You’ve sorted the suit, decided on the tie, and practised your speech. The only thing left to do is make up your mind on what shoes you are going to wear. Whether you are the groom, groomsman, or a guest, your shoes will be noticed (and photographed a lot). And not to mention, you’ll be on your feet for much of the day. So, how do you choose wedding shoes for men that will suit the occasion, earn the spotlight, and support you from the ceremony to the dance floor?
The Groom: Step Into Forever with a Worthy Pair
Today’s groom understands something his father might not have: the shoes aren’t a footnote. They are the punctuation mark on the entire look. What you wear will not only feature in over 400 photos but also affect your movement throughout the day. If there ever was a time for stylish and comfortable men’s wedding shoes, this is it.
The classic Oxford is always appropriate, always reliable. It’s a timeless shoe style that works with everything, from a sleek Italian three-piece suit to a full morning coat. Cap-toe black Oxfords are the strongest choice for a tuxedo – timeless, crisp, impossible to criticise. If you fancy adding a bit of flair, try a darker shade of burgundy or tan Oxford.
For more formal ceremonies, patent leather Oxford shoes are an excellent choice. The shiny exterior will photograph beautifully and complement black-tie attire. If you want something slightly more modern yet still formal, consider plain-toe oxfords.
If your wedding ceremony has a smart-casual tone or takes place outdoors, a Derby shoe (open-laced, slightly less formal) or a suede Chelsea boot will add a touch of elegance without feeling overdressed in a barn or garden setting. Loafers in deep tan or cognac will be equally stunning for a summer wedding ceremony with a bit of personality.
Groomsmen: Coordinated, Not Matching
The first rule for groomsmen’s footwear is coordination, not cloning. With rare exceptions, you should try to get everyone into shoes that belong to the same era, not the same shoe box.
A decent guideline for your groomsmen would be something along the lines of “dark leather dress shoes, no sneakers.” This will give them room to manoeuvre while still maintaining consistency. Black or dark brown Oxfords/Derbies would be fine for most settings.
For weddings where the dress code is a bit more informal (ladies in summer dresses, gents in linen suits), a little push in the direction of brown or tan shoes could go a long way, especially when it comes to pictures.
Guests: Read the Room, and Your Invitation
As a guest, your task is to look good but not outshine the bridal couple. Here’s a handy guide according to dress codes:
- Black Tie: Patent leather black Oxfords are required. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.
- Morning/Full Formal: Black or dark Oxford shoes will do. Daredevil guests may try their luck with dark burgundy colours.
- Smart Casual: Dark brown Derby, Chelsea, and loafer pairs are highly recommended. This is the place to let your creativity go wild.
- Casual/Beach/Garden: Guests who prefer tan loafer, monk strap, and suede Derby shoes are welcome. Clean white leather sneakers are widely accepted among casual outdoor weddings, but don’t go there if you’re not sure what the vibe is.
Accessories: The Details That Tie Everything Together
Men’s wedding shoes don’t exist in a bubble. They are part of the complete outfit. Here are a couple of pointers:
- Colour Co-Ordination: Ideally, your belt, watch strap, and shoes should all be in the same colour family.
- Dress Socks Matter: Wedding pictures will show everything; avoid wearing white sport socks with your dress shoes (yes, someone has to say it). Wear over-the-calf dress socks in a complementary colour to your trousers, or try an interesting pattern with a simple suit.
- Finishing Touches: For a formal wedding reception, you might want a pocket square that coordinates with your tie. You don’t have to match your watch and cufflinks, but they should complement each other.
Being Comfortable the Whole Day
Here’s something you should keep in mind: a wedding lasts eight to ten hours. Your feet will remind you of that.
- Try breaking in your shoes two to three weeks before the big day by wearing them at home, at work and everywhere else.
- Use insoles. You can have a pair with leather insoles and an invisible gel layer to cushion your feet.
- Size up slightly. Feet swell throughout the day, especially if you’re outdoors in warm weather. A bit of extra room in the toe box can be a lifesaver.
- Have a plan B. Now, if you are the groom, why not take a spare pair along in case your feet get tired from walking all day long? They can be casual enough for a dance.
Your shoes won’t make the wedding perfect, but the wrong ones will certainly ruin an otherwise wonderful ensemble. Just think about the difference a good pair of shoes will make to your entire look!
