Formalwear is strict. Even today.
Sure, there aren’t as many occasions that require a black-tie wardrobe as there used to be.
Make no mistake about it, though, If you are invited to a truly formal, black-tie event (and chances are most, if not all, of us will at some point), the rules haven’t changed.
When it comes to tuxedo-friendly footwear, you want to stick to traditional dress shoes, in the strictest sense. Fortunately, all of the models in today’s round-up qualify.
Table of Contents
How Did I Come Up With My List?
I live in a world of strict dress codes. I think that my industry, New York City art auctions, is one of the last suit-and-tie holdouts. Monday through Friday is strictly business formal, Fridays are tie optional, and evening auctions are black tie.
That being the case, I’ve worn all the shoes in this round-up and several hundred more that didn’t make it. Also, I’ve worn them at black tie events, as well as running around cement-floored gallery floors. I’ve got some hands-on experience on the functionality front.
And, of course, since not all pairs of feet are made alike, I also consulted colleagues, partners, and countless online reviews.
My Recommendations
Best Overall: Allen Edmonds Shell Cordovan Park Avenue
Not only is the iconic Allen Edmonds Park Avenue the perfect tuxedo shoe, it’s an excellent everyday shoe as well. It’s so timeless and understated that you can wear it with any non-athletic outfit.
Plus, the shell cordovan variation is an instant heirloom that’ll last you forever and improve with age. It’s stronger than other types of full-grain leather, flaunts a natural gloss, and is crack-proof. Why? It’s an extra durable equine leather that ripples instead of creases.
Take good care of shell cordovan, and it’ll serve you well.
And you can’t go wrong with Allen Edmonds. They’ve been making high-quality shoes for decades—probably why they’re so highly esteemed.
And, of course, this shoe is fully bench-welted all the way around, making it fully resoleable.
What I Like
- The shell cordovan upper is elegantly glossy, not overly shiny, and very strong. It just gets better with age.
- With its 360 bench-welting, this shoe is water-resistant, durable, and eternally resoleable.
- It comes in a wide range of sizes and widths, providing a considerate level of customization.
What I Don’t Like
- Between the strong leather and excellent welted construction, it’ll take a substantial amount of time to break this shoe in.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Regardless of its high price, virtually every review reports that this shoe is fully worth the cost of admission.
Many praise the custom cork insole that molds to your exact foot contours. So, while the break-in period is painful and long, it’s worth it to get to the other side.
Several mention taking advantage of the customizable outsole. AE offers this shoe in double leather soles and rubber soles, which are just two of eight options.
The Verdict
The Allen Edmonds Park Avenue Shell Cordovan is my favorite oxford on the market. The equine leather is exquisite and tough as nails, while the resoleable construction ensures you can keep this shoe forever.
If you’re looking for a worthwhile investment model, the Park Avenue is an effective choice in general. But, it’s especially worth it in shell cordovan, in both style and construction.
The highly-respected Allen Edmonds Park Avenues are both classic yet distinct, thanks to their subtly unique details. Their all-around bench-welted construction and incomparably premium leather uppers give these shoes the potential to last a lifetime.
Best on a Budget: Florsheim Tux Cap Toe Oxford
I often recommend the Florsheim Tux Cap Toe Oxford as an affordable tuxedo shoe. Why? Well, as impeccably polished as it is, a high-shine dress shoe isn’t always the most versatile.
That being the case, not everyone wants to spend so much on such a conspicuous model.
Still, it’s a beautiful shoe that looks far more expensive than it is. Also, the leather lining is so airy and soft that this shoe doesn’t need any breaking in. You can wear it right out of the store.
Sure, cement-soled shoes won’t last forever. But, if you’re only wearing it a few times a year, it’ll give you exactly what you need.
What I Like
- This shoe is immediately comfortable, right out of the box.
- The leather is attractively glossy, perfect for special occasions, and black tie dress codes.
- It’s equipped with a breathable leather lining, which isn’t that common at this budget price point.
What I Don’t Like
- It’s a budget shoe. As such, it’s cement-soled, which isn’t the most durable or long-lasting.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Budget-minded reviewers are thoroughly impressed with this shoe.
Many are people who don’t often wear tuxedos or attend formal events in general. They give Florsheim a lot of props for answering to this market.
The Verdict
The Florsheim Tux looks more expensive than it is thanks to the mirror-polish leather, slim silhouette, and stitching around the top of the outsole.
This is a good shoe to go for if you don’t often wear dress shoes or if you need a pair last minute since it doesn’t need breaking in.
The Florsheim Tux Cap Toe is a high-shine oxford that’s elegantly slim. With its impressive leather lining, this shoe is comfortable right out of the box and a real bang-for-buck option.
Great Value: Beckett Simonon Dean Oxford
The Beckett Simonon Dean is a classic, trend-resistant oxford shoe, perfect for tuxedos, suits, and even smart casual contexts. And thanks to the brand’s legendary made-to-order small-batch business model, it boasts the best value for money on the market.
