Dress Shoes reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 329 Reddit reviews across 41 subreddits and 60 posts to rank the best Dress Shoes brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/BuyItForLife, r/malefashionadvice, r/Professors, r/barefootshoestalk, r/AskMen. Top-rated brands include Allen Edmonds (4.3/5), Cole Haan (4.4/5), Clarks (4.4/5).
Stats
Reviews329
Subreddits41
Posts60
Brands76
Products32
329 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Allen Edmonds
4.3
(54)
"I would recommend you check out an Alden LHS loafer in color 8 or the AE Strand in burgundy or chili."
"I have two pairs of Edmonds, they have been great. Good quality, long lasting, great customer service."
"If you’re wearing a regular lounge suit I recommend grant stone or Allen Edmonds."
"Allen Edmonds park avenue. They’re worth full price."
"Allend Edmonds Park Avenue. They've been re-soled."
"I expect to get another 20 years out of my Park Avenues, I doubt I'll get the same from the Landons"
"Not cheap, but extremely comfortable."
"I love my AE boots and wear them in clinic or any occasion where nice shoes are preferred. They're super comfy and look great."
"Allen Edmonds, Beckett Simonon"
"You can’t go wrong with a pair of Allen Edmunds. They’re really comfortable and most of their models are recraftable."
#2
Cole Haan
4.4
(23)
"I moved over last year to their zerogrands."
"Cole Haans my man."
"Cole Haan makes a line of dress shoes with advanced cushion technology."
"I swear by Cole Haan."
"I have owned so many and keep going back over and over again."
"I've owned several Cole Haan shoes and have worked in Clark's, both sell really comfortable dress shoes."
"+1 for Cole Han. Clark's also has some decent options and they are comfortable."
"Cole han makes the best shoes for that any model"
"Cole han all day"
"Cole Haan's is where it's at for me"
#3
Clarks
4.4
(23)
"I can't recommend Clark's enough, honestly."
"Look for something from Clarks or Rockport."
"Clarks is my best bet, as a large dude."
"They are *actually* comfortable; I would wear them as everyday shoes if I were a fancy mf."
"Clarks. Always always Clarks."
"Clarks, chucks, Born, and Doc Marten boots"
"Clark's, life stride, and naturalizer have never let me down."
"Clarks!"
"I have a brown pair from Clark's and a black pair of Chelsea boots that are super comfy."
"Clarks or Florsheim for comfort."
#4
Ecco
4.6
(18)
"Ecco shoes will treat you right."
"By far. Mormon missionaries swear by them."
"Ecco shoes are very durable and comfortable."
"Ecco is where I got my dress shoes (woman) and I love them for both hospital and clinic."
"Ecco! I used to work trade shows. 10 hours of standing. Ecco’s were the best"
"My husband loves his Eccos."
"Ecco shoes are phenomenal. They make all kinds."
"The most comfortable "dress" shoes I’ve owned."
"Most comfortable dress shoe I have ever owned."
"Ecco dress shoes are super comfortable. Been wearing them for years!!"
#5
Rockport
4.1
(10)
"ROCKPORT is the brand you want. Forget your budget and thank me later."
"Mephisto, Ecco, Rockport, Clarke. From someone who wore dress shoes walking around every day for more than a decade."
"Look at Rockport."
"I like Rockport"
"Husband has these Rockport ones. He has to do lots of walking between office and court, often at high speed 😂."
"Rockports could be an option too."
"Rockports are great and comfortable for wide feet."
"I’m a fan of Rockport and Clarks brands."
"Try rockport shoes."
"Rockport or Clark’s. Low block heel."
#6
Alden
4.6
(9)
"I prefer Alden which can get a bit more expensive."
"In the United States, look at Alden."
"See if anywhere nearby stocks Alden. Their shell is also quite nice."
"Some brands that are made well now are Alden, Beckett Simonon, Nick’s boots to name a few."
"Alden shoes. I have 30 year old pairs that are still beautiful and fit perfectly."
"Aldens, especially for loafers"
"Kind of pricey but great."
"Not sure about their rubber soled options but Alden and Allen Edmonds are very timeless and high quality."
"Alden is my preferred brand but Grant Stone also does wide sizes and are good quality for the price."
