Men's Shoes FAQs

Selecting proper footwear affects foot health, professional appearance, and long-term comfort. We've answered common questions about choosing men's shoes below.

What's the difference between Oxford shoes and Derby shoes?

Oxford shoes feature closed lacing where the eyelets sit underneath the vamp, creating a sleeker profile preferred for formal business attire and black-tie events. Derby shoes use open lacing with eyelets attached on top of the vamp, offering more adjustability and relaxed styling suitable for smart-casual occasions. Both qualify as dress shoes, but Oxfords maintain stricter formality whilst Derbies bridge the gap between formal and casual better. Smart shoes collections include both constructions - choose Oxfords for conservative offices or weddings, Derbies for business casual or weekend outings with chinos.

Are brogue shoes too casual for formal occasions?

Brogue shoes span formal to casual depending on their base construction and brogueing amount. Full brogues (wingtips) with heavy perforations lean casual, whilst cap-toe Oxfords with minimal brogueing remain office-appropriate. The decorative perforations originally served functional purposes in Scottish wetlands but now indicate style level. Quarter brogues offer the most versatility - conservative enough for suits yet interesting enough for smart-casual outfits. Black shoes in brogue styles work for most business settings, whilst brown brogues suit less formal environments better.

Which shoes work best for office wear and daily walking?

Shoes for men balancing office presentation with all-day comfort combine cushioned footbeds, quality leather uppers that mold to feet, and supportive construction. Walking shoes for men from Clarks with Cushion Plus technology and Skechers with memory foam provide shock absorption during commutes without sacrificing professional appearance. Cole Haan bridges athletic comfort and dress shoe aesthetics through Grand.OS cushioning in traditional silhouettes. Look for leather shoes with padded collars and rubber outsoles rather than rigid leather soles if you walk more than 30 minutes daily.

What makes loafers different from other casual shoes?

Loafers eliminate lacing systems through slip-on construction, offering convenience for frequent removal situations like airport security or casual home entertaining. Penny loafers feature decorative saddle straps, tassel loafers add dangling embellishments, and Venetian loafers maintain completely plain uppers for minimalist aesthetics. Their versatility spans sockless summer wear with shorts to smart-casual pairings with suits in creative industries. Boat shoes for men share slip-on convenience but feature rubber siping (grooves) on soles for wet deck traction. Casual shoe collections include both dressy and relaxed loafer options.

How do I choose between black and brown shoes?

Black shoes for men remain essential for formal business environments, traditional interviews, and evening events where conservative presentation matters most. They pair exclusively with black, charcoal, and navy suits, whilst clashing with brown or tan trousers. Brown shoes offer greater versatility across earth tones - tan, olive, brown, and blue - making them better weekend choices. Most men need both: black for formal requirements, brown for everything else. Burgundy provides middle-ground sophistication that works with navy suits and casual outfits alike. Start with black if building from zero, add mid-brown second, then expand to lighter tan or darker chocolate based on wardrobe needs.

Should I buy leather or suede shoes?

Men's shoes in smooth leather provide durability, water resistance, and formal appropriateness that suede cannot match. Leather shoes handle daily wear better and polish to maintain professional appearance over years. Suede shoes for men offer textural interest and casual sophistication but require more maintenance - they stain easily, absorb moisture, and wear through faster in high-friction areas. Suede works brilliantly for smart-casual loafers, desert boots, and seasonal rotation pieces, but fails as primary office shoes. If choosing one material, prioritize full-grain leather for longevity and versatility. Add suede once you've covered core formal needs.