Wingtips aren’t just for zoot suits and Scottish kilts.
In fact, these days, there’s a wide range of wingtip options out there.
Whether you love lots of broguing or something more understated, you should consider a wingtip to add to your rotation. And yes, there are in fact, understated renditions of this classic shoe.
If you’ve never been a wingtip guy, let me convince you otherwise with our six best models.
Table of Contents
How Did I Come Up With My List?
As usual, I made sure to spend a lot of time with the shoes in this round-up and over 30 other pairs as well. I did in-depth examinations on the leather, the functions, the comfort, and decided how worth it the price tag is based on my in-depth knowledge of the shoe market.
I also consulted colleagues, fashion experts, leather experts, and several shoe industry partners to ensure all of my bases are covered. And, this doesn’t even include the hours spent scouring internet reviews, forums, and trade publications.
My Recommendations
Best Overall: Allen Edmonds McAllister Wingtip Dress Shoe
The Allen Edmonds McAllister beautifully balances a traditional wingtip design with modern components. However, unlike so many updated renditions of old designs, it doesn’t compromise a true brogue’s inherently ornate and old-fashioned aesthetic.
It’s a contemporary wingtip, appropriate for modern closets, but it isn’t ashamed to be a wingtip.
How though? It’s all in the last. The upper is a genuine balmoral design, with perforations at every turn, including a medallion at the tip.
However, AE’s 65 last features a standard fit with a narrow silhouette that gives it the chic dress shoe look that’s classic and forever relevant.
And since this is Allen Edmonds, this shoe is made from exquisitely oiled calfskin leather. It’s handcrafted together with a resoleable, strong, and water-resistant 360 bench welt.
What I Like
- The traditional, highly-perforated wingtip design is made on a sleek and modern last, for a timeless and versatile shoe.
- This shoe is handcrafted using the most premium materials and techniques.
- Once it’s broken in, the sophisticated cork insole will mold to you, providing customized comfort.
What I Don’t Like
Since they’re so well-built, most Allen Edmond shoes have a substantial break-in period. This specific shoe has so much thick topography though, so it’ll take even longer.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
As always, reviewers are impressed with the quality of the calfskin leather. The color is deep, and the hand feel is buttery.
Those with high arches love the combination of a sleek, narrow silhouette with a traditional wingtip fit. It provides a lot of support, room, and cushion.
The Verdict
Thanks to its premium build and clever and classic design, the Allen Edmonds McAllister is one of the best wingtip dress shoes on the market. It’s highly brogued and ornate, as a wingtip should be. However, the slim body gives it a level of class that makes it wearable in a variety of dress codes.
And, of course, it’s built to last, with supple calfskin leather that ages beautifully and a 360 bench welted construction that makes it strong and resoleable.
The Allen Edmonds McAllister is traditionally ornate but sleek. This makes it adaptable and easy to wear in a range of dress codes. It’s also built with premium calfskin and bench welted to last.
Best on a Budget: Florsheim Rubano Wingtip
The Florsheim Rubano isn’t just a great budget option but one that’s comfortable right out of the box. This makes it an excellent choice if you need a shoe fast, quick, and cheap.
Fortunately, it doesn’t look cheap, which is sort of Florsheim’s MO.
The multi-terrain upper and ornate perforations give the leather’s color dimension, darkening closer to the stitching and broguing. Meanwhile, the stacked heel and leather-like bottoms make this shoe feel more expensive when you wear it.
What I Like
- The attractive leather, stacked heel, and stitching across the top of the outsole make this shoe look more expensive than it actually is.
- The smooth suedetec lining and soft cushioning make this shoe comfortable for all-day wear.
- The temperature-regulating sole prevents overheating, which causes your foot to expand.
What I Don’t Like
- As a budget shoe, the cemented construction and non-full-grain leather upper won’t last forever. This is totally fine for the price. However, when the leather is on its way out, cracking is unavoidable.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love the price and comfort factor of this shoe. It’s also a good choice for men with broad feet.
Many wide-footed reviewers mention how even the regular-fit sizes have roomy toe boxes. That being the case, if you’re an extra extra wide, you can just opt for one of their size Ws.
The Verdict
The Florsehim Rubano, with its below-market price tag, is perfect for you if you’re on a budget, need something fast and easy, or if you have wide feet.
Features like the sophisticated outsoles and stacked heel up the class factor, despite this shoe’s budget status.
The Florsehim Rubano, with its below-market price tag, is perfect for you if you’re on a budget, need something fast and easy, or if you have wide feet. Features like the sophisticated outsoles and stacked heel up the class factor, despite this shoe’s budget status.
Great Value: Beckett Simonon Wright Austerity Oxford
You really get your dollar’s worth with Beckett Simonon’s Wright Austerity. Thanks to their small-batch business model, they’re able to fully avoid stockpiling and excess costs.
