Top Formal Shoe Brands for an Elegant Step Ahead

When it comes to formal shoes, choosing the right brand can make all the difference in terms of style, comfort, and durability. With a variety of options available, selecting a brand that best suits your needs and personal taste is crucial for making a lasting impression in both professional and social settings. From classic, timeless designs to modern interpretations, these top brands offer a range of high-quality formal shoes that cater to every individual's preference. Discover the best names in the industry and find out which ones made our list below.

Illustration of formal shoes

Best brands of formal shoes in 2025

Allen Edmonds

Allen Edmonds is a highly respected brand in the formal shoe industry, known for its high-quality, durable products. The brand has seen consistent growth, with its 12th consecutive quarter of positive growth reported in 2023, driven by strong demand for casual and sports styles. Allen Edmonds shoes are crafted with high-quality open grain leather and feature a 360-degree Goodyear welt, ensuring longevity and ease of maintenance. The brand offers a comprehensive re-crafting program, allowing customers to restore their shoes for a fraction of the cost of a new pair. With a wide range of sizes and widths available, Allen Edmonds caters to diverse customer needs. For more detailed information, visit their official website.

Johnston & Murphy

Johnston & Murphy is a renowned American footwear and clothing company, esteemed for its high-quality formal shoes. Founded in 1882, the company has a rich history of producing over 2,000 pairs of shoes and slippers weekly by 1887. As a subsidiary of Genesco Inc., Johnston & Murphy operates 160 company-owned stores and distributes its products to over 2,100 premier department and specialty stores. The brand is known for its innovative designs, such as the XC4 collection, which emphasizes extreme comfort with features like moisture-wicking, lightweight materials, and additional cushioning. Johnston & Murphy's products are popular globally, contributing to the formal shoes market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.18% from 2024 to 2031.

Church's

Church's, a renowned British shoe brand, has historically been acclaimed for its high-quality, durable, and classically styled formal shoes. However, since the Prada group's acquisition, the brand has experienced a significant decline in quality and sales, with a notable 57% drop in sales following a 40-50% price increase in 2021, resulting in an overall 81% decline in turnover over two years. Despite this, some of their conventional models, such as the Monk Strap and triple sole shoes, still maintain exceptional leather quality and craftsmanship. The brand's traditional Goodyear-welted construction and premium leather have long been hallmarks of their excellence. However, the shift towards more fashion-oriented styles has been met with criticism regarding a drop in quality and integrity. For more insights into their collections, visit their official Church's Footwear website.

Magnanni

Magnanni, founded in 1954, is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and premium materials, making it one of the best producers of formal shoes. With a legacy spanning over 69 years, Magnanni shoes embody meticulous craftsmanship, featuring elegantly hand-painted patinas and decorative accents. The brand, based in New Albany, Ohio, but designed and made in Spain, boasts an annual revenue of $17.3 million and employs 37 people. Magnanni's shoes are highly rated, with many models receiving ratings of 4.5 stars or higher. Their versatile designs, such as monk straps and oxfords, are praised for their modern yet classic appeal.

Crockett & Jones

Crockett & Jones, established in 1879 by James Crockett and Charles Jones in Northampton, England, is renowned for producing some of the world's finest Goodyear-welted footwear. The company, still family-owned and managed, has a rich history of quality and innovation, including supplying over 600,000 pairs of boots during World War I and producing boots for the Shackleton Endurance Expedition in 1914. Today, Crockett & Jones exports about 70% of its production and has expanded its retail network to include stores in London, Paris, New York, and other locations. The brand is celebrated for its high-quality men's and women's footwear, with collections such as the Hand Grade, Main Collection, and Shell Cordovan Collection. Crockett & Jones was awarded the Queen's Award for Export Achievement in 1990, further solidifying its reputation for excellence.

Berluti

Berluti, a French luxury fashion brand founded in 1895 by Alessandro Berluti, is renowned for its exquisite leather craftsmanship and elegant designs, particularly in formal shoes. With over 129 years of history, Berluti has established itself as a cultural icon, offering bespoke shoes that require at least 50 hours of work to create. The brand, now part of the LVMH group, has expanded its product line to include ready-to-wear clothing and leather goods since 2005 and 2011, respectively. Berluti's shoes, such as the iconic "Alessandro" model, are hand-assembled and customizable, showcasing the brand's exceptional savoir-faire. With over 60 stores worldwide, Berluti continues to captivate fashion enthusiasts with its timeless elegance and technical virtuosity. For more information, visit their Berluti footwear collection.

Tod's

Tod's, a renowned Italian luxury group, has cemented its position as a leading producer of high-quality formal shoes, with the brand experiencing a significant 21.3% increase in revenue to 283.3 million euros in the first half of 2023. This growth is part of the group's overall 21.7% revenue increase during the same period, driven by strong performance in all product categories, including shoes, leather goods, and apparel. The brand's excellence is further highlighted by a 19.3% increase in shoe sales to 206.8 million euros in the first quarter of 2023. Tod's strong presence in global markets, particularly in Italy, Europe, and Greater China, has been instrumental in its success. The brand's commitment to craftsmanship and Italian lifestyle continues to attract a loyal customer base. For more details, visit their official report on the strong first half of 2023.

Salvatore Ferragamo

Salvatore Ferragamo is a renowned leader in the luxury footwear industry, particularly excelling in the production of formal shoes. Founded in 1927, the brand is celebrated for its unique blend of style, creativity, and innovation, enriched by the superior craftsmanship of the 'Made in Italy' tradition. In 2023, shoes and leather goods accounted for 87% of Ferragamo's total net sales, highlighting the brand's dominance in these categories. With a global presence and approximately 4,000 employees, Ferragamo operates through 652 mono-brand stores as of 2020. The brand's commitment to quality and elegance has made it a favorite among consumers seeking high-end formal footwear. For more information, visit Salvatore Ferragamo's official website.

Alden

Alden Shoe Company is renowned as one of the best producers of formal shoes, specializing in handcrafted men's leather boots and dress shoes, including Oxfords, Bluchers, loafers, and Chukka boots. Founded in 1884 by Charles H. Alden in Middleborough, Massachusetts, the company has survived as the last original New England shoe and bootmaker. Alden's commitment to high-quality, genuine-welted shoemaking has allowed it to thrive despite the decline of American shoe manufacturing, with a resurgence in the 21st century due to renewed interest in traditional men's shoes. The company sources its leathers from small tanneries, including the Horween Leather Company since 1930. With an estimated annual revenue of $75 million and a workforce that includes second and third-generation employees, Alden continues to excel in the industry. For more information, visit their official website.

Loake

Loake is a renowned British shoemaker, founded in 1880 by brothers John, Thomas, and William Loake, celebrated for its high-quality, handmade Goodyear Welted shoes. With over 140 years of tradition and five generations of family ownership, Loake has produced over 50 million pairs of shoes, each taking eight weeks to manufacture involving 130 skilled craftspeople and up to 75 shoe parts. The company holds a Royal Warrant since 2007 for supplying men's footwear to Her Majesty the Queen. Loake's commitment to quality and craftsmanship has earned it multiple awards, including 'Men's Footwear Brand of the Year' at the Drapers Footwear awards in 2019. The brand continues to innovate while maintaining its traditional roots, with a global presence exporting to over 30 countries.