Eric Commerce, D'Marge

This story was originally published on D’Marge. Ah, the humble men’s dress shoe. Where would the modern wardrobe be without this champion of sartorial styling. From Oxford dress shoes to double monk straps to dress boots and plenty more variations under the sun, quality dress shoes are an essential part of any formal and smart casual look for guys. With quality making up a huge factor, the right choice in dress shoe can be a bit harder to nail though. Thankfully we’ve scoured the world to hunt down eight of the best cheap men’s dress shoes you can get your hands on right now that won’t compromise style and quality for price. But before that, a quick crash course on seeking out good dress shoes for those who know nothing about them. How To Wear Dress Shoes Dress shoes have rightfully transcended the strict formal realm and now sit amongst purveyors of smart casual and casual players as well. What we mean by this is that dress shoes can be worn with: Suits/trousers Jeans Chinos Shorts The most important rule to follow with these pairings is fitment of the bottoms. Whilst not as formal, dress shoes are still formal wear so wearing fitted jeans, chinos or shorts is a must for any dress shoe pairing. Get this right and you’ve got one hell of a polished look. Traits Of Quality Dress Shoes Leather. Real leather is a must. It breathes better, evolves to accommodate the shape of your foot, and can be refurbished a number of times. Well-made soles. The soles should also be leather, and should be stitched – rather than glued – to the bottom of the shoes. The lining. The lining of your shoes should be made of high-quality calfskin or natural leather, not synthetic materials. Wait, your shoes don’t even have a lining? Fill them with dirt and pop a bulb in them. They’re useless as dress shoes, but they’ll make great planter boxes. The stitching. It should be neat and barely noticeable. Anything else is not up to your exacting standards and unworthy of your good taste in suits. More information on every single type of dress shoe style can be found in our simple men’s dress shoe guide. Stacy Adams Stacy Adams has been around since 1875 so you know you’re getting reliable dress shoes from these guys. Founded in the US, the company prides itself on quality lifestyle fashion pieces for distinguished gentlemen who know true style and need to make an impression wherever they go. Carrucci Carrucci is a no-nonsense name which offers hand-made dress shoes that evoke Italian design without the Italian price tag. The versatility of their range is impressive especially in the colour department, making it the perfect choice for those who need a quick and good looking dress shoe without worrying too much about luxury or premium feel. Cole Haan Far from the traditional leather makers of Italy we have Cole Haan, a premium footwear maker hailing from the US. Their name is shaped by over a century of craftsmanship, innovation and style, and this is reflected in their leather dress shoe offerings for men which won’t break the bank. Massimo Matteo Massimo Matteo footwear blends fashion and style with timeless appeal. As a family run brand, Massimo Matteo maintains a core integrity while offering luxury-quality footwear at affordable prices – shoes everyone wants on their feet from wing tips to cap toes to the slip-on Oxford. Johnston & Murphy Another power player in the men’s dress shoe game is American shoemaker Johnston & Murphy. For over 165 years, they’ve been outfitting legends, leaders (including every US President since Millard Fillmore) and independent souls everywhere. Through craftsmanship with charm, style and substance that are second to none, the company has been able to champion serious quality, without the serious attitude. Carlos Carlos. Carlos Santana. Yes, the guitarist with a mean riff has his own shoe label and it’s inspired by the passion and energy that surrounds Santana’s music. Their men’s dress shoe range evokes a slick and vintage feel of the golden era and they’re not as expensive as you’d think. Scarosso Scarosso is the online Italian brand producing premium handcrafted shoes that are are actually made in Italy. The beauty of this particular retailer involves cutting out the middleman and selling shoes at post-luxury prices. Win-win. Belsire Belsire is a brand whose roots lie in the excellence of “Made in Italy”. Whilst they are affordable, their reliance on Italian craftsmanship and continual sartorial research merge together to cater to the needs of today’s men. D’Marge is one of Australia's most popular men's media outlets. Sign up for free today

Eric Commerce, D'Marge

Stories by Eric Commerce, D'Marge

The coolest affordable men’s dress shoes for work and play

Here are 17 smart Oxford dress shoes to buy under $300

Hear it first

Thanks! You’re subscribed, Stockhead news is coming your way soon.

Stories by Eric Commerce, D'Marge

Don't be the last to know

Hear it first

Thanks! You’re subscribed, Stockhead news is coming your way soon.

Get the latest Stockhead news delivered free to your inbox

I want the news: