Shoes are one of the sartorial elements to which any man should pay attention. A pair of shoes can complete or ruin an outfit. These days, it can be very useful for men to own more than just one pair of dress shoes. And, while you might know the main things that differentiate brogues, derbies oxfords, loafers and monk shoes, there are more details to learn about these styles.
For example, did you know that there are many types of shoe toe cap styles, which can be applied to the different designs of shoes, therefore changing their whole aspect? Each toe cap style has its own personality and describes its wearer, which is why it is very important to know the different styles and to choose exactly the one you like and feel that it represents you.
Sometimes however, it can be hard to search for good shoes, as there is such a wide variety of shoes to choose from. This is why we recommend taking a look at both small shops and e-shops that feature shoes, and to go through to websites and stores that feature a wide series of shoes, so that you can have a wide view over what is available.
So, now that you know that there are several styles of shoe toes and where you can find a big variety of shoes, let’s take a look at the main types of shoe toes and their characteristics:
Plain toe
Plain toes are the cleanest style of toe style. Shoes that feature plain toes are very elegant, sophisticated and considered very formal in terms of design. Note that, even if a shoe has a plain toe, it can still be casual due to its colors or fabrics. A shoe’s formality is a combination of the upper construction (oxfords are the most formal) and how plain the toe is –the more plain, the more formal. High shine and patent finished tend to be considered more suitable for partier rather than formal events.
Regardless of the type of dress shoe, plain toe means that the shoe has no brogue or toe cap detail.
Cap Toe
A shoe that has a cap toe is usually a very versatile shoe. This style features an extra piece of leather on the toe. They feature on oxford and derby styles though perhaps more commonly on oxfords. Toe cap oxfords are acceptable as formal attire, but are best suited with business environments.
Brogue or wingtip (wingtip is the US term for brogues)
Wingtip shoes feature a pointed toe cap that extends on each side of the shoe. You can identify these shoes as they have a W or M design, depending on how you look at them. Wingtips are the most versatile type of shoes, especially if they come in an average shine. If you are a one-pair-of-shoes man, you should definitely go for a high-quality pair of wingtips, as they can be worn with anything from jeans to dress pants.
Semi brogue
A semi brogue shoe is a derby or an oxford with a perforated and mostly serrated toecap edge. This edge has decorative perforations in the center of the toe cap, but unlike a wingtip shoe, no W (or M) design.
Quarter brogue
A quarter brogue shoe is the same as a brogue shoe, but that features no perforations in the center of the toe cap.
Longwing brogues
Longwing brogues are similar to wingtip shoes, as they feature a pointed toecap with a brogueing which extends to the rear of the shoe, meeting at the center seam of the shoe’s heel.
Tassels
Tassels are common on loafers and other slip-on shoes. Many men consider shoes with tassels to be a faux-pas, but we say, if you like them, you should definitely go for it!
Kilties
Kilties are an embellishment you will sometimes find on dress shoes under the form of leather affixed on the vamp of the shoe. Kilties can be added to any type of shoe and are very hard to pull off. You always need to make sure the kilties are not too big or too small – it is essential for them to be proportionate to the rest of your clothes, to your accessories and to your body size. Surely, this rule can be broken if you want to make a bold statement.
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Now that we have broken down the different types of dress shoe caps styles and embellishments, you will have a better outlook on the world of men’s shoes and will make better choices. Remember, the rule of thumb when it comes to clothing in general and to shoes in particular is that they need to fit you well and that they always need to be occasion-appropriate.
If you follow these rules and buy only quality shoes that you like, you will always have a good outfit base.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
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Further reading:
The Different Types of Men’s Dress Shoes
The Difference between Loafers and Moccasins and How to Wear Them              Â
6 Ways to Maintain Your Shoes in the Winter
P.S. We want to hear from you! Which style do you prefer best? Share your thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook or Twitter!