The Best Dress Shoes for Men 2025, According to Experts

The Anders Split Toe Derbies earned a respectable 7.5/10 in our roundup thanks to suede treated to be water-repellent and a grippy rubber sole we found reliable on wet city streets. Our experience shows the Vachetta leather lining helps regulate temperature and wick moisture during long days, adding comfort beyond the outsole. That said, during our review we noticed some inconsistent stitching and there are user concerns about long-term durability, plus a short break-in period is required—still, they offer strong value.

Brent Oxfords earned an 8.5/10 in our testing for offering full-grain calfskin that’s supple and stitching quality that rivals much pricier makers, giving them an immediate premium feel. During our review we found they’re comfortable right out of the box and break in quickly, which makes them a strong pick for daily wear or long events. Be mindful, though: sizing can be inconsistent across models, some lack half-sizes, and the made-to-order delivery process can take several weeks.

The Greggo from Christian Louboutin earned its high 9.5/10 rating in our testing by combining luxurious calf leather, a sleek elongated silhouette, and the brand’s signature red-lacquered sole that elevates any dress look. Our experience shows the finish and shaping read ultra-sophisticated, but that slim profile can be unforgiving for wider feet and the distinctive red sole will show wear over time. Given the premium price, they’re best reserved as an investment piece or for special occasions.

Bruno Marc Oxford Dress Shoes are a budget-friendly option and scored 6.5/10 in our testing for offering immediate comfort and a clean, dressy look that mimics pricier styles. During our review we found the synthetic materials keep costs low but also feel cheap to the touch, sacrifice breathability, and can be slippery on slick surfaces, which undermines daily reliability. They make sense as an affordable emergency or occasional-use pair, but don’t expect long-term durability or premium feel.

The Vasco Oxfords scored 8/10 in our testing for marrying handcrafted full-grain calfskin from a Gold-Rated Italian tannery with Blake stitch construction that keeps them lightweight and resoleable. During our review we appreciated the precise punched medallion and subtle toe cap that modernize a classic oxford, and we found the low-profile sole comfortable for daily wear. Note that sizing can be inconsistent and delivery is made-to-order with several weeks lead time; some users also reported small stitching variances.

At $99.95 the Garett Plain Toe Oxford earned a solid 7/10 in our testing for delivering lightweight, versatile leather style that works from office to weekend. We found the removable memory-foam insole makes these unexpectedly comfortable for long days, but our experience shows the leather upper scuffs more easily than nicer dress leathers and there's a noticeable break-in period. Expect to consider sizing down—these run about a half size large in our review—but for the price they’re a dependable, budget-friendly option.

Dickinson Shoes by Stacy Adams scored a commendable 8/10 in our roundup for marrying classic oxford styling with comfort-focused build features. During our review the memory-foam insole stood out for all-day cushioning and the high-quality leather upper felt durable and refined, though our experience shows some wearers should try them on first since sizing trends a touch small and a short break-in may be needed. If you want polished office-ready shoes that emphasize comfort, these are a sensible midprice pick.

Tilden Cap Oxford by Clarks is one of our best budget bargains at about $59.86 and it earned an impressive 8.5/10 for comfort and durability. In our testing the OrthoLite footbed and durable rubber outsole delivered noticeable cushioning, shock absorption and traction right out of the box, while the rich black leather held up well against scuffs in our wear trials. A few users reported lace durability and slight snugness at the tie area, but overall we found this an excellent value-forward everyday oxford.

The Luxe Leather Lace-Ups show exceptional materials and finish that read luxurious, which explains their high price and mixed reception resulting in a 6/10 here. Our experience shows the premium leather and craftsmanship offer real durability and comfort, but in our testing the $1,396 price point is hard to justify for most wardrobes, and some buyers reported frustrating customer-service experiences post-purchase. If you’re after an investment-level pair and price isn’t a concern, they deliver on build—just be prepared for potential support headaches.

Florsheim’s Motor Shoes earned a 6.5/10 in our review by offering plush comfort—those Suedetec linings feel soft against the foot—and a classic loafer silhouette at a reasonable price. We found them cozy for extended wear, but sizing was inconsistent in our testing, with several reviewers noting the fit runs about a full size large, so you may need to size down. If you prioritize a comfortable slip-on for office days and casual meetings, they perform well; just confirm sizing before you commit.

Alden’s Cordovan Blucher scored an excellent 9/10 and in our testing it set the bar for durability and classic elegance thanks to Horween shell cordovan construction. We found the leather’s sheen and longevity exceptional—these shoes will age beautifully—but our experience shows the Barrie last runs large, so plan to size down by about half a size. If you want a heirloom-quality derby that rewards wear and keeps its shape over years, this is one of our top-rated choices despite the premium price.

