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Best Dress Shoes for Men That’ll Impress at Any Occasion

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COLE HAAN Grand Ambition Postman Oxford


As more and more events that require in-person attendance start creeping onto your calendar, from corporate shindigs to wedding parties, don’t be caught off guard when your trusty sneakers no longer fit the bill. (Or maybe you’re so jaded by #remotelife that you’ve forgotten about shoes altogether.) Hear us out: Dress codes matter! And when you’re expected to roll up looking a helluva lot more polished than your Zoom self, putting a little extra effort into your choice of kicks will go a long way. If you’re looking for the best dress shoes for men, you’ll find them here.

Fortunately, there are loads of options that fit every occasion and budget when you need formal, semi-formal, or business casual footwear. The trick is to start by learning the nuances of different styles, and when and where it’s okay to wear them, before narrowing down your favorite picks from there. We’re never ones to point you to a purchase “just cus.”  We want you to love ‘em and wear ‘em for years and years to come—or until we all exist as virtual holograms. To get you started, here’s a basic primer on the six different types of shoes that suit a range of buttoned-up affairs followed by recommended pairs by our favorite brands.

1. Oxfords

Most guys will default to an Oxford as their go-to dress shoe—and with good reason. Since it was first invented in 19th-century Scotland, the Oxford (a.k.a. the balmoral) has been considered the definitive formal lace-up to complete any outfit, from a smart-casual look to preppy school uniforms. To spot an Oxford, look for three defining features: a low heel, a silhouette that cuts under the ankle, and a closed lacing system stitched at the bottom, which gives the shoe a sleeker, more streamlined appearance.

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Cole Haan Grand Ambition Postman Oxford

[$180; colehaan.com]

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FRYE Paul Bal Oxford
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Frye Paul Bal Oxford

[$278; thefryecompany.com]

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BRUNO MAGLI Maioco Leather Oxford
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Bruno Magli Maioco Leather Oxford

[$395; brunomagli.com]

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TO BOOT NEW YORK Aiden Brown
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To Boot New York Aiden Brown

[$395; toboot.com]

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GEORGE CLEVERLEY Merlin Whole-Cut Leather Oxford
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George Cleverley Merlin Whole-Cut Leather Oxford Shoes

[$855; mrporter.com]

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2. Derbies

More casual and free-spirited, Derbies can still sub in for Oxfords at most formal events. Whether you’re donning off-duty chinos or a three-piece suit,  you’ll be golden if you throw a pair of Derbies into the mix. Also nicknamed “bluchers,” these dress shoes are multifunctional by nature, characterized by open laces and eyelets attached to the top of the vamp. They also tend to come in more color and material variations than the other styles on this list, so feel free to grow a whole family of fun derbies in your closet.

HUGO BOSS Lisbon Leather Derby Shoe
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Hugo Boss Lisbon Leather Derby Shoes

[$315; modesens.com]

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PS BY PAUL SMITH Men's Black Leather 'Daniel' Derby Shoe
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PS by Paul Smith Men’s Black Leather ‘Daniel’ Derby Shoes

[$325; paulsmith.com]

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MR P. Andrew Split-Toe Suede Derby Shoe
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Mr P. Andrew Split-Toe Suede Derby Shoes

[$375; mrporter.com]

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GRENSON Joel Grained-Leather Derby Shoe
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Grenson Joel Grained-Leather Derby Shoes

[$460; matchesfashion.com]

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SALVATORE FERRAGAMO Derby shoe
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Salvatore Ferragamo Derby

[$660; ferragamo.com]

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3. Brogues

“Broguing” technically refers to the perforated embellishments on a shoe, but they’re more than just decorative. The sturdy original was designed to allow water to drain from the feet of bog-tromping Irishmen. Because a brogue skews less formal than a plain Oxford and still lives on a spectrum, from semi to quarter to full-on Brogue, we’re putting them in a separate category. Even so, generally the more ornate and obvious the broguing, the less formal the shoe, with subcategories like cap-toes that have perforations contouring the edge of the cap and wingtips, which have a decorative W-shaped leather piece that extends all the way to the heel.

