18 Tuxedo Shoes to Wear to Your Next Black-Tie and Formal Affairs

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TO MAKE a lasting impression in black-tie affairs or formal occasions, tuxedo shoes are mandatory. Whether you're attending a gala, a wedding, a soirée, or walking the red carpet, the right tuxedo shoes should not only complete your elegant ensemble but also provide lasting comfort throughout the event.

When selecting these dress shoes, consider a few key factors. The best tuxedo shoes need to be crafted in premium materials, usually black patent leather, to warrant durability and look refined with a nice shine. On the other hand, comfort is non-negotiable, and the best tuxedo shoes should have well-cushioned insoles or footbeds and a secure fit to provide support, allowing you to dance the night away with ease. Lastly, tuxedo shoes will come in a variety of formal footwear styles, from classic lace-up Oxford and derby shoes to casual leather loafers or velvety slip-on shoes, so you can choose one that resonates with your personal taste while matching your tux and the dress code.

To lend you a hand for your next black-tie function, we’ve found, tested, and reviewed the 18 best tuxedo shoes that will accentuate your formal attire while providing the comfort your need, made with high-quality construction and materials that will last.

Modern Classics Cap Toe Oxford

Cole Haan is one of the OG shoemakers that design dress shoes with comfort at the top of mind. No wonder its tuxedo shoes both look and feel amazing, thanks to a mostly leather construction (including an EVA footbed) that hugs your feet just right, and provides support, so you can stand in these all night long. The best oxfords often demand quiet luxury made of a refined arch, long, slim cal toe, supple leather, and a clean-cut lace-up veneer. Hence, these are the best Oxford.

The Tux

Having owned and worn these for a few months, I can say with confidence that these are perhaps the most comfortable tuxedo shoes I’ve ever tested—all thanks to Amberjack’s athletic build. The memory foam-like arch support in the footbed has molded nice to my feet, and the TPU outsole which is a nice hybrid of the ones you’ll find in athletic shoes and hiking boots, is designed to be supportive and let my feet move in comfort. The upper, made in shiny patent leather, was easy to break in and fitted my feet well right from the first wear.

Bernard Loafer

High-quality leather can make formal shoes extra expensive, but these faux patent leather stunners from Calvin Klein have the same stylish appeal for a price that won’t break the bank. Plus, the grosgrain detail is a nice touch. We also love well these fitted right out of the box, and how the overall construction is flexible to let our feet move freely and comfortably, and has a lightly cushioned foam insole to absorb shock, making walking in these shoes a breeze.

Faux Patent Leather Tuxedo Dress Shoes

There are always a ton of small expenses (like a fresh haircut) that add up when prepping for a big formal event or wedding. If you’re looking to save some of your hard-earned cash, Bruno Marc's dress shoes are all the rave on Amazon, donning the elegant, sophisticated look you want, but for an affordable price that makes them a no-brainer. It's classic and glossy, comfortable and breathable, and despite being on the cheaper side, it's high-quality and durable.

Tux Cap Toe Oxford

A classic patent oxford is always a sure bet for tuxedo shoes with enduring style. Florsheim has been in the business of making stylish-yet-comfortable footwear since 1892, so you know your money is going towards a high-quality purchase. These in particular won us over with their memory foam footbed that feels nice enough to stand and walk in for hours on end, as well as leather linings that are extra smooth compared to other options on this list.

Black Tuxedo Oxford

On first look, we love that these have the right amount of sheen—it’s shiny enough to catch all the eyes, but not enough to distract folks from the main event. While trying these on, we found that despite the slim, edgy outer, the inside actually felt very soft and fitted comfortably—not stiff at all. Overall, these are recommended for those really formal black-tie occasions, so wear them with your best tux.

Hoyt Monkstraps

When mixing up your dress shoes, sometimes no laces is the way to go. And a little strap will go a long way. Monk Strap shoes are secured by a single strap or a double strap and buckle, like these Beckett Simonon shoes. They are traditionally less formal than an oxford shoe, but can still be a dressy option for work or tuxedo-required occasions. The insole and midsole of these tuxedo shoes feel sturdy but extra cushy too.

Amaiss Formal Leather Brogue Shoes

It’s the small details that make this Ted Baker London option a big winner. Part finely textured leather, part patent leather, and all-around seriously sleek—what’s not to love? The brogue style looks very dressy, so we recommend these tuxedo shoes for less professional events like business gatherings. Comfort-wise, we love that the leather upper is easy to break in, is breathable, and the closed round toe actually gives your toes some wiggle room.

Made in England High-Shine Leather Oxford Shoes

Style-wise, these business-ready Oxfords are deserving of your best office suits and ties. Performance-wise, as tuxedo shoes, they’re ready for your business trips or daily commutes to the office. With a Goodyear welted construction, these Oxfords are sure to last and be breathable. Inside, the leather insole provides cushioning and energy return, while the EVA foam filler lets the footbed contour to the shape of your feet. There’s even an interior leather sock to provide extra support.

Patent Dress Shoe

Fully designed and ready for black-tie occasions, these shiny, beautiful tuxedo shoes have a patent leather upper that is easy to break in (though it could feel stiff at first), grounds your every step with a leather sole that’s sturdy but also flexible, and have leather insoles that provide light cushioning and underfoot support. One tester was even able to dance for nearly six hours continuously in them with little to no fatigue at the end.

