At some point in every man’s life, they must dress smartly. You’ve accepted your invitation to a formal event; you have a suit hung and waiting for you, but what about the shoes? How do you pick smart shoes for an event or the office?
Don’t worry at Stuarts; we’re here to help you with all of your questions about smart shoes, including styling, how to make them more comfortable and even product recommendations. Keep reading to find out the best formal shoes for men, how to dress them and stay the most stylish but comfortable man in any room you walk into.
What kind of shoes are formal or smart?
Many different types of shoes can be considered formal or smart, including Oxford shoes, boots and loafers. The formal shoes you wear should match the occasion you are attending – if the event is more laidback, you can get away with something more casual, but more on that later.
Finding a pair of smart shoes that suit your outfit for a formal occasion is about elevating or blending with the look. The components of a formal shoe consist of a toe, vamping, quarter and facing, and the way that these are assembled will determine the complexity and look of the shoe.
The formal or smart shoe in the contemporary form you see today gained popularity in the 1800s. The students of Oxford University made the shoes popular as they wanted a low-top style of the Oxonion half-boot shoe. They thought the half-boot shoe style was outdated and wanted something sleek, hence the creation of the smart shoe we know and love today.
How to lace men’s smart shoes
There are a few ways you can lace your smart shoes, and whilst there may be some limitations depending on the shoe’s construction, the lacing method you choose often depends on your preference.
How to lace shoes with the crisscross method
Deemed the easiest method of lacing smart shoes, the crisscross method should only be adopted if the top of the shoe comprises two separate pieces. Creating a comfortable and traditional look, the criss-cross method will allow you to move freely, and you won’t have to worry about the laces bunching and pressing into the top of your foot.
- Place the shoestring through the bottom eyelet and feed it out through the other eyelet.
- This should leave you with the two first holes with shoe string to hold.
- Make the string equal lengths on both sides.
- In a diagonal direction, feed the shoelace into the available eyelet pushing below and through.
- Repeat this with the other lace to create an initial crisscross pattern.
- Continue working down until all of the eyelets have been used.
- Leave your laces free and pointing upwards in the final eyelet so that you can tie the shoes.
How to lace shoes in the straight bar method
The straight bar lace method adds a sophisticated look to your smart shoes and is a contemporary way to lace your footwear for events or the office. The straight bar method is a fairly easy lace method to complete and offers a versatile aesthetic for your smart shoes.
- Feed your lace through the upper left and bottom right eyelets to create a diagonal feed. Keep the string length shorter at the top of the shoe, as this is what you will use to tie your laces.
- Feed the longer piece of lace straight across from here into the open bottom eyelet.
- Loop underneath and upwards into the second eyelet diagonally and then loop into the open eyelet on the available side. This will create two straight lines.
- You can then repeat the process until you don’t have any spare eyelets available.
- Once you reach the last eyelet, you should have two pieces that you can use to tie your laces together.
How should smart shoes fit?
For many men, smart dress shoes often feel uncomfortable, but they don’t have to be. When purchasing smart shoes, you should consider the following tips to ensure you have shoes that stay as comfortable at 9 pm as they did at 8 am.
You need the following measurements to find a pair of smart shoes that fit perfectly.
- Overall length – from your heel to your toe
- Width – from one side of your foot to the other
- Arch length – from your heel to the ball of your foot
The arch length is particularly important and a measurement that is overlooked but is significant in terms of comfort. As dress shoes are constructed to flex at the ball of the foot, your foot needs to sit on it perfectly; otherwise, you could damage the shoe and, more importantly, your foot.
Make sure that your shoes fit snugly in the middle of your foot
When assessing whether your smart shoes fit correctly, don’t worry if they feel tight at the ball of your foot. This is a natural and common occurrence for those purchasing new smart shoes, and over time, as your shoes and feet get used to one another, this will naturally mould into the shape of your foot.
Where should your toes sit in smart shoes?
You will find that some shoes are constructed with longer toe boxes for aesthetic reasons but also the purpose of fit. You will be fine if your toes aren’t scrunched up at the end of your smart shoes. They can sit anywhere in the toe box; if you have a snug construction around the middle of your foot, they will remain comfortable.
Brands use a range of different moulds to create their shoes, so it is best to check with the brand if their shoes are typically narrower than other styles. If this is the case, you will usually find that they offer wider fit variations of the same style. Always check with the brand before you purchase; otherwise, you may be uncomfortable when wearing your smart shoes.
How can I make smart shoes more comfortable?
