The Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Men's Wedding Shoes

What Makes a Perfect Pair of Men's Wedding Shoes?

Choosing the right shoes for your wedding day is a crucial aspect of your overall look. But what should you consider to ensure you select the perfect pair? This guide will walk you through essential elements like style, material, and fit, helping you find shoes that not only enhance your wedding outfit but also provide all-day comfort for your special day.

Navigating Your Choices: The Perfect Men's Wedding Shoes

Styles to Suit Every Groom

The style of your wedding shoes can significantly influence your overall look. Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular styles and how they fit into various wedding themes:

Oxfords

A timeless classic, Oxfords are characterised by their closed lacing system and sleek silhouette and offer a classic and sophisticated look. Ideal for a formal wedding, they come in various finishes including matt calf leathers and patent leather.

• Traditional Oxfords: These shoes are typically made from high-quality leather and feature a polished finish. They are perfect for black-tie or formal weddings where a classic, refined look is desired.
• Patent Leather Oxfords: Ideal for evening weddings, patent leather Oxfords provide a high-shine, glossy appearance that adds an extra touch of elegance. They are a great choice for traditional, formal settings.
• Matte Calf Leather Oxfords: For a more understated elegance, matte Calf leather Oxfords offer a timeless look without the high shine. These are versatile and can be worn for both formal and semi-formal weddings. This type of shoe also doubles as the perfect smart work attire.

Brogues

With their distinctive perforations and wingtip design, brogues add a touch of sophistication and are perfect for grooms looking for a blend of classic and contemporary styling.

• Wingtip Brogues: With their characteristic 'W' shape and perforations, wingtip brogues are ideal for grooms who want to add a touch of classic charm to their wedding attire. They work well with both traditional and contemporary wedding themes.
• Full Brogues: Featuring extensive perforations and a robust design, full brogues are suited for less formal weddings where a blend of classic and modern is preferred. They add personality while maintaining a polished look.
  
  
  

 Loafers

For a more relaxed yet refined look, loafers offer ease and comfort. They’re available in various materials like leather and suede, and can be dressed up or down depending on the wedding theme, being the perfect option for a beach wedding.

• Classic Leather Loafers: These are perfect for a refined yet comfortable look. Leather loafers in shades like brown or black can complement a wide range of suit colours and are suitable for both formal and semi-formal weddings.
• Suede Loafers: Suede loafers offer a softer, more casual feel while still exuding sophistication. They are ideal for beach or destination weddings where a less formal, more relaxed look is appropriate.

Monk Shoes

Featuring a unique buckle closure instead of laces, monk shoes add a distinctive touch to your wedding outfit. They work well for a stylish, modern look and can be dressed up or down depending on the formality of the wedding. Perfect for grooms seeking a modern touch!

• Single Monk Shoes: A single buckle design provides a sleek, minimalist appearance. These shoes are well-suited for contemporary weddings where a clean, modern aesthetic is desired.
• Double Monk Shoes: With two buckles, these shoes add a touch of extra flair and elegance. They are a great choice for grooms who want to make a statement while maintaining a sophisticated look.

Derbies

Similar to Oxfords but with an open lacing system, Derbies provide a more versatile option. They’re suitable for a range of wedding styles, from semi-formal to formal.

• Classic Derbies: Suitable for both semi-formal and formal weddings, classic Derbies provide a comfortable fit and a polished appearance. They work well with various suit styles and colours.
• Casual Derbies: For a more relaxed wedding, casual Derbies made from materials like suede or in lighter colours can complement a less formal attire while still offering a stylish look.
  
  
  

Materials That Marry Comfort and Elegance

The material of your wedding shoes plays a crucial role in their appearance and comfort. Here’s a deeper dive into different materials and their benefits:

Leather

Leather is a popular choice for its softness, durability and classic, elegant look. Full-grain leather offers the highest quality and develops a unique patina over time. Look for shoes with a leather lining for added comfort.