As such, this Wright Austerity Oxford serves up full-grain calfskin leather, resoleable and flexible Blake-stitching, and an astonishing level of hand craftsmanship—all at a fraction of the cost of equivalent shoes at retail. This is clear from the exquisitely oiled surface, which has been hand waxed to perfection.
One of the most impressive things at this price point is how it balances comfort with stability. Yes, there’s leather-lined insoles, but there’s also a built-in steel shank.
Style-wise, the lack of broguing on the surface makes this shoe sleek and versatile. It’s the wingtip for those who think they don’t like wingtips.
What I Like
- This well-built shoe is made from high-end materials, all at a below-market price. You can thank Beckett Simonon’s small-batch business model for this.
- The five colorways are expressive enough for different personal styles yet neutral enough for any outfit.
- The leather lining, steel shank, and rubber heel cap balances comfort with stability.
What I Don’t Like
- Beckett Simonon is notorious for their irregular wait times. This is pretty standard for small-batch manufacturing though, you pay with time instead of money.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers agree with me. This shoe punches way above its price point.
Of course, there are a few complaints regarding the wait times.
Fortunately, it helps that Beckett Simonon has excellent customer service. Reviewers report them to be communicative and straightforward about your delivery status. You even get specific information regarding where your order is in the construction process.
The Verdict
If you’re willing to wait for it, the Beckett Simonon Wright Austerity flaunts the quality of a shoe several times its price. It’s built with a high level of care and quality, using luxurious materials.
Visually, it’s clean and fairly minimal, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer a dressier look.
This shoe is a superb option if you prefer a wingtip without broguing. With the classic wingtip style across the toe but holding back from any decorative broguing, the Austerity is perfectly named.
Best Derby: Velasca Spazzacamin
Wingtips just look so natural on a derby base. It leans hard into the ornate and topographical aesthetic, and as you can see with the Velasca Spazzacamin, the result is a great party shoe.
With its resilient rubber outsole and flexible Blake-stitched construction, you can clock a lot of comfortable miles in this shoe. Feel free to wear it on uneven terrain—or on the dance floor during a wedding reception.
There’s broguing throughout, including the delightful medallions on the toe. And every single edge is perfectly finished.
Visuals aside, this shoe is made of smooth calfskin leather, making an attractive background for all the ornate details.
What I Like
- The wingtip/derby combination makes for a fun and lively style, built using truly high-end materials.
- The rubber outsoles provide athletic bounce and excellent shock absorption.
- Velasca offers quick shipping (usually about three business days), which is free for anything over $100 in the US, Canada, Sweden, and Norway.
What I Don’t Like
- The rubber outsole is resilient and comfortable but takes away from its dress code versatility. You can’t wear this shoe on highly formal occasions.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
- Reviewers love how you can wear the Spazzacamins with jeans, a t-shirt, and an equally conspicuous suit. Feel free to pair this shoe with a patterned blazer, by the way.
Many also love how the brand offers a gamut of sizing. This shoe is even offered as a men’s size 5, perfect for you smaller gents out there.
The Verdict
The Velasca Spazzacamin is a practical and stylish derby made for parties or just leveling up casual and smart casual outfits.
With its Blake-stitching, top-notch calfskin leather, and practical leather outsoles, this shoe is made to be stomped around in.
The Velasca Spazzacamins are classic wingtips, built with quality materials and care. The calfskin leather has a considerable strength-to-weight ratio, as well a smooth surface to complement the detailed perforations throughout the shoe.
Most Comfortable: Cole Haan Washington Grand Laser Wingtip
I’ve been known to call the Cole Haan Washington Grand Laser Wingtip the shoe of the future. This is partly due to its contemporary design, with perforations right on the upper instead of a W-shaped piece of leather. It’s distinctly refined and unique.
The other reason is its innovative comfort technology.
Cole Haan’s Grand.OS technology and the EVA footbed offer both cushioning and arch support. Then, the leather outsoles are engineered to mimic the natural motion of your feet as you walk. This reduces the fatigue to almost nothing, similar to an athletic sneaker.
What I Like
- The anatomic footbed’s in-house design moves perfectly with your feet’ natural movement, providing support from the heel to the toe.
- The minimal design is a unique and contemporary take on the traditional wingtip.
- The outsole features a flexible debossed forepart providing flexibility, and a grippy rubber heel cap, combining stability with flexibility.
What I Don’t Like
- Most minimal dress shoes run narrow, but this shoe runs especially narrow. Wide-footed folks will have a substantial break-in period.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love the modern look and the almost athletic-like comfort features.
There are some complaints regarding their narrowness. Even if you have moderately wide feet, and can usually comfortably squeeze into mediums, you’ll likely have to go for a wide size.
The Verdict
Cole Haan’s Washington Grand Laser Wingtips flaunt a unique, modern style that can be worn with formal and casual outfits.
Beyond that, the comfort technology is truly impressive. The systematic layers of proprietary technologies combine support with fatigue-reducing softness, perfect for work and play.
Cole Haan combines traditional craft with contemporary technology in the form of the Washington Grand Laser Wingtips. The proprietary cushioning system on this sleek dress shoe provides comfort, arch support, and mimics the natural movement of your feet.
Best Brogues: Velasca Trombee
The Velasca Trombee is truly extravagant with its lavish use of perforations and details—just look at that saw-toothed lip.
With this ceremonial level of visual features, this shoe leans hard into the traditional brogue look. You can definitely wear this with kilt flashes.
As always, Velasca employs beautiful calfskin leather. This soft and durable material is the perfect smooth background for all the whimsical details on the shoe.
And to balance that out, each colorway is classy and dark-toned. I love how the brown version flaunts a vivid coffee shade instead of a warmer, more casual red-hued brown.
What I Like
- The complex and lively design is balanced out with dark, elegant colors, each monotone and versatile.
- The calfskin leather is tight and smooth, allowing the broguing to really stand out.
- Velasca offers a wide range of sizes and the opportunity to go with rubber or leather soles, accommodating a wide range of priorities.
What I Don’t Like
- The sawtooth-edged tongue is visually compelling but difficult to keep in place while lacing up.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers rave over the choice between rubber and leather soles, and the sizing, which goes as small as a men’s 5 up to a 14. Many mention how this, along with the packaging, makes the entire experience feel more bespoke.
Velasca ships quickly and even pack their shoes with a card and return label, making swaps easy and convenient.
The Verdict
If you love traditionally detailed brogues and a touch of whimsy, then go for the Velasca Trombees. Style aside, they’re built well, using calfskin leather and either tough and classic leather outsoles or resilient and comfortable rubber ones.
The Velasca Trombees are traditional and ornate wingtips, a perfect pair if you love decorative details. The tight calfskin leather is lush and strong, and the choice between leather or rubber outsoles allows you to accommodate the shoes to your specific needs and lifestyle.
What Are Wingtip Shoes (and When Would You Wear Them)?
What is a Wingtip?
A wingtip shoe has a W-shaped piece of leather stitched to the upper surface. It’s usually an oxford or a derby, but any dress shoe can be equipped with this design.
What’s the Difference Between a Wingtip and a Brogue?
A brogue is any shoe that features the decorative perforations on it known as broguing. That being the case, a shoe can be both a wingtip and a brogue.
When Would You Wear a Wingtip Shoe?
You can wear a wingtip in any dress code. It’s just a matter of choosing the right pair and styling it properly.
Casual Wingtip Outfit
While the vest levels up this combination, it’s still a casual look at the end of the day. However, I like that added layer because it matches the more texture-forward look of the shoes. In fact, as you can see from this outfit, brogues are a great way to add character to a relaxed outfit in general.
Smart Casual Outfit
As dress shoes with a slight ruggedness, wingtips seem tailor-made for smart casual dress codes. This outfit utilizes similarly moderate pieces, including an unstructured blazer and a textured turtleneck.
Wingtips with a Suit and Tie
Even when it comes to dress boots, choosing the right wingtips, worn with a suit and tie, gives it a brawny twist. Similar to the other outfits, he tempered the contrast by choosing a patterned tie versus a solid one.
Kilt Not Included (or Necessary)
Our best overall, the Allen Edmonds McAllister, beautifully balances traditional features with a modern fit. Meanwhile, the Florsheim Rubano is an excellent choice if you’re on a budget.
The Allen Edmonds McAllister is traditionally ornate but sleek. This makes it adaptable and easy to wear in a range of dress codes. It’s also built with premium calfskin and bench welted to last.
Thanks to Beckett Simonon’s small-batch business model, their Austerity wingtip punches way above its price point.
Love a good derby? Check out the Velasca Spazzacamin. If you want a classic brogue though, Velasca’s Trombee is the way to go.
The Velasca Spazzacamins are classic wingtips, built with quality materials and care. The calfskin leather has a considerable strength-to-weight ratio, as well a smooth surface to complement the detailed perforations throughout the shoe.
Finally, the Cole Haan Washington boasts sophisticated comfort technology and a clean, classy look.
FAQs
Can I wear wingtips with a suit?
Yes. Even though wingtips are less formal than more minimalist dress shoes, they’re still dress shoes. Choose darker colors and slimmer silhouettes in the most formal dress codes.
Can I wear wingtips with jeans?
Yes. The perforations match the pragmatic and workwear aesthetic of jeans.
Do men still wear wingtips?
They aren’t as common as loafers or non-brogued oxfords, but yes. Men still wear wingtips in the modern day.
Join the Discussion