10 Best Formal Shoes For Men (Review) In 2022

- 1. Cole Haan Men’s Original Grand Shortwing Oxford Shoe
- 2. Clarks Men’s Tilden Cap Oxford Shoe
- 3. KENNETH COLE Unlisted Half Time Men’s Cap Toe Oxford
- 4. Cole Haan Men’s Original Grand Knit Wing Tip Ii Sneaker
- 5. Rockport Men’s Leader 2 Bike Slip-on
- 6. Stacy Adams Men’s Dunbar-Wingtip Oxford
- 7. Dockers Men’s Gordon Leather Oxford Dress Shoe
- 8. Cole Haan Men’s Grand Crosscourt Ii Oxford Flat
- 9. Calvin Klein Men’s Bernard Loafer
- 10. Stacy Adams Men’s Dickinson Cap-Toe Lace-up Oxford
There’s just something exciting about wearing a pair of excellent formal shoes. This is especially true if you are a dapper man that loves to look good. While shoes aren’t always the first thing a person’s eyes are drawn to, they have the ability to imbue the wearer with confidence. Besides, they are also quite comfortable and sturdy enough to last for a decent amount of time. That said, there are thousands of shoe brands out there, and navigating the seas of formal shoes for men can be daunting. But, we are here to help out with that, and below we have a list of the best formal shoes for men.
The Best Formal Shoe For Men
1. Cole Haan Men’s Original Grand Shortwing Oxford Shoe

Incredible design that’s aesthetically pleasing
Soft leather that provides comfort
Reinforced midsole for greater convenience
Rubber pods for added traction
No conversation about the best formal shoes will be complete with mentioning the Cole Haan Men’s Original Grand Shortwing Oxford Shoe. These incredible formal shoes are as well made as they come with a luxurious leather covering the upper layer; which is then accompanied with a stitchless welt for that seamless feel and easy elegance.
However, the professionalism doesn’t end there as the midsole also comes across as excellently crafted with two densities of foam, providing an adequate cushion as you walk around. Additionally, the Cole Haan shoes anticipate that you’ll be wearing them all day; for this reason, they are as lightweight as they come, making it a lot easier to get through the day without feeling uncomfortable or stifled.
Crafted to help you walk with confidence and comfort, the shoes also feature rubber pods on the forefoot and heel, which increase their durability. Clearly, the eye for detail with these shoes is astonishing, as even the eyelets are given the premium treatment with their metal construction providing you with some aesthetic contrast. With all that said, it is no surprise that the Cole Haan shoes are our best choice, and they come highly recommended. To make your shoes always clean, check out our selection of the best exfoliating brushes.
2. Clarks Men’s Tilden Cap Oxford Shoe

Ortholite insoles help wick moisture away
High-density ortholite foam provides long-lasting comfort
Excellent low front design looks good on most formal outfits
Lightweight shoes that last for a while
The Clarks Men’s Tilden Cap Oxford Shoe is the ideal pair of leather shoes for men. There are a lot of reasons for this; the main one being the incredible construction. The shoes are perfect for formal events with their deep shine, low front, and impeccable stitch detail; all of which make it very attractive.
That’s not all as the Ortholite insoles help to wick away moisture and keep your feet cool. Consequently, wearing these shoes all day poses no problem at all, and you need not worry about stinky feet when they’re off. Similarly, the shoes also come complete with a high-rebound ortholite foam, which envelopes your feet for additional comfort.
Not only that, but the foam is cleverly concealed, so it doesn’t take away from the visual appeal while also working to absorb impact with every step taken. Furthermore, these lightweight shoes won’t be an extra burden as you go about your day. With over a hundred years of experience, Clarks is one of the leading shoe brands in the world, and you could do worse than get a pair of these excellent shoes.
3. KENNETH COLE Unlisted Half Time Men’s Cap Toe Oxford