#7
Crockett & Jones
5.0
(7)
"A lot of people also go for English brands like Crockett and Jones"
"Crocket & Jones or Carmina would be my go to starting points."
"Buy the Audley from Crockett and Jones. You’ll never need another black formal shoe."
"For more costly Crockett and Jones and Enzo Bonafe already got mentioned, they look great and come in a variety of styles."
"With a $1k budget, look at Crockett & Jones, Carmina or Enzo Bonafe...those will start around $550 and go up to $900."
"Certainly Carmina or TCB Mallorca are good choices, as are the good English cobblers like Crockett and Jones or Church's."
"Check out Crockett and Jones Norwich. Insanely comfortable for dress shoes (has a rubber sole)"
#8
Carmina
4.8
(6)
"Crocket & Jones or Carmina would be my go to starting points."
"With a $1k budget, look at Crockett & Jones, Carmina or Enzo Bonafe...those will start around $550 and go up to $900."
"Certainly Carmina or TCB Mallorca are good choices, as are the good English cobblers like Crockett and Jones or Church's."
"I stick to one brand and that’s Carmina, that’s my style. Best bang for the buck and the shoes are sharp, sleek and good quality!"
"Carmina or TCB Mallorca is good if you’re in Europe."
"Get yourself something goodyearwelted so next time u just pay a sum to replace the sole."
#9
Johnston & Murphy
4.0
(7)
"Johnston & Murphy. Some of the most comfortable dress shoes I’ve ever owned."
"I have some Johnston & Murphy's that are extremely comfortable."
"I’ve had good luck with Johnston & Murphy having a good amount of styles available in wide."
"They're the most comfortable shoes I own."
"100%. Johnston and Murphy of your budget is a little lower."
"If you need to buy new, i would say certain lines of Johnston and Murphy or maybe mezlans are okay."
"I have always found them to be durable and worth re-soling."
#10
Amberjack
4.5
(6)
"One thing a lot of people miss is how much quality you get from a shoe. The $200 range is pretty solid when you find a good dress shoe."
"Amberjack have been making a lot of noise about being the most comfortable."
"I can vouch for Amberjack, they are fairly new, a lot of praise for their comfort."
"These are very comfortable brands and the quality is great."
"I found these second hand Amberjacks and they are a steal for $110 second hand."
"I think you would do well with Amberjack in this situation. The are basically sneakers that are in every way a dress shoe."
#11
Naturalizer
4.8
(5)
"Loooove Naturalizer. So comfortable. Would recommend"
"I’ve got Naturalizer for the ceremony for comfort in a loooong dress."
"Only seen good reviews of Naturalizer."
"Naturalizers are very comfortable! I have two pairs and they’re my go tos for fancy events"
"Clarks or Naturalizer for me."
#12
Meermin
4.6
(5)
"After 2 days of breaking in they are my best shoes/boots, own 9 pairs, 4 in shell cordovan."
"Best quality for the price. I own two pairs."
"Meermin are pretty amazing quality for the price point."
"Meermin"
"I've heard good things about Meermin"
#13
Doc Martens
4.6
(5)
"Huge fan of all black doc martens."
"Doc Martens. They make shoes that can pass for dress shoes and are really, really comfortable."
"Doc Martens - shoes and boots."
"I like the black and more pointed ones that my dad has, I pretty much can fit in those now."
"Comfortable and they last."
#14
Dansko
4.6
(5)
"Dansko or Clarks I find supportive for standing."
"Clarks, Dansko, and Naturalizer are super comfy."
"Dansko"
"Dansko - there are dressier styles - are terrific."
#15
Oxford
4.6
(5)
"Add one pair of dark brown cap toe Oxfords, then a pair of black cap toe Oxfords for even more formal events."
"I would get a pair of lace up dark brown oxford dress shoes."
"Get a pair of nice oxfords which are absolutely perfect for work but if it comes time for an event I just shine the hell out of mine and they look fancy af"
"To start, one oxford and one derby should put you in a decent place."
"Go with option 3 but do a mirror shine on the oxfords."
#16
Loake
4.6
(5)
"Love my Loakes. Mine are about 6 years old now and still look and feel incredible. I have the Aldwych in Mahogany."
