6 Types of Formal Shoes for Men

Posted by Vmart Retail on March 24th, 2020

There was a time when most men used to go along with one type and pair of formal shoes for years on end. Whether to the office or to weddings and other formal events, the generic laced or slip-on black leather shoe was considered sufficient.

However, the modern man has awakened to the fact that it is essential to own a few different pairs of formal shoes – not only for the sake of some much needed change in formal footwear, but also for style and suitability depending on the occasion.

This article covers 6 types of formal shoes for men, keeping the level of formality in mind as well as what to wear with them.

Strictly Formal

1. Oxford Shoes: The hallmark of formal footwear for men, the Oxford shoe is characterized by its closed lacing. Herein, the shoelace holes are punctured directly below the front part without any upper crest.

Oxfords look best when worn with all-formal attire such as a business suit or tuxedos.

2. Derby Shoes: The difference here compared to Oxfords lies in how the shoelace holes are designed. There is a separate stitching done on the upper front wherein the shoelace holes are made.

Derby shoes fall a notch below the severity of formality of the Oxfords; so these are perfect for day-to-day office wear with business casuals such as shirts and pants.

Semi-Formal

3. Chelsea Boots: These are narrow, close-fitting, high ankle boots with a stylish elastic side panel. Typically, they sport a small loop on the upper backside for the purpose of slipping on the boot.

These come in both leather and suede, however the ones in leather would be considered as formal, which you are free to wear with office pants and shirts, and even suits.

However, it is advisable to wear these during winters only, as during summers due to the high ankle length your feet tend to sweat more.

Besides the black leather, tan colored leather Chelsea boots look great too.

4. Loafers: Essentially, these are low, slip-on shoes mostly with a flat sole or at most a very low heel. These can be of leather or suede. However, as a form of office business casuals, buy the ones in leather and ensure you wear socks.

These won’t go with suits, but you may wear them with office pants and shirts, along with a blazer if required for a toned-down formal setting.

5. Brogue Shoes:‘Brogue’ means small perforations designed on the front and sides of shoes, which can be in leather or suede. A brogue shoe comes in two types -- an Oxford and a Derby shoe – and looks quite stylish because of the beautifully patterned ‘brogues’.

Based on the perforations, it could be a full brogue, half brogue and quarter brogue.

As far as formality is concerned, go for leather half or quarter brogue shoes as these do not have extensive perforation designing on the shoe surface.

Brogue shoes are ideal for semi-formal events and for wearing with office pants and shirts.

6. Monk Shoes: These are essentially slip-on shoes with a stitched single / double buckle strap along the upper front / side part as a form of design. It comes in both leather and suede. However, for wearing it semi-formally, such as to the office, buy the leather version in black or shades of brown.

For exploring various types of high quality formal shoes for men at reasonable prices, shop online at the biggest value retailer in India, V-Mart. Visit https://www.vmartretail.com/.