Toe cap design with elegant stitching
Padded insole for greater comfort
Faux-leather upper enhances its polished look
Waxed laces make them easier to pull on
You could easily imagine James Bond slipping into a pair of the KENNETH COLE Unlisted Half Time Men’s Cap Toe Oxford shoes as their elegant design gives them a polish that can’t be found in a typical shoe. The shoes feature a cap toe designed alongside a sleek stitching, which certainly adds to its distinguished look; what’s more, the inclusion of waxed laces means they are a lot easier to tie together and pull on.
Looking a little deeper, these Kenneth Cole shoes come cleverly crafted with a padded insole for additional comfort on your feet, thereby, they can be easily worn all day without feeling awkward or uncomfortable. Also, the faux leather upper is very durable and can hold itself together for a decent period without falling apart. This also adds to the polished look discussed earlier, making it an ideal match for any formal event on your calendar. With all of that said, there is no reason not to cop one of these fantastic products to add to your collection of men’s smart shoes.
4. Cole Haan Men’s Original Grand Knit Wing Tip Ii Sneaker

Breathable knit material for dry feet
EVA midsoles provide great comfort
Rubber outsoles for ultimate traction and support
Great for formal and informal events
We have already looked at a Cole Haan offering on this list, which is a testament to the incredible quality offered by the company. However, with the Cole Haan Men’s Original Grand Knit Wing Tip Ii Sneaker, you have a pair of shoes that are a little less formal and a lot more versatile in purpose. The design is simply breathtaking, and the knitted Oxford upper adds to that unique look that is sure to draw attention when worn. Furthermore, the knit material is breathable, ensuring that your feet stay free of sweat and comfortable.
Also, just like the Kenneth Cole Oxford, the padded sock lining of this pair of shoes offers the desired comfort, whilst the EVA midsole elevates the convenience felt once on, which is all thanks to the company’s signature Grand.ØS technology.
Beyond the above-mentioned features, in addition to adequate support, the shoes sport a rubber outsole that delivers the much-needed traction while walking. And as mentioned earlier, they are perfect for formal occasions but also shine at informal gatherings. Clearly, there are a tonne of reasons to buy these shoes, so why waste any more time?
5. Rockport Men’s Leader 2 Bike Slip-on

EVA outsole provides excellent shock absorption
Sponge EVA footbed cushions your feet
DEWIX linings which help wick away moisture
Full-grain leather that’s easy to clean and maintain
You can never go wrong with a pair of Rockport Men’s Leader 2 Bike Slip ons. Not only is it crafted in a classic style, but it is also made with high-quality leather material that fits into any formal environment. On top of that, it features an EVA outsole that provides excellent shock absorption, which, in turn, reduces instances of foot fatigue. Moreover, the heel is reinforced with truTECH sports technology to provide adequate comfort whilst the insoles are supported with DEWIX linings that wick away moisture for fresher results.
Still, on the topic of the lining, the quality materials were ingeniously included to prevent foot odor, imbuing you with the confidence to move around without worrying about stinky feet. Moreover, these shoes come with a sponge EVA footbed that conforms to the shape of the feet, thereby presenting a personalized fit you are sure to love.
Even more impressive still is the full-grain leather construction that doesn’t only gleam brilliantly, but is also easy to clean and maintain, ensuring you have a pair of shoes that lasts through the years. For more care for your shoes, check out our list of the best shoe shine cloths.
6. Stacy Adams Men’s Dunbar-Wingtip Oxford

