Owning a good pair of men’s shoes is not a luxury; it is necessary. One can’t even think of what menswear would appear without the British. Thanks to them, men have things like the trench coat, the suit, the dinner jacket, many other stylish clothing accessories, and the wingtip. Even guys who dress casually and prefer sneakers and hoodies will have to suit up for special occasions. Many people dress for success, and it does help them go up the ladder. This guide will help you make an intelligent purchasing decision by sharing the seven wingtips shoe to complement every outfit.
What Is a Wingtip Shoe?
A wingtip shoe is a lace-up derby with tiny holes (also referred to as brogue detailing) and a winged cap that runs up the sides. Although the wingtip shoe was originally a casual shoe, it has long been an essential and versatile dressing accessory in a man’s closet. Once you understand the importance of a wingtip, you’re already halfway down, appearing your best on any occasion.
7 Noteworthy Wingtip Shoes
by Stacy Adams
1. Stacy Adams Men’s Tinsley Wingtip Lace-Up Oxford
The Stacy Adams Men’s Tinsley Wingtip Lace-Up Oxford is a perfect example of wingtip shoes for men. It is imported and is 100% leather. The shoes have a classic style with perforated brogue trims and blind-eyelet lacing. It has a leather sole, and the fit tip is perfect. If you can’t decide between two sizes, go for the larger size. Not only this, but the shoes have a flexible leather sole that has a lot of crisscross etching and details to increase the appeal of the wingtip shoes. The cushioned memory foam inside the sole makes it extremely comfortable and is perfect for shock absorption and comfort. The Stacy Adams Men’s Tinsley Wingtip Lace-Up Oxford is exceptionally breathable and lightweight. It comes in cobalt/navy, tan, black/white, black, tan/brown. This high-quality and durable shoe pair is a must-have in your wardrobe.
by Cole Haan
2. Cole Haan Men’s Original Grand Shortwing Oxford Shoe
The Cole Haan Men’s Original Grand Shortwing Oxford Shoe is another great pick if you are looking for the best wingtip shoes for men. It’s imported and is 100% leather. It comes with a rubber sole that is extremely comfortable and padded from the inside, making it a preferred choice for many men. Additionally, it has an EVA midsole with a rubber outsole and a perfect price. This wingtip show comes in a wide range of colors: black, Woodbury, ironstone, cool gray, charcoal gray, and more. The shoes are comfortable and will go with any attire. Most people love these shoes’ sleek yet casual appearance, enabling them to go with any clothing. They’re perfect for business attire, though. The company uses cutting-edge technology in its products to stand out from the competition. The best thing about this pair is that they are far more versatile than many other styles of boots and dress shoes.
by Cole Haan
3. Cole Haan Men’s Zerogrand Wing Ox Leather Oxford
The Cole Haan Men’s Zerogrand Wing Ox Leather Oxford shoes will pair well with chinos, suits, cords, and heavier-weight trousers. They are 100% leather. Cole Haan is an excellent brand for menswear. The pair has an EVA midsole with a rubber outsole. In addition to this, the Zerogrand technology is for ultimate comfort and support. This shoe pair will go with pretty much anything except sweatpants and shorts.
Additionally, this pair will also add a touch of sophistication to the attire of anyone who wears it. The shoes are for both durability and style. It attracts many eyeballs, whether you’re wearing it to a business meeting or on semi-formal occasions. It will undoubtedly catch the eye.
by Cole Haan
4. Cole Haan Men’s Zerogrand Stitchlite Wingtip Oxford
The Cole Haan Men’s Zerogrand Stitchlite Wingtip Oxford is another good pick for someone looking to add a touch of elegance and royalty to their attire. It comes in 100% leather and textile. The pair is imported and includes an EVA midsole with a rubber outsole cushioned with Grand OS technology that makes the pair extremely comfortable and long-lasting. Additionally, the Shaft measures approximately low-top from the arch, and the padded sock lining provides maximum comfort. It is why many people prefer this pair for their formal occasions. This pair offers both style and durability and will catch all the eyeballs. It is crafted with high-grade leather and uses cutting-edge technology to provide optimum satisfaction and comfort to users.
