The holes found on the front of formal footwear once served a purpose: To allow water to escape after being caught in wet terrain. Today, they’re purely decorative and help create an eye-catching design that is widely considered the king of dress shoes.
If you haven’t already guessed, I’m talking about the best wingtip shoes for men. A must-have for any well-dressed guy, the ultimate all-timer is the ever-reliable option that’ll take you from interviews and business trips to weddings and weekend breaks.
Join me as I pull together the cream of the crop, introducing you to the styles that have been tried and tested and stepped out victorious.
Key Takeaways
Wingtips look just as good with a suit as they do with jeans. Few shoes can compliment an outfit like wingtips, which is why for this article I set out to find the very best wingtip shoes for men.
After poring over fashion forums, customer reviews, and product ratings, I analyzed more than 30 popular designs before digging deeper to settle on six standout styles. Here, you’ll find the most stylish, comfortable, and versatile footwear, including my go-to options from Velasca and Myrqvist.
Why they’re great: Velasca is my default when it comes to comfy loafers and dress shoes, so I had no doubt that the shoemaker would have some of the best wingtip shoes for men. This pair is as good as it gets—made from full-grain leather with sturdy soles and classic perforated detailing throughout.
A fine choice for the 9-to-5 or fancy weekend occasions, they’re the kind you’ll turn to season after season, rain or shine. As soon as you slip them on, you’ll notice the quality, which only gets more evident as they age.
Who are these for? If you’re looking for a timeless dress shoe that’s comfortable, durable, and versatile, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better than this. They’re suited most to formal ensembles, but you can dress them down slightly, too.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The leather soles of these wingtip shoes can get slippy on certain surfaces, especially during a rainy day.
Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: 100% Leather | Sizes Available: 5–14 | Colors Available: 3
Why they’re great: Available in a wide and regular fit, these budget-friendly wingtip shoes look far more expensive than they actually are. Lightly cushioned with impressive arch support, they’re finished with a breathable, sweat-wicking lining that keeps air flowing and avoids funky smells. The non-slip rubber soles come in particularly handy during wet and windy commutes.
Who are these for? A cheap option that’s great for small budgets and wide feet, these aren’t just an excellent stopgap; they’re also a fantastic choice for guys who need smart shoes but don’t plan to wear them regularly.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: There’s no hiding the fake leather smell, but it does fade over time.
Material: 100% PU | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 7–14 | Colors Available: 3
Why they’re great: It’s no surprise that I ended up on Amazon during my search for the best wingtip shoes for men, and I was presented with a plethora of options. The standout style was this pair from Stacy Adams, given an average rating of 4.6/5 by thousands of happy customers.
With an impressive size range, affordable price tag, and a choice of a regular and wide fit, the smart shoes are definitely worth your consideration. You’ll love the perforated leather uppers and squishy-soft memory foam insoles that soften your steps and reduce fatigue caused by standing all day.
Who are these for? Offering excellent value for money and loafer-like comfort, these wingtip shoes for men will be an upgrade on your casual dress shoes whether you’re dressing for a wedding or wanting to impress at your next business meeting.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Some wearers found that the shoes creased quite easily, which may bother those who are sticklers for perfection.
Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: Rubber | Sizes Available: 7–16 | Colors Available: 5
Why they’re great: You can always rely on Cole Haan for quality, affordable footwear, and they’ve certainly come up with a trump with their uber-comfy, casual version of the Oxford wingtip. Made from 100% leather with thick rubber soles, they’re a feet-friendly option that offers excellent support and cushioning for your everyday adventures. Dress them up with a shirt, blazer, and smart pants, or keep things relaxed with jeans and a crew neck sweater.
Who are these for? Smarter than sneakers or loafers but less dressy than ordinary dress shoes, these are an awesome smart-casual option that’ll help you be sartorially prepared for many occasions, whether you’re heading into the office or grabbing drinks with the guys.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: These wingtip shoes feel slightly too casual to be paired with your smartest suits.
Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 7–16 | Colors Available: 10+
Why they’re great: I love everything about these wingtips. Built to last thanks to the Goodyear-welted construction, they’re easy to style, comfortable to wear, and have a lovely shape that’s smart but not too dressy. I’m also giving top marks to the soles, which are slightly chunkier than your average pair and offer great grip on slippery surfaces.
Who are these for? They’re a must-have for lovers of luxury. You can wear these wingtips anywhere: office, drinks, dates, weddings, and parties. They’re a timeless investment that’ll only get better with age.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: They’re slightly more expensive than some of the other best wingtip shoes for men. However, taking into account that they should last a decade or more, the price tag is far from painful.
Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 6.5–12.5 | Colors Available: 2
Why they’re great: Known for its traditional craftsmanship and modern styling, Oliver Sweeney is a forward-thinking brand that’s been making quality shoes for the last 35 years. Its take on the wingtip Oxford is as impressive as its reputation.
Boasting calf leather uppers and sturdy soles, this is an effortlessly elegant design that’s perfect for formal occasions. Inside you’ll find cushioning, and there’s signature subtle splashes of color throughout (my favorite being the contrast detail on the tongue).
Who are these for? “Buy less, choose well, make it last.” Those were the words of the late Vivienne Westwood, suggesting that spending a little more to begin with can end up saving you money in the future—which is definitely the case here.
Oliver Sweeney’s wingtip shoes for men could be considered expensive, but not when you realize that they’ll outlast any cheaper alternative.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: I’m generally in-between an 8 and a 9, so it’s a touch annoying that these don’t come in half sizes.
Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: Leather/Rubber | Sizes Available: 7–14 | Colors Available: 3
Buying Considerations for The Best Wingtip Shoes For Men
Material
High-quality materials such as full-grain leather or suede ensure durability, comfort, and a refined appearance. Genuine leather not only looks better over time but also molds to your feet, enhancing comfort with continued wear.
Fit
Proper fit is crucial for comfort, especially for shoes that you’ll wear for extended periods. Look for wingtip shoes with cushioned insoles, supportive arches, and a design that accommodates your foot shape, particularly if they’re wide. Knowing your proper size also helps.
Style
Choose a style that complements your wardrobe and suits the occasions you’ll be wearing them for. Wingtip shoes come in many forms, from Derbies to Oxfords, and are available in a range of colors, including black, brown, or oxblood. You may even want to consider wingtip boots or those that look more like sneakers.
How We Chose
On my quest to find the top wingtip shoes for men, I’ve spent the last few weeks looking over ratings, reviews, and Reddit forums, while raiding my own closet and getting a little help from friends, family, and fashion insiders.
To decide which pairs would make the cut, I judged each option on the following criteria:
Versatility: I assessed how well each pair of shoes could transition between different settings and outfits. Wingtips that could seamlessly move from formal business meetings to smart-casual events scored higher. I looked for classic designs in neutral colors that would complement a variety of wardrobe choices.
Quality: High-quality leather or suede, solid construction, and attention to detail were paramount. So I could consider them the best wingtip shoes, I needed to see clear proof of excellent durability and craftsmanship.
Comfort: Comfort was evaluated based on factors such as fit, cushioning, and support. I paid close attention to customer feedback, tried on multiple pairs, and considered the ergonomics of the shoe design.
Price: Value for money was a crucial consideration. I compared prices to ensure that the shoes offered a fair balance between cost and quality. Although high-end options were included, I also sought out budget-friendly choices that didn’t sacrifice essential features. The goal was to provide recommendations that catered to a range of budgets without compromising on the core aspects of quality, comfort, and versatility.
Why Trust Us?
Billy Webb is a seasoned menswear specialist with more than a decade of writing experience. His expertise in what we wear on our feet is rooted in his early career, when he worked in various shoe stores, gaining invaluable hands-on knowledge about shoe craftsmanship and design.
To this date, Billy has authored numerous articles on footwear, from shoes for overweight men to the most supportive slippers, providing insightful reviews and recommendations. His deep understanding of men’s fashion and dedication to quality make him a trusted voice in the industry, particularly when it comes to identifying the best wingtip shoes out there.
Final Verdict
Though I wouldn’t hesitate to add any of the styles featured to my collection, Velasca’s Trombee will be the next pair that I buy; their impeccable blend of style, quality, and comfort makes them the best wingtip shoes for men.
Not only will they enhance your wardrobe but they’ll also keep your feet happy and blisters at bay. Plus, who wouldn’t want footwear that can effortlessly take you from boardroom meetings to evening cocktails with friends?
FAQ
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Known for their distinctive decorative broguing and elegant design, wingtip shoes remain a popular choice for both formal and smart-casual occasions. Their timeless appeal and versatility make them a mainstay in many wardrobes.
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Wingtip shoes may also be referred to as brogues, though this isn’t entirely accurate. ‘Wingtip’ refers to the W shape that goes from the toe to halfway down the shoe, while ‘brogue’ is the holes or perforations that many of the top wingtip shoes for men have.
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Take your pick! The top wingtip shoes for men are versatile and can be worn in various settings, from business meetings and office days to first dates and weekend lunches.
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