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The Seven Types of Dress Shoes You Should Own

From oxfords to monk straps, loafers to mules, these shoes are the epitome of formal attire.

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By Evan Malachosky and John Zientek

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Long a product of the highest craftsmanship and design, shoes are your connection to the ground and a sign that you care about the small details (or you don’t). If you invest in a quality pair and take good care of them — by cleaning, polishing and storing them on a cedar tree — they’ll last for years, with the occasional repair.

While there are strict guidelines in some circles as to what qualifies as formal footwear, we take a more holistic approach: if they look good and you like wearing them, well, then wear them. But it’s best to start your search for your next dress shoe by type — beginning with the pillars and making your way out toward something more statement-making with time. Be practical: Try an Oxford or Brogue off the bat, but set your sights on a loafer or mule next. We’ve made the work of finding all of these easy, though. Find three options for every type of dress shoe — Oxfords, Brogues, Bluchers, Derbies, Loafers, Mules and Monk Straps — below.

An all-black Oxford that works as well with jeans as it does a black suit.

Nisolo’s Everyday Oxford combines tonal uppers with a tonal sole.

The Park Avenue Oxford is a classic — and for good reason. Can’t you tell?

Tezo’s Derby isn’t super wild, but it does have a wedge sole, which makes it stand it in a sea of similar dress shoes.

Pebbled leather has a polished appearance but also lots of texture — a two-for-one, in my opinion.

Not your usual derbies, Paraboot does its with a unique toe and a higher, tighter lace construction. 

When I think of Brogues, these by Tricker’s come to mind: classic, simple and made from soft (yet sturdy) suede.

Grenson gives its Archie Brogue an elevated lug sole.

This shade of suede will match any suit: brown, blue, patterned tweed, textured cord; your call.

From Blackstock & Weber’s FW21 collection, these two-tone Horse Bit Loafers are traditional luxury with contemporary flair.

Sleek and simple, these loafers from upstart brand Vinny’s aren’t too stiff to seem cool.

Viberg calls this a slipper, but it counts as a loafer in my eyes. 

Orangish-brown Longwing Bluchers from Alden, available only at J.Crew.

The Plain Toe Blucher from Grant Stone gives you the look of an Oxford without the bulk.

These Alden Bluchers come unlined, meaning they’ll lighter, more flexible and more breathable in warmer settings.

Rich, chocolate brown double monk strap shoes by John Lobb. Say that six times fast.

These squeaky clean dress shoes by Church’s will make a statement with a matte suit and pair super well with a tuxedo.

Santoni fuses two types of footwear here: loafers and double monk strap dress shoes. The result is an interesting, incredibly sophisticated hybrid.

The Ellis pays homage to our collective bad habit. You can wear it with the heel down or up, and I found even after a few up-downs it still held its shape. 

These Ferragamo slippers have a significant sole, even though the shoe as a whole is rather understated.

Viberg gives its Dublin Mule as a boot-like tread and a sturdy, all-leather upper. 

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