by Bruno Marc
5. Bruno Marc Men’s Leather Lined Dress Oxfords Shoes
The Bruno Marc Men’s Leather Lined Dress Oxfords Shoes are designed in the USA and include synthetic leather upper with wingtip toe and brogue design for added style. They come with a premium leather lining that is present to provide comfort. It also has a lightly padded latex footbed for the same purpose. The outsoles are comfortable and flexible, and the wooden heel height is 1 inch. In addition to this, it has a classic lace-up, making for the right fit. In addition to this, it’s affordable and will fit well.
by DREAM PAIRS Bruno Marc Moda Italy
6. DREAM PAIRS Bruno Marc Moda Italy Men’s Prince Classic Modern Formal Oxford Wingtip Lace Up Dress Shoes
The DREAM PAIRS Bruno Marc is 100% vegan leather and comes with a wooden sole. It is imported and delivers quality and durability. The pair offers a classic style featuring a wingtip design and a classic brogue. Additionally, a smooth PU upper makes these lace-ups easy to wipe down and maintain. In addition to this, it also includes a cushioned latex insole that is breathable and sweat absorbing, and the leather lining that is present provides a comfortable walking experience. This elegant design is the perfect gift for men. It can go with almost any attire, but it will be suitable for the daily commute, business wear, banquets, and formal parties. In addition to this, the unique carved design gives a fashionable touch to the pair. Even the packaging of the shoebox is elegant and classic. Not only this, but it’s also not too much on the budget.
by Cole Haan
7. Cole Haan Men’s Grand Tour Wingtip Oxford
The Cole Haan Men’s Grand Tour Wingtip Oxford is 100% leather and imported. It has a synthetic sole and smooth suede or leather uppers. Additionally, it also comes with a fully padded sock lining. The classic wingtip pattern makes this pair stand out and complement any outfit. It can go with formal business attire, parties, banquets, and other occasions. In addition to this, the Eva midsole with cushioned fluted detail has grand os technology, which adds to the person’s comfort. This pair is also good for the budget. Hence, this pair is a classic menswear look.
The footwear styles of men are rampant and often have contradictory definitions. It might get confusing at times. For example, broguing refers to tiny holes punctured inside the toes, though it usually refers to shoes with a lot of detail. It is often possible to get your hands on wingtips without broguing, a smooth toe cap, but still having that swoop of leather in the direction of the heel. These wingtips are confusingly known as austerity brogues. Thankfully, wearing these shoes is more simple than understanding their history. Although wingtips are a traditional and old design, they are considered the most versatile shoes. The best part is in the detailing. They have an extra texture, making them more casual than simple lace-ups.
History of Wingtip Shoes
The idea of wingtip shoes originated from the brogue, which was not always the pair one could wear at fancy restaurants. Initially, these shoes were made from plaited hair and were also perforated so that water could pass in and out of them. This wingtip feature allowed Irish farmers to relax since they spent most of their day tramping through bogs and didn’t really like all the water that came in the process. The name originally comes from the word bróg. It is a Gaelic word that means ‘shoe.’ It mainly referred to footwear that people would wear in a muddy situation.
During the initial years of their launch, very few people would attempt to wear these shoes. But just as time changed, society slowly and gradually accepted that having some tiny holes in your shoes wasn’t such a bad idea. In the 1920s, the Duke of Windsor also helped fasten up their acceptance by wearing these shoes on his golf course. As time passed, the wingtip became more fashionable, and shoemakers started experimenting with new and improved designs. Some people define a wingtip as only a toe cap in a curvy shape. The origins of this toe cap aren’t much sure, but people assume that it was initially for the toe to protect it from wear and tear. As time passed, someone came up with a better design, and the wingtips suddenly became a fashion trend.
This shift from function to form, linked with the other changes in menswear, contributed to the popularity of wingtip shoes. In current times, wingtips are used more for formal wear. Many people purchase these shoes at business events, formal parties, and other semi-formal events. However, wingtips will normally go with any formal attire. The shift in the popularity has been tremendous, though. For instance, a manager wouldn’t wear it back in the 1940s, but you may find your manager wearing it now. Hence, wingtips offer versatility and class.