If you have already bought your smart shoes and they cause you some discomfort, you can try certain tips and tricks to make them feel more comfortable. Keep reading to find out what we recommend to take the smart shoes that give you blisters and transform them into shoes that are perfect for your foot shape.
Add insoles
If you have a little bit of room in your smart shoes, adding an insole to the shoe can help you in terms of comfort. An insole will add a bit of padding to the shoe and give you some cushioning when walking or standing in your smart shoes.
Use a shoe stretcher
A shoe stretcher does what it says on the tin – it will stretch your shoe’s structure to fit your foot’s natural shape. Usually, a shoe stretcher will look like a shoe tree and operates similarly. Simply slip your shoe stretcher into the footwear, twist the device until it becomes tight, and then twist it a few more times. You will find specific devices that can make your shoes wider and longer depending on your needs.
Wear padded dress socks
When wearing your smart shoes, you can add padded dress socks, which will also add cushioning in the right places and provide comfort, particularly in those tight areas.
Wear thinner dress socks
This may counteract our previous recommendation, but if you are struggling with the width of your smart shoes, it could be because your dress socks are too thick. Wearing thinner dress socks is only recommended if you are having issues with the width of your dress shoes.
Get your smart shoes resoled
Often a last resort for those that have tried everything, but getting your smart shoes resoled by a cobbler can help if you are struggling with comfort. Adding a crepe or more supple leather sole to your smart shoes can help with movement and comfort. This must be done professionally and is not a job for an amateur, so please don’t take a knife to the sole of your smart shoes because you will ruin them.
How do I stop my smart shoes from rubbing?
Completing the tips and tricks outlined above can help you secure a comfortable pair of smart shoes, but there are some specific tips you can try to stop your shoes from rubbing.
When buying your shoes:
- Wear the socks you will likely wear when you have the shoes on. This can help you understand the fit and how your foot will move in the shoe.
- As your foot swells throughout the day, purchasing shoes in the evening or afternoon is best. This will ensure that you cater for any fluctuations in the width or depth of your foot shape.
When wearing the shoes:
- Opt for socks with natural padding in problem areas, such as the heels and ankles.
- Cotton socks trap moisture between the skin and the sock, so choosing a sock material like merino wool will draw moisture away from the skin, preventing your shoes from rubbing against the skin and creating blisters.
- If you struggle with sweaty feet, add some talcum powder to your feet before you put on your socks, as this will draw the moisture away and eliminate the risk of blisters.
How do I stop my smart shoes from being slippery?
There’s nothing worse than smart shoes that you love, but you can’t wear them because they are too slippery. Consider these tips to stop your shoes from slipping when you wear them.
- Try non-slip sole grips.
- Scuff the soles of your shoes with sandpaper. (This can permanently change the look of your shoes and should only be done as a last resort).
- One rogue hack you can try is spraying hairspray onto the soles of your shoes until you feel a sticky base. This will need to be reapplied and isn’t a long-term solution.
- Go to a cobbler to fix your slippy shoes; they have a wealth of knowledge and can fix any issues you may have with the grip of your smart shoes.
Can you wear jeans and smart shoes?
You can wear jeans with smart shoes, but there are a few rules you need to stick to when pairing your formal shoes with denim.
- You should consider the type of jeans that you will be wearing with your smart shoes. Some jeans should not be paired with smart shoes, such as distressed jeans or denim with rips in. Lighter-wash jeans should also never be worn with smart shoes, which will instantly wash out the outfit. If you do decide to wear jeans, opt for a darker colour, such as dark indigo or black jeans.
- Another consideration should be the type of smart shoes you decide to wear. Try and pick out a more relaxed and casual pair of smart shoes to pair with jeans. If you are searching for smart casual shoes, why not pair jeans with desert boots that still look smart but have a more laid-back feel?
- Consider the other elements of your outfit – if you pair your smart shoes with jeans, you need to balance out the formality of your look. A basic t-shirt will look odd, so choose a smart casual garment, such as a polo shirt or a long-sleeved shirt.
Where to buy smart shoes
At Stuarts, we have a wide range of men’s smart shoes for you to add to your wardrobe. Keep reading to find out some of the key brands that should be on your radar, and even check out our product spotlight, where we will provide you with some of the best product recommendations for your smarter wardrobe days.
Jeffery West
Since 1987, Jeffery West has crafted footwear of the highest quality in Northampton, a town known for creating premium leather shoes. Since its inception, the brand has adopted a rock and roll aesthetic, creating smart shoes with a grungy yet sophisticated edge.
