Men's Dress Shirts
Why Did They Always Used to Dress Little Boys in Shorts and High Socks
Source: https://www.thebalancesmb.com/best-mens-dress-socks-4172550