My favourite Dress Shoes for AW23

This has been a great season for classic men’s shoes. I totally subscribe to the old saying that you should never try to save money on shoes or a bed, since if you’re not in one, you’re likely in the other!

Oxford

Generally seen as the most conservative, formal type of men’s shoes. You’ll most likely be wearing these when you most want to impress, either at a formal social or a job interview. So, if you spend a little extra on one pair of shoes, I’d drop my money here.

Church’s Consul 173: Calf Leather Oxford £940

These are entirely appropriate for the formality of the occasions you’d be wearing these in. Best matched with a grey or blue lounge suit and – if polished up correctly – good for a dinner suit too. This is good for Autumn and Winter 2023, and far beyond.

 Russell & Bromley: BORIS Lace-Up Oxford £245.00

Much the same overall design as above but more affordable, and still good quality. Russell & Bromley are a reliable staple of men’s footwear, and always worth checking out. These ones are said to fit a little larger than most, so best to try in store.

Brogues

We’ve all heard the Kingsman quote ‘Oxford not brogues’, but of course, it is entirely possible to have Oxford shoes with broguing. The former term refers to the ‘closed’ lacing system (as opposed to the ‘open’ of ‘Derby’ shoes). Broguing refers to the decorative leather work, often at the front of the shoe. Here, is my brogue of the season, which happens to be a Derby, and I think, better in brown. 

Russell & Bromley: Southport Rubber Sole Derby £245.00

The Russel and Bromley website suggests these are best with chinos, which is likely how most men are going to wear them. But, I could happily pair these with darker wash jeans, and if polished well, with a blue suit. They are a bit more versatile than plain toe black shoes, so these will get a lot of use.

Boots

HARRYS OF LONDON: City Calf, Black £650

You’ve heard the Victorian ‘suited and booted’ and perhaps found it a little odd given we tend to think of boots are country wear nowadays. However, you can always rely on Harrys of London to come up with something suitable for The City. These have good ankle support, good traction, and a style that will go well with suits, chinos, and jeans alike. I’ll likely be wearing these at Christmas.

Something different

RUSSELL & BROMLEY: CARMEL Soft Slip On £245.00

For something a touch different, best paired with chinos or linen pants, I’d go for these. They come in a range of pastel colours, and I’d likely go for the default purple, although it looks pink to me. Good for a winter break by the Med, or lounging around a winter fire with loved ones.