Top Dress Shoe Brands: Strut in Style and Elegance

Dress shoes are an essential component of any wardrobe, exuding elegance and sophistication for various occasions, from formal events to business meetings. Choosing the right brand can make all the difference in terms of style, comfort, and durability. With numerous brands claiming top spot, some have consistently stood out, offering exceptional craftsmanship and timeless designs. To discover which brands make the list of the best for dress shoes, read on below.

Illustration of dress shoes

Best brands of dress shoes in 2025

Allen Edmonds

Allen Edmonds is a renowned American upscale men's shoe company, established in 1922 by Elbert W. Allen in Belgium, Wisconsin. Known for its high-quality, handcrafted dress shoes, the brand has been a favorite among U.S. presidents, including Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush. Despite the majority of U.S. shoe production being overseas, Allen Edmonds maintains a significant portion of its manufacturing in the U.S., with 135 craftspeople involved in its 212-step shoe-making process. The company is notable for its recrafting services, having recrafted over one million pairs of shoes since the program's inception. As of recent years, only about 8 of its 206 styles are still made in America, reflecting a shift in production strategies.

Church's

Church's, a renowned British shoe brand, has a long history of producing high-quality dress shoes, although its recent performance has been marred by significant challenges. Since Prada's acquisition in 1999, the brand has shifted towards more fashion-oriented products, which has led to a decline in sales, with a 57% drop following a 40-50% price increase, resulting in an 81% turnover reduction over two years. Despite this, Church's is still appreciated for its classic, well-crafted shoes, such as the Monk Strap, which are Goodyear-welted and made from premium leather. However, the brand's decision to raise prices has driven loyal customers to other brands like Crockett & Jones and Cheaney. The brand's revenue remains substantial, ranging between 200M - 500M as of recent reports. For a detailed review of their products, consider visiting a Church's shoe review.

Alden

Alden is renowned as one of the best producers of dress shoes, offering exceptional quality and craftsmanship since 1884. Known for their use of high-quality leathers such as Chromexcel and shell cordovan, Alden shoes are built to last with Goodyear welt construction, allowing for multiple resolings. The company provides a wide array of lasts to ensure custom fits, catering to various foot shapes and preferences. Alden's attention to detail, such as even stitching and precise leather cuts, sets them apart from other brands. With a rich history and commitment to excellence, Alden continues to be a favorite among shoe enthusiasts. For more insights into their offerings, explore this comprehensive guide to Alden boots.

Crockett & Jones

Crockett & Jones is a renowned British shoemaker, producing between 100,000 and 120,000 pairs of high-quality, Goodyear-welted shoes annually. The company, based in Northampton, has seen a 6% sales increase in the UK and a nearly 5% rise internationally, with a turnover of £31 million as of 2018. Known for their elegant calf styles and traditional craftsmanship involving over 200 separate operations, each pair takes around 8 weeks to manufacture. Crockett & Jones holds a Royal Warrant and operates 13 international stores, including locations in London, Paris, and New York. Despite challenges in expanding production due to limited skilled labor and high-quality leather availability, the brand continues to thrive. For more details about their craftsmanship and collections, visit their official website.

John Lobb

John Lobb is a renowned luxury footwear brand celebrated for its exquisite craftsmanship and commitment to quality. Founded in 1849, the brand has a rich history, with its London bespoke workshop at 9 St James's Street remaining family-owned and independently operated. John Lobb holds three Royal Warrants and has been a market leader for over 150 years, with each ready-to-wear pair requiring 190 steps to complete and bespoke shoes taking an average of 50 hours. The brand expanded globally after Hermes acquired the French branch in 1976, and it has maintained its tradition of handmade shoes, producing only about 100 pairs of ready-to-wear shoes per day. With Paula Gerbase as the artistic director since 2014, John Lobb continues to innovate while preserving its heritage. You can learn more about their luxurious footwear on their official website.

Santoni

Santoni is a renowned Italian luxury shoe brand, celebrated for its high-quality dress shoes that combine traditional craftsmanship with innovative techniques. The company has seen significant growth, with a forecasted 10.6% increase in revenue to 125 million euros in 2024, driven by a strong export share of 90% and a notable presence in the US market. After the pandemic, Santoni's sales grew by about 20% in 2022 and 2023, and the brand continues to expand its retail presence, aiming to open 35 own-brand boutiques by 2026. Santoni's success is also attributed to its flourishing e-commerce channels, which accounted for 10% of revenue in 2022 and are projected to increase to 12% in 2023. The brand is further innovating with its new "Easy" range, featuring lightweight, cushioned shoes that blend traditional designs with modern comfort.

Magnanni

Magnanni, Inc. is a renowned producer of high-quality dress shoes, boasting a legacy that dates back to 1954 when it was founded by Pascual Blanco Martinez. Known for its meticulous craftsmanship and use of premium materials, Magnanni shoes are designed and made in Spain, reflecting the brand's commitment to handmade excellence. With an annual revenue of $17.3 million, Magnanni has established itself as a significant player in the luxury shoe market. The brand's products, such as the Men's Manning Monk Strap Dress Shoes and Men's Hipolito Lace Up Medallion Cap Toe Dress Shoes, are highly regarded for their elegant designs and superior quality. Magnanni's dedication to craftsmanship ensures that each pair of shoes embodies the essence of luxury and timeless style. For more details about their luxurious footwear, visit the Magnanni website.

Berluti

Berluti, a French luxury fashion brand founded in Paris in 1895 by Alessandro Berluti, is renowned for its exquisite leather goods, footwear, and ready-to-wear clothing. With over 125 years of history, Berluti has established itself as a cultural icon in the luxury market, known for its unique tanning techniques and resilient shoes. The brand, now part of the LVMH empire, offers a wide range of products, including classic dress shoes, sneakers, and bespoke tailoring services available at over 60 stores worldwide. Berluti's commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and timeless designs has earned it a loyal following among discerning customers, including notable figures like Andy Warhol and Marcello Mastroianni. The brand continues to innovate, recently entering the Chinese market through the TMall Luxury Pavilion to appeal to a younger, style-conscious audience. For more insights into Berluti's journey and offerings, visit their official website.

Loake

Loake, a renowned British brand since 1880, is esteemed for its high-quality, handcrafted dress shoes, particularly notable for their Goodyear Welted construction, which takes up to 8 weeks to produce. The company, still family-owned and operated, manufactures around 4,000 pairs of shoes per week in their Northampton factory and an additional 2,500 pairs in India. Loake's 1880 Export Grade range, introduced in recent years, offers excellent value with materials and craftsmanship comparable to more expensive shoes. The brand is also committed to sustainability, ensuring their shoes are repairable to extend their lifespan. Loake's heritage includes producing footwear for British soldiers and officers in two World Wars and creating iconic designs like the Brighton loafer and Royal brogue. For a detailed review of the Loake 1880 Export Grade Hanover Onyx Black, visit Shoegazing.

Salvatore Ferragamo

Salvatore Ferragamo is a renowned luxury brand, particularly esteemed for its high-quality dress shoes, which embody the perfect blend of style, creativity, and innovation enriched by the 'Made in Italy' tradition. Founded in 1927 by Italian shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo, the brand has evolved into a global powerhouse, despite recent challenges such as a 9.7% decline in footwear sales in 2023 and a 12.8% revenue drop in the first half of 2024. Ferragamo's commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability has set benchmarks in the luxury market. The brand operates a network of 652 mono-brand stores worldwide and employs approximately 4,000 people. Its market reach extends across Europe, Asia, and North America, with a strong presence in emerging markets.