Best Formal Shoes for Men in India [2023]

‘You can judge a man by his shoes’. They reveal a lot about the man’s personality and choices.

Also, shoes can truly make or break an outfit. Every detail and every scuff counts.

It is given that not every formal shoe will compliment all formal outfits. So it is important to pick styles that match your personality and the occasion and more importantly look good in what you are wearing.

There are several things to be kept in mind when choosing a pair of formal shoes which are inarguably one of the most important investments a man can make for his wardrobe, rather than treat it just as an ephemeral buy. So here are some answers to your doubts

1. What are the things to look for before buying a formal shoe?

1. Type of Shoe

First, you need to know the kind of shoes you are looking for. Since, today, there is a wide assortment of options to choose from, determining the type of formal shoes you want to buy is key. For example, among the dress shoes, Oxfords are considered the most formal one, followed by Derby, and these are ideal for black tie events, meetings and weddings.

2. Leather

Since leather is the most prominent and common material for men’s formal shoes, the quality of leather plays a very important role in the quality of the shoes.

A few tips to identify quality leather:

• Good quality or original leather will not smell like chemicals or plastic and will smell of polish
• The stitching on the leather will be subtle and neat
• There would be a few blemishes, patches or scars on the surface of the leather

3. Fit

Just like in clothes, the fit of your shoes (or footwear) is of extreme importance, not just as part of looking neat but also for the wellbeing of your feet. Always, choose fit over style.
Just to make sure your shoes fit well, keep in mind the following:

1. Try out both of your shoes (pair) and walk around a bit in them to gauge the level of comfort (too tight or loose).
2. Ensure there is no added pressure on your legs when walking around in them
3. It’s better to wear your socks (that you would normally wear or plan to wear with your formal shoes) when you are trying out the new pair
4. Try to wiggle your toes when wearing the shoes. As a thumb rule, there should ideally be one-inch space between your big toe and the toe box.

Also, do keep in mind that, unlike suede or cloth material, leather shoes will not stretch much. Hence, while investing in one, thinking your feet will adjust to it  soon will only prove to be a myth.

4. Shape of the toe

There are different types of toe shapes, ranging from plain toe to cap toe to wing tip and semi brogue, to name a few. It’s best to choose one with a reasonably shaped toe rather than opting for dress shoes with very narrow or wide one, and thereby strike a balance.

5. Heel

Dress shoes should ideally have a short heel (not flats) and this heel should not be more than one inch. Ideal heel height: One inch or lower; but avoid picking flat heels at any cost.

6. Color

Though black and brown are the most common shade in dress shoes, black is the most versatile one, letting you pair it up with almost anything. Browns and tans are more ideal for business casuals and needs much more care when styling.

7. Lace

Formal shoes should ideally be laced, this is because they look more professional as compared to other models like loafers and slip on.

2. Which formal shoes are best for suits?

The choice of formal shoes depends on the style of suits. Yet there are multiple options of formal shoes that can be paired with your suits. The highly recommended ones are the classic Oxford Shoes or the Derby Shoes. But you can also go for Monk Strap Shoes or Loafers if it is a semi-formal suit. Above all the basic things to be noted while painting your shoes with the suits are colour matching, material texture and style that you prefer to carry.

3. Which colour formal shoes are better ?

The colour of shoes do make a difference in the way you display your vogue. Though there are only a few options of hues in formal shoes , wearing the right one to the right event makes the difference.

a. Black formal shoes are a classic and versatile choice as they are most suitable for business suits, formal events, and black-tie occasions. They pair well with black, gray, and navy suits.
b. Brown formal shoes come in various shades, such as dark brown, medium brown, and tan. With your suits of Navy, charcoal, and brown colours dark brown is a better choice. Lighter shades of brown, like tan, can be more casual and are suitable for less formal occasions.
c. Burgundy/Wine colored shoes add a regal touch to your formal wear. They work well with navy and gray suits and are a better alternative for the conventional black or brown.
d. Oxblood is a deep, reddish-brown color that emanates sophistication. It goes well with your navy or gray suits and can add a subtle style to your outfit.
e. Two-Tone/Contrast Sole are often considered less formal, though they can be seen as more stylish. You could wear them for a less formal business meeting or a casual gathering.