• Full-Grain Leather: This high-quality leather is durable and develops a unique patina with age, adding character to your shoes. It’s ideal for formal and semi-formal weddings.
• Calfskin Leather: Known for its softness and smooth texture, calfskin leather offers a luxurious feel and appearance. It’s perfect for grooms who want a refined, high-end look.
• Vegetable-Tanned Leather: This eco-friendly option offers a natural finish and develops a rich patina over time. It’s a great choice for grooms who value sustainability and a classic aesthetic. 

Suede

Suede provides a softer, more casual appearance while still offering sophistication. It’s ideal for less formal weddings or if you want to add a unique touch to your ensemble. 

Patent and Polished Leather

For a high-shine finish, patent leather is an excellent option. It’s particularly suitable for evening weddings and adds a sleek, polished touch to your outfit.

• Glossy Patent Leather: Perfect for evening weddings or black-tie events, glossy patent leather shoes provide a formal, elegant look that stands out.
• Polished Leather: For a subtler shine, polished leather offers a refined appearance without the high gloss, suitable for both formal and semi-formal occasions.
  
  
  

Finding the Right Fit for a Seamless Day

 Comfort is essential, especially on your wedding day when you'll be on your feet for much of the time. Consider these tips to ensure the perfect fit:

Measure Your Feet and get fitted properly

While the length and width of your foot is important, there is no perfect science when it comes to the overall fit that is right for you. Fitting characteristics are different for every shoe style and person, with so many variations in shape, such as width, high arch, flat arch etc. It’s not just about the length of the shoe, but also how much volume is taken up within it. Try to find a shoe last (shape) that is accommodating to your fit.

At Loake, we have an enormous variety of Last shapes and widths (E-Narrow F-Medium G-Wide), so there is a very good chance we will have the right fit for you. Refer to our size guide to start your journey in finding your perfect fit. If you are in Sydney, swing by our store and let our knowledgeable staff fit you correctly. 

Try Shoes with the Same Socks

When trying on shoes, wear the same type of socks you plan to wear on your wedding day. This helps in getting a more accurate fit and ensures that your shoes will be comfortable when worn with your wedding attire.

Break Them In

Wearing your shoes around the house a week or two before the big day is essential for breaking them in. This helps to soften the leather or suede, reducing the risk of blisters or discomfort on your wedding day. Aim to wear them for a few hours at a time to get them accustomed to your feet.

Groomsmen Shoes: A Guide to Complementing the Groom

While the groom's shoes are the main focus, groomsmen also need to look sharp and play a crucial role in the overall aesthetic of the wedding party. Here’s how to select the perfect shoes for the groomsmen:

Match the Dress Code

Coordinate the groomsmen’s shoes with the wedding’s dress code and theme. For a black-tie wedding, opt for classic Oxfords or Derbies in dark colours such as black or deep brown. For a more casual or destination wedding, consider loafers or brogues in lighter shades or suede to complement a more relaxed dress code.

Coordinate with the Groom's Attire

Ensure the groomsmen’s shoes align with the groom’s outfit to maintain a cohesive appearance. If the groom is wearing a specific style or colour, the groomsmen’s shoes should complement this choice. For instance, if the groom is wearing brown leather Oxfords, the groomsmen’s shoes should be in a similar shade or style to match.

Consider Comfort

Comfort is key for the groomsmen, as they will also be on their feet for much of the day. Choose shoes that offer a good fit and are comfortable enough for extended wear. It is probably best for the shoes to be worn for a week or two before the big event to soften the leather.

Discover the Perfect Pair for Your Big Day

Ready to find the perfect men’s wedding shoes? Our curated collection offers a range of styles and materials designed to meet your needs. Whether you prefer classic Oxfords, elegant brogues, or modern loafers, our selection combines style and comfort to ensure you look your best on your special day.

Explore our collection to discover stylish and comfortable options that will make you stand out. Visit Loake’s Wedding Shoes to find the perfect pair for your wedding and ensure a day filled with elegance and ease.