The full-grain leather is supple and will patinate over time, wearing in before ever wearing out.
Meanwhile, the Blake-stitched construction provides a pretty quick break-in period. It actually only took me about a week. That’s really not so bad, considering the high-quality leather.
And while Blake stitching isn’t the gold standard that Goodyear welting is considered to be, it’s still respectably strong and resoleable.
What I Like
- The full-grain leather upper provides strength and good looks, and will patinate handsomely over time.
- All five colorways are neutral and adaptable yet individually expressive. You can pick a shoe to match a black, white, or dark navy tuxedo, depending on your preference.
- The Blake-stitched sole is resoleable and won’t take as long to break in as a Goodyear-Welted sole.
What I Don’t Like
- That made-to-order business model is great for pricing, but not for wait times. Upon ordering, it could take over a month for your shoes to arrive, so plan ahead.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love the leather quality and strong construction, especially for the price.
The only complaints I’ve read (other than ones related to the wait time) are regarding the width situation.
A few broad-footed gents mention that the break-in period was particularly painful for them, though the shoe would eventually become as comfortable as advertised. Just something to keep in mind for you folks with E-width feet.
By the way, here’s a great guide that shows you how to safely stretch your shoes.
The Verdict
The Beckett Simonon Dean flaunts the kind of quality that shoes double their price have, sometimes triple. It’s built with full-grain leather, a resoleable construction, and is handmade and hand finished by actual artisans, offering high quality assurance.
The Beckett Simonon Deans are full-grain leather Oxfords that boast a high level of hands-on craftsmanship. At often ~$200, these classic, slim shoes fly miles over their price point. Oh, and they’re also super comfortable, to boot.
Luxury Pick: Carmina Cordovan Wholecut Oxford
Thanks to its lack of detail, the Carmina Cordovan Wholecut has nothing to hide behind. Everything, from the leather to its shape and construction, is plain to see.
Fortunately, the impeccable shell cordovan is so noticeably vivid and supple that even leather novices could tell how premium it is. This shoe is handmade in Mallorca and lasted on Carmina’s Rain last.
It’s visually thin, with a subtly square toe that provides more room than you’d expect. Meanwhile, the instep is roomier than the silhouette implies, giving comfort and breathability to all levels of foot arches.
And, of course, the Goodyear-welted construction ensures this shoe is made to last.
What I Like
- The shell cordovan is durable, vivid, and comes in a whopping 20 colorways for all personal styles.
- The last is cleverly tapered yet roomy, offering both elegant aesthetics and comfort.
- Between the strong leather and hand-lasted Goodyear-welted construction, this shoe is truly artisanal and built for a lifetime.
What I Don’t Like
- Even after it’s broken in, the wholecut design requires a shoe horn to get your foot in. .
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love how roomy this thin and formal shoe is. You’d never guess from looking at it.
Many owners reported having their shoes for years, and claiming they just get more supple and dapper looking as they age. Good thing shell cordovan patinates so well.
The Verdict
A true piece of luxury, the Carmina Shell Cordovan Wholecut Oxford is as formal as a dress shoe can get.
Its construction is brawny and strong, though the last design ensures there’s a perfect balance of stability and flexibility once it’s broken in. Even more, there’s a ton of great colorways to choose from.
A true piece of luxury, the Carmina Shell Cordovan Wholecut Oxford is as formal as a dress shoe can get. Its construction is brawny and strong, though the last design ensures there’s a perfect balance of stability and flexibility once it's broken in. Even more, there’s a ton of great colorways to choose from.
Best Monk Strap: Allen Edmonds Plymouth Single Monk Strap
Some monk strap shoes can have too much detail to be worn with a tuxedo (oh, and here’s everything you need to know about monk straps.). That’s not the case with the Allen Edmonds Plymouth.
With its single monk strap, this shoe beautifully balances its hardware with a less-is-more aesthetic. It’s also made from European calfskin, a tight and smooth leather with incomparable strength for its weight, and a flawless looking surface.
I love AE’s 201 last. It has a sizable forefoot, providing room on the sides and top of your foot, particularly the area around the balls of your feet. This makes the shoe so breathable and easy to walk in for long periods.
The profile is still thin, with a sculpted toe, making it completely appropriate to wear with a tuxedo.
What I Like
- The calfskin leather has a lush hand feel and a flawlessly oiled surface.
- Allen Edmonds’ 201 last provides extra room for high insteps without compromising the chiseled and chic profile.
- As all AE shoes do, this Plymouth boasts a high level of hand craftsmanship.
What I Don’t Like
- The heel is definitely stiff during the break-in period.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers are impressed with how attractive the leather on this shoe is. It’s so well oiled, many report that even the black variation is vivid and not murky.
A lot of reviewers are also glad that this shoe comes from a real-deal American heritage brand that hasn’t compromised its practices in the face of fast fashion and cheap overseas manufacturing.
While there are a small number of US-based shoemakers, they’re few and far between.
