Top Semi-Formal Shoe Brands for Effortless Elegance

When it comes to semi-formal shoes, choosing the right pair can make all the difference in not only your ensemble but also your comfort and confidence. The market offers a plethora of brands that combine quality, style, and durability, making it easier to find shoes that perfectly blend with a semi-formal look. Brands renowned for their craftsmanship and luxurious selections often lead the way, offering a range of options from classic brogues to sleek loafers. Curious about which brands top the list for the best semi-formal shoes? Explore the details below to find out which brands stand out in style and sophistication.

Illustration of semi formal shoes

Best brands of semi formal shoes in 2025

Allen Edmonds

Allen Edmonds is a renowned American brand, celebrated for its high-quality, semi-formal shoes, with a rich history dating back to 1922. The company is known for its meticulous 212-step manufacturing process, involving up to 60 different craftspeople, and its use of the durable Goodyear Bench Welt Construction. Until recent years, nearly all Allen Edmonds shoes were made in the USA, although now only about 8 of their 206 styles are still American-made. The brand offers an extensive size range, including widths from B to triple D and sizes from 6.5 to 15, and is famous for its recrafting services, having refurbished over one million pairs of shoes since the program's inception. Despite changes in ownership, including being acquired by Caleres in 2016, Allen Edmonds remains a staple in American footwear craftsmanship.

Clarks

Clarks is a renowned brand in the shoe industry, particularly noted for its high-quality semi-formal shoes. As a world leader in 'brown shoes' and shoe-care products, Clarks holds a significant market share, with 10% of sales in the UK and strong performances in the USA and Japan. In the USA, Clarks and its Bostonian brand generate PS200 million annually, contributing 25% of the total profits. Known for their practical yet fashionable designs, Clarks shoes represent excellent value for money. The brand's success is further underscored by its wide range of products, including work shoes, casuals, sandals, and children's wear.

Cole Haan

Cole Haan is a renowned brand in the footwear industry, particularly esteemed for its semi-formal shoes that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. Founded in 1928 in Chicago, Illinois, the company has evolved under various ownerships, including Nike Inc. from 1988 to 2012, and is now owned by Apax Partners Worldwide LLP. Cole Haan's global presence includes over 300 stores across the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East, and its products are also available through major retailers and its own website. The brand is known for its 15-month go-to-market process, leveraging tools like Slack to enhance communication and efficiency, allowing for faster product launches while maintaining high-quality standards. With a focus on comfort, style, and innovation, Cole Haan continues to be a preferred choice for semi-formal footwear.

Johnston & Murphy

Johnston & Murphy is a renowned brand in the men's formal shoe market, known for its blend of traditional and contemporary designs. Founded in 1850, the brand has a rich heritage, having outfitted U.S. presidents and corporate leaders. It offers high-quality shoes at a more accessible price point than high-end brands, making luxury more attainable. Johnston & Murphy's commitment to quality and style has earned it a loyal following, and it continues to drive market share gains through its physical and digital direct-to-consumer channels. Despite a 9% year-over-year decline in Q2 sales, the brand remains a significant player, representing 13.5% of Genesco's company sales. For a detailed review of their shoes, visit Johnston & Murphy shoes review.

Magnanni

Magnanni is a renowned Spanish footwear brand, celebrated for its heritage craftsmanship and commitment to fine quality since its founding in 1954. Known for producing semi-formal shoes that blend elegance and comfort, Magnanni's offerings feature premium-quality leather, decorative accents like perforations, and distinctive metal hardware. Their shoes, such as the Maine Loafers, are crafted with a classic penny keeper strap and a modern squared toe, making them suitable for both formal and casual settings. While the leather quality is considered mid-range, it is still appreciated for its durability and style. Magnanni's shoes are often compared to other brands like Allen Edmonds, though they are generally lighter and may use Blake or Bologna construction.

Ted Baker

Ted Baker is renowned as one of the top producers of semi-formal shoes, known for its stylish and trendy apparel. As of September 2021, the brand held approximately 1% of the UK clothing market, demonstrating its significant presence in the highly competitive fashion industry. Ted Baker has seen notable growth in its e-commerce sector, with a 52% increase in e-commerce sales during the fiscal year 2020, and a 22% increase in e-commerce revenue to £144.9m in the year ending January 30, 2021. The brand's focus on expanding its wholesale business has also been successful, with a 44.8% growth in constant currency during the fourth quarter. Ted Baker's commitment to adapting to changing market dynamics and leveraging online sales channels has strengthened its position in the fashion market. Explore their collection on Nordstrom Rack.

ECCO

ECCO is renowned as one of the top producers of semi-formal shoes, known for its innovative designs, comfort, and durability. The brand has consistently delivered high-quality footwear, with its Biom series, for instance, combining natural motion technology with premium materials like leather and performance mesh. ECCO's presence in the formal shoes market is significant, with the global formal shoes market expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.18% from 2024 to 2031, a trend in which ECCO is likely to play a substantial role. ECCO's shoes are popular for their comfort and style, making them a favorite among consumers who value both elegance and practicality. The brand's commitment to using advanced technologies, such as GORE-Tex for waterproofing, further enhances its reputation. For more insights on the formal shoes market growth, check out this detailed market report.

Florsheim

Florsheim, established in 1892, has been a pinnacle in the shoe industry, particularly renowned for its semi-formal and dress shoes. By the early 1960s, the company held a 70-percent share of the men's dress shoe market, employing over 3,000 people and operating five factories. Florsheim's innovative approach and quality focus earned it the reputation as the "aspirational shoe for the average guy." The brand's decision to stamp its name on every shoe to ensure quality recognition was a crucial step in its success. Florsheim's retail strategy, including its own stores and franchise model, further solidified its national presence. For more details on Florsheim's history and achievements, visit their dedicated page.

Hugo Boss

Hugo Boss is a leading global fashion and lifestyle company, renowned for its high-quality semi-formal shoes that combine elegance and comfort. The brand, which operates under two distinct labels, BOSS and HUGO, has seen significant growth, with record sales of EUR 4.2 billion in 2023. Hugo Boss products are available in 128 countries and through 451 brick-and-mortar stores, as well as online in 59 countries. The company's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and quality has made it a favorite among consumers seeking stylish and durable footwear. With its strong presence in the men's formal shoe market, Hugo Boss is expected to continue its growth trajectory, driven by increasing demand for premium and luxury shoes.

Kenneth Cole

Kenneth Cole is a prominent brand in the formal shoes market, known for its stylish and comfortable semi-formal footwear. The brand is part of a market that is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% from 2024 to 2030, reaching nearly USD 31.90 billion by 2030. Kenneth Cole, along with other major players like Clarks and Gucci, contributes to the market's expansion driven by increasing disposable income and the rising demand for branded and designer formal shoes. The brand's products are popular for their innovative designs, comfort, and quality, which are key factors driving the market's growth. The ease of shopping through e-commerce platforms has also boosted the brand's reach and sales. For more information about their offerings, visit Kenneth Cole's official website.