Mens wingtip shoes offer the ideal compromise between casual and dressy wear, making them suitable for almost every event. Wear them to a friend’s wedding, date night, or office if the dress code allows!
Wingtip shoes get their name from the holes punched into their leather to resemble bird wings, known as broguing.
Styles
Wingtips are an elegant dress shoe style for formal and casual events. Crafted from leather, wingtips are often found in lace-up shoes in various colours, such as browns, blacks, blues, burgundy/oxblood reds, greens and greys to complete your ensemble in style. Pair yours with pants in complementary hues for an eye-catching ensemble!
When purchasing a pair of mens wingtip shoes, they must be made from high-quality leather. An excellent way to judge quality wingtips is by observing their stitching – you should look for uniform stitching without excessive thickness or thinness; additionally, ensure the toe cap has ample space from laces.
Materials
Quality wingtip shoes depend heavily on their materials of construction. It is often made from leather, but wool or other materials may also be used. Polished Italian leather is highly sought-after due to its ability to age gracefully while remaining durable; look out for finely stitched details and two-tone laces when selecting your pair of wingtip shoes.
The mens wingtip shoes are ideal for formal occasions as their versatile and elegant style easily pairs with most formal outfits. Perfectly suitable for jeans, suits or even khaki chinos – its versatility and elegance make it a timeless must-have in every man’s closet. However, remember that they may not be quite as formal as full brogues or whole-cut shoes and, therefore, more suitable for semi-formal events such as weddings and dinners.
Wingtip shoes come in many styles and materials, from Oxfords and loafers to monk straps and chukkas. Shell cordovan leather provides high-quality construction that wears well while developing an aged patina.
Break-in period
Men may prefer clothing over footwear when building their wardrobes, but investing in quality wingtip shoes for men can add versatility to their dress shoe selections – they pair easily with nearly every type of pant. They can even be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.
When purchasing mens wingtip shoes, ensure they fit comfortably and snugly on your feet when first worn – but shouldn’t feel painful or restrictive later on. Furthermore, allow for some natural stretching as time progresses without overextending. Excessive stretching may cause the leather to break down more rapidly than intended.
Break-in periods for wingtip shoes vary depending on their sole thickness and quality and whether they use goodyear welting or soft blake stitched with glossy bookbinder leather. On average, however, stiff Goodyear welted shoes should be broken entirely within two weeks of regular wearing.
Comfort
Mens wingtip shoes, once thought too dressy for casual use, can be highly comfortable when designed correctly and worn over an extended period. Off-the-rack versions often feature looser fits, which become uncomfortable after prolonged usage. Still, custom shoemakers use premium materials that consider each foot size for a perfect fit each time.
Mens wingtip shoes also provide superior comfort thanks to their rubber soles, which provide flexibility, absorb shocks easily and resole easily – and are better at dealing with water or mud than leather soles.
Wingtip shoes can add an elegant touch to jeans or casual trousers, elevating any wardrobe. However, it would be best to avoid using them exclusively as formal dress shoes at every formal event; instead, consider investing in some wingtips for semi-casual events and save the formal pairs for more formal occasions.
Wingtips fall between formal and casual shoes, making them suitable for nearly every attire. Wear yours with jeans, polo shirts, and even work casual dress codes if necessary! For maximum impact, choose shoes in dark tones with decorative features, try whole-cut oxfords if your dress code requires it more strictly, or even suede oxford sneakers for less formal occasions.