The formal shoe gets a bad rap. Since trainers have become ubiquitous, it seems they’ve fallen by the wayside, often assiociated with being unbearable to wear, restrictive and, dare I say, old fashioned.
Well, I’m here to tell you that this is certainly not the case. With countless styles available that are contemporary, comfortable and far more sophisticated than the average trainer, this is your cue to start building your collection so you’re not constrained solely to the casual world of sneakers.
If comfort is a deal breaker for you, then we’ve got some top tips that will help. Look for styles with a chunky yet lightweight sole, so you’re supported without feeling like you’re lumbering around two extra-large hooves, and ones that will fit the width of your foot comfortably.
Whichever shoes you choose, the first wear can sometimes end up in slight aches, pains and blisters, especially when leather’s involved - but trust me when I say that wearing them in makes all the difference. After the second or third outing, you’ll be prancing around in joy at your pleasantly supported feet.
Whether you prefer a formal Oxford, a casual Derby, or a versatile loafer, we’ve taken the liberty of rounding up the most feet-friendly options on the market that will see you from AM to PM in both comfort and style.
Keep scrolling for our top pick.
Loafers
Grenson Peter
Known for its chunky yet lightweight soles, Grenson is the brand to know for comfortable dress shoes. And, with over 150 years experience in the footwear field, the British heritage brand knows its way around a pair of loafers.
Crafted using a polished brown colorado leather with a tonal sole, it’s a contemporary take on the classic that will elevate your formalwear wardrobe to new heights.
Buy now £295.00, Grenson
G.H.Bass Easy Weejun Penny Loafers Wine
G.H.Bass is a master of the penny loafer. Coming in a rich wine high-shine leather with a handsewn construction and leather outsole, these would look best worn with indigo or cream denim - and you could amp-up the preppy vibe with an argyle sock.
If the burgundy isn’t to your taste, they have endless colourways available too so you can find the shade to suit.
Buy now £130.00, Office
Dunhill Rivet Loafer
The vintage-inspired Dunhill loafers wouldn’t look out of place wandering the grounds of an Ivy League university in the early 1900s.
Discreetly embellished with two monogrammed brass rivets, it’s an understated design that oozes luxury. Even better, it has a padded insole and calfskin lining for optimum comfort.
Buy now £695.00, Dunhill
Clarks Badell Slip Black Leather
Footwear high street hero Clarks always comes through with a selection of reliable, quality shoes at a great price.
Designed using the label’s patented technology, they’re ultra-lightweight, even through the cleated soles have a stylish, chunky aesthetic. Ticking all of the boxes for £90, it’s a no brainer.
Buy now £90.00, Clarks
Duke + Dexter Birch X White Pebble Grain Penny Loafer
If you’re in the market for a two-tone penny loafer, look no furter than Duke + Dexter. The London-based brand not only offers them in various colourways, but also with illustrations that range from a collaboration with Playboy to traditional Mediterranean-inspired prints of fruit.
One of the most versatile options (and our favourite) is this brown and white combo made using a pebble grain leather, which, like the entire range, has been handmade in England.
Buy now £220.00, Duke + Dexter
Sebago Dan Leather Loafer - Black
Boasting an archive of penny loafers that dates back to 1946, Sebago’s classic loafer has been inspired by over 75 years of history.
Crafted using an ultra-smooth leather with expert craftsmanship, it’s a comfortable and durable design that will live in your footwear collection for years to come.
Buy now £165.00, Next
Oxfords & Derbies
Vagabond Johnny 2.0 Shoes
Alongside a range of timeless styles, Scandi label Vagabond also offers modern takes on everything from loafers to Oxfords - and these Derbies are a prime example.
Featuring a robust, statement sole thanks to the 32mm sole, they have visible stitches on the outer sole and an understated embossed logo at the topline.
Buy now £135.00, Vagabond
Hugo Leather Derby Shoes With Chunky Rubber Outsole
As Boss’s cooler, younger sibling, Hugo’s designs tend to be focused on the youth market - as proven by this fashion forward take on a Derby.
With a super chunky sole, a two-tone red and black colourway and playful branding on the sole, it’s a fun yet stylish addition to any formal shoe shelf.
Buy now £199.00, Hugo Boss
Arket Leather Derby Shoes
Stockholm-based label Arket’s collections are packed with elevated basics season after season. Transforming the classic Derby into a silhouette that’s bordering on a chukka, it’s an up-to-date take on the original.
The shoe is made using 100 per cent leather, so will be a durable purchase that’s sure to stand the test of time.
Buy now £159.00, Arket
Prada Brushed Leather Oxford Shoes
Coveted by celebrities and fashion editors alike, Prada’s collection of footwear for men is one of the best in the luxury market.
If you’re dressing up for a more formal occasion, an Oxford is more appropriate than a brogue. If a convential design feels too stuffy for you, the Italian house’s contemporary take which features a chunkier rubber sole and perforated detailing on the toe could be the answer.
Buy now £890.00, Prada
Schuh Black Poet Chunky Lace Up Shoes
Made using a high-shine leather, these smart Derbies from Schuh will add a touch of shimmer to any formal look. Constructed using a leather upper and a rubber sole, they’re a heavy-duty design that will live in your collection for years to come.
Buy now £60.00, Schuh