This family-run business has been pushing the envelope of footwear design for 3 decades, and at Stuarts, we have a range of designs for you to choose from.
Jeffery West – Foxy Hendrix – Black
The Foxy Hendrix shoes from Jeffery West are a sleek and sophisticated pair of smart shoes meant for the finer moments in life. Crafted with premium leather uppers, the Foxy Hendrix’s showcase complex detailing throughout the design with intricately styled patterns that act as a subtle yet elevating touch.
You will also find luxury touches with the red sole of the shoe that includes a playful nod to the Jeffery West aesthetic and has “Is love the drug’ emblazoned along the sole. Other notable touches embody the brand, including the ” Devil May Care” slogan within the shoe bed.
The Jeffery West Foxy Hendrix shoes are ideal for smart events and can be paired with tailored suits or outfits in your wardrobe that offer a formal aesthetic. If you’re looking for a perfect pairing, try black or grey trousers, but stay away from any earthy hues, such as olive brown or beige.
Jeffery West – Scarface – Black
Exuding a chic and sleek aesthetic, the Scarface shoes by Jeffery West are ideal for the gentleman who wants to show off his taste for sophistication. Featuring intricate detailing and partial wing-tip toes and hole punch trim, the Scarface shoes from Jeffery West embody the fine craftsmanship of the British shoemaker. Continuing the high level of refinement, you will find shoes that have been crafted with premium leather lining and a leather outsole that is durable and stylish. You will also find the Jeffery West Scarface shoes in a range of colours, including dark blue and dark brown.
Magnanni
Based in Almansa, Magnanni started back in 1954 with only five employees in the humble beginnings of a ground floor of a house. Crafting premium Spanish footwear, the brand embodies stylish smart shoes with a timeless and chic appeal with nods to contemporary touches.
Magnanni – Patton – Brown
Bold and distinctive, The Patton by Magnanni offers character and charm to any smart ensemble. The lace-up construction offers a rigid and chunky look, which is a blend between formal and smart casual, giving the shoes everyday appeal for the men in the board room and the pub for after-work drinks.
The Patton are handcrafted shoes, which involves a complex hand painting process and manipulating the high-quality leather uppers of the shoes. Providing extreme attention to detail is the Magnanni way, and once you have a pair in your wardrobe, they will soon become your favourite footwear.
Harry’s London
Known for crafting stylish and comfortable footwear, Harry’s London fuses technical innovation with stunning aesthetic design to create smart shoes that last. Harry’s London blends innovative technology to create properties within their smart shoes that work for those that wear them. Within its development phase, the British brand created its Windsurf sole that uses materials from windsurfing shoes for added flexibility, resistance and traction.
Harrys London – Beck G Suede Cork – Curry
Neat, charming and designed for the gentleman in the city – the Beck G Suede Cork lives up to the Harry’s London name and includes technical properties designed for comfort. Featuring water-resistant suede uppers, calf leather lining and Technogel innersoles, your feet will feel supported whilst looking stylish.
Incorporating a traditional aesthetic, the Beck G Suede Cork will help round off your outfit with an air of sophistication and will be your footwear companion through the summer. Ideal for the office or in the city, Harry’s London crafts footwear that isn’t phased by the British weather and their technical approach to footwear will keep you stylish, functional and on-trend.
Paraboot
With over 100 years of experience, Paraboot knows something about creating smart shoes. The collection of Paraboot smart shoes features something for everyone, with chunky contemporary styled options to timeless simplistic designs. To learn more about the French footwear brand, Paraboot, make sure to check out our Everything You Need To Know About Paraboot guide. We guide you on everything Paraboot, including answering questions about sizing, comfort, styling, and even cleaning your smart shoes.
Handmade in France, the Paraboot Chambord offers premium footwear crafted from long-lasting full-grain leather. A supple yet durable footwear choice, the Paraboot Chambord provides comfort and style that you can use daily or for finer occasions.
Constructed with a five-eyelet lacing system, you will surely find that these smart shoes from Paraboot will become wardrobe staples and stand the test of time. Including functional properties, such as rubber soles for durability, a cushioned inner foot-bed for comfort and full leather lined inner – it won’t be long before your Paraboot Chambord shoes are your go-to.
Find your go-to pair of smart shoes at Stuarts
Now that you know how to style smart shoes, the brands that should be on your watch list and even how to lace them correctly – now is the time to start looking for your next pair. Explore the full range of smart shoes available at Stuarts today, which includes loafers, lace-up shoes and more to suit the aesthetic you are searching for.