Men's formal shoes: Oxfords, Derbys and brogues, offers at a good price
The style depends on the occasion
Wedding shoes and office shoes are not the same thing. For formal events people take Oxfords with closed lacing or patent models, for the everyday office, Derbys with open lacing that are easier to put on, and for a smart-casual look, brogues with perforation.
- Oxfords: the strictest, to wear with a suit;
- Derbys: more relaxed, good for a wide foot or a high instep;
- Brogues: with decorative perforation, versatile, with jeans and with a suit;
- Monk straps: with buckles instead of laces;
- Loafers: laceless, a neutral choice for the office.
Leather, sole and care
Smooth natural leather is the classic and lasts for years with proper care. Patent looks festive but cracks from flexing. Suede is beautiful but dislikes water, which matters in the rainy season. Faux leather is cheaper but breathes poorly and peels quickly. Look at the sole: a leather one is classic but slips on wet floors, and rubber is more practical in any weather. A stitched sole (welted) can be repaired better than a glued one.
Colour is not random either: black goes with most suits and evening events, brown is more versatile for everyday wear, and navy pairs nicely with jeans and light suits. If you are looking for one pair for every occasion, plain black Oxfords or Derbys are usually the most practical.
What to put in your request
- Style: Oxfords, Derbys, brogues, monk straps, loafers;
- Occasion: wedding, office, graduation, everyday;
- Material: smooth leather, patent, suede, faux leather;
- Colour: black, brown, navy;
- Size: UK size or insole length; for a wide foot, state the width separately;
- Brand: a named one, or any;
- Condition: new or second-hand;
- Delivery city and budget: for example, up to HK$550.
Example: “I'm looking for new men's Oxford shoes in smooth black leather for a wedding, UK size 9, leather or rubber sole. Brand at the seller's choice. Delivery to Central by courier, budget up to HK$550.”
How to compare offers
Ask whether only the top is natural leather or the lining too. Check how the sole is attached. For branded models, ask for photos of the label and the box. Do not forget to ask about timing: for a formal event the pair should arrive early, so there are a few days to break them in.
Create a request on BlaBlaPrice, and footwear sellers send offers in the chat. They compete on terms because they see their place among the others. The best-value offer is shown first, with reviews of the seller next to it. You open your contacts only to the seller you choose. More on the “How it works” page.
Common mistakes
Wearing new shoes on the day of the event and getting blisters. Trying them on in the morning, when the foot has not swollen yet. Choosing patent shoes for the everyday office.
For everyday wear, look at loafers and slip-ons, boots or canvas shoes.