The Verdict
The Allen Edmonds Plymouth is a unique dress shoe in that it’s a hardware-accented monk strap, yet it’s formal enough to be worn with a tuxedo. It’s the perfect dress shoe for someone who prefers workwear to formal wear.
Beyond that, it’s a well-built shoe, made of premium leather and a roomy last.
A true investment model, the Allen Edmonds Plymouths are classically minimal. This allows the fine yet strong calfskin leather, which is exquisitely buttery, to take center stage. They’re Goodyear-welted all the way around and come from a truly esteemed shoemaker.
Most Comfortable: Suitsupply Black Tuxedo Oxford
Looks-wise, the Suitsupply Tuxedo Oxford is perfectly polished. It’s more satiny and sculptural than in-your-face shiny. That being the case, I think you can pull them off with dark suits as well as tuxedos.
The vamp is also slightly lifted from the sides, and the laces are matte and textured. I think it looks modern and well-balanced.
And despite that fancy Gucci-like silhouette, this is one of the most comfortable tuxedo shoes on the market. The calfskin upper is flexible, and the Blake stitching provides a wide range of motion (as does the handsome leather outsole).
What I Like
- The Italian-inspired silhouette and lack of details provide a perfect balance for this high-gloss shoe.
- The leather is strong but finely grained and flexible. Between that and the agile sole, this shoe provides long-lasting comfort.
- Suitsupply implements waste-reducing and carbon-neutral practices.
What I Don’t Like
- Patent leather requires a bit more maintenance than regular leather. You’ll want to polish this shoe at least once every few weeks, something I often forget to do with that kind of frequency.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
I personally believe that you could wear this shoe with suits, but several reviewers disagree. It’s completely subjective, but you can add “lack of versatility” to your personal cons list if you agree.
Other than that, a vast majority agree that it’s wildly comfortable and perfect for standing and walking in for long periods.
The Verdict
The outsole of the Tuxedo Oxford Shoe is soft and strong. Combined with the flexible and fine-grained leather, this shoe is perfect for walking and standing in—even for hours at a time.
Moreover, its Italian silhouette is classy and a great match for formal occasions.
The Suitsupply Tuxedo Oxfords are high-shine and immaculately designed dress shoes, perfect for the most formal of occasions. Surprisingly, they won’t restrict the movement of your feet, due to the flexible stitching and calfskin leather.
What Are the Best Shoes to Wear With a Tuxedo?
Patent and Plain Leather Oxfords
Patent and plain leather oxfords are classic and safe, but they aren’t boring. They also go well with suits and smart casual outfits. If you want something trend-resistant and versatile, this is the way to go.
Monk Straps
If you’re pairing a monk strap dress shoe with a tuxedo, just make sure it’s a simple, single-strap, and that it’s relatively pointy. It’s a good choice for those who want to sneak a chic rendition of workwear accents into your formal attire.
Wholecut Oxfords
Wholecuts oxfords are minimal, clean, and highly formal. The only issue with them is that they’re often hard to get into. They offer a best of both worlds situation though, as they look just fine in smart casual situations despite their dressiness.
Opera Pumps
Opera pumps are dapper, and a bit dandy. Traditionally, you can really only wear them with tuxedos. These days though, they look great sockless with a velvet two-breasted jacket. There are two ways to wear an opera pump: Traditionally and conservatively, or with a tone of irreverence since they’re a bit of a throwback.
Which Is Best for You?
The Allen Edmonds Shell Cordovan Park Avenue is our best overall because of its adaptability and long-lasting construction. However, the Florsheim Tux Cap Toe Oxford will do the trick if you’re on a budget.
The highly-respected Allen Edmonds Park Avenues are both classic yet distinct, thanks to their subtly unique details. Their all-around bench-welted construction and incomparably premium leather uppers give these shoes the potential to last a lifetime.
Somewhere in the middle? The Beckett Simonon Dean boasts top-notch value.
But, if money isn’t an issue, the Carmina Cordovan Wholecut costs a pretty penny but is an instant heirloom.
A true piece of luxury, the Carmina Shell Cordovan Wholecut Oxford is as formal as a dress shoe can get. Its construction is brawny and strong, though the last design ensures there’s a perfect balance of stability and flexibility once it's broken in. Even more, there’s a ton of great colorways to choose from.
Meanwhile, the Allen Edmond Plymouth is a rare monk strap shoe that pairs beautifully with tuxedos — as does the Suitsupply Tux, which gets our vote for the most comfortable.
Truly, there’s a formal shoe for every personal style and priority.
FAQs
Do derby or oxford shoes go with a tuxedo?
It depends on how dressy the individual shoe is. However oxfords are generally better with tuxedos. They’re cleaner and have less topography on the surface.
Which type of shoes are best for a tuxedo?
Traditional black dress shoes like oxfords, opera pumps, and single-strap monk straps. Stick to black or dark brown if you’re wearing a dark navy tuxedo.
Do tuxedo shoes have to be shiny?
No, tuxedo shoes can be matte or shiny. It’s all about preference.
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