The shape is sleek, but not overly “fashion-y” and the cap toe works well for situations from biz-cas to black tie, a jack of all trades sort of shoe. It’s made of full-grain calfskin, features leather soles with a rubber toplift, and is built with a resolable blake stitch construction so you can resole them over and over before having to buy a new pair. If they were any other non-DTC shoe brand, I’d expect these to be at least $350-$400, but they’ll only run you a smidge over $200. The one big catch here is that each pair is made to order and will take anywhere from six to 10 weeks to arrive at your doorstep. So, if you’re in a pinch, you’d better look somewhere else. For those with foresight, add to cart.
Best Upgrade Dress Shoes: George Cleverley Charles Leather Oxford Shoe
Materials: Full-grain leather | Construction: Blake stitch | Sizes: 7-13
Once your Beckett Simonons have run their course and your cobbler refuses to resurrect them, you might want to consider upgrading. After all, you’ve spent all those years really milking them, so you deserve an upgrade. There’s a lot of options out there, but George Cleverly’s are in a league of their own. Cut by hand in England and detailed with the subtlest flourishes along the seams, they’re wholly impervious to fashion’s fickle whims and all the better for it.
Though the brand got its footing making bespoke shoes, its ready-to-wear line is among the best you can buy. With an impressive list of clients that includes Sir Elton John, David Beckham, and the Duke of Bedford, you can bet they’re the above top shelf.Get married in ’em if you choose—heck, get buried in ’em, too. But get a pair you should.
Best Wingtip Dress Shoes: Tricker’s Bourton Leather Wingtip Shoe
Materials: Calfskin | Construction: Goodyear welt | Sizes: 7-13.5
Tricker’s is another iconic English shoemaker and while it may be difficult to tell the difference between all the great cordwainers of the country, they stand out for their brogues and wingtip oxford shoes. So much so that they were drafted by Thom Browne to make his line of iconic derby shoes. The Bourton model is perhaps the Tricker’s most iconic style and features a shortwing style upper with signature brogue details throughout. It sits on a Goodyear welted double leather sole which not only gives them a bit of chunk and altitude, but also makes them last hella long. And, true to its countryside origins, these brogues are made with a gusseted tongue and storm welt to help keep dust, debris, and water out. I’ve had my Tricker’s for a few years and break them out with wide pants to match their insane chunk. The big beef I have with some versions is that the double leather sole makes them quite heavy. For the strong-willed, that might not be an issue. But Tricker’s does offer the Bourton in a much lighter (and more weather-proof) Dainite rubber sole option like this one from Mr. Porter.
Best Dress Boots: R.M. Williams Comfort Craftsman Chelsea boots
Materials: Full grain calfskin leather | Construction: Blake stitch | Sizes: 6-14