Inner layer equipped with memory foam
Leather linings for more breathability
Flexible outsole that handles impact excellently
Cushioned insole for greater comfort
Stylish men love the Stacy Adams brand with their collection of dapper shoes for the classic man. With the STACY ADAMS Men’s Dunbar-Wingtip Oxford, they have once more knocked it out of the park. Every inch of these shoes oozes elegance from the smooth leather upper, which gleams beautifully to the leather linings, whilst delivering more breathability.
But that’s not all as these Stacy Adams shoes also come complete with a cushioned insole, that delivers unparalleled comfort. On top of this, a memory foam has been carefully sewn inside the inner layer, resulting in a more shapely fit for your feet.
Additionally, if a shoe that handles impact really well is what you are after, you certainly have them in this pair of shoes that come crafted with a stacked heel makes walking and standing for long periods a lot more bearable. In case you liked this particular pair of shoes, then you should check out our buying guide compiled of best wingtip shoes currently available.
Established in 1875 by William H. Stacy and Henry L. Adams, the company has ingrained itself with American culture and is inseparable from the classic American style. Incredibly, Stacy Adams has lived through world wars, a jazz era, prohibition, and so much more and comes out on the other side as an evolved entity that sets trends rather than chases them.
7. Dockers Men’s Gordon Leather Oxford Dress Shoe

Padded Achilles heel that provides comfort
Rubber outsoles for greater traction even on wet surfaces
All leather uppers
Ergonomic design for all-day usage
Since its inception in 1986, Dockers has always provided us with quality over and over again. This did not change when Genesco Inc started making Dockers footwear in 1992, and over the years, the quality of the products has never faltered or disappointed. You will also be glad to know that this legacy of excellence has continued into the present day and the Dockers Men’s Gordon Leather Oxford Dress Shoe is evidence of this.
These men’s dress shoes are expertly crafted with genuine leather uppers that not only look great but also come with the added advantage of being easy to clean and maintain.
Additionally, a padded Achilles heel which supplies the needed comfort and stability has been applied alongside an ergonomic design and flexible construction makes this shoe perfect for the entire workday. Besides, these Dockers are equipped with rubber soles that offer decent traction even on wet surfaces. What’s more, due to their all-round excellence, these shoes have been recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting overall good health.
8. Cole Haan Men’s Grand Crosscourt Ii Oxford Flat

Grand OS technology provides comfort
EVA midsole cushions your feet
Classic design that is eye-catching and efficient
Rubber pods for more excellent traction on various surfaces
As this is the third Cole Haan product on the list, you’ll likely assume that we’ve run out of words to praise this excellent brand. Fortunately, if you assume this, you’ll be wrong as the Cole Haan Men’s Grand Crosscourt Ii Oxford Flat gives us even more quality to heap praise on. The design is classic, and the leather uppers are constructed with the highest quality out there, while the sports-inspired outsole gives delivers that unique look that isn’t easily replicated.
Meanwhile, the footbed is textured and supplies enough breathability, which, in turn, offers more comfort throughout the day.
Beneath it all, you will find rubber pods on the forefoot and heel which offer the perfect traction on many different surfaces. Similar to other Cole Haan products, the Grand Crosscourt also sports an EVA furnished midsole, which grants incomparable comfort while the ever-present grand OS technology also gives the needed flexibility. Finally, the design ensures that all the components of the shoes are lightweight and doesn’t burden you when worn. One of these shoe storages will keep your shoes well-protected.
9. Calvin Klein Men’s Bernard Loafer

Ribbon strap across the tongue
Cushioned insole for a comfortable experience
Powerful construction which provides durability
Rubber soles to handle any surface
You cannot imagine men’s fashion without considering Calvin Klein and its incredible offerings. The company has been in business since 1968 and is a world-class brand that uses the classiest materials to craft products that we cannot get enough of. With the Calvin Klein Men’s Bernard Loafer, they have once again shown their top-notch skills, and these are a pair of shoes that demand respect wherever they go.
Getting down to specifics, the design is a classic one, and the slip-on style makes it a very accessible pair of shoes. Meanwhile, the ribbon strap draped across the tongue of the shoe is a nice touch that is understated, yet classy. In terms of the experience, wearing these Calvin Kleins feel like a dream with a cushioned footbed that will make you feel like you’re walking on clouds.
However, the strength of the Bernard loafers is in its solid construction which is durable and lasts long. This robustness is reinforced with the soles, which are made with rubber, will supply excellent traction for any surface without losing quality or stability.
10. Stacy Adams Men’s Dickinson Cap-Toe Lace-up Oxford

