Discover the undeniable allure of brogue shoes for men. From their origins as practical footwear for Irish farmers to becoming a flamboyant staple in jazz clubs, brogues have stood the test of time. With their distinctive perforations, brogues offer versatility like no other shoe in a man’s wardrobe. Whether paired with a suit or worn casually, brogues exude style and sophistication. Explore our guide to finding the perfect brogues and discover the finest brands that deserve your attention. Step up your shoe game and make a lasting impression with brogues designed to endure.
4 Key Types Of Brogue
Wingtip
Wingtip shoes and brogues may seem similar, but they are not the same. A defining characteristic of a wingtip shoe is the wing-shaped leather piece that overlaps the toe area. However, many brogues also have this feature, which causes confusion. Full brogues, also known as wingtip shoes, come in various styles, including casual Derby shoes, formal Oxfords, and even vintage two-tone designs.
Semi Brogue
Looking for a versatile and stylish shoe that strikes the right balance between formal and casual? Consider the semi brogue. With its closed vamp and Oxford format, this shoe exudes sophistication while still offering the charm of a full brogue. Perfect for boardroom meetings and other professional settings, the semi brogue is both smart and full of character. Upgrade your work shoe game with this must-have footwear option.
Quarter Brogue
The quarter brogue shoe is similar to the semi brogue, but with a more minimalistic approach. It features a plain toe cap without the perforated ‘medallion’. This style is considered the most formal among all brogue variations, particularly when designed as an Oxford.
To elevate your formal attire, pair this style exclusively with your finest suits. It is perfect for special occasions such as weddings, job interviews, and graduations.
Enhance your style with the classic quarter brogue shoe, a timeless choice for a refined and sophisticated look.
Longwing Brogue
Discover the intricacies of longwing brogue shoes, a simplified version of the classic wingtip brogue. Unlike its counterpart, the straight wingtip extends across the entire shoe side, providing a distinctive look. For optimal winter wear, seek out options with a robust rubber sole. Explore the versatility and style of longwing brogues.
What To Look For When Buying the Best Brogues for Men
Material
To find shoes that are versatile and can be worn for any occasion, it is important to choose the right pair. According to Steffan Stafhill, the founder of the English footwear brand Northern Cobbler, it is recommended to look for shoes with real leather linings and uppers whenever possible. Synthetic materials are less likely to mold to your shape and may not provide long-term comfort. While most brogues are made from calf leather, if you prefer a more formal look, you can consider a suede variation. However, keep in mind that suede shoes are not ideal for wet environments like marshes. Choose your shoes wisely to ensure both style and comfort.
Construction
You don’t have to be a master cordwainer (the official name for a shoemaker) to recognize a well-crafted shoe. The gold standard is Goodyear-welting, a method that creates a durable bond between the sole and the upper, leaving a distinctive stitch mark. This not only extends the lifespan of your brogues but also allows for easy sole replacement by a cobbler. It’s important to invest in quality footwear that can be passed down to future generations. Discover the art of shoemaking and the longevity it offers!
Colour
When it comes to men’s footwear, tan brogues serve as a popular choice. The relaxing style rules of today allow brown shoes to be worn not only in town but also in the office. While tan brogues are a great starting point, pairing dark brown versions with a navy two-piece outfit creates a handsome and boardroom-appropriate look.
Once you have mastered that style, you can level up with sleek black brogues or even brogue boots. These versatile options can be easily paired with dark denim or suits, offering a stylish choice for any occasion. Discover the perfect pair of brogues and elevate your fashion game effortlessly.
The Best Brogues for Men in 2021
Myrqvist
If you’re looking for the perfect pair of shoes, look no further than Myrqvist. This Swedish brand is rapidly gaining popularity in the world of footwear, especially when it comes to the best brogues for men. Handcrafted in Portugal using premium materials without inflating the prices, Myrqvist offers exceptional quality at an affordable price point.
One of the highlights of their collection is the suede styles, which adds a touch of texture and color to elevate your footwear game. Discover the range of Myrqvist shoes and find the perfect fit for your style and comfort. With Myrqvist, you don’t have to compromise on quality or affordability.
Grenson
Grenson, the pioneering shoemaker, revolutionized the footwear industry with the Goodyear-welted construction technique in the mid-1800s. But their innovation didn’t stop there. With a contemporary flair, this heritage brand offers brogue styles featuring a distinctive rubber wedge sole, while maintaining the essence of the timeless classic shoe. Discover the perfect blend of tradition and modernity at Grenson’s!
Marks & Spencer
When it comes to dress shoes, both high-end investment pieces and department store options have their merits. Marks & Spencer, a popular high street brand, excels in both style and affordability. Their wide range includes a variety of brogue styles for men, available in numerous fashionable colors. If you prefer vegan options, they even offer vegan brogues. Discover the perfect pair of men’s brogues at Marks & Spencer.
Tricker’s
Discover the timeless elegance of Tricker’s finest men’s brogues. Shop with confidence, knowing that you’re investing in the craftsmanship of one of Britain’s oldest shoemakers. Each pair is meticulously handcrafted through a meticulous process of 260 steps, ensuring exceptional quality. While they may come at a premium compared to high street options, nothing matches the classic appeal of these traditional-looking brogues. Step out in style and elevate your footwear game with Tricker’s brogues.
Oliver Sweeney
Oliver Sweeney offers a unique blend of affordability and craftsmanship, bridging the gap between high-end handmade shoes and budget-friendly options. Known for their attention to detail, Oliver Sweeney shoes are meticulously crafted in an Italian factory with carefully selected leathers and premium materials. With a touch of elegance, these stylish brogues for men stand out among the competition. Shop now for the best men’s brogues that are both fashionable and expertly made.
Church’s
Church’s, a renowned shoemaker from Northamptonshire, boasts over a century of expertise. They are known for crafting high-quality shoes at reasonable prices. Their extensive collection of top-notch men’s brogues caters to various types and colors, leaving no preference unmet. And if you need further assurance, even James Bond relies on Church’s for his footwear. Discover the perfect shoes here. Shop now for timeless style and unmatched quality.
Crockett & Jones
Crocket & Jones, established in the 1870s, takes immense pride in the meticulous eight-week process involved in crafting each pair of shoes. Known for their elegance (endorsed by the Prince of Wales’ royal warrant in 2017), their collection is perfect for formal styles like the quarter brogue. Discover timeless craftsmanship and style at Crocket & Jones.
Base London
For over two decades, Base London has been at the forefront of combining quality and affordability in men’s footwear. As a trusted British brand, they offer an extensive range of brogues with various designs, including hi-shine and check fabric panelling. Experience the timeless elegance of Base London brogues since 1995.
Ted Baker
Looking to up your game in men’s footwear? Look no further than Ted Baker for the best brogues that strike the perfect balance between casual and stylish. This British brand expertly combines classic design with modern elements such as contrasting laces and iridescent leathers, resulting in a unique and eye-catching finish that sets you apart from the crowd. Find your perfect pair of sleek Ted Baker shoes now!
Paul Smith
Sir Smith is known for his unconventional approach to design, adding exciting twists and vibrant colors to even the most classic smart shoes. This holds true for his renowned brand’s top-notch men’s brogues. Keep an eye out for eye-catching features like stylish contrast rubber soles, trendy two-tone leathers, and other unique touches that will ensure your footwear stands out. With Sir Paul Smith, you can expect nothing less than extraordinary craftsmanship and fashion-forward choices.
Dune
For 20 years, Dune has been a familiar presence on the British high street, as well as in 10 other countries. Our extensive collection of brogues reflects our deep understanding of what the average guy desires in footwear. Discover a wide range of styles, from traditional chocolate brown wingtips to modern rubber-soled options. We even have unconventional colors and unique choices like the brogue monk strap. Explore Dune’s people-pleasing brogue collection and find the perfect pair for any occasion.
Thom Browne
Grained leather, a less formal yet stylish alternative to smooth leather, adds a tactile touch to classic men’s brogues. Thom Browne, an American luxury brand, showcases a longwing style with broguing that extends from the toe to the back of the shoe. As a distinctive touch, the brand’s signature tri-color appears as a heel pull. Discover more about these fashionable brogues and their unique design at Thom Browne.