4. Which shape of formal shoes are better for formal events?

• The shape of shoes can enhance your overall appearance to any formal event. For a black -tie event the highly recommended one is the Oxford Shoes that have a  closed lacing and a sleek design with closed-throat.
• The less formal Derbies are an open-lace design with the quarters sewn on top of the  front part of the shoe.  For minimalist appearance the shoes created with single piece leather otherwise known as Wholecut Shoes can be a better choice. With an additional layer of leather across the toe, Cap-Toe Shoes create a distinctive cap-like appearance. They are a perfect balance between classic and style.You can also go with the simple toe without any additional pattern with the plain-toe shoes for a clean yet elegant look. For a  slightly less formal event, monk strap shoes with a single or double strap and buckle can be an option.

5. Which is the best formal shoe brands in india ?

Though one can opt for any brand of their choice these are a few suggestions based on their quality and positive feedback around the globe. 

Bata: It offers a wide range of formal shoes known for their comfort and durability and is a trusted brand in india.

Hush Puppies: Recognized for its quality leather shoes suitable for formal occasions and are known for combining comfort with style

Allen Solly: A popular brand for men’s formal wear, it offers a range of formal shoes that are stylish and suitable for professional settings.

Red Chief: This brand is often appreciated for the durability and design of its products.

Clarks: It is renowned for its premium-quality leather.  Though an  international brand, it has  a significant presence in India. 

Ruosh: Ruosh offers a range of stylish and comfortable options that specializes in men’s formal and casual footwear, 

Metro Shoes: Is a well-established brand in India which provides a variety of formal footwear options. 

Louis Philippe: It offers a range of formal shoes with a focus on sophistication, quality and style.

Having said these let us take a look on the best formal shoes for men in India which are trending right now.

Best formal shoes for men in India

Traditionally, black is considered the go-to color for formal shoes. But in the recent times, suede especially, in various colours and browns has gradually begun to challenge the black leather monopoly. While the brighter counterparts have not yet got a full formal acceptance, brown has managed to get a strong foothold in the formal party.

For the confused souls, who have trouble picking the right formal shoes, from the overwhelming number of options, we have rounded up some of the best formal shoes for men. So shoe on…

A top-notch synthetic formal derby shoe from our homeland with the classic black glow. The closed-toe version is a novel choice for any official gatherings. You could match this with more shades and don’t have to compromise your lucky suit for a conference.

Beam with pride as everyone eyeballs at your brogue while you Breeze into a conference or an official gathering. These highly intricate and rugged wingtip derby shoes will keep you in the spotlight on any occasion. Being an exemplary design,this is the epitome of vogue that can match with your dark-hued suits furthermore bringing your denim to the limelight

The brown brogue is an exuberance of vogue one could carry. A match made in heaven, it is ideal for pairing with outfits in lighter hues and can give you a stunning look. This leather shoes from Arrow have a minimal design making them simple yet classy for any formal event.

This derby shoe is a trendy piece with the royal black color. Showing off a classic appeal, the smooth finish of leather can never slip away without being ogled. Get set and sprint off confidently to your presentation hassle-free with this easy-wear, lace-up design.

With the most simple but elegant brogue pattern, these derby shoes from the Clark collection, knot trend and quality together. The lace-up British tan leather shoes is a shout-out to the richness in style. What more could one want if comfort comes along with a great look? The Leatherette inner material and flat sole let you move around stress-free.

The deep brown all-weather-wear from Alberto Torresi enhances your attire and brings your regal look to the spotlight. The all-time classic shade is highlighted with a navy blue lace for an extra appeal. The sturdy gripping soles and shock cushioning make your official tours and events hassle-free. Suit up with this leatherwear to endure a more envious gaze.

The shiny black leather is an all-time resort for a royal look. This oxford, lace up shoes is the highlight that stands out from other choices and it will be the best pick for a classic and official event. Walk in the arena with confident steps wearing this masterpiece.

This formal Derby brogue is craftsmanship that enhances your walking experience. These genuine leather shoes with a gain pattern on center can give a special tint to your fashion in your every move. It is better suited for any official meetings and is sure to make the best first impression.

The shiny coffee hued derby shoe with a semi-cap is one of the most stylish vintage vogue formal shoes one can own. This groovy pair of Italian genuine leather shoes have been prudently designed by masterminds to fit the likes of bigwigs and their need for ultimate style and comfort