Top Dress Shoe Brands: Elevate Your Style

In the ever-evolving world of fashion, having a timeless pair of dress shoes is essential for anyone looking to elevate their wardrobe. From boardroom meetings to evening galas, the right pair of dress shoes can make or break an outfit. While numerous brands offer stylish and sophisticated choices, few have consistently stood out for their excellence in craftsmanship and quality. If you’re on the hunt for the best brands that marry style with durability, read on to discover top recommendations.

Illustration of dress shoe

Best brands of dress shoe in 2025

Allen Edmonds

Allen Edmonds is a renowned American upscale men's shoe company, established in 1922 in Belgium, Wisconsin, and now based in Port Washington, Wisconsin. Known for its high-quality, American-made dress shoes, Allen Edmonds has been the choice for every U.S. president from Ronald Reagan to George W. Bush. The company maintains a strong commitment to domestic manufacturing, with over 98% of U.S. shoes being produced overseas, Allen Edmonds stands out by keeping its production in the U.S. For more information, you can visit their Wikipedia page.

Church's

Church's, a renowned British shoe brand, was once celebrated for its high-quality, durable, and stylish dress shoes, particularly those made using traditional English craftsmanship and premium leather. However, since the Prada group's acquisition in 1999, the brand has faced a decline in quality and sales, with a notable 57% drop in sales following a 40-50% price increase in 2021, leading to an overall 81% decline in turnover over two years. Despite this, Church's shoes, such as the Monk Strap, are still praised for their Goodyear-welted construction and long-lasting leather. The brand's shift towards more fashion-oriented products has alienated some loyal customers, who now opt for other Northampton-based shoemakers like Crockett & Jones and Loake. Church's historical reputation for excellence in footwear remains, but current market strategies have impacted its sales significantly. For a detailed perspective, you can read a review on their shoes at Church's Shoe Review: My First English-Made Shoes.

Alden

Alden Shoe Company stands as a pinnacle in the dress shoe industry, renowned for its high-quality, genuine-welted shoemaking that has endured since 1884. With an estimated annual revenue of $75 million and a commitment to low-volume, high-quality production, Alden has maintained a loyal clientele and gained a global, cult-like following. The company's use of various lasts and a wide array of leathers, including shell cordovan, calfskin, and Chromexcel, ensures a custom fit and exceptional comfort. Despite the challenges in the post-war economy, Alden prospered by focusing on orthopedic and medical footwear, and it remains the only original New England shoe and bootmaker still in operation. Alden's shoes are built to last, with Goodyear welt construction allowing for multiple resolings. For more insights into Alden's durable footwear, visit their detailed feature at Alden Boots on Stridewise.

Crockett & Jones

Crockett & Jones is a renowned British shoemaker, celebrated for its high-quality dress shoes with a rich history dating back to 1879. The company produces between 100,000 and 120,000 pairs of shoes annually, leveraging a skilled labor force and meticulous production management to ensure excellence. With a turnover increase to PS31 million in recent years, showing a 6% rise in UK sales and nearly 5% internationally, Crockett & Jones continues to thrive. Their shoes, such as those from the Hand Grade and Benchgrade collections, are admired for their finesse and durability. Despite challenges in expanding production due to limited skilled labor and high-quality leather availability, the brand remains a staple in luxury footwear.

Berluti

Berluti, founded in 1895 by Alessandro Berluti, is renowned for its exquisite and elegant dress shoes, combining timeless classicism with technical virtuosity. The brand is celebrated for its bespoke shoes, which require at least 50 hours of work and involve over 250 operations to create a perfect fit tailored to the client's morphology. Berluti's shoes are hand-assembled and customizable, offering a unique flair and absolute comfort. The brand has expanded its product line to include leather goods and ready-to-wear collections since 2005 and 2011, respectively. With 60 boutiques worldwide, Berluti continues to represent a high standard of luxury leather craftsmanship. For more details on their elegant footwear, you can visit their official website.

John Lobb

John Lobb is renowned as one of the finest producers of dress shoes, with a legacy spanning over 150 years since its inception in 1866. The brand is known for its impeccable craftsmanship, using a 190-step manufacturing process for its ready-to-wear shoes and requiring an average of 50 hours to complete a bespoke pair. Acquired by the Hermes Group in 1976, John Lobb has expanded globally while maintaining its commitment to quality and innovation. The brand holds three Royal Warrants and has catered to illustrious clients such as Prince Charles, Andy Warhol, and Frank Sinatra. John Lobb's shoes are made from the finest leathers and are celebrated for their durability and timeless design. Discover more about their legacy and craftsmanship in The Gentleman's Journal.

Ferragamo

Salvatore Ferragamo is renowned as one of the best producers of dress shoes, embodying timeless elegance and unparalleled craftsmanship. Founded by the innovative Italian shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo, the brand has evolved into a global luxury powerhouse, known for its high-quality footwear, leather goods, and apparel. In 2023, despite a 7.6% decline in revenues due to softening luxury demand, Ferragamo maintained a strong gross profit margin of 72.6%, reflecting its commitment to quality and optimization strategies. The brand's footwear category, which accounts for 45.7% of its net sales, saw a 9.3% decrease in 2023, but it remains a cornerstone of Ferragamo's offerings. Ferragamo's global presence, including over 150 travel retail stores, underscores its significant influence in the luxury market. You can explore more about their offerings and business insights on their official website.

Magnanni

Magnanni is renowned for producing high-quality, stylish dress shoes, often praised for their European design and reasonable prices compared to top Italian brands. Founded in 1954 in Almansa, Spain, Magnanni has evolved into a respected brand available in high-end department stores. The shoes are known for their stiff leather that breaks in after a few days of wear, and they are often recommended to be sized down by half a size for a snug fit. Despite some comfort issues, particularly for all-day wear, Magnanni shoes are admired for their exceptional style, lightweight construction, and the use of proper calf leather. However, the brand's Blake/Bologna construction and synthetic insoles may not match the quality of more premium brands like Carmina. Find a detailed review on Zappos.

Bruno Magli

Bruno Magli is a renowned luxury footwear brand, founded in 1936 by the Magli siblings in Bologna, Italy, and is celebrated for its blend of Italian craftsmanship, timeless design, and modern comfort. The brand has earned a global reputation, with its shoes being favored by celebrities, European royalty, and fashion icons. Notably, Bruno Magli's sales skyrocketed by 50% in 1997 following the O.J. Simpson trial, which highlighted the brand's shoes. Today, the company manufactures over a million pairs of shoes annually and is known for its high-quality, handcrafted footwear, with 30 people involved in the production of each shoe. Bruno Magli's commitment to quality and style has made it a staple in the wardrobes of discerning individuals worldwide. For more details on their exquisite footwear, visit their official website.

Gucci

Gucci is renowned as one of the leading producers of dress shoes, with a significant portion of its revenue generated from footwear. In 2022, shoes accounted for 21% of Gucci's total revenue, highlighting their importance in the brand's product lineup. Gucci's brand value increased from $5.44 billion in 2016 to $18.11 billion in 2022, reflecting its strong market presence. The brand's global reach is evident, with 36% of its revenue coming from the Asia-Pacific region and 29% from North America. Gucci's commitment to quality and style has made it a favorite among affluent, fashion-conscious consumers.