Men's Formal Footwear Is Back in 2026: The Smart Shoes Worth Wearing Now

For a long time, trainers were the easy answer.

Going to work? Trainers.

Going out for dinner? Trainers.

Wearing trousers? You could probably still get away with trainers.

Some styles still do not fit every moment. It appears that more men are now opting for appropriate footwear in 2026.

One sees Oxfords, Derbies, brogues, loafers, and monk straps being worn by men. This can be with suits, pants, or even when wearing nice casual attire.

At Amen Shoes, we find this shift quite encouraging. This is not because every man would require all sorts of dress shoes. It is simply that good quality leather footwear tends to be much more durable in comparison to occasion-specific footwear.

What Formal Shoes Are Men Wearing in 2026?

Here are some of the main styles worth knowing:

You don't need all of them.

A couple of pairs in different styles and colours will cover most wardrobes.

Are Men's Formal Shoes Coming Back Into Fashion?

Yes, part of the reason is simply that trainers have become so common.

There are times when you put on a suit and trainers just don't look right. The same goes for a nice dinner, a wedding or an evening event.

That's when men's formal footwear makes sense. It doesn't have to mean a very formal outfit either.

A pair of leather shoes can be worn with:

• Chinos and a shirt

• Tailored trousers and a jumper

• Dark jeans and a jacket

• A suit without a tie

• Trousers and a polo shirt

So you can wear the shoes without looking like you're heading straight to a boardroom.

Oxfords or Derbies: Which Should You Choose?

Choose Oxfords if you want the better pick.

The laces are tied in a way that looks neat. That gives the shoe a tidier look. They work well for formal weddings. They also fit with business suits and events that expect a strict dress style. 

Derbies are easier to dress down. You can wear them with a suit. They also go well with chinos or smart trousers.

A simple way to decide:

• Wedding or formal event: Oxford

• Office: Oxford or Derby

• Dinner: Derby

• Smart-casual: Derby

Before you buy just one pair, think about where you will wear them most often.

Are Brogues Still Popular?

Yes, and Men's Brogue Shoes are one of the easier styles to wear.

The small perforated details give brogues more character than a plain leather shoe. They can look smart with a suit without being too serious.

Take the Kilkenny Men's Leather Star Brogue Shoe. You could wear it with a navy suit at a wedding, then bring the same pair out with grey trousers for a dinner later in the year.

That's what we like about a good pair of men's formal footwear. It shouldn't be forgotten about after one event.

Why Choose Monk Strap Shoes?

Monk straps are for men who want something other than a normal lace-up. The buckle gives them a different look without making them difficult to wear.

One can wear the Clonmel Men's Leather Monk Strap Shoe with a suit at a wedding or even with trousers while going out in the evenings.

This is because one already has a pair of Oxford shoes and needs to have a different type of shoe as his second pair.

Are Leather Lace-Up Shoes Only for Work?

No, the right pair can be worn at work, for dinner and at weekend events. This Bangor Men’s Leather Toe Cap Lace Up Shoe is one such shoe.

The feature of the toe cap makes this shoe look elegant, yet you need not reserve this shoe only for formal functions.

Try it with:

• Navy trousers and a white shirt

• Grey trousers and a jumper

• Chinos and a polo

• Dark jeans and a casual blazer

An easy way of elevating your style quotient is through this shoe without having to alter other aspects of your attire.

Which Colours Are Worth Having?

Black is still the one to choose when the dress code is very formal. But brown and oxblood are worth having too.

Black works well with:

• Black suits

• Charcoal

• Very formal evening wear

Brown works well with:

• Navy

• Beige

• Cream

• Lighter trousers

Oxblood works well with:

• Navy

• Grey

• Darker trousers

The Dublin Men's Leather Brushed Hi-Shine Brogue Shoe is a good example. It still looks smart enough for occasions where you want to dress properly.

Do You Need Luxury Formal Shoes?

Not always. If you have to wear suits frequently, or are expected to go to many wedding ceremonies or dress up formally at work, it is better to spend more money on that pair of shoes that you will wear all the time.

However, you shouldn't necessarily splurge on formal footwear just because they look nice. First of all, take into account your wardrobe.

Ask yourself:

• How often do I wear a suit?

• Do I need shoes for work?

• What colour trousers do I wear most?

• Will I wear them outside formal events?

• Can I comfortably wear them for several hours?

When you wear a pair of shoes frequently, they tend to be more worth the money than those which never leave the box.

What Are the Most Popular Formal Shoes for Men?

There isn't one answer for everyone.

For a basic collection, we'd start with:

1. Oxford shoes - Formal occasions

2. Derby shoes - Work and dinners

3. Brogues - Everyday smart dressing

4. Loafers - Summer and relaxed occasions

5. Monk straps - Weddings and evenings

That will allow you to then customise with whatever colours and styles that you need. For a person who will only wear a suit a couple of times per year, two will suffice.

How Do You Wear Smart Shoes Without Looking Too Formal?

You don't have to match formal shoes with formal clothes. That's probably the easiest way to wear them now.

Try:

• Brogues with chinos

• Derbies with dark jeans

• Loafers with tailored trousers

• Monk straps with a relaxed suit

• Leather lace-ups with a shirt and jumper

The clothes do most of the work. If your shoes are smart, the rest of the outfit doesn't have to be.

Are Men's Formal Shoes Worth Buying Again?

We think so. Not because every man needs to dress formally every day.

It's because there are still plenty of times when trainers aren't the right answer. A wedding, a job interview, dinner somewhere nice, a work event, a family celebration.

Having a pair of men's formal shoes ready for those occasions saves you from trying to make a casual pair work when it really doesn't.

At Amen Shoes, we also think shoes should be worn rather than kept for one special day. A good pair of men's formal footwear can get much more use than that.

FAQs

1. Are men's formal shoes coming back into fashion?

Yes, traditional styles such as Oxfords, Derbies, and brogues are worn with modern smart-casual clothes.

2. What are the most popular formal shoes for men?

Traditional styles such as Oxfords, Derbies, and brogues have been popular among men. You can choose from loafers and monk straps if you want to have something different.

3. Are Oxfords or Derbies more formal?

Oxfords are more formal than Derbies, which can easily match with smart-casual clothes.

4. Can men wear loafers as formal shoes?

Yes, men can wear loafers with suits or tailored pants. This is very useful for weddings, dinners and summer events.

5. Are brogues suitable for formal occasions?

Yes, brogues can be worn at weddings, job interviews, and other formal occasions where smart clothes are needed.