DR. MARTENS 3989 Yellow Stitch Smooth Leather Brogue Shoe
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Dr. Martens 3989 Yellow Stitch Smooth Leather Brogue Shoes

[$130; drmartens.com]

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LLEN EDMONDS Strandmok Suede Cap-Toe Oxford
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Allen Edmonds Strandmok Suede Cap-Toe Oxford

[$365; allenedmonds.com]

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GRENSON Stanley Wingtips
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Grenson Stanley Wingtip

[$445; grenson.com]

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ADIEU Black Type 158 Brogue
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Adieu Black Type 158 Brogues

[$675; ssense.com]

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CHURCH’S Chetwynd Calf Leather Oxford Brogue Black
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Church’s Chetwynd Calf Leather Oxford Brogue Black

[$995; church-footwear.com]

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4. Loafers

The lace-free loafer may have been created for “loafing around,” but it’s totally an acceptable dress shoe. It’s all about picking the sleekest version of this slip-on style that you can find. An understated penny. A loafer with a showy horsebit accessory. Or even one with a collapsible heel that hints at your sartorial edginess. At the end of the day, shoemakers are upping the cool factor of loafers, and impressing upon us their versatility in even formal settings.

G.H. BASS & CO. Logan Flat Strap Weejun
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G.H. Bass & Co. Logan Flat Strap Weejuns

[$135; ghbass.com]

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VINNY'S Grand Townee Suede Penny Loafer
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Vinny’s Grand Townee Suede Penny Loafers

[$235; mrporter.com]

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SEBAGO Dan Lug Loafer
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Sebago Dan Lug Loafer

[$250; sebago-usa.com]

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BALLY Planker Leather Loafer
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Bally Planker Leather Loafer

[$640; bally.com]

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GUCCI Men's Loafer with Horsebit
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Gucci Men’s Loafer with Horsebit

[$850; gucci.com]

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5. Monk Strap

Nestled between the derby and the Oxford in the context of formality, the monk strap eschews laces in favor of an alternative method of securing itself on your feet: a strap and buckle. Go for a single monk for a more timeless look. Or if you’re feeling really pious to the elegant style (it was invented by  monks who needed a practical shoe that wasn’t a sandal), double up with a double monk.

JOHNSTON & MURPHY Mcclain Monk Strap
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Johnston & Murphy Mcclain Monk Strap

[$169; johnstonmurphy.com]

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MAGNANNI Lennon Monkstraps
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Magnanni Lennon Monkstraps

[$395; magnanni.com]

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ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA Siena Flex Single Monk Strap Shoe
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Ermenegildo Zegna Siena Flex Single Monk Strap Shoes

[$695; saksfifthavenue.com]

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SANTONI LEATHER Double-Buckle Shoe
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Santoni Leather Double-Buckle Shoes

[$880; santonishoes.com]

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CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Black John Monkstrap
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Christian Louboutin Black John Monkstraps

[$995; ssense.com]

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6. Patent

For menswear purists, patent leather shoes are reserved for the ultimate special occasion, one that requires a full tuxedo suit and tuxedo shoes to match. But rules are meant to be broken, no? So it’s not uncommon these days that they appear paired with jeans, or even white athletic socks and shorts. Traditionally the “patent” look was achieved with a linseed oil lacquer finish, but the bulk of today’s supply instead features a synthetic coating. In either case, because of the super shiny exterior of the shoe, every little crease or scratch becomes unsightly. So if there’s one reason to wear patent leather shoes sparingly, that’d be it.

MAGNANNI Dante Patent Leather Derby
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Magnanni Dante Patent Leather Derby

[$299; nordstrom.com]

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SUITSUPPLY Black Tuxedo Shoe
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Suitsupply Black Tuxedo Shoe

[$299; suitsupply.com]

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TO BOOT NEW YORK Perry Venetian Loafer
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To Boot New York Perry Venetian Loafer

[$395; saksfifthavenue.com]

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ALLEN EDMONDS La Scala Italian Oxford
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Allen Edmonds La Scala Italian Oxford

[$395; allenedmonds.com]

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MANOLO BLAHNIK Mario Grosgrain-Trimmed Patent-Leather Loafer
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Manolo Blahnik Mario Grosgrain-Trimmed Patent-Leather Loafers

[$795; mrporter.com]

Get it


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10 Best Porters to Drink Right Now

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A bottle of Deschutes Black Butte Porter




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Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength

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Barbell Back Squat


The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.

“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.

If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.

Directions

Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.

Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength

Circuit 1

Marius Bugge

A. Barbell Back Squat

Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts renegade row
Marius Bugge

B. Renegade Row

Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side

Circuit 2

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing renegade row Dumbbell Bentover Row in gym
Marius Bugge

A. Dumbbell Bentover Row

Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised 
Marius Bugge

B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised 

Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps

Circuit 3

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Marius Bugge

A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat

Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Marius Bugge

B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift

Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side

Circuit 4

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing pullup
Marius Bugge

A. Pullup

Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Marius Bugge

B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press

Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top.
Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps

Circuit 5

A. Dumbbell Pushup

Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop
once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps

B. Biceps Curl

Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps


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The Best Jump Ropes for a Killer Cardio Workout

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The Best Jump Ropes for a Killer Cardio Workout




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