As the world slowly returns to work following the unparalleled impact of the COVID-19 pandemic the back to business mood needs to be one of assurance and confidence. With formal attire remaining in the wardrobe for several months we look at the best mens formal shoes for suiting up to make a good impression back in the office.
Investing in a handmade pair of dress shoes for men offers comfort and longevity but deciding on formal shoe style isn’t straight forward as there is a wide range of mens oxfords shoes, brogues and slip-on shoes to choose from when you want to look smart.
Several Oxford dress shoes that feature in the Barker Handcrafted and Professional collection remain best selling black dress shoes and a timeless office shoe option. The Falsgrave Oxford shoe is an iconic Handcrafted collection style made from premium calf leather on a full leather sole with lasered Barker heritage script. Highly recommended Oxford shoes for men from the Professional collection include the Arnold, Malvern and Winsford styles. For a functional black Oxford shoe, the Barker Burford is ideal as it features a British Dainite rubber sole. An exclusive range only available at Barker online and at the Jermyn Street flagship store, the London collection includes the Bank, Chigwell and Cornhill, all ideal for business formal.
If you prefer to wear a slip-on shoe at work there are numerous mens loafer styles from mens navy loafer to mens brown loafer, to choose from including the Caruso and Clive, both made from high-grade hi-shine leather on two of the oldest lasts still used in the Earls Barton factory, the number 10 and 69 last Recommended loafers from the Barker Professional collection include the Portsmouth penny loafer and the Studland tassel loafer, both made from a choice of premium calf leather or suede. A Handcrafted collection favourite is Jevington, made on the 478 last from calf or grained leather with either full leather or Dainite rubber sole.
With the Autumn / Winter months fast approaching there are several boot styles that work well in the office. The most popular being the Barker Chelsea boot for men which include the Bedale, a polished leather Chelsea boot made on the 469 last and Mansfield. Featured in the Barker Icon Series which celebrates a dozen Barker styles that have made their mark on Barker’s village shoemaking history, Mansfield is made from premium calf and grained leather alongside burnished suedes with a choice of full leather or Dainite rubber sole.
All the mens dress shoe styles highlighted are available in black but there is also various shades of tan and brown that equally work well with a suit depending on your personal style. Explore all the dress shoe for men on the Barker website.