The Essential Men’s Shoe Guide: Styles Every Gentleman Should Own
While they are often the last thing you put on, shoes have an unnerving ability to make or break an outfit. All too easily they can transform a silhouette, throw off the balance of a pairing or make an ensemble that should feel right, feel, well, wrong.
That’s why this week, we’re giving you the comprehensive Oscar Hunt guide to shoes for suits. Covering the essentials that you need for every major kind of occasion, this is your one stop shop to ensure you never put a foot out of line again.
Mens formal wear shoes
Let’s start at the top end of town, looking at fancy footwear and, more specifically, exactly what to wear when it’s a black-tie dress code. While these occasions are generally few and far between, having a pair of tuxedo shoes is a critical finishing touch.
These generally come in a couple of varieties; the most common of which are patent leather lace-ups or, for the more sartorially bold, patent leather loafers - sometimes finished with a tassel or grosgrain ribbon trim.
Perfectly complementing the touches of satin that typically feature in a tuxedo, these shiny shoes are the ultimate way to top off a dinner suit.
Suit shoes
When it comes to shoes for business suits, we generally advise a gentleman to have two foundational colours: black and dark brown. Preferably in a classic style like an Oxford or a Derby, these will pair with the majority of standard suit colours. What’s more, if you invest in a quality pair, these are shoes that will last you for years provided you care for them appropriately.
If you are looking for something a little less traditional, look no further than the tasseled loafer. Elegant and business appropriate while still feeling more unique than a lace-up, this can be a great option - particularly if you want something with a bit more versatility.
Casual shoes
Speaking of versatility, when it comes to selecting casual footwear, this is the name of the game. While there are no hard and fast rules, we recommend opting for shoes that are classics.
One of our personal favourites is the chukka boot. Just at home thrown on with a pair of jeans as they are with chinos and a blazer, this is a style that will hold you in good stead no matter the occasion.
To discover our full range of footwear and accessories, we invite you to swing by your local showroom today.