"There is a reason why I have 15 pairs of Loake shoes - they have named lasts."
"Loake Aldwych will smoke anything out there for the price."
"They're comfortable and well built."
"I would look into getting a pair of Loake’s (UK) or RM Williams (Australia)."
#17
Shoes for Crews
4.4
(5)
"Shoes for Crews are all about slip-resistance."
"Shoes for crews %100"
"Look and see on Amazon for shoesforcrews. They make all sorts of styles."
"Check out shoes for crews. All non slip for industry workers."
"Shoes for Crews are all about slip-resistance."
#18
Lems
4.2
(5)
"Lem’s!"
"Lem's all the way."
"I’ve always enjoyed wearing the Lems nine2five."
"Lems has a decent looking dress shoe."
"Birchbury and Lems are more business casual."
#19
Birchbury
4.0
(5)
"Birchbury's. Minimal / barefoot-ish. But completely life-changing."
"Birchbury Brenston and Carets (these are fancy and expensive but also the best looking of all)"
"Birchbury are nice."
"Birchbury and Lems are more business casual."
"Birchbury is heavier, feels more solid like you could get a little careless and not worry about durability."
#20
RM Williams
4.8
(4)
"RM Williams."
"Brilliant."
"The answer is surely RM Williams."
"They look pretty smart and when they are broken in are very comfortable."
#21
Beckett Simonon
4.5
(4)
"I have Beckett Simonon loafers and I like them a lot."
"Some brands that are made well now are Alden, Beckett Simonon, Nick’s boots to name a few."
"Beckett Simonon"
"Allen Edmonds, Beckett Simonon"
#22
Vionic
4.3
(4)
"Vionics, especially if you are someone with high arches or other feet issues."
"Vionic!"
"Vionic, born, Clark’s, and birdies have all been good."
"Vionic. Especially for their arch support, cushioning/stability, and ample toe box."
#23
Carets
4.3
(4)
"Carets is only true dress shoe that I’m aware of. I own several pairs now because I have to wear a suit to work."
"Carets are the only real choice. People don’t believe me when I say they’re barefoot yet they’re more barefoot than some barefoot looking shoes."
"Carets for conventional, dressier offices."
"Honestly Carets look and feel really nice. The only reason I returned mine was because their width chart is misleading so it wasn't a good fit."
#24
Skechers
4.3
(4)
"Skechers"
"Sketchers made some decent shoes with a corporate look."
"Skechers has a line of dress shoes with memory foam insoles that are amazingly comfortable."
"I have sketchers non slips and love them they last me a really long time."
#25
Thursday Boots
4.0
(4)
"Thursday boots are very nice and are affordable"
"Thursday’s are also great for an online brand."
"I have a few pair of Thursday boots and sneakers that I really enjoy."
"I wear my Thursday boots for work. Every style comes in black, and they are holding up really well so far to 9+ miles walked each day."
#26
Red Wing
4.0
(4)
"Redwings"
"Maybe check a Red Wing shoe store or online. They may have a black work shoe that'll polish up nice."
"A pair of red wing moc toes might work."
"They are a bit pricey, but are supportive, extremely comfortable and have long term durability."
#27
Zaqq
3.8
(4)
"They hide the wide toe box in their business shoes."
"Zaqq do good dress shoes."
"Haven't tried them yet, but they look gorgeous."
"Zaqq in close second place, but not as high quality or as good looking."
#28
Non-Patent Leather Shoes
5.0
(3)
"Invest in a pair that will see you out for the next decade at least."
"Shine shine shine shine shine them up! That is the key to wearing a non-patent dress shoe with a tux."
"Invest in a pair that will see you out for the next decade at least."
#29
Taos
4.7
(3)
"If I do need nice shoes, I wear Taos. They have amazing arch support."
"I bought a pair of Taos boots last year. Dear God, the things mold to your feet."
"I like Taos. Cute and comfy with room for bunions!"
#30
SAS
4.7
(3)
"I love SAS shoes. Reasonably stylish(and getting better), they are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn."
"They typically work at shoe stores that sell comfort shoes, e,g, SAS."
"SAS has some that aren’t bad."
#31
John Lobb
3.5
(4)
"A lot of people also go for English brands like John Lobb."