The Different Types of Wingtip Shoes
There are various types of wingtip shoes available in the market nowadays. Modern ones are a world eliminated from bog waders. Wingtips are now an essential part of men’s wardrobe. They now come in a variety of designs and types. They’ve been experimented on and twisted into different sizes, shapes, and designs.
Classic Wingtips
Similar to any leather shoes, classic wingtips come in colors such as light to dark browns and black. Similar can be for the detailing part; less means more versatility. Whereas novel leathers and intricate broguing sometimes doesn’t go along with smart get-ups.
Longwings
You can call them a cousin of the classic wingtip. The uniqueness of this design can only be noticeable from behind. A classic wingtip includes a wing from the side of the shoe and moves towards the sole halfway down. In a longwing type, the wing comes down back to the shoes.
Austerity Brogues
The Austerity Brogues are wingtips that don’t include broguing. However, since the design is plain, they might still look good with casual wear.
Wingtip Boots
Wingtips boots are somewhat similar to normal wingtips. However, they do continue till above the ankle. Like any brogue boots, the wingtip boots are more casual, so they’ll go better with split suits and casual trousers.
Wingtips with a Twist
Classic styles have come back into fashion in the last couple of years. Brands like Prada and Gucci have reacted to the ubiquity of trainers with various new designs.
Spectator Shoes
Spectator shoes come in a unique design and contrasting colors. The design includes a particular shade for the toe cap and the rest for the brogue. The two-tone idea is from the colonial reference.
Tips When Wearing Wingtip
Wingtip shoes are an excellent addition to a man’s wardrobe. It has become a fashion statement, and many people find it a perfect addition to complement their business attire. While a wingtip shoe should not necessarily be your first pair, it counts as luxury menswear.
Wingtips Are Not Formal Shoes
A wingtip shoe has an overlay of leather that provides a wing shape. That is the reason it’s bulkier than many other types of shoes. It makes the wingtips shoe more casual than any other leather shoe. The more ornamentation your shoe has, the more casual it becomes. The most casual one of all is the full brogue which has a lot of details on it. These shoes can go with formal wear, but you should not wear those with many details at business meetings.
Wingtips Are Also Not Strictly Casual
Just because you cannot wear some wingtip shoes at formal events, it doesn’t mean that you can wear them with casual attire like jeans and shorts. They come somewhere in the middle of formal and casual. It can be a great date night pair or ideal for a wedding occasion. The design makes it versatile and unique.
You Should Consider a Color
As a rule, dark solids are considered more formal or dressier than light-colored shoes. For example, black or brown shoes would look good at a formal event, and you can wear any light color for a casual occasion. For example, a light brown color will go well with jeans or chinos. Additionally, you should also not go with wingtip shoes with varying leather colors unless you want to attract all the eyeballs to your footwear.
Balancing the Weight
The bulkiness of the wingtip show impacts how casual or dressy it is. You’ll find Italian wingtips to be sleeker. English wingtips, on the other hand, are bulkier. Ensure that you match your trousers’ weight evenly. Super skinny jeans are generally not ideal for wearing with wingtips shoes. You can go for dress pants or loose trousers to perfectly go with the wingtip shoes.
Where to Wear Wingtips?
Wingtips are a great fashion trend. Many people prefer to wear them at formal dinners. However, you can wear them at various places such as dinner dates, the office, business lunches, European vacations, job interviews, cocktail events, weddings, and even market strolls. You can also wear them at formal parties and office events.
Final Thoughts
The traditional wingtips shoe, initially for farmers, has observed a considerable increase in popularity and has become a fashion statement in recent times. Wingtip shoes are trendy and offer a classy and elegant look to whoever wears them. They’re not too much on the budget as well. Many people prefer to wear wingtip shoes for formal events such as business lunches, meetings, and weddings. Various types of wingtip shoes are available, as discussed in the guide above. Bulky wingtips with a lot of details are not for formal attire. However, you can wear wingtips somewhere between casual and formal events. For example, they might not go in jeans or shorts, but they might be suitable for a wedding or a dinner date. Hence, wingtips are an essential option to have in men’s wardrobe. They never go out of style.