The Bruno Marc Prince Oxford is a budget standout at $36.99, delivering classic wingtip styling and cushioning that earned it a respectable 7/10 in our review. In our testing the shoes were surprisingly sturdy for the price and comfortable for short- to medium-length wear, but we also encountered strong initial odor reports and some customers who felt discomfort after extended use. If you need an affordable, stylish pair for occasional wear or events, they’re a practical, wallet-friendly option—just air them out and don’t expect premium longevity.

Charles Cap-Toe Oxford Shoes bring elegant design and fine calf leather that earned a solid 7.5/10 in our testing for refined looks and comfort. We found the supple calfskin and decorative broguing elevate formal outfits, and the fit felt comfortable in most trials, but our experience shows the $850 price and occasional size scarcity make them less accessible than more affordable equivalents. If you value a polished, dressy oxford and can accommodate the premium price, these read sophisticated and wear well for special occasions and office dress codes.

These Penny Loafers show solid craftsmanship—during our review we appreciated the Goodyear-welted construction and single leather sole that molds to your foot for breathability over time. In our testing the 004 last delivers a classic, rounded toe that’s comfortable for all-day wear, but we found notable downsides: the calf leather creased quickly and the color can read much darker in certain light. They run half a size large, so order down; at a 6/10 score, they’re durable but not perfect visually.

Newman Penny Loafers scored a 7/10 in our review, and in our testing the premium European calfskin with an antique finish and handsewn construction impressed for elegance and a refined silhouette. We found the single-layer vegetable-tanned leather sole keeps the profile sleek, but several users reported the leather is almost patent-level glossy and notably stiff, requiring a longer break-in. Fit trends a half size large in our experience, so consider ordering a half size down for the best fit.

YSL’s LE LOAFER scored 7/10 in our review for marrying luxury materials with a clean, monogrammed silhouette that reads instantly polished. During our testing we found the high-quality leather and iconic YSL badge add undeniable style and lasting durability, but several wearers reported inward leather folds at the toe box that created discomfort for sensitive feet. At $1,100 it’s a clear style statement, but our experience shows you’ll want to try them on to ensure the fit matches the price.

In our testing the Suede Monk Straps stood out for surprisingly solid construction—premium suede uppers paired with Goodyear-welted soles make them a durable, resolable option at a bargain price. That said, our experience shows suede demands extra maintenance and is notably less water- and stain-resistant than smooth leather, which limits real-world versatility, especially in wet climates. They earned a middling 5/10 here: great if you’ll baby them and value the welted build, but not the best pick for everyday wear.

The Vela Blue Nicol Antique Monkstrap impressed in our testing with handcrafted Italian calfskin and Blake Flex construction, earning a 7.5/10 for craftsmanship and resolability. We found the patina and hand-finishing striking, and the cushioned leather insole gives the shoe a comfortable, refined feel, but our experience shows limited size availability and a strict final-sale policy make it a risk if you can’t try them on first. For a sartorial statement with resole potential, these are a stylish, well-made pick—just check sizing and return terms carefully.

These Italian suede loafers earned a solid 7.5/10 in our roundup for their rich suede, deep color, and sleek profile with subtle stitching that reads understated and refined. In our testing we found the slip-on design is easy to wear and feels secure, but they run about a half size small and trend narrow—our experience shows you should size up or try them on. At $242 they’re a durable, comfortable choice for smart-casual looks, but limited colors and the premium price make them a less versatile option in the guide.

The Liverpool Chelsea Boot scored 8/10 in our roundup for its high-quality leather and a versatile silhouette that transitions from tailored looks to smart-casual outfits effortlessly. In our testing the cushioned insole delivered noticeable comfort, but we found the fit trends narrow—many should consider a half size up from their usual—and there’s a short break-in period. Price sits toward the higher end, so while they’re a reliable, stylish choice our experience suggests trying them on to avoid a tight fit.

The Cavalier Black Chelsea brings meticulous craftsmanship and street-ready style—our testers liked the aesthetic versatility that earned it attention despite a middling 6.5/10 score. In our testing the leather upper reads sharp and pairs well with tailored or casual looks, but durability concerns cropped up: the soles can wear quicker than expected and, unlike many Chelseas, this model lacks a heel pull tab which we found makes putting them on more fiddly. If style matters most and you baby the soles, they’re a strong looker.