Formal Shoes

For suits, shoes are an important style statement. They should please and fit the occasion. For formal meetings or celebrations, you want to go for classic elegance? This can be achieved with a black or brown leather shoe with a smooth sole. If you want to add a fashion accent, thicker profiles, suede and colour accents are also possible. Summer looks can be more comfortable, away from the traditional lace-up. In fact, you have a lot of leeway here. We'll tell you hear which shoes you can wear with your suit.

Derby versus Oxford

With classic suit shoes you often encounter the distinction between Oxford and Derby. Both brim with British elegance. But the Derby is an evolution of the Oxford in terms of comfort. With the Oxford, the side leathers lie directly against each other, so that the tongue is covered by them. This looks most dignified. However, the entry is quite narrow and when worn, the shoe is rather rigid over the instep. The Derby is different. Here the lacing area is kept "open". The side leathers do not touch each other. So the shoe gives more way at the instep. This is more comfortable and looks a little more sporty. 

MONKSTRAPS SUIT SHOES

These low shoes have no lacing, but a wide leather strap, over the instep. This closes with one or two buckles, which makes the shoe either a single or double monk strap. Its look is formal and classy. This makes it the ideal wedding shoe for the groom or the guest. Here the suit  should be able to keep up. The monkstrap makes a perfect team with three-piece suits, double-breasted suits and festive evening wear.

BROGUES SUIT SHOES

Brogues are shoes with a specific decoration. They have an intricate perforated pattern with jagged edges. Another typical feature is the wing tip cap shaped like a "W" on the toe of the shoe. Sometimes the toe and heel cap are in a different colour. A particularly eye-catching shoe, next to which the rest of the outfit should not pale.

BUDAPEST SUIT SHOES

The Budapester is often confused with brogues, because this shoe is also usually adorned with attached toe and heel caps with a hole pattern. What actually makes the Budapest, however, is the bar it was named after. It is wider and offers more space at the forefoot as well as at the instep. With a Budapester you can therefore afford a suit shoe that combines comfort with durability

Loafers och slip-ons

Loafers and slip-ons are the summery alternative to lace-ups. They are light, airy and yet infinitely elegant. In order to create a coherent overall picture, the suit should also look summery. Light materials and bright colours increase compatibility. A true dream team are cognac brown loafers and linen suits. For this you can also leave out the tie . And socks  anyway. 

Chelsea boots

The ankle-high boots captivate with their simple elegance. They have no lacing. Instead, a zip on the inside often makes it easier to get into this slim-fitting shoe. The high shaft gives a little extra warmth in winter. It should be worn under the trouser leg. That's why Chelseas are less suited to slim-fit suits with very narrow hems. Our favourite with formal outfits are boots in shiny smooth leather. Black Chelsea boots are real classics.

Suit shoes from classic to trendy

Whether classic lace-ups, casual loafers, chelseas or festive monkstraps, you have plenty of choice when it comes to suit shoes. At Afound you will find a wide selection of formal and sporty shoes at great prices.

Discover our deals on suit shoes from popular brands!

FAQs

Should I rather wear brown or black suit shoes?

The rule used to be: black shoes for business, brown shoes for leisure. However, that is outdated. Dark brown or cognac-coloured suit shoes look just as elegant and stylish as plain black. The main thing is to create a coherent overall impression. So you can even set an exciting contrast with medium brown shoes to a dark blue suit. Then pick up the colour of the shoes again with the belt to create a staple.

How to lace suit shoes?

Classic Oxfords are usually laced in parallel. This underlines their formal character. Derbys, on the other hand, also look good when you lace them crosswise. It goes with their sporty look. When you buy new shoes, they often come with what is called store lacing. It looks like parallel lacing, but it's simplified. Here the lace is led from one side only diagonally to the uppermost hole. This side quickly becomes shorter. So you should lace the shoes properly once after purchase.

How should suit shoes fit?

Sometimes you spend the whole day in a suit shoe. Therefore, it must fit well. You should feel comfortable in the shoe right away. Leather still gives a little when worn, so it becomes softer. But if the shoe already presses uncomfortably on your toes, heel or instep when you try it on, you need a different shoe. In this case, the same shoe in a size larger is usually not a solution. If the seat is comfortable and does not pinch anywhere, test whether you have enough space. When you stand, your toes should have about a thumb's width of air in front.