Cushioned insole provides you with incredible comfort
Memory foam fits your feet perfectly
High-quality leather upper
Stacked heel that provides support
While the Stacy Adams Men’s Dickinson Cap-Toe Lace-up Oxford look like shoes that you’ll only pick up for special occasions, they are more likely to spend very little time in your closet thanks to their impressive versatility. These are a pair of shoes that can be used for both formal and informal gatherings and can switch up seamlessly.
Additionally, the smooth leather upper is a joy to behold and will attract more than a few glances your way. But, they don’t just look good, they also feel good, mainly due to the leather linings that provide added breathability. Hence, the addition of a fully cushioned insole only enhances the feeling of comfort when you put these on.
But that’s not all as the memory foam embedded in the insole also fits your feet perfectly and melds excellently to create harmony. As for the outsole, it displays detailed stitching on a low stacked heel that makes walking a breeze for you. The attention to detail here is evident to all, with the shadowing of the brogue edges and the perfect burnishing of the heel combined to create the ultimate formal men’s shoe. Perfect as a gift, the Dickinson Cap-toe shoe is one you don’t want to miss out on for any reason.
Formal Shoe For Men Buying Guide
Formal shoes are not the cheapest clothing items on the market, and in fact, some of the best ones cost quite a pretty penny. Thus, picking one out is a task that requires some consideration, and there are a few things you need to look out before investing in a pair of shoes. To make the process faster, we have listed below a few of the important key features to consider before making a purchase.
Features To Look For In Formal Shoes For Men
Use - The first thing you’d need to consider before picking up a pair of shoes is what you want to use them for. If you are an office worker who spends most of the time in a formal environment, then a classic Oxford shoe should do the trick.
Also, color is another key factor as black formal shoes are often preferable as the color blends in better with different styles than a pair of brown formal shoes. That said, if you work in an office that doesn’t have a strict dress code, then a pair of loafers will work just as well in office environments as they do in more informal settings. So, once you know the purpose your shoes are going to serve, you should have little to no challenge in picking out the right one.
Design - The design of the shoe is also very important as you need to pick one that suits your style. Men's formal shoes have various designs and styles, with each having its own set of advantages and strengths. For instance, Oxford shoes have their eyelets firmly affixed beneath the vamps, and this makes them perfect for formal or business events.
However, some styles often appear too stuffy for some; in which case, you can opt for a pair of derbies that are similar to the Oxfords but with more open laces. There are also many more styles such as cap-toes and loafers, which are also very versatile and can be worn for informal events. Therefore, always consider the style that attracts you most before picking your next pair of shoes.
Lace type - There are various types of laces out there, with each playing a significant role in the user experience. Waxed shoelaces are one of the most popular, mainly due to how durable they are. Furthermore, waxed shoelaces stand up well to the elements and are very easy to tie. However, unlike flat cotton laces, the wax can make the laces a tad brittle, which can be pretty annoying. On the other hand, laceless shoes are also an option, and they are generally more convenient to pull on and off, which is great news for unfussy people who’d rather waste less time putting on their footwear.
Grip - A shoe’s grip is quite often determined by the power of the outsole, as this is the part that comes in contact with the ground. However, not many people pay attention to the soles of their shoes, which is a shame as it also plays a pivotal role in your shoe-wearing experience. What that means is that the outsole provides the traction needed to walk comfortably and, therefore, if the outsole is of inferior quality, you will certainly find moving about a lot more challenging.
While there are a number of materials used to craft the outsole, rubber is one of the most popular. This is because it is versatile enough to do a decent job on both wet and dry surfaces. That said, it might not be so great on ice, which requires something a lot stronger.
Size and fit - It is absolutely galling to buy a pair of shoes only to find that they are not the right size. In the same vein, it also sucks if you find that your shoes don’t fit properly. For this reason, you must follow the size guide to ensure that you purchase the correct size. Meanwhile, another useful hack is to buy a size up if you are between sizes, as this is more likely to fit you than the alternative.