"If you are in for a penny, in for a pound, up your budget to $2k and get John Lobb, Edward Green or Gaziano & Girling."
"John Lobb RTW (which no longer has any connection to the original John Lobb company that makes bespoke shoes in England) is owned by Hermes."
"John Lobb is not worth the price at all compared to the other two, I would never suggest anyone buy John Lobb RTW."
#32
Mephisto
4.3
(3)
"I can't recommend these enough."
"Mephisto, Ecco, Rockport, Clarke. From someone who wore dress shoes walking around every day for more than a decade."
"They are comfortable and look nice."
#33
Hush Puppies
4.3
(3)
"Hush Puppies, Ecco, and Clarks are my go-tos."
"Hush Puppies have very good cushioning."
#34
Florsheim
4.3
(3)
"My go to black dress shoes are cap toe oxfords from Florsheim."
"I’ve work almost exclusively Florsheim every day for years."
"They are not really BIFL because the construction is such that a kobbler couldn’t resole them."
#35
Grant Stone
4.0
(3)
"If you’re wearing a regular lounge suit I recommend grant stone or Allen Edmonds."
"Grant stone."
"Check Grant Stone, they run deals around this time."
#36
Softstar
4.0
(3)
"I've heard you can talk to Softstar customer service and sometimes they're willing to do custom cuts for certain models."
"Softstar and Realfoot are probably your best options."
"Softstar and Realfoot are your main options, although they make no effort to hide / no apology for the width (which I like)."
#37
Johnston Murphy
3.7
(3)
"My Johnston and Murphy Meltons have lasted ten plus years and look as good as I keep them. Truly one of my most comfortable and favorite pairs of footwear."
"Johnston Murphy for lower priced $100-160 value shoes"
"Johnson murphy"
#38
Black Dress Shoes
5.0
(2)
"I will recommend the band to wear black dress shoes if possible or something similar to it."
"Professional standard is a black dress shoe."
#39
Gaziano & Girling
5.0
(2)
"Gaziano & Girling is the best of the 3."
"If you are in for a penny, in for a pound, up your budget to $2k and get John Lobb, Edward Green or Gaziano & Girling."
#40
Edward Green
5.0
(2)
"A lot of people also go for English brands like Edward Green"
"If you are in for a penny, in for a pound, up your budget to $2k and get John Lobb, Edward Green or Gaziano & Girling."
#41
Enzo Bonafe
5.0
(2)
"For more costly Crockett and Jones and Enzo Bonafe already got mentioned, they look great and come in a variety of styles."
"With a $1k budget, look at Crockett & Jones, Carmina or Enzo Bonafe...those will start around $550 and go up to $900."
#42
Rollie
5.0
(2)
"My wife wore Rollie shoes with her wedding dress. The Derby style are a classic look"
"Rollie Derby’s 🙌🏻 they have more feminine and masculine colours"
#43
Fluevog
4.5
(2)
"I'm a big fan of Fluevog - mostly a West Coast shoe maker. Fabulous quality and style"
"I've had good luck with Fluevog, Camper, and Gianvito Rossi for shoes that can go with dresses and also carry m"
#44
Vivobarefoot
4.5
(2)
"I just bought a pair of dress shoes from vivobarefoot.com. I really like the wide toe box."
"For dress shoes i like vivobarefoot Ra III shoes."
#45
Aldo
4.5
(2)
"Aldo is the best for me. Get your correct size from the shop and then get them off Zalora during sales."
"I usually just buy from Aldo."
#46
DSW
4.5
(2)
"I found him shoes at DSW they have a lot of those options he paid 60 but the shoes were worth 100"
"There are frequent sales from stores like dsw for cheap."
#47
Merrell
4.5
(2)
"I wear Mocs from Merrell. Buy them on sale and they are so comfy, easy to wear, and I’ve consistently gotten compliments from residents and attendings."
"Merrells fit my feet well, look nice, and are comfortable."
#48
Gaucho Ninja
4.0
(2)
"Gaucho Ninja otherwise do beautiful barefoot dress shoes - I've got a pair of their Chelsea boots."
"You will need custom work to accommodate those feet. Here's a couple of great options: Gaucho Ninja."