The Monterrey

The Western footwear virtuoso only has one style of dress shoes in its arsenal, and it is as handsome and smooth as any. Toning down on the cowboy flair but upping the sleek, bare-bone panache, the Monterrey provides comfort, great fit, good quality, and a lot of louche. We love that the outsole is a hybrid of leather and rubber to flex as much as it will last.

Black Leather Tassel Loafer

Is patent leather too shiny for your taste? But want something a bit more jazzed-up than your basic calf leather option? Hawes & Curtis' finely-grained leather loafers have an interesting textural detail that feels just right. While we don’t recommend the tassel style for your office days, but for weddings and galas and cocktail parties, these are more than perfect. The leather linings especially bring out the comfort and we’ve even worn these with no socks sans any problem.

Monaco Loafer

Classic penny loafers make great tuxedo shoes for casual dress codes and less professionally intimidating occasions. These by Wolf & Shepherd in particular are made with comfort in mind. The suede is water-repellent from the outside, and unlined for softness from the inside so you can wear them with no socks. The leather footbed is injected with memory foam to provide the springy support and cushioning you need to walk and dance in these. Lastly, the fit is true to size and will gradually mold to your feet nicely.

Ludlow Derbys

Meet your new go-to derby. Rendered in a minimalist lace-up profile with a leather insole that provides nice cushioning and a Goodyear welt construction that will last and last this less formal tuxedo shoe option will surely get plenty of wear after your black tie wedding event, and will chime in harmony with the rest of your outfit—whatever it is, whichever occasion it's for. Despite the hardcore leather upper look, we did find it easy to break in and comfortable to wear all day long.

Anders Leather Driver

When you want to or can dress a bit down with your tux suits, driving shoes provide the poise and ease for the task. Ralph Lauren's Anders in its timeless moccasin silhouette also comes with an ornamental ring and a black strap to make your tuxedo fitting all the more fun. The round toe gives your feet some wiggle room, and the upper leather is incredibly soft and easy to break in. The insole is also padded to provide cushioning.

Madrid Venetian Loafer

Venetian loafer is one of the indispensable styles of tuxedo shoes—minimalist and versatile. Marked by a smooth surface and lack of embellishments, it strikes a balance between dressy and casual. And we simply can't think of a better paragon of the style than Magnanni's Madrid, especially because of its arch support in the footbed that makes these loafers so walking- and dancing-friendly.

The Pacific

If there's ever a pair of shoes you can wear straight from a long stroll in the park to lounging at home to attending an opera at night, it's Ponto's The Pacific. A dress sneaker at heart, this hybrid between easy and dressy is snug to wear for hours. The upper is recycled leather scraps and the soles are biodegradable plant-based foam, plus the lining, made of woven wood fibers, is naturally breathable, water-repellent, odor-resistant, and sweat-absorbent. No socks needed!

Denali Split-toe Derby

This one is all about the contoured footbed and soft interior leather linings for the most support and comfort while dancing ’til dawn. And since Allen Edmonds used 360º Bench Welt in the leather handcraft for the utmost durability and stability, it's worth the little splurge—hell, you might not even miss your favorite sneakers for at least one night. Also, we love the nice arch these shoes have.

How to Choose the Best Tuxedo Shoes

Style: Available in many footwear styles from loafers to Oxfords, the best tuxedo shoes should align with the formality and dress code of the event and your personal style. Classic black patent leather shoes are a safe bet for most formal occasions, for instance. However, if you're aiming for a more casual or unique look, consider options like velvet loafers or leather slip-on shoes.

Comfort and fit: For when you'll be on your feet for an extended period in tuxedo shoes, make sure they come with cushioned insoles or adequate arch support. In addition, the best tuxedo shoes need to fit perfectly to prevent blisters and should ensure that there's enough room in the toe box. Width-wise, the shoes should hug your foot snug without pinching.

Outsole: In tuxedo shoes, leather soles are the epitome of elegance and are suitable for most formal occasions, but they’re not the most walking-friendly. So consider rubber-soled tuxedo shoes if you anticipate walking on slick surfaces or want added traction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What shoe styles are best for tuxedo suits?

Oxford shoes are the quintessential choice for pairing with tuxedo suits, especially those in plain toe and cap toe. Dress shoes in patent leather also work wonders with a tux: the leather has a high-gloss finish to reflect light and thus look polished, adding a touch of luxury and formality to your fits. Velvety slippers or slip-on shoes will look great with a casual tux while adding some nonchalant flair and are overall popular for less formal black-tie events. Lastly, while loafers are generally considered less formal than Oxfords, there are many styles of loafers, such as penny and Venetian loafers, that are suitable for certain tuxedo occasions.

Do tuxedo shoes have to be black?

Black is the traditional choice for tuxedo shoes. But unless the dress code absolutely demands black, your black-tie ensemble will look great with other deep shades like navy/midnight blue or rich.

How We Selected

To find the best tuxedo shoes, our editors and writers have personally tried on over 40 different pairs since 2021 and tested each of them by wearing them on different occasions for at least five hours per occasion, two occasions per pair, such as wearing Cole Haan’s Oxfords and Amberjack’s dress shoes to the office, Charles Tyrwhitt’s Oxfords to weddings, or Suitsupply’s tuxedo Oxfords to formal dinners and galas.

Read more: How Men's Health Tests Products

To get a feel for how these tuxedo shoes really felt and looked, we vetted them by taking notes of their style, comfort, type, price point, fit, versatility, and performance such as arch support. We examined whether they fitted well and true to size, whether the upper needed breaking in, whether the footbeds could withstand hours of movement, and whether they could be worn for more than one occasion.

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