#49
Carlos Santos
4.0
(2)
"If you dont want to spend as much go for TLB Mallorca and Carlos Santos. Honestly for an untrained eye like mine there isnt a lot of difference."
"I think the best value in this range might be Carlos Santos."
#50
TLB Mallorca
4.0
(2)
"If you dont want to spend as much go for TLB Mallorca and Carlos Santos. Honestly for an untrained eye like mine there isnt a lot of difference."
"Certainly Carmina or TCB Mallorca are good choices."
#51
Franco Sarto
4.0
(2)
"Super comfy loafers! They do have a little bit of a break in period though so be aware and bandage up"
"Got a pair of Franco Sarto loafers as well and liked them too."
#52
Thursday
4.0
(2)
"Have you tried Thursday’s dress shoe options? They are super comfortable."
"Have you tried Thursday’s dress shoe options? They are super comfortable."
#53
Realfoot
4.0
(2)
"Softstar and Realfoot are probably your best options."
"Softstar and Realfoot are your main options, although they make no effort to hide / no apology for the width (which I like)."
#54
J. Fitzpatrick
4.0
(2)
"I love the J. Fitzpatrick story on their website. I don’t own a pair of their shoes yet but if I see some on the Buy/Sell/Trade I am going to give them a try!"
"I picked up a pair of their suede Washington loafers on sale about a year ago and have really enjoyed them."
#55
To Boot New York
4.0
(2)
"Have a pair of Italian made To Boot New York I bought twenty years ago."
"To Boot New York"
#56
Dress Shoes
3.5
(2)
"I don’t know your “logistical” reason but can you get to a DSW shoe store?"
"I do a lot of walking, so for years I wore dress shoes with expensive insoles for comfort."
#57
Free Form
5.0
(1)
"Check out Free Form. They have an elongated toe box like Carets, and they're made of quality leather and constructed to be resoleable, so they should last for years."
#58
Black Cap Toes
5.0
(1)
"Best to start with black cap toes, as they work with most formality levels."
#59
Florsheim Oxfords
5.0
(1)
"One being a loafer and one being the black oxfords."
#60
Samuel Hubbard
5.0
(1)
"Samuel Hubbard. Think you can get this at Nordstrom."
#61
Wolf & Shepherd
5.0
(1)
"Wolf & Sheppard."
#62
Blundstone
5.0
(1)
"Blunstones makes a line of dressy Chelsea boots that are both comfortable."
#63
ECCO
5.0
(1)
"They are durable and hold up."
#64
SR Max
5.0
(1)
"SR max https://www.srmax.com/mens-shoes/products/SRM3020"
#65
Stacy Adams
4.0
(1)
"Thanks for this post. You just reminded me I need a new pair of casual dress shoes. I really like Stacy Adams."
#66
Kenneth Cole Loafers
4.0
(1)
"If I could only have one pair, it would be the black cap toe derby."
#67
OAKA
4.0
(1)
"I make barefoot dress shoes. Zero drop, wide toe, Derby style."
#68
The Last Shoemaker
4.0
(1)
"You will need custom work to accommodate those feet. Here's a couple of great options: The Last Shoemaker."
#69
Rothy's
4.0
(1)
"Rothy’s flats are really comfortable (and machine washable)."
#70
Vessi
4.0
(1)
"I have a couple of dressier sneakers and a pair of sportier ones. I like Vessi."
#71
The Drifter Leather
4.0
(1)
"You will need custom work to accommodate those feet. Here's a couple of great options: The Drifter Leather."
#72
Lowa
4.0
(1)
"Or go big and get some Nicks, or these would be my choice for a 'nice' winter boot."
#73
Tomás Sullivent
4.0
(1)
"Tomás Sullivent is a very good brand for what you describe, though I haven't tried them myself they seem comparable to Carets, look really good, and quite wide."
#74
Birchbury Brenstons
3.0
(1)
"I have Birchbury Brenstons and they're wider than conventional shoes, but they're not super wide or anything."
#75
Dr. Martens
3.0
(1)
"Dr Martens without the yellow stitching"
#76
Vivo Ra
2.0
(1)
"Vivo Ra is ridiculous looking (but